Agency Theory Flashcards
What are the three key concepts of Agency theory?
Autonomous State, Agentic State, Moral strain
How does evolution tie into Agency theory?
We have evolved the different states e.g. agentic state as it helps us survive as a group
What did Milgram suggest about socialisation and obedience?
We are socialised from a young age by parents/society to be obedient to those in authority
Define the Agentic State
You act as an agent of the authority figure, You place the responsibility onto the authority figure
Define the autonomous state
You act according to your own free will, You take responsibility for your own actions
What is moral strain?
The pressure you feel to obey when asked to do something that goes against your conscience as you want to do both.
What relieves moral strain?
Shifting into an autonomous state
What do you call it when moving from the autonomous state to the agentic state?
The agentic shift
How did Milgram’s participants show moral strain?
Nervous laughter, trembling and digging their nails into their skin
How does Milgram’s research support Agency theory?
65% went into the agentic state and shocked the learner when ordered by an authority figure
How does Hofling’s study support/conflict with Agency theory?
Because 21/22 nurses obeyed, showing they were in an agentic state because ordered by an authority figure
How is Impact theory better than Agency theory?
It includes more situational factors which influence obedience like number and immediacy making it less reductionist
How is Agency theory better than Impact theory?
It includes Moral Strain, how the person feels about being obedient but the other doesn’t, this makes it a more complete explanation of obedience
How can Agency theory be said to be useful to the real world?
Explains events like the holocaust/My Lai Massacre- it shows how the agentic state can happen in real life making it a credible explanation and can lead to a reduction in blind obedience through training etc
What other factor could cause obedience that Agency theory doesn’t account for?
It ignores individual factors like Authoritarian Personality and External Locus of control which could make people more obedient
