Agency Theory Flashcards
What is Agency Theory?
When people will obey an authority figure when they believe that the authority will take responsibility for the consequences of their actions
What is the Autonomous State?
When an individual is acting upon their own free will and takes responsibility for their actions
What is the Agentic State?
When an individual is an agent of authority and following their orders whilst the figure of authority takes responsibility for their actions
Who was Agency Theory proposed by?
Milgram
What is Moral Strain?
The unpleasant sensation resulting from pressure to obey order to commit an immoral act
What happens if a figure of authority takes responsibility for a person’s actions?
The person will be more likely to obey as their moral strain has been reduced
What happens if a figure of authority does not take responsibility for a person’s actions?
They are less likely to obey as their moral strain remains high
Which evidence may support Agency Theory?
Milgram as he carried out several variations:
- In the presence of an authority figure 65% reached the full voltage
- In the absence of an authority figure only 20% reached the full voltage
Which evidence may conflict Agency Theory
Milgram (1963) because 35% didn’t reach the full voltage so it ignores individual differences
Apart from Agent Theory, which other explanation could be used to explain obedience?
Social Impact Theory because if a person believes a figure of authority has a high amount of strength, they are much more likely to obey
Is Agency Theory useful?
Yes because it can be applied to situations (e.g. Nazi Germany) and explain why people obey orders they are uncomfortable with
Is Agency Theory testable?
Yes because Agency Theory was derived from Milgram (1963) which was a reliable method
What is the agentic shift?
When a person goes from the autonomous state to the agentic state
What decreases moral strain?
Moving into the agentic state
