agency theory evaluation

Question 1

EAST - Evidence of agency theory

Answer 1

Milgrams obedience study 1963!!

• participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to a ‘learner’ under the authority figures supervision
• 65% of participants were willing to obey authority figures and continued to the highest shock level (450 volts) , even if it meant harming another person
• provides empirical support for agency theory

Question 2

EAST - Application of agency theory

Answer 2

• The theory can explain real world atrocities such as the holocaust where individuals claimed they were just following orders
• Workplace dynamics; in hierarchal structures employees may obey unethical orders from superiors
• military contexts; soldiers may follow orders that conflict with personal morals

Question 3

EAST - Strengths and shortcomings of agency theory

Answer 3

Strengths:
- strong evidence from milgrams study supports the theories claims about the power of authority and obedience , illustrating the shift

• the clear distinction between autonomous and agentic states marked the theory very easy to understand and apply to various social contexts
• Helps explain historical events such as the holocaust

Shortcomings:
- REDUCTIONIST!! Agency theory oversimplifies the complex nature of obedience by focusing mainly on authority influence, neglecting other factors eg. Personality or culture

• theory does not explain disobedience or resistance to authority
• most supporting research is conducted in western cultures and have faced ethical criticisms raising questions about generalisability and validity

Question 4

EAST - Alternative of agency theory

Answer 4

Social impact theory

• focuses on factors such as strength , immediacy and number, of sources influencing obedience , providing a broader perspective on social influence beyond just authority