agency theory

• What is the main focus of Agency Theory?


  It explains why people obey authority figures.
• What are the key elements of Agency Theory?

  • Autonomous state
  • Agentic state
  • Agentic shift
  • Moral strain
• What is the autonomous state in Agency Theory?

  It is when individuals act on personal values and take responsibility for their actions.
• What is the agentic state in Agency Theory?

  It is when individuals see themselves as agents executing someone else's orders, with diminished personal responsibility.
• What is the agentic shift?

  It is the transition from the autonomous state to the agentic state, often triggered by an authority figure giving orders.
• How does Milgram explain the agentic shift from an evolutionary perspective?

  He argues that obedience is a survival trait that helped early humans flourish.
• What example does Milgram provide to illustrate the agentic shift backfiring?

  Nazi Germany, where people obeyed orders they should have rebelled against.
• How does conditioning contribute to the agentic shift according to Milgram?

  From an early age, individuals are conditioned to respect authority figures through rewards and punishments.
• What is moral strain in the context of Agency Theory?

  It is the discomfort someone feels when asked to do something that conflicts with their morals, yet they continue to obey.
• Give an example of moral strain.

  A soldier ordered to harm civilians, feeling internal conflict but following orders.
• What are some physical manifestations of moral strain?

  Physical distress such as shaking or weeping.
• What are "defense mechanisms" in the context of moral strain?

  They are psychological strategies used to lessen the discomfort of moral strain.
• How does Agency Theory relate to Milgram's Experiment?

  • Participants shifted to an agentic state.
  • They experienced moral strain when obeying orders.
  • The experiment illustrated the dynamics of authority and obedience.
• What is a real-life example of the agentic shift?

  Soldiers following orders, even when they personally disagree.
• How do euphemisms like 'collateral damage' relate to moral strain?

  They minimize moral strain by altering the perception of harmful actions.
• What is a strength of Agency Theory according to Milgram's research?

  • Extensive research supports Agency Theory.
  • Variations in Milgram's experiment show situational factors affect obedience.
  • Perceived authority influences participant behavior.
• What evidence suggests that the agentic shift is not inevitable?

  A study found that 89% of nurses did not obey a doctor's order to administer an overdose of Valium.
• What does the study on nurses indicate about the agentic shift?

  It indicates that individuals can remain in an autonomous state even when faced with authority.