Individuals are more likely to conform when someone with more power than them tells them to. This is because they are motivated by the promised perceived or tangible positive or negative consequences the higher power can instate.
This hypothesis is supported by a number of existing theories and experiments related to social conformity, particularly The Milgram Experiment and the French and Raven's Bases of Power Theory.
Milgram’s experiment, though better known for its Agency Theory of deflecting responsibility, has also elaborated another concept he called the Theory of Conformism. Based on Solomon Asch conformity experiments, it describes the fundamental relationship between the person in power and the individual’s subjects, leader and followers. …show more content…
However, this study only emphasizes on one specific form, reward power. Reward power is based on the ability to offer or to take away tangible or perceived rewards, positive or negative, from subjects, depending if they have done what was asked of them. This is a method often used in our society. For example, a student is given an honorary award for excellent effort; a solider climbs ranks due to outstanding and lengthy service; a driver is fined for illegal parking; or a teenager is grounded for misbehaving. The French and Raven's Bases of Power Theory directly relates and supports my hypothesis, as my hypothesis recognizes the capability of giving rewards and punishments as the key system for the higher power to motivate its …show more content…
The concepts of higher power, rewards and punishments have been found in these studies and events. People are more likely to conform when a person with more power orders them to, as they are motivated by promised perceived or tangible positive or negative consequences the higher power can
This hypothesis is supported by a number of existing theories and experiments related to social conformity, particularly The Milgram Experiment and the French and Raven's Bases of Power Theory.
Milgram’s experiment, though better known for its Agency Theory of deflecting responsibility, has also elaborated another concept he called the Theory of Conformism. Based on Solomon Asch conformity experiments, it describes the fundamental relationship between the person in power and the individual’s subjects, leader and followers. …show more content…
However, this study only emphasizes on one specific form, reward power. Reward power is based on the ability to offer or to take away tangible or perceived rewards, positive or negative, from subjects, depending if they have done what was asked of them. This is a method often used in our society. For example, a student is given an honorary award for excellent effort; a solider climbs ranks due to outstanding and lengthy service; a driver is fined for illegal parking; or a teenager is grounded for misbehaving. The French and Raven's Bases of Power Theory directly relates and supports my hypothesis, as my hypothesis recognizes the capability of giving rewards and punishments as the key system for the higher power to motivate its …show more content…
The concepts of higher power, rewards and punishments have been found in these studies and events. People are more likely to conform when a person with more power orders them to, as they are motivated by promised perceived or tangible positive or negative consequences the higher power can