Obedience as a Type of Social Influence - Assignment Example

Obedience constitutes a type of social influence whereby a person carries out an action, as a response to an order from another person, who is normally a figure of authority. The principal assertion, as can be discerned from this definition is that, without the issued order, the respondent would not have taken the action in question. Obedience makes up a crucial part of the societal foundation since without it there would be prevalent chaos and disorderliness.

This social influence, therefore, fosters stability within diverse environs hence sustaining productivity and overall welfare of citizens. However, obedience is not devoid of weaknesses and potential adverse effects. Key among these concerns is the possibility of people losing their individuality and independence in decision-making. In the event of such a loss of autonomy, society would be characterized by mindless people, blindly executing orders issued to them by superiors without considering the consequences of their actions.

Studies, carried out by Stanley Milgram and Philip Zimbardo, clearly show how human individuality and independence are often undermined by blind obedience to people in positions of authority. For people to uphold their individuality, while maintaining societal stability there should be a proper balance between noncompliance and obedience, within diverse sectors.  One of the most recognized studies on obedience and its effects was conducted by Stanley Milgram between the early 1960s to mid-1970s.

Over this period, Milgram carried out several experiments, testing his subjects on the extent of their obedience to authoritative figures. The researcher’s study primarily focused on the moral dilemma that subjects experienced, when faced with the difficult decision to choose between following orders and taking the moral highway. Even though the investigational methods used by the scientist were unorthodox in nature and most likely to raise serious moral concerns in the modern environment, the results obtained were germane and important to a better comprehension of obedience.