Motivation for Compliance Theory
Discipline is the key word for harnessing individuals’ actions. The very purpose of discipline is to instill certainty and sustainability of a system. What does discipline mean? Unlike the misnomer that discipline is subordinating one’s rights to another person’s rights usually superior in position or status, discipline is a standard of behavior that conforms to ethos of the individuals or laws and rules given in a system – religion, institution, and social setting. As the definition states, discipline can be thought of as an internal stimulus – faith and ethos – or require external stimuli like religious dos and don’ts, country’s laws, institutional policies, etc.
Stronger the faith and commitment to ethos stimulate automatic compliance. Likewise, more effective the controls are in a system, better compliance is achieved. In this short analysis, we will discuss intricacies of compliance. In other words, what stimulates different individuals to comply.
Each individual and perhaps society as a whole have different motivations to comply within the system. Here we draw insights from the theory of Moral Development by Lawrence Kohlberg [1958], for developing compliance theory, called “Motivation for Compliance Theory”.
At the bottom of the pyramid is group of individuals who escape compliance by hook or crook. It would not be wrong to refer to them having criminal attitude. Next is the group of individuals who somehow comply at the minimal or act ritualistically only to avoid punishment. Third category of individuals consists of people who find themselves in a compulsion to comply. Fourth and the last group of individuals are cognizant of their responsibility and demonstrate voluntary compliance.
Let us now look at the factors that contribute to each type of compliance behavior. Those who escape compliance are either ignorant of the rationality of compliance or deliberately escape compliance for their personal advantage or sometimes simple gratification. Their actions are, however, criminal and should be dealt with accordingly.
As the escapists find it difficult to avoid compliance, they resort to minimum compliance or where possible perform some rituals to show their compliance although it is not. These individuals are just a new face of escapists.
As the external system becomes more effective, individuals follow rules and regulations out of fear. Though they often comply but it entails direct control, absolute authority, and commitment of the regulator to ensure compliance. For instance, “Individuals may not be so compliant of others’ rights, pay taxes, adhere to traffic rules and last but not the least follow the law in their native country. However, as soon as they move to a new country where controls are practically very effective, their behavior is immediately modified.”
Individuals who grow with a faith on the system and a sense of responsibility know that compliance is not just a requirement but a rational necessity that they need to follow. Such are the people who are self-regulated and demonstrate responsible behavior.
Fostering compliance is a challenge in many cultures. It usually warrants a multi-pronged intervention: –
Conclusion:
Compliance is necessary for the sustainability of social and corporate systems and justice at large. Mainly, a society or institution should strive to develop a rational perspective of their people towards compliance culture alongside establish robust control mechanism to check real or potential violators and to avert escape.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article/blog are solely those of the author and do not reflect the positions of Consoltra or any other organization.
Senior Advisor & Collaborator at Consoltra, HR & OD Consultant and an Author