Authority

By kohalloran | Published March 3, 2014

The Issue: Cialdini discusses the authority principle, which says that individuals are influenced by the power of authority and in most cases they will be blindly obedient to the mere command of a higher authority.

Major Strengths: The chapter opens with an example of the power of authority pressure. Cialdini provides the research behind his assumptions and cites examples of when people consistently underestimated the power of the authority pressure. Another strength of this particular chapter was Cialdini’s ability to provide examples of the “allures and dangers of blind obedience.” Cialdini gives an explanation as to why we are so quick to blindly follow the lead of an authority figure. Cialdini says, “we don’t have to think, therefore we don’t”. He recognizes the convenience of automatic obedience and provides examples of when even the symbol of authority (clothing, trapping and titles) proves to be enough to influence the behavior of others.

Major Weakness: At the end of the chapter Cialdini gives the reader advice about how to defend against the detrimental effects of authority influence. Cialdini suggests asking two specific questions before reacting to authority: ”Is this authority truly an expert?” and “How truthful can we expect the expert to be?” In theory, asking these questions before blindly trusting an authority figure seems like a logical solution but I don’t think it really addresses the issue at hand. Cialdini admits a few sections earlier that the allure of the authority principle is that individuals don’t have to think or make a decision on their own. If this is true then asking people to think before they act is easier said then done. Cialdini in a way is breeding the reader to be overly cynical and almost paranoid because he only provided examples of when authority figures were making mistakes or causing harm.

Underlying Assumption: Cialdini implies that the authority principle is ingrained in us at an early age. We must be aware and able to recognize when it is appropriate to rely on authority and when it is not. Basically Cialdini warns us to be inquisitive and calculated in our reactions to authority in order to defend against the negative effects of authority influence.

Provocative Questions: Today we hear about the CEOs and leaders of big tech companies being 20 something unkempt college drop outs or women…How will this shift in the outward signs of power and authority effect Cialdini’s claims about authority influence? Is authority influence present in online social networks? Is it easier now for individuals to trigger influence online hiding behind the computer screen? How can authority influence be used to benefit our society? How will our impressions of authority change in this digital age? –Now people have access to more information online WebMD is a technology that puts the power in the hands of the user…How will these technologies effect our perception of authority in the future?

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