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11.3 OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY : 
 
Obedience occurs when people obey commands or orders 
from others to do something. Obedience is less frequent than 
conformity or compliance, because even persons who possess 
authority and power generally prefer to exert it through the velvet 
glove-through requests rather than direct orders. Business 
executives sometimes issue orders to their subordinates; military 
officers shout commands that they expect to be followed without 
questions; and parents, police officers, and sports coaches, to 
name a few, seek to influence others in the same manner. 
Destructive Obedience: Its Social Psychological Basis : 
 
Why does such destructive obedience occur? Why were 
subjects in various experiments- and many persons in tragic 
situations outside the laboratory-so willing to this powerful form of 
social influence? Following factors play role in it- 
1. 
In many life situations, Transfer of responsibility is the 
underlying phenomenon. “I was only carrying out orders” is the 
defense mechanism many offer after obeying harsh or cruel 
directions. In view of this fact, it is not surprising that many 
tended to obey; after all, they are not held responsible for their 
actions. 

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2. Persons in authority often possesses visible badges or signs of 
their status. These consist of special uniforms, insignia, titles, 
and similar symbols. Faced with such obvious reminders of who 
is in charge, most people find it difficult to resist.
3. If there is anticipation that targets of influence might resist, then 
there is gradual intensification of the authority figure’s orders.
Initially command or request is made for comparatively mild 
action but later it is increased in scope and dangerous or 
objectionable behaviours are expected. For example, police are 
first ordered to question, threaten, or arrest potential victims. 
Gradually, demands are increased to the point where these 
personnel are commanded to even kill unarmed civilians. 
4. Events in many situations involving destructive obedience move 
very quickly: demonstrations turn into riots, or arrests turn into 
mass beatings-or murders-suddenly. The fast pace of such 
events gives participants little time for reflection: people are 
ordered to obey and–almost automatically, they do so.