01-July-2023

The Psychology of Conformity and Obedience in Military and Police like Settings

The intricately powerful psychological forces of conformity and obedience can have profound impacts on human behaviour, particularly when in military or police-like settings where the stakes are high and the pressure is palpable. In such environments, individuals are confronted with a myriad of unique challenges that necessitate their seamless integration as a cohesive unit, as well as their unwavering compliance with the directives of authority figures. Any deviation from such conformity or disobedience to such authority can potentially have severe repercussions.

Conformity in Military and Police Settings

Conformity, the inclination of individuals to conform their attitudes, beliefs, and actions to those of a group, is a fascinating phenomenon in military and police settings. These contexts demand a coordinated and cohesive effort from members, and conformity is often integral to achieving such an effort. Conformity can assume diverse forms in these settings, from acquiescing to orders from superiors to adopting the values and beliefs of the organization.

The Asch conformity study, a classic experiment that reveals the potency of conformity, exemplifies this idea. In this study, participants were required to match the length of a line to a set of comparison lines. However, the other participants were confederates of the experimenter and deliberately provided erroneous answers. Astonishingly, many of the genuine participants conformed to the group's incorrect answers, even when the right answers were apparent.

This same phenomenon manifests in military and police settings, where members may conform to the attitudes and behaviours of their peers and superiors, even if they may not share these attitudes or behaviours, or if such conformity clashes with their values or beliefs. This is particularly potent in life-or-death situations, where every decision can have monumental consequences.

Numerous factors can contribute to conformity in military and police settings. The pressure to conform to group norms, especially when such norms are seen as essential to the organization's success, is one such factor. Another is the desire to be accepted and valued by one's peers and superiors, which can motivate individuals to align their behaviour with the group's expectations. Furthermore, the presence of authority figures can enhance conformity, as individuals are more inclined to follow the orders of those in positions of power.

Obedience in Military and Police Settings

The tendency of individuals to comply with authority figures, even when it contradicts their moral or ethical beliefs, is known as obedience. In military and police settings, obedience is a crucial aspect of organizational functioning. In such settings, it may be necessary for members to follow orders without question to maintain order and protect others' safety.

The Milgram obedience study is a classic example of the power of obedience. In this study, participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to another person when they made a mistake on a memory test. Despite the apparent discomfort of the other person, many participants continued to administer shocks when instructed to do so by the experimenter, even when the shocks reached dangerous levels.

This phenomenon is also observed in military and police settings. Members of these organizations may be required to follow orders that violate their moral or ethical beliefs, such as using force against unarmed civilians or engaging in activities that violate human rights. However, obedience to authority figures can lead individuals to comply with these orders, often without question.

Several factors contribute to obedience in military and police settings. One such factor is the perceived legitimacy of the authority figure. Individuals may be more likely to obey if they believe that the person giving the orders is in a legitimate position of power. Additionally, the presence of other group members who are also obeying can increase the likelihood of obedience, as individuals may feel pressure to conform to the actions of the group.

It is worth noting, however, that blind obedience can lead to negative outcomes, particularly when authority figures abuse their power or when orders are unjust or unethical. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to promote ethical leadership and for individuals to be willing to question authority when necessary.

The Role of Group Dynamics

In the realm of military and police environments, the aspect of group dynamics vis-à-vis conformity and obedience has been a topic of great significance. Within these contexts, members of the organization often establish close-knit groups, thereby influencing their demeanour and mindset.

One pivotal element in group dynamics is the presence of group norms, which are unwritten regulations and expectations that shape the behaviour of the members. Military and police environments often embrace norms that exemplify values such as loyalty, bravery, and deference to authority, which can be reinforced through various means, including training and reinforcing certain behaviours.

The pressure to conform to such group norms can be overwhelming, especially in high-pressure situations that demand swift decisions. For example, during military or police operations, members may feel an obligation to comply with the actions of their peers to maintain group cohesion and ensure the success of the mission.

Nevertheless, if the group norms are unethical or in conflict with individual values, they can engender negative outcomes. In a police environment, if the group norm is to employ excessive force against suspects, it can lead to human rights violations and deleterious effects for both the suspects and the officers.

Hence, it is critical for organizations to foster positive group dynamics that prioritize ethical behavior and respect for individual rights. Leaders can establish explicit values and norms that align with these objectives, while individuals can be urged to speak out when they perceive group norms leading to unethical conduct.

The Importance of Training and Culture

Critical factors influencing the behaviour of military and police personnel encompass the training and culture they receive. To achieve success, personnel must imbibe key values such as discipline, obedience to authority, and teamwork. Diverse training methods, such as simulations and role-playing exercises, can help personnel develop essential skills and attitudes.

The organizational culture of military and police settings reinforces conformity and obedience. The culture, consisting of shared beliefs, values, and behaviours, is typically passed down from experienced members to newcomers. It may emphasize the significance of following orders, adhering to protocols, and prioritizing the safety and success of the group over individual needs.

However, training and culture can prove detrimental if they promote unethical or illegal conduct. For instance, training programs that prioritize the use of excessive force or discrimination against groups can harm both personnel and the communities they serve.

Thus, it is crucial for training programs and organizational culture to promote ethical behaviour and respect for individual rights. This can be achieved through diversity and inclusion training, de-escalation techniques, and ethical decision-making. Fostering a culture of transparency and accountability can further reinforce these values.

Conclusion:

In contemporary military and police contexts, an all-encompassing cognizance of the multifarious intricacies that underpin the psychological facets of conformity and obedience is an indispensable facet. The dichotomy of conformity and obedience, while pivotal, is not without its complexities, as it has the potential to yield optimal outcomes such as the cohesiveness of a group and successful operations. However, these factors also harbour the potential to bring about negative ramifications, particularly if they precipitate unethical or illegal actions.

Thus, it is of paramount importance to adopt a nuanced perspective on the role of group dynamics, training, and culture to advance the cultivation of favourablebehaviours and ethical leadership within organizations. Such an approach can pave the way for the prioritization of ethical behaviour and values, which can culminate in the formation of organizations that place a foremost emphasis on the welfare and security of both personnel and the communities they serve.