Authority and how it affects youFollow

Authority is an interesting word. You can be the person being impacted by a figure of authority or the figure of authority itself, often both. What I am wondering is how we are affected by Authority. What sets our tone and does it change over a lifetime?
Essentially this comes down to if you trust authority and question later, or distrust authority as a rule.

I ask as I've noticed a difference in approach to authority in some posters here, and was wondering if it is down to upbringing, job or other.



I chose "It all depends what kind. E.G: I trust my boss but do not trust the government"

I question everything as a rule, including authority. My psych is to question and to look for the exception, not try to make rules that encompass everything. I distrust 'big' government. I have no trust (or respect) for positions created with power but no penalties in place for abuse or malpractice of said power. Power needs checks and balances.
Life taught me a few lessons early on with incompetant teachers that left me in no doubt that someone in a position may not have earnt it. Its left me pissy ever since

Being in a position of authority I have to use it and justify it on a daily basis. I always accept I could be wrong when dealing with percentages and have to hold up my hands when that dreaded exception pops up. From being distrustful of all authority as I was growing up, I have grown to trust more of it and I feel my barometer swinging ..

How about you?


Edited, Jan 23rd 2010 6:18pm by GwynapNud

Being an authority figure is easy. Act like you know what you're talking about - and don't get caught out on obvious bullshit.

So: I'm going to question you if you are one, partly to reassure myself that you're not an idiot, and partly because it saves both of us time if I know the line of reasoning that's going on (because then I don't have to come running to you when things go wrong)... but only when it's not something I already know.

(Also, for those people who like to be in positions of authority, how many of you prefer to make it as non-obvious as possible that you are in such a position to those who are technically above you, while making it as obvious as possible to those who are technically at the same level or below you?)

I always question authority. It seems like most decisions made by people in authority are only made *because* they can make them, not because they are the right decisions. It's a wonder I've not ever been fired.

There's no "I AM THE LAW!" option. What kind of authority poll is it without an obvious judge dread reference? I suppose I could edit the post and insert oen, but that would be abuse of authority for no apperent reason!

I don't hesitate to question an order out loud if I perceive it to be irrational or unmerited, but I also know from being a manager that there are times when you need people to just shut up and do what they're told. Not everyone's opinion is relevant all of the time. Especially when it comes to achieving something as a group, you need a leader.

I know, but it sure seems that way some times. Especially where I work now. Management (read: one guy) is trying to turn the club into something no one wants, especially the members. It's just frustrating.

Well, people don't typically do things "just because they can". Usually there is some reason that they perceive their actions will create some kind of beneficial effect. In many cases, these people are just morons. If they didn't think there was some benefit they'd tend to do nothing, as inertial laziness is standard.

In just about every case, it's for personal gain. Incidentally, those decisions may help others.

Hey, I acknowledged that sometimes others benefit from it. What makes the system work is that they are smart enough to create a benefit, but not smart enough to extract all the benefit, personally.