Week 2 Case: Obeying Authority
Authority is a central aspect of any workplace. Supervisors are expected to provide direction, make decisions, and ensure that tasks are completed. However, with authority comes influence, which can be powerful and unsettling. The Obeying Authority case draws from psychologist Stanley Milgram’s famous experiment, which revealed how far ordinary people will go when instructed by someone in a position of authority.
In the study, participants administered what they believed were painful electric shocks to another person simply because an authority figure instructed them to do so. The lesson? Many individuals will overlook their own judgment or ethics when responding to commands from a perceived legitimate leader.
As future supervisors, understanding the dynamics of authority is not only academic; it is essential. Authority can be used to motivate and guide, but it can also silence dissent or enable harmful behavior if left unchecked. This week’s case invites you to reflect on that delicate balance and what leading with clarity and conscience means.
Leadership Implications
This case ties directly to one of the core goals of this course: understanding how power and authority function in supervisory roles. Here are a few takeaways to reflect on as you prepare your post:
- Authority has power, but it must be used responsibly.
Just like in the study, employees may follow directions without question if the supervisor seems confident and credible. - Supervisors must be self-aware.
A title doesn’t automatically make you right. The case reminds us that ethical leadership involves questioning orders, encouraging feedback, and recognizing when to challenge authority, even your own. - A culture of blind obedience can be dangerous.
Good supervisors foster critical thinking and psychological safety so team members feel empowered to speak up.
Case Prompt
Are you surprised that most subjects in the study increased the shock level high enough to “kill even the strongest human?” What do you think are the implications for the supervisor and the power of authority? Explain your answer in your own words, using insights from the case and your perspective.
Student Tips
- Use examples from your own experience (work, school, family) where authority played a key role.
- Don’t just say “I was surprised” or “not surprised”; explain why using reasoning or course concepts.
- Consider how a good supervisor can avoid the dangerous side of authority by practicing ethical leadership.
Course Connection
This case builds on our Week 1 topics: the functions of supervisors, leadership styles, and ethical responsibility. Understanding the psychological pull of authority will help you become a more mindful, effective, and ethical leader.
Additional Resources
🌐 Informative Web Articles
- Britannica – “Milgram experiment”
Authoritative encyclopedia entry detailing experiment specifics, key ethical discussions, and variations studies. - Wikipedia – “Milgram experiment”
Comprehensive article with detailed timeline, variants, follow-up studies, and ethical controversies. - PubMed Central – “Meta‑Milgram: An Empirical Synthesis of the Obedience Experiments”
Scholarly synthesis offers an in-depth analysis of multiple replications and critiques. - Verywell Mind – “Understanding the Milgram Experiment in Psychology”
High‑level summary with historical context, primary findings, and later critiques. - SimplyPsychology – “Milgram Shock Experiment | Summary | Results”
A clear breakdown of methodology, procedures, findings, and ethical discussions suitable for students.
📦 Optional Media & Context
Gabriel’s song “We Do What We’re Told (Milgram’s 37)” – Song inspired by the experiment, useful for cultural context.
Experimenter (film) – A 2015 biographical drama depicting Milgram’s life and experiments.
Professor Gandarilla's Classroom 