Explain the differences between the Agentic State and the Autonomous State as two component parts of Agency Theory

Agency theory is a social psychological theory that explains how individuals act in situations where they are expected to make decisions on behalf of another person or entity. According to agency theory, individuals can experience two different states of agency: the agentic state and the autonomous state.

The agentic state is a state of agency where individuals act as agents for others and believe that they are not responsible for the consequences of their actions. In this state, individuals are motivated to carry out the instructions of an authority figure or a principal, and they are not concerned with the ethical or moral implications of their actions. They see themselves as instruments of someone else’s will and feel little control over their actions. This state is often characterized by feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a sense of loss of personal identity.

On the other hand, the autonomous state is a state of agency where individuals act on their own behalf and take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. In this state, individuals are motivated by their own goals, values, and beliefs, and they are guided by their own moral compass. They see themselves as free agents who have control over their actions and are accountable for their decisions. This state is often characterized by feelings of self-confidence, personal responsibility, and a sense of personal identity.

The transition between the agentic state and the autonomous state can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the presence of ethical or moral dilemmas, the availability of information, the level of social support, and the perceived level of risk associated with one’s actions. Understanding these states of agency is important in understanding how individuals make decisions in different contexts and how they can be influenced by external factors.