Compliance and Commitment Focused Influence

Personality, culture, the quest for identity, and human nature affect compliance and commitment focused influences in multicultural environments in a myriad of ways. By definition, compliance is submission to a particular request. Discussion on commitment focused influence generally takes place when talking about one's authority and the ability of that individual to give orders in certain situations based on their dedication to the circumstance. This commitment is steadfastly driven by their personality, culture and human nature in terms of how well they are able to give the orders.

It can be said that commitment focused influence typically engenders broader effects as it can notably alter the attitudes and belief systems of the followers, while compliance only changes one's behavior; not necessarily their beliefs. Depending upon the methodology and technique of the leader, which is primarily driven by one’s personality and overall nature, their sphere of influence on the followers can reinforce or hinder (LaMastro, 1999). Therefore, it becomes essential for the leader to both have a desire and portray through their personality, a sense of control in contributing to the follower’s compliance to the tasks in various environments.

The Bridge on the River Kwai, emphatically deals with both compliance and commitment focused influences. One specific example of compliance is when the Americans must abide by Commander Shears. While the Americans are content with complying with the events that are taking place, the British contingent is not. This example exemplifies the importance of one complying with their leader in order to accomplish a certain task (i.e. the bridge over the River Kwai) as the personality and the culture of the Americans elicit an immediate complying response, while the World War II British contingent does not take kindly to orders/requests.

An example of commitment focused influence in The Bridge on the River Kwai, is exhibited through the character of Colonel Nicholson when he echoes what Major Hughes stated about the lack of teamwork that the men have in building the bridge. Colonel Nicholson is committed to ensuring that the company's morale is upheld through the building of the bridge. While Colonel Nicholson is unaware that he is aiding the enemy, his commitment focus to the bridge is driven solely by his nature as an individual, his tempestuous personality and the culture of the situation that he and the men are in. 

Personality, culture and human nature are key elements to one’s commitment focus and their compliance. While these elements are extensive in their context, they can have a notable impact when not demonstrated adequately in certain circumstances.

References

The bridge on the River Kwai [DVD]. (1957). USA: Horizon Pictures.

LaMastro, V. (1999). Commitment and perceived organizational support. National Forum of Applied Educational Research Journal, 12(3), 1-13. Retrieved from http://www.nationalforum.com