Conformity may result from either subtle, unconscious influences or direct and overt social pressure. It may not really require physical presence of others…..knowledge of public opinion may cause an individual to conform to societal norms even when alone.
Compliance (or group acceptance)
Consider a situation where friends are keen to attend a music concert that you really don’t want to attend ..its not your kind of music..you still agree to go and try to enjoy the music while inwardly flinching throughout the concert…how does that make you feel?
Is accepting influence hoping to achieve a favourable reaction from others or the group. Does the induced behaviour helpful in gaining specific rewards / approval or avoid specific punishment / disapproval…
Are you conforming to majority (publicly), in spite of not really agreeing with them (privately)?
Identification (or group membership)
Consider a situation where your firm undergoes restructuring..in the new matrix organisation, you have 2 new bosses with different leadership styles…you are trying to cope with both styles, changing work environment to deliver outcomes and manage relationships well…how does that make you feel?