Overcoming Resistance: Reactance

Overcoming Resistance:

REACTANCE

Resistance, a well-known phenomenon in human behavior, looms in various forms and situations. It occurs when we must face change, embrace new ideas or adapt to unfamiliar concepts. Three important aspects of resistance are reactance, skepticism and
inertia
. In this blog, we take a closer look at resistance Reactance.

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE TO CYBER SECURITY IN ORGANIZATIONS: A LOOK AT REACTANCE

Within modern organizations, cyber security plays an increasingly crucial role. With ongoing technological advances and the growing complexity of digital threats, it is essential that organizations are aware of the dangers and take proactive measures. However, we often encounter resistance, a barrier that makes implementing effective cyber security measures difficult. One form of resistance is reactance.

WHAT IS REACTANCE?

Reactance is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals exhibit a defensive reaction when they feel their freedom of choice is threatened. It can occur when people are faced with limitations, advice or changes in behavior that they did not choose for themselves.

An example could be an Employee saying:
“I don’t have time for this intervention, don’t want to know about it and don’t want to make time for it. I find it stupid and irritating and am busy enough with my daily work. I AM NOT PARTICIPATING”!

APPLICATION TO CYBER SECURITY WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS

In organizations, reactance can play a big role in implementing a cyber security policy. When employees are faced with strict security measures, such as complex passwords, restricted access to certain websites or changes in their usual work processes, reactance can occur.

HOW TO DEAL WITH REACTANCE?

  • Specify different optionsWhen people feel they have no choice, they may balk. That’s why it’s important to offer choices! Want to start putting on socks or a shirt? Do we discuss quotation X or situation A first? Just make sure that both choices ultimately lead to the desired behavior. For example, choosing between putting on socks or putting on a shirt first eventually leads to getting dressed.
  • Start with small requests
    Start with a smaller question before making a larger request. People are more likely to agree to gradual changes than abrupt changes. At the same time, people strive for consistency, as evidenced by one of Cialdini’s principles of influence. If a small request precedes, people are more likely to say yes to the big request.
  • Specify what people do need to do
    People are less likely to balk when you tell them what to do rather than what not to do. For example, place a sign near an artwork that reads, “Please touch only with your eyes” instead of “Do not touch!”
  • Acknowledge the resistance
    If you know your request is likely to generate resistance, acknowledge this. By acknowledging resistance, people understand that you understand their point of view, which generates empathy. This sense of empathy makes people more likely to do what you ask of them.

CONCLUSION

Understanding reactance and how it can affect the implementation of cyber security measures is critical for organizations. By deploying the right techniques, organizations can develop more effective strategies to reduce resistance and ensure a secure digital environment.

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