Obedience vs. Compliance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023
Obedience is following commands due to authority; compliance is acting in accordance with requests or standards.
Difference Between Obedience and Compliance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Obedience is an act of following directions or commands due to the presence of authority, while compliance is the act of conforming or adhering to certain rules or standards.
In obedience, the focus is often on a hierarchical relationship where one person or entity holds power, and the other follows. Compliance, on the other hand, might not necessarily stem from a direct command but rather a desire to meet a given standard or expectation.
Obedience can be seen in military contexts, where soldiers follow the commands of their superiors. Compliance is common in corporate settings, where employees adhere to company policies and procedures.
Children display obedience when they listen to their parents' direct instructions. In contrast, they show compliance when they act according to societal norms, even without explicit direction.
Obedience can sometimes be involuntary, driven by fear of punishment from those in authority. Compliance, though sometimes driven by external pressures, can also be a voluntary act based on understanding and agreement with the standard.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Following commands due to authority
Acting in accordance with requests or standards
Origin
Often from hierarchical relationships
From standards, norms, or expectations
Common Contexts
Military, parent-child relationships
Corporate settings, regulatory environments
Voluntariness
Can be involuntary due to fear
Can be both voluntary or due to external pressures
Driven by
Direct commands
Rules, guidelines, or expectations
Compare with Definitions
Obedience
The act of obeying or being submissive.
The dog's obedience was evident in its behavior.
Compliance
Observance of official requirements.
The manager ensured compliance with the new policy.
Obedience
A measure of one's willingness to follow directives.
The team's obedience was tested during the drill.
Compliance
Submission or yielding to a position or directive.
The patient's compliance to the doctor's advice improved his health.
Obedience
Respectful submission to an authority.
Obedience to the law is expected from all citizens.
Compliance
A tendency to agree with others or yield.
The device's compliance ensures its compatibility with various systems.
Obedience
Adherence to commands from an authority.
The soldier's obedience to his superior was unwavering.
Compliance
The act of conforming to requirements.
The company showed compliance with environmental standards.
Obedience
The quality or condition of being obedient.
Compliance
The state of being in accordance with established guidelines.
The building was in compliance with safety regulations.
Obedience
The act of obeying.
Compliance
The action or fact of complying with a wish or command
The ways in which the state maintains order and compliance
Obedience
A sphere of ecclesiastical authority.
Compliance
The property of a material of undergoing elastic deformation or (of a gas) change in volume when subjected to an applied force. It is equal to the reciprocal of stiffness.
Obedience
A group of people under such authority.
Compliance
The act of complying with a wish, request, or demand; acquiescence.
Obedience
The quality of being obedient.
Obedience is essential in any army.
Compliance
(Medicine) Willingness to follow a prescribed course of treatment.
Obedience
The collective body of persons subject to any particular authority.
Compliance
A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others.
Obedience
A written instruction from the superior of an order to those under him.
Compliance
Extension or displacement of a loaded structure per unit load.
Obedience
Any official position under an abbot's jurisdiction.
Compliance
Flexibility.
Obedience
The act of obeying, or the state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control.
Government must compel the obedience of individuals.
Compliance
An act of complying.
Obedience
Words or actions denoting submission to authority; dutifulness.
Compliance
(uncountable) The state of being compliant.
Obedience
A following; a body of adherents; as, the Roman Catholic obedience, or the whole body of persons who submit to the authority of the pope.
Compliance
(uncountable) The tendency of conforming with or agreeing to the wishes of others.
Obedience
The act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
Compliance
(mechanics) A measure of the extension or displacement of a loaded structure; its flexibility
Obedience
The trait of being willing to obey
Compliance
(medicine) The accuracy with which a patient follows an agreed treatment plan
Obedience
Behavior intended to please your parents;
Their children were never very strong on obedience
He went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
Compliance
The department of a business that ensures all government regulations are complied with.
Obedience
The trait of being docile and manageable.
The obedience of the class impressed the substitute teacher.
Compliance
The act of complying; a yielding; as to a desire, demand, or proposal; concession; submission.
What compliances will remove dissension?
Ready compliance with the wishes of his people.
Compliance
A disposition to yield to others; complaisance.
A man of few words and of great compliance.
Compliance
Acting according to certain accepted standards
Compliance
Happy friendly agreement
Compliance
A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
Compliance
The act of submitting; usually surrendering power to another
Common Curiosities
Can you give an example of obedience in everyday life?
Children showing respect and following their parents' instructions display obedience.
Is obedience always a sign of respect?
While often associated with respect, obedience can also be due to fear or coercion.
In which industries is compliance crucial?
Compliance is vital in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, among others.
What can drive a company to ensure compliance?
Regulatory requirements, ethical standards, or market pressures can drive a company's compliance.
In psychological studies, how is obedience often tested?
The Milgram experiment is a famous study where participants obeyed authority figures to administer shocks to others.
What is the core of obedience?
Obedience revolves around following commands due to the presence of authority.
What's a simple example of compliance?
Wearing a seatbelt because it's the law is an act of compliance.
Is compliance the same as agreement?
Not always. Compliance means acting in accordance with standards, whether one agrees with them or not.
Can obedience be detrimental?
Yes, blind obedience without critical thinking can lead to negative consequences.
Does obedience always involve a person giving commands?
While often person-centered, obedience can also be to principles or higher beliefs.
Can one be obedient but not compliant?
Yes, one might follow direct commands (obedience) but not adhere to broader standards (compliance).
What's a common tool for ensuring company compliance?
Regular audits are common tools to ensure company adherence to regulations and standards.
Is compliance a voluntary act?
Compliance can be both voluntary or due to external pressures and requirements.
Can cultural norms influence obedience and compliance?
Absolutely, cultural backgrounds can shape how individuals perceive authority and societal expectations.
Is compliance more about external or internal forces?
Compliance can be driven by both external regulations and internal company policies or standards.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
