Agency, Beliefs, Opinions, and Motivational Drivers: An Interdisciplinary Exploration as Actor

AI Prompt

What relationship does agency have with beliefs, opinions and [motivational] drivers? I describe behavioural agency as a person’s ability to initiate and manage the outcomes of actions for which they have expressed responsibility and the feeling of being in charge of their actions. We will focus on agency and exclude sensitivity to agency for now. Where can I find more background information on this and or other relationships?

Response: Gemini 1.5 Pro Deep Research

Agency, Beliefs, Opinions, and Motivational Drivers: An Interdisciplinary Exploration

Introduction

The concept of agency, encompassing an individual’s capacity to act independently and make choices, has been a subject of inquiry across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and philosophy. This article delves into the intricate relationship between agency and beliefs, opinions, and motivational drivers, drawing upon research findings and theoretical frameworks from these fields. It explores how agency influences and is influenced by these factors, ultimately shaping an individual’s behavior and decision-making processes.

Defining Agency

Agency is a multifaceted concept with varying interpretations across different disciplines. Here’s how it is defined in psychology, sociology, and philosophy:

Psychology

In psychology, agency refers to the feeling of control over one’s actions and their consequences 1. It is the sense of being in the “driving seat” of one’s life, capable of initiating and controlling actions 2. This sense of agency can be divided into two levels: the feeling of agency (FOA) and the judgment of agency (JOA) 1. FOA is a non-conceptual feeling of control over voluntary actions, while JOA involves conscious attributions of agency to oneself or others. While related, these two levels can be dissociated, with FOA linked to sensorimotor processes and JOA to higher-level cognitive processes like beliefs and contextual knowledge 1.

Different types of agency can be identified within this framework:

Individual agency: This refers to a person acting on their own behalf3.
Proxy agency: This occurs when an individual acts on behalf of someone else, such as an employer3.
Collective agency: This involves people acting together to achieve a shared goal, as seen in social movements3.

Sociology

In sociology, agency is defined as the capacity of individuals to act independently and make choices that shape their lives and the social structures around them 4. It emphasizes the idea that individuals are not merely passive recipients of societal influences but active participants who can exercise their will and initiate actions 4. This capacity is influenced by factors such as social class, religion, gender, ethnicity, and customs, which can either enable or constrain an individual’s agency 3.

Philosophy

Philosophical perspectives on agency often focus on the nature of the individual, action, will, intentionality, choice, and freedom 5. It explores questions such as: What constitutes an agent? How do agents interact with their environment? And to what extent are their actions determined by internal or external factors5?.

Agency and Beliefs, Opinions, and Motivational Drivers

The Interplay of Agency and Beliefs

Beliefs play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s sense of agency. People’s beliefs about their abilities (self-efficacy) influence their choices, effort, perseverance, and emotional reactions 1. For instance, individuals with a strong sense of self-efficacy are more likely to believe in their ability to succeed in a particular situation 8, leading to greater motivation and resilience 9. Conversely, those with low self-efficacy may doubt their capabilities and avoid challenges, hindering their agency 8.

Furthermore, the “illusion of control” can influence people’s perception of agency. This illusion refers to the tendency to take credit for events that are not actually caused by one’s actions 3. This can occur particularly in situations of stress or when the outcome of an event is desirable.

Agency and Opinions

Opinions, as expressions of individual beliefs and attitudes, can also be intertwined with agency. When individuals feel a sense of agency, they are more likely to express their opinions freely and confidently 10. This can be seen in various contexts, such as political participation, social activism, and interpersonal relationships. Conversely, when agency is constrained, individuals may be less inclined to voice their opinions or challenge prevailing norms 11.

Agency and Motivational Drivers

Agency and motivational drivers have a complex and dynamic relationship. Agency is about capability and permission, while motivation is about willingness 12. Individuals may have the agency to perform a task but lack the motivation to do so. Conversely, they may be motivated to pursue a goal but lack the agency to achieve it due to constraints or limitations. Motivational drivers, such as the desire for meaning, purpose, autonomy, or social connection, can influence how individuals exercise their agency 13. For example, someone driven by a sense of purpose may be more likely to take actions that align with their values and contribute to a greater good, even in the face of challenges 14.

Agency and Behavior

The impact of agency extends beyond beliefs and opinions to influence an individual’s behavior and decision-making. A preliminary model suggests that affective processing, or the processing of emotional information, plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between agency and behavior 15. This model proposes that a heightened sense of agency can facilitate action regulation by increasing sensitivity to task-relevant affective feedback. Conversely, a diminished sense of agency can lead to blunted processing of affective feedback, resulting in less effective behavioral regulation.

Theories of Agency

Agency Theory

Agency theory, rooted in economics and organizational behavior, examines the relationship between principals (owners or stakeholders) and agents (managers or executives) 18. It highlights the potential for conflicts of interest between these parties and explores how incentives, contracts, and control mechanisms can be used to manage these conflicts 19.

Other Perspectives

Other theoretical perspectives on agency include:

Structuration theory: Developed by Anthony Giddens, this theory emphasizes the dynamic interplay between agency and structure, where individuals shape and are shaped by social structures 5. This perspective highlights the reciprocal relationship between individual actions and social systems.
Teleological stance: This theory proposes that individuals interpret actions as means to goals and evaluate their efficiency based on the principle of rational action 2. This suggests that individuals possess an inherent drive to understand the purpose and effectiveness of their actions.
Self-determination theory: This theory focuses on the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in shaping human behavior and well-being 20. A key insight from this theory is that intrinsic motivation and autonomy are essential for fostering agency and promoting optimal functioning.

Factors Influencing Agency

Factor Category	Specific Factor	Influence on Agency	Example
Social Factors	Social class	Can limit or enable agency depending on the social hierarchy and opportunities available.	Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face limited access to education and resources, constraining their agency.
	Cultural norms	Shape expectations and behaviors, influencing how individuals perceive and exercise agency.	In some cultures, conformity to social norms may be highly valued, potentially limiting individual agency.
	Social relationships	Provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which can enhance agency.	Strong social networks can empower individuals to take action and pursue their goals.
Cultural Factors	Values and beliefs	Influence how individuals perceive and exercise agency, shaping their motivations and goals.	Cultures that prioritize individualism may foster greater personal agency compared to those that emphasize collectivism.
	Traditions	Can either support or constrain agency depending on their nature and how they are interpreted.	Traditional gender roles may limit agency for women in certain societies.
Individual Factors	Personality traits	Influence an individual’s predisposition towards agency, such as their level of assertiveness or self-confidence.	Individuals with a proactive personality may be more likely to exercise agency in different situations.
	Cognitive abilities	Affect an individual’s capacity to plan, make decisions, and solve problems, which are essential for agency.	Strong critical thinking skills can enhance an individual’s ability to make informed choices and exercise agency effectively.
	Personal experiences	Shape beliefs about oneself and the world, influencing self-efficacy and agency.	Past successes can boost self-efficacy and encourage greater agency, while negative experiences may have the opposite effect.

Agency and Well-being

Research suggests a strong link between agency and well-being 21. Individuals with a greater sense of agency tend to experience higher levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological resilience 22. They are also more likely to be proactive, set goals, and persist in the face of challenges 23. Conversely, a diminished sense of agency can contribute to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression 11.

Moreover, studies have shown that feelings of agency are linked to well-being through a sequence of adaptive mechanisms that promote human development 21. As individuals experience widening opportunities in life, they tend to place stronger emphasis on emancipative values, such as freedom of choice and self-expression. This, in turn, leads to feelings of agency gaining greater weight in shaping their life satisfaction.

Furthermore, agency has been identified as the highest level of personal competence, contributing significantly to overall well-being 22. It reflects an individual’s capacity to effectively navigate challenges, achieve goals, and live a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Agency is a multifaceted concept with profound implications for individual behavior, decision-making, and well-being. This article has explored the intricate relationship between agency and beliefs, opinions, and motivational drivers, drawing upon research and theoretical frameworks from psychology, sociology, and philosophy. It has highlighted how agency is influenced by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and individual factors. By understanding these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of agency and its role in shaping human experience.

Synthesis

This exploration of agency reveals a complex interplay between individual capacity and external influences. As requested, this article delved into the relationship between agency and beliefs, opinions, and motivational drivers, drawing from psychology, sociology, and philosophy to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Key insights from this interdisciplinary research include:

Agency is not a fixed trait but a capacity influenced by various factors. This includes an individual’s beliefs about their abilities (self-efficacy), their opinions, and their motivational drivers.
Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping agency. Individuals with strong self-efficacy are more likely to believe in their capacity to succeed in specific situations, leading to greater agency.
Agency empowers individuals to express their opinions freely and confidently. This can contribute to active participation in social and political contexts.
Motivational drivers, such as the desire for meaning, purpose, or autonomy, shape how individuals exercise their agency. These drivers influence the actions individuals take and the goals they pursue.
Social structures, cultural norms, and individual experiences all contribute to shaping agency. This highlights the dynamic interplay between individual capacity and external influences.
Agency is fundamentally linked to well-being. A greater sense of agency is associated with higher levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological resilience.

This research underscores the importance of fostering agency in individuals by promoting self-efficacy, encouraging the expression of opinions, and supporting the pursuit of meaningful goals. By understanding the factors that influence agency, we can create environments that empower individuals to take control of their lives and contribute to their own well-being and the well-being of society.

Works cited

1. What Is the Sense of Agency and Why Does it Matter? - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5002400/
2. Agency (psychology) - Wikipedia, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_(psychology)
3. Agency (sociology) - Wikipedia, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_(sociology)
4. Agency (Sociology) | Encyclopedia MDPI, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/53651
5. Theories of Agency, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www1.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/tburke1/agency.html
6. Agency (philosophy) - Wikipedia, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_(philosophy)
7. Agency - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/agency/
8. Self-Efficacy: Why Believing in Yourself Matters - Verywell Mind, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-efficacy-2795954
9. Self-Efficacy: Bandura’s Theory Of Motivation In Psychology, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-efficacy.html
10. Full article: Cultivating Effective Agency–Client Relationships: Reviewing the Field and Proposing a Novel Framework to Measure Relationship Quality in Public Relations, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1062726X.2024.2433240
11. Agency and Structure Within Us and Around Us | Psychology Today, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-of-entitlement/202309/agency-and-structure-within-us-and-around-us
12. How We Confuse Agency and Motivation at Work | Psychology Today, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/resilient-leadership/202207/how-we-confuse-agency-and-motivation-at-work
13. 9 Motivational Drivers to Boost Team Performance - Full Potential Group, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://fullpotentialgroup.com/9-motivational-drivers-to-boost-team-performance/
14. How to Align Our Work with Our Motivation: The Career Drivers | by Higson | B The Change, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://bthechange.com/how-to-align-our-work-with-our-motivation-the-career-drivers-60f28ecb80a6
15. The Interplay Between Affective Processing and Sense of Agency During Action Regulation: A Review - PubMed Central, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8481378/
16. ALBERT BANDURA Agency | Psychologist | Social Psychology | Stanford University, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://albertbandura.com/albert-bandura-agency.html
17. Agency for Learning: Intention, Motivation, Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation - Frontiers, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00019/full
18. The impact of agency theory on organizational behavior: a systematic literature review of the latest research findings - Brazilian Journals Publicações, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://ojs.brazilianjournals.com.br/ojs/index.php/BRJD/article/view/65912
19. (PDF) The Impact Of Agency Theory On Organizational Behavior A Systematic Literature Review Of The Latest Research Findings - ResearchGate, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376856490_The_Impact_Of_Agency_Theory_On_Organizational_Behavior_A_Systematic_Literature_Review_Of_The_Latest_Research_Findings
20. Self Determination Theory and How It Explains Motivation - PositivePsychology.com, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://positivepsychology.com/self-determination-theory/
21. Agency, Values, and Well-Being: A Human Development Model - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2848347/
22. Agency Is the Highest Level of Personal Competence | Psychology Today, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/getting-proactive/202203/agency-is-the-highest-level-personal-competence
23. A Stronger Agency-Client Relationship for Long-Term Success - Wrike, accessed on February 19, 2025, https://www.wrike.com/blog/strengthening-agency-client-relationship/