Ethics Theory, GS 4, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Persuasion is often more effectual than force. Elucidate.
अनुनय अक्सर बल से अधिक प्रभावी होता है। स्पष्ट करें।
Approach-
In this question candidates need to write about how persuasion is more effectual than force ,throw light on it .
Introduction-
Persuasion is a method of changing a person’s cognitions, feelings, behaviour, attitudes toward some object, issue, or person, through some kind of communication.
Body-
Persuasion is symbolic process in which communicators try to convince other people through transmission of a message to change their attitudes or behaviour.
- Persuasion is one form of social influence on attitude; in fact, it represents the intersection of social thinking and social influence of everyday life.
- The key elements of persuasion are:
- Persuasion is symbolic, utilizing words, images, sounds, etc
- It involves a deliberate attempt to influence others.
- Self-persuasion is key. People are not coerced; they are instead free to choose. Coercive techniques are not scientifically proved to be effective.
- Methods of transmitting persuasive messages can occur in a variety of ways, including verbally and non verbally via television, radio, Internet or face-to-face communication.
- Persuasive communications have a great impact on our attitudes. Every day, we come across hundreds of advertisements; Television, radio and the Internet all help spread persuasive messages very quickly.
- There is the consideration that persuasion is better than force in some cases. When a person is forced to do something, he/she is sure to meet the resistance. Aggression always gives rise to aggression. People do not like when somebody tries to impose something on them.
- Persuasion obviates the need of using force. It maintains the dignity of citizens. It contains the democratic spirit. Change in societal value is smooth and administrative burden is also reduced. Hence persuasion becomes an important tool in governance. Indian government has also been using persuasion and has resulted in following benefits:
- Easy transition of the country – Persuasion resulted in smooth integration of many princely states in union of India. This avoided army action, blood-shed and long term enmity. Similarly smooth transition of economy in 1991 was also due to persuasion of opposing parties.
- Land acquisition – A.P government used many persuasion techniques for land acquisition for Amravati. This eases developmental processes.
- Societal values – can be changed only through persuasion. Government persuades people to use contraceptives and condoms which are considered as a taboo among many. Law in this regard will not help.
- Smooth function of parliament – requires persuasion of opposition by the government.
- Subsidies and benefits – give-up campaign has reduced subsidy on LPG by Rs 10000 crore.
- Civic values – Swatch Bharat campaign where eminent leaders persuade citizens to keep country clean by hey themselves leading the cleanliness drive
- International negotiation – Climate change, public stock holding, IPR issues etc where developed countries are persuaded to look into the need of developing countries.
- Persuasion also be key to problems like liquor consumption, female foeticide, girl child education, caste conflict, giving up reservation by affluent families, surrender by Naxals and terrorists etc. Hence more innovative techniques of persuasion must be devised and used.
- Thus, it may be concluded that those who use politeness always win. It is human nature that shows when a strategy of kindness and favor is applied; people are eager to agree.
Conclusion–
Persuasion can bring a lasting change in people’s behaviour and is highly effective in implementation of public policies provided the tools are used in a right way. Those who try to force face power which does not allow them to achieve the necessary effect.
