Immunity To Change

In 2009, two Harvard professors of psychology, Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey explored groundbreaking research to personal transformation in their book “Immunity to Change” based on 30 years of adult developmental research. It suggests that people often resist change not because they lack the desire or ability to change, but because they have unconscious beliefs and commitments that act as barriers to change.

According to Kegan and Lahey, individuals possess “hidden competing commitments” that contradict their stated goals. These competing commitments are deeply ingrained beliefs or fears that prevent individuals from making desired changes, even when they consciously want to change. The process involves identifying these hidden commitments, bringing them to light, and then systematically challenging and reframing them to create new patterns of behaviour that align with desired goals.

By understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for resistance to change, individuals and organizations can overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful transformation. This inability to change is because of deep-rooted assumptions and conflicting commitments that may be so entrenched in individuals that they are unconscious of them. 

People flagrantly flout road traffic rules because there are no consequences and even where there are, its ‘easier and faster’ to bribe your way through than pay a fine. Some others, sit in the comfort of their homes and procure national identity documents through third parties who ensure that they jump bureaucratic loops for some handsome fee or connection. 

Why is Change Elusive?

In “Immunity to Change,” the key concepts revolve around understanding why people resist change and how to overcome this resistance. Five key concepts provide better insight and a framework for understanding why change is difficult and offer strategies for overcoming resistance by uncovering and addressing underlying beliefs and commitments.

The first is that there are always deep-seated beliefs or assumptions that individuals hold, often unconsciously, about themselves, others, or the world around them. These assumptions shape how people perceive themselves and their actions.

Secondly, individuals often have conflicting commitments that hinder their ability to make desired changes. These competing commitments are typically rooted in fears, beliefs, or values that oppose the change they want to make. Thirdly, just as the body’s immune system defends against perceived threats, the “immunity system” protects individuals from change. It operates through the defence mechanisms that preserve existing beliefs and behaviours, even if they are counterproductive.

The fourth is that tests of validity involve challenging individuals’ assumptions and beliefs to determine if they are accurate and serving them well. These tests help individuals examine the validity of their big assumptions and competing commitments. And lastly, the fifth, adaptive change which involves revising one’s mindset, beliefs, and behaviours to align with desired goals requires individuals to develop new ways of thinking and acting that support their aspirations.

Incentivizing Corruption, Indiscipline, and Impunity

The trio of corruption, indiscipline, and impunity create a vicious cycle of unethical behaviour eroding trust in institutions and hindering societal progress. It undermines fairness, justice and ultimately the rule of law. Factors such as historical context, socioeconomic conditions, governance structures, cultural norms, and individual beliefs all play roles in shaping attitudes and behaviours along these lines.

While corruption is a cancer that threatens the very core of law and order, indiscipline and impunity are a double-edged sword, together, they lead to chaos and inefficiency, as they promote a disregard for rules, procedures, and responsibilities. These terrible three can disrupt workflows, damage morale and compromise safety and quality standards across social, economic, and political dynamics. 

Nigeria, like any country, is diverse, and attitudes toward corruption and indiscipline can vary widely among its population. While corruption has been a significant issue, it’s important to recognize that many Nigerians actively work against it and advocate for accountability and transparency. The question is are these Nigerians in the majority and influential enough to make change happen?

Sadly, there is no incentive to be orderly in Nigeria. Our systems and structures do not incentivize citizens to orderly. Rather, it rewards disorderly behaviour. Systems and societies that work thrive in a culture of law and order. Unfortunately, we live in a society where perpetrators often boast about their capacity to undermine and short circuit the system.

How else can one explain the flagrant disregard for law and order, the impatience to follow due process and the appetite to cut corners. These are traits which are clearly being mined and exploited by service providers at all levels thereby feeding the demand and supply for corruption, indiscipline, and impunity.

Why is it easier to induce officials to process a driver’s license, an international passport, or a legal registration document than to go through the formal process? If the incentive to do the right thing remains disproportionately lower than that of doing the wrong thing, people will continue to opt for quick fixes because the system incentivizes corruption.

It is past time that we begin to focus collectively on productive and nuanced discussions about the root causes of corruption, the systems that enable it, and the strategies for fostering integrity and accountability in society.

A Path to Progress…

Using Kegan and Lahey’s research, the five key concepts of Immunity to Change can be applied to individuals and groups in any context to shift our perspectives and help us get on the path to embrace change. 

As a people, we hold deep-seated beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. These beliefs influence our attitudes and behaviours regarding issues like corruption, governance, and social norms. For example, many hold the belief that corruption is an unavoidable aspect of our society, which can shape their actions and expectations. Beneficiaries of the corrupt system would want people to continue to hold these beliefs to keep exploiting Nigerians. 

There are also conflicting commitments related to issues such as corruption. While many Nigerians may desire a corruption-free society, they may also face pressures that make engaging in corrupt practices seem necessary or advantageous. These competing commitments can create internal conflicts and hinder efforts to combat corruption effectively. For example, corrupt politicians are protected if they come from one’s ethnic, religious, or political group and, building a makeshift house on a prohibited land is okay if it solves the immediate need for shelter.

Nigerians hold societal and cultural norms that serve as barriers to change. These norms may include tolerance for certain forms of corruption, distrust of government institutions, or scepticism about the possibility of meaningful reform. For example, if a corrupt politician or criminal individual has been known to do some charity work, they can be excused for using the proceeds to help the less privileged.

Challenging the validity of deeply held beliefs and assumptions is essential for fostering change in any context and will involve questioning commonly held beliefs about corruption, exploring alternative perspectives, and examining evidence of successful anti-corruption efforts both within Nigeria and in other countries. It is possible to end corruption or reduce it to the barest minimum if there is a willingness to change.

Overcoming immunity to change requires adaptive changes at both individual and systemic levels. This may involve shifting mindsets, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening institutions, and fostering a culture of integrity. It also requires recognizing and addressing the complex social, economic, and political factors that contribute to corruption and related issues. We can collectively challenge the underlying dynamics that perpetuate corruption and work toward meaningful reform and transformation. Like it or not, change begins with each one of us and that is our only path to progress.