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'A person who has a predisposition to support authority views, because they know they will be reinforced for doing so.'

Words that come to mind are: group think, and authoritarian. But is there something more accurate reflecting how they are predisposed, and do it for their benefit?

I'm looking for non-slang, formal words or phrases.

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  • I'm confused. Mainly die to your using authoratarian. Are you looking for a term describing someone in-charge who enforces rules? Or someone who follows rules to a fault?
    – Tushar Raj
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 13:13
  • +1 The suggested terms are not in the same sense as the idea quoted, but the question is a good one.
    – Kris
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 14:08

3 Answers 3

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The hard part is to come up with a word that includes the "self-interested" aspect you are looking for, but for the "predisposition" I'd suggest:

  • doctrinaire
  • zealot
  • dogmatic

So, not a single word, but is a "self-interested zealot" what you are looking for?

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  • I hadn't known 'doctrinaire' before you said it... interesting word. I'm going to have to think about it all more.
    – Tom
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 14:51
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How does disciplinarian sound?

A person who believes in or practises firm discipline:

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  • Just wait. The OP's idea seems a bit different really.
    – Kris
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 14:09
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I'm trying to think of nice/neutral/formal ways to put it but so far no cigar.

However, I think it the following may be relevant to a certain degree:

  • Mob/Herd Mentality - Herd mentality, or mob mentality, describes how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors, follow trends, and/or purchase items.

  • Sheep - In the sense that they follow the flock and do as ordered by the shepherd.

  • Puppet - In the sense that they are controlled by a guiding hand.

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