Calls of Duty

The Virtue and Burden of Duty in Psychological Role-Taking

In any system, whether it's the family, workplace, community, or nation, the concept of duty plays a pivotal role in maintaining order and harmony. The power and impact of dutiful individuals in their respective roles—be it as a son, daughter, father, mother, manager, leader, or worker—can be profound. However, this sense of duty also comes with its own set of challenges and burdens.

The Virtue of Duty

Dutifulness calls for playing one's role as defined by the order of the system. The systemic assumption is that if everyone fulfills their duties, the system will be healthy, happy, and prosperous. For instance, in a traditional family such as so well depicted in musical The Fiddler on the Roof, a dutiful father provides for his children, while a dutiful mother nurtures them, even the sons and daughters have their gender specific duties. Similarly, in the workplace, a dutiful manager leads with integrity, and a dutiful worker completes their tasks diligently. This collective adherence to duty fosters stability, trust, and cooperation, creating a supportive and flourishing environment.

The Burden of Duty

However, the narrative of duty is not without its complications. Often, being dutiful requires individuals to suppress, repress, or withhold their discontent and disconnect with their roles. For example, women may feel pressured to adhere to the role of a dutiful daughter, marrying according to family or community expectations, even if it conflicts with their personal desires. Similarly, children may face the burden of fulfilling their parents' wishes in choosing a profession or starting a family, despite their own aspirations.

This tension between duty and personal choice can lead to inner conflict and resentment. It takes maturity, astuteness, sensitivity, and compassion—to oneself and others—to navigate these challenging dynamics and make choices that honour both duty and personal authenticity.

The Consequences of Prioritising Duty

When one's primary motivation in any role is duty, it can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, a strong sense of duty can lead to reliable, responsible behaviour, fostering trust and stability within the system. However, if duty is pursued to the exclusion of personal fulfilment, it can result in burnout, frustration, and a sense of entrapment. This imbalance may eventually harm both the individual and the system they are trying to support.

Consider the example of Maya, a young woman from a traditional family. Her parents expect her to marry a man they have chosen, believing it is her duty to uphold family honour. However, Maya harbours dreams of pursuing higher education abroad, which conflicts with her family's expectations. This inner turmoil between duty and desire leaves Maya feeling trapped and resentful.The virtue of duty in psychological role-taking lies in its potential to create a harmonious and prosperous system. Yet, it is essential to recognise and address the burdens that come with it. Striking a balance between fulfilling one's duties and honouring personal choice requires a nuanced understanding and compassionate approach, ensuring that both the individual and the system can thrive.

In another scenario, imagine Raj, a talented software engineer. His parents want him to join the family business, believing it is his duty to continue the legacy. Raj, however, is passionate about working for a tech startup where he can innovate and grow. The pressure to fulfill familial duty versus following his professional aspirations creates significant stress and conflict for Raj.

Organisational Dynamics: Duty vs. Desire

In organisations, this pattern of conflict is common. Some employees are driven by a strong sense of duty, focusing on fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. Others may be motivated by personal ambitions and desires, seeking opportunities for growth and innovation.

Take, for example, in a team that has been stressed by series of very demanding projects where the team has been stretched to its limits. Sarah, a senior manager, feels a profound sense of duty to meet the deadline, pushing her team to work overtime. Meanwhile, John, a team member, feels the strain and desires a better work-life balance. This clash can lead to tensions and decreased morale.

However, when organisations create spaces for deeper understanding and trust-building, these conflicts can be navigated more effectively. By fostering open communication and empathy, teams can balance duty and desire, leading to collective leadership maturation and organisational resilience. This approach not only addresses individual needs but also strengthens the overall system, ensuring long-term success and harmony.

While duty plays a vital role in maintaining order and stability, acknowledging and addressing the accompanying burdens is crucial. By embracing a compassionate and nuanced approach, individuals and organisations can find a balance that honours both duty and personal authenticity, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.