Difference Between Peer Pressure and Peer Influence

Key Difference – Peer Pressure vs Peer Influence
 

Though both terms, peer pressure and peer influence, look similar at a glance there is a difference between them. In a workplace, a peer is someone at a similar level such as same grade, same gender, status, etc. Positive peer interactions and relationships help organizations in many ways. The two terms associated with workplace peers are peer pressure and peer influence. The key difference between peer pressure and peer influence is that peer pressure is the pressure from one’s peers to act in a way that is acceptable to the others in the same group. This can be a positive pressure or a negative pressure. Peer influence is when a peer’s act influences the others also to act in the same way. Peer pressure is a forcible action and peer influence is a persuading / influencing action.

What is Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure is the pressure from one’s peers to act in a way that is acceptable to the others in the same group. Peer pressure is a forcible action. This can be a positive pressure or a negative pressure. Especially, in team working environment, peer pressure is a motivation to all members in the team to perform and achieve goals. Positive peer pressure increases organization’s productivity. For an organization, positive peer pressure is a better tool to motivate its team than financial rewards.

What is Peer Influence?

Peer influence is when a peer’s act influences the others to act in the same way. Peer influence is not a forcible act. It is a persuasive act of encouraging others to act accordingly. Peer influence is a behavioral approach. This helps to develop the skills of the peers and support knowledge sharing. Peer influence is a powerful tool for team development.

What is the difference between Peer Pressure and Peer Influence?

Definitions of Peer Pressure and Peer Influence:

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is pressure from one’s peers to act in a way that is acceptable to the others in the same group.

Peer Influence: Peer influence is when a peer’s act persuades the others to act in a particular way.

Characteristics of Peer Pressure and Peer Influence:

Type of Act:

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is a forcible act that pressurizes the peers to perform in a way acceptable to others.

Peer Influence: Peer influence is a persuasive act of encouraging others to act accordingly.

Individual Identity:

Peer Pressure: In peer pressure, there is always a chance that individual identity will be lost, as it is forced to follow what others do.

Peer Influence: There is a less chance of losing individual identity in peer influence.

Nature:

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is action oriented, which forces others to do some work.

Peer Influence: Peer influence is a behavioral approach, which helps developing skills of the peers.

Freedom:

Peer Pressure: As peer pressure is a forcible act, whether it is a good act or bad act, it compels one to follow others.

Peer Influence: In peer influence, there is still a choice / freedom for the peers to decide whether to follow or not.

 

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