The "C" Word

Language shapes the way people think.  If you believe this premise, what thoughts come to mind when you hear the word, “compliance?”  More importantly, what attitudes, behaviors, and institutional cultures take shape when compliance is the word used to frame behavioral expectations?  The “C” word, compliance, has a negative undertone meaning to obey, typically in a subservient manner and when compliance is raised as a training topic, it is typically framed as a matter of understanding rules and the consequences of violation. 

This poses a challenge for private postsecondary leaders who need all employees to understand the regulations that govern the sector but who want to transcend the meaning of the “C” word beyond rules.  How does one move beyond the mindset of simply following the rules to avoid penalty and move toward acting with integrity with the byproduct being compliance? 

This is a paradigm shift; but how is it achieved? Do you think Compliance has a negative connotation?  Do you think its meaning shapes culture?  

Leave your comments and share your ideas.