Which factor helps a minority influence change in the majority’s view?

Which factor helps a minority influence change in the majority’s view?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Consistency
• C. Aggression
• D. Secrecy

Answer: (B)

Consistency matters for minority influence because when a small group sticks to the same position over time and across members, their message looks committed and credible. This steady challenge to the majority makes people reconsider their own views rather than dismissing the minority as unreliable or random. The repeated, unwavering stance creates cognitive tension that can lead some from the majority to internalize the minority’s perspective. While flexibility can help avoid seeming dogmatic, without consistency the minority’s stance isn’t viewed as serious or trustworthy. Aggressive approaches tend to trigger defensiveness, and secrecy prevents others from engaging with the message at all.

Consistency matters for minority influence because when a small group sticks to the same position over time and across members, their message looks committed and credible. This steady challenge to the majority makes people reconsider their own views rather than dismissing the minority as unreliable or random. The repeated, unwavering stance creates cognitive tension that can lead some from the majority to internalize the minority’s perspective. While flexibility can help avoid seeming dogmatic, without consistency the minority’s stance isn’t viewed as serious or trustworthy. Aggressive approaches tend to trigger defensiveness, and secrecy prevents others from engaging with the message at all.