Many people view workplace compliance as a dry, bureaucratic necessity—a box to tick rather than a vital component of organisational culture. Yet, when we approach compliance from the lens of culture, it becomes an opportunity to build a community where shared values drive ethical behavior. Understanding the psychology behind compliance isn't just about rules; it's about creating a culture of engagement where people feel responsible for the organization’s integrity."
The psychology of compliance
Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, argues that traditional approaches to compliance training often miss the mark by treating employees as passive rule-followers. “For years, organisations have relied on lengthy, complex modules that employees struggle to connect with,” she explains. 'This approach doesn’t just risk ineffective learning; it can also create a false sense of security around behavioral change. But compliance needs to be lived, not just learned.'
The psychology of compliance reveals that non-compliance often stems not from defiance but from unconscious motivations. People are naturally drawn to the path of least resistance, especially when they don’t feel culturally connected to the purpose behind rules. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and purpose, organizations can build a compliance culture where following the rules is instinctive and aligned with personal and professional values."
This insight from cognitive psychology suggests that most behavioural influences occur ‘below the surface’ in our mental processing. Factors such as learning experiences, personal beliefs, and social influences—including organisational culture and leadership—all contribute to an individual’s compliance behaviour.
The cybersecurity connection
Stephen Osler, co-founder and business development director at Nclose, a cybersecurity services provider, emphasises the critical link between compliance and security. “From a cybersecurity standpoint, compliance training is not just about meeting regulatory requirements. It’s about creating a human firewall that recognises and responds to potential threats. When employees understand the ‘why’ behind compliance measures, they’re far more likely to adhere to them consistently.”
Creating an effective compliance culture
So, how can organisations leverage these psychological insights to create a more effective compliance culture? Collard suggests a multi-faceted approach:
- Knowledge transfer: "Effective compliance training goes deeper than just understanding the 'what'; it also explores the 'why' behind policies, connecting these back to organizational values and individual roles."
- Skill development: Theory alone isn’t enough. Employees need safe environments to practice compliance-related skills, with coaching and feedback to reinforce positive behaviours.
- Personal relevance: "When compliance training is relevant to personal and organizational goals, it feels less like a directive and more like a shared vision. Employees feel invested in a compliance culture that supports their success and values."
This approach aligns with research showing that individuals are more likely to change behaviour and follow procedures when these three elements are present. Collard also emphasises the importance of ongoing reinforcement. “"Ultimately, creating a compliance culture requires ongoing reinforcement—not as a once-a-year 'must-do' but as a continuous dialogue that integrates compliance as part of the organization’s identity.".”
Innovative solutions for modern compliance challenges
Innovative solutions have emerged to improve compliance training in response to these challenges. KnowBe4’s Compliance Plus, for instance, offers a fresh approach to addressing many psychological barriers to effective compliance.
“What sets Compliance Plus apart is its focus on engaging, relevant content delivered in digestible chunks,” Collard explains. 'By offering variety and engaging formats, we acknowledge that different people learn differently, which reflects our respect for individual contributions to the culture.' This shift from one-size-fits-all modules to customized, ongoing learning helps build an organization-wide compliance mindset where everyone feels connected to the bigger picture."
Moreover, Compliance Plus integrates seamlessly with KnowBe4’s Security Awareness Training, creating a holistic approach to organisational risk management. “By threading compliance and security awareness together, we create a more cohesive learning experience,” Collard notes. “This integration helps employees see the bigger picture of how their actions contribute to the organisation’s overall risk posture.”
The platform also emphasises measurement and adaptability. Regular assessments enable organisations to track progress and identify areas requiring additional focus. This data-driven approach ensures that organisations allocate training resources efficiently and that the programme develops to meet changing needs.
The future of compliance
As organisations grapple with an ever-more complex regulatory landscape and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the need for practical compliance training has never been greater. By embracing approaches that account for the psychology of human behaviour and leveraging innovative technology, businesses can move beyond mere rule-following to create a genuine culture of compliance.
“Ultimately,” Collard concludes, “effective compliance isn’t about forcing employees to follow the rules. It’s about empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make compliant decisions naturally. Achieving that creates a safer, more secure, and more ethical workplace for everyone. I encourage organizations to view compliance not as an obligation but as an opportunity to reinforce culture and empower employees to positively shape a safe workplace.”
For more information on KnowBe4’s Compliance Plus product or to sign up, visit https://www.knowbe4.com/products/compliance-plus
DM