“Don’t ever promise more than you can deliver but always deliver more than you promise.” Lou Holtz
Obligation refers to a commitment or duty to do something. It can also be referred to as a sense of duty to carry out a specific action or deed. An obligation can come in different formats ranging from several aspects of life such as professional, personal, or social.
Several individuals have different levels of obligation they perform based on their position in society or family.
An obligation is not a do-or-die affair but this is subjective. Failing to follow a legal obligation can lead to extreme consequences, on the other hand, not adhering to a moral obligation does not have daring consequences.
Types of Obligation
Different types of obligations exist some of which are discussed below:
1. Social Obligation
“No man is an island, no man lives alone.” This famous line of a poem by John Donne is spot on. The same goes for every relationship we have with our spouse, children, friends, employees, employers, and family.
For there to be balance, there are certain expectations that we have from every relationship we are involved in; to provide emotional, financial, and physical support when needed. This refers to social obligation.
2. Legal Obligation
A country without laws cannot stand the test of time. Legal obligations are those set by the laws of any country. This can include the payment of taxes, adhering to the constitution of a country, and obeying traffic laws.
Failure to adhere to a legal obligation can lead to the payment of fines or arrest by law enforcement agencies.
3. Moral Obligation
Moral obligation is a type of obligation that focuses on our moral standards, personal beliefs, and societal norms. A sense of moral obligation makes individuals act in a way that ensures the general well-being of society.
4. Professional Obligation
The professional obligation is the thread holding our corporate world together; where employees and employers are expected to behave cordially while attending to clients.
5. Contractual Obligation
Contractual obligation, like its name, refers to the commitment that arises from the creation of contracts between parties. A break in a contractual responsibility can lead to legal action.
Consequences of Non-performance of Obligation
What happens when obligations are not adhered to?
1. Termination of Agreement
One major consequence of non-performance of a duty is the termination of agreements. This can range from personal to professional to business agreements. Termination can lead to loss of deals or payment for damages incurred by the injured party.
2. Legal issues
Legal issues can arise when obligations are not performed. This can result in lawsuits, legal claims, payment for damages, or injunctions obtained via legal proceedings.
3. Financial issues
Failure to carry out certain tasks can lead to financial repercussions which include foreclosure on personal properties, payment of fines, increase in interest rate of loans, and inability to access loans in the future.
4. Damage to reputation
A good name is better than riches. It opens doors for the coming generation, paving the way when money is inaccessible. Non-performance of a duty can damage your reputation. Tearing to shreds years of hard work, dedication and integrity. It creates a strain on professional and personal relationships.
5. Business and real-world repercussions
Non-performance of professional responsibilities can lead to loss of contracts and business deals. It can also jeopardise the career of any employee. Furthermore, it shatters the trust among partners which might never be rebuilt.
Conclusion
The older we get, the more obligations we have to carry out as we relate with those around us. Cultivating integrity and discipline is the watchword to go unscathed from the heat of the non-performance of obligations in our personal and professional lives.
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