We all feel overly controlled at times, and perhaps react to regain independence or assert personal freedom. Sometimes our reaction is not thoughtful, caring, or safe. But active resisters feel the need to resist change, the status quo, or authority much of the time. This is partly because their behavior brings them special attention that rewards their resistance. This is an important concept to understand.
Active resisters stick out and attract attention.
Nonparticipants use them to rationalize their own commitment to comfort zones. Managers in control of the workplace often hit them with discipline. But this can backfire. This is because discipline builds resentment of the system among resisters, and makes it even less likely they will join the change process. For some individuals, disciplinary attention only fuels their burning desire to exert independence and resist control.