Conduct vs. Perform — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 18, 2024
Conduct refers to the manner of directing or managing, focusing on behavior and execution, while perform relates to executing a task or displaying skills, often in artistic contexts.
Difference Between Conduct and Perform
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conduct primarily deals with the manner in which an individual or group directs, manages, or behaves in various situations. It encompasses a broad range of activities from the way a person behaves in society to how a professional conducts a meeting. Whereas perform typically refers to the act of executing a specific task or displaying a set of skills, especially in artistic or entertainment contexts. It highlights the execution aspect, emphasizing the quality and effectiveness of the action.
Conduct can imply a level of ethical or moral standards, suggesting a judgment about behavior or the way tasks are approached. For instance, professional conduct in the workplace is often governed by a set of rules or ethics. On the other hand, to perform is to carry out an action or role, often with the implication of skill and public presentation. This can range from performing a musical piece to executing a complex task at work.
While conduct can be both observed and measured in terms of adherence to certain standards or rules, it also has a subjective element related to personal or societal values. This makes it somewhat broader and more nuanced compared to performance. Perform, however, is more objective and is often assessed based on specific criteria or outcomes, such as precision, skill level, or audience reaction.
Conduct often involves an ongoing process or a way of behaving over time, suggesting a continuity or consistency in actions. It can reflect an individual's or organization's character and values. Perform, in contrast, is more about specific instances or acts, focusing on the here and now. It's about how well an individual or group executes a particular task or displays talent at a given moment.
In some contexts, conduct and perform can overlap, especially when discussing the execution of professional duties. However, conduct generally has a broader scope, encompassing not just the act itself but also the manner and ethics behind it. Whereas perform zeroes in on the act of execution, emphasizing the skill, talent, or efficiency in accomplishing or presenting something.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Manner of managing or behaving
Execution of a task or display of skills
Context
Broad, including ethical and professional behavior
Often artistic or entertainment contexts
Assessment Criteria
Adherence to standards, ethics, personal values
Skill level, precision, audience reaction
Temporal Nature
Ongoing process, consistency over time
Specific instances, focus on the present
Overlap
In professional duties, manner of execution
Execution of professional or artistic tasks
Compare with Definitions
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves.
His conduct at the event was exemplary.
Perform
To carry out an action or task.
He performed the task with great skill.
Conduct
The transmission or conveyance of something (heat, electricity).
The metal's ability to conduct electricity is remarkable.
Perform
To execute or do something as per standards.
The device performs well under extreme conditions.
Conduct
The way in which an activity is managed or directed.
The conductor's conduct of the orchestra was masterful.
Perform
To undergo a specific process or test.
The product performed poorly in safety tests.
Conduct
Adherence to ethical, moral.or professional standards.
She was praised for her professional conduct.
Perform
To entertain by acting.singing.dancing.etc..
She will perform in tonight's concert.
Conduct
The act of guiding or leading.
The tour guide's conduct through the museum was informative and engaging.
Perform
To present a form of entertainment to an audience.
The magician will perform his best trick last.
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation
They were arrested for disorderly conduct
A code of conduct for directors of listed companies
Perform
Carry out, accomplish, or fulfil (an action, task, or function)
I have my duties to perform
Conduct
The manner in which an organization or activity is managed or directed
The conduct of the elections
Perform
Present (a form of entertainment) to an audience
The play has already been performed in Britain
Conduct
Organize and carry out
Surveys conducted among students
In the second trial he conducted his own defence
Perform
To begin and carry through to completion; do
The surgeon performed the operation.
Conduct
Lead or guide (someone) to or around a particular place
He conducted us through his personal gallery of the Civil War
Perform
To take action in accordance with the requirements of; fulfill
Perform one's contractual obligations.
Conduct
Transmit (a form of energy such as heat or electricity) by conduction
Heat is conducted to the surface
Perform
To enact (a feat or role) before an audience.
Conduct
Direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra, choir, etc.)
The concert is to be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
Perform
To give a public presentation of; present
My theater group performed a three-act play.
Conduct
Behave in a specified way
He conducted himself with the utmost propriety
Perform
To function or accomplish something as expected or required
A car that performs well on curves.
Workers not performing up to standard.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control
A police officer who conducts traffic.
A scientist who conducts experiments.
Perform
To yield a return on investment
Stocks that performed well.
Conduct
To lead or guide
Conducted the tourists through the museum.
Perform
To portray a role or demonstrate a skill before an audience
The juggler performed atop a unicycle.
Conduct
(Music) To direct the performance of (an orchestra or chorus, for example).
Perform
To present a dramatic or musical work or other entertainment before an audience.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; transmit
Some metals conduct heat.
Perform
(transitive) To do (something); to execute.
The scientists performed several experiments.
It took him only twenty minutes to perform the task.
Conduct
To comport (oneself) in a specified way
The students conducted themselves with dignity throughout the ceremony.
Perform
(intransitive) To exhibit an expected pattern of behavior; to function; to work.
The new employee performs well.
Conduct
To act as a director or conductor.
Perform
(law) To act in a way set forth in a contract.
Conduct
To show the way; lead.
Perform
(transitive) To act in accordance with (a contract); to fulfill one’s terms of (a contract).
Failure to perform a contract on time may constitute a breach of contract.
Conduct
The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.
Perform
(intransitive) To fulfill contractually agreed-to terms.
They entered into an agreement and now they are obliged to perform.
Conduct
The act of directing or controlling; management.
Perform
(ambitransitive) To do (something) in front of an audience, such as acting or music, often in order to entertain.
She will perform in the play.
The magician performed badly—none of his tricks worked.
The string quartet performed three pieces by Haydn.
Conduct
(Obsolete) A guide; an escort.
Perform
To behave theatrically so as to give the impression of (a quality, character trait, etc.); to feign.
The accused only performed remorse.
Conduct
The act or method of controlling or directing.
Perform
(social science) Of a social actor, to behave in certain ways.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management.
Perform
(transitive) To behave in accordance with, and thereby in turn shape, (a social notion or role).
Perform masculinity
Perform authority
Conduct
Behaviour; the manner of behaving.
Good conduct will be rewarded and likewise poor conduct will be punished.
Perform
(intransitive) To behave in ways that carry meaning in social contexts.
Individuals in societies perform all the time.
Conduct
(of a literary work) Plot.
Perform
To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to accomplish; to execute; to do.
I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me.
Great force to perform what they did attempt.
Conduct
(obsolete) Convoy; escort; person who accompanies another.
Perform
To discharge; to fulfill; to act up to; as, to perform a duty; to perform a promise or a vow.
To perform your father's will.
Conduct
(archaic) Something which carries or conveys anything; a channel; an instrument; a conduit.
Perform
To represent; to act; to play; as in drama.
Perform a part thou hast not done before.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort.
Perform
To do, execute, or accomplish something; to acquit one's self in any business; esp., to represent sometimes by action; to act a part; to play on a musical instrument; as, the players perform poorly; the musician performs on the organ.
Conduct
(transitive) To lead; to direct; to be in charge of (people or tasks)
The commander conducted thousands of troops.
To conduct the affairs of a kingdom
Perform
Carry out or perform an action;
John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters
The skater executed a triple pirouette
She did a little dance
Conduct
To behave.
He conducted himself well.
Perform
Perform a function;
Who will perform the wedding?
Conduct
(transitive) To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit (heat, light, electricity, etc.)
Perform
Give a performance (of something);
Horowitz is performing at Carnegie Hall tonight
We performed a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Perform
Get (something) done;
I did my job
Conduct
(intransitive) To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
(transitive) To carry out (something organized)
Conduct
The act or method of conducting; guidance; management.
Christianity has humanized the conduct of war.
The conduct of the state, the administration of its affairs.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management; generalship.
Conduct of armies is a prince's art.
Attacked the Spaniards . . . with great impetuosity, but with so little conduct, that his forces were totally routed.
Conduct
Convoy; escort; guard; guide.
I will be your conduct.
In my conduct shall your ladies come.
Conduct
That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument.
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Conduct
The manner of guiding or carrying one's self; personal deportment; mode of action; behavior.
All these difficulties were increased by the conduct of Shrewsbury.
What in the conduct of our life appearsSo well designed, so luckily begun,But when we have our wish, we wish undone?
Conduct
Plot; action; construction; manner of development.
The book of Job, in conduct and diction.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort; to attend.
I can conduct you, lady, to a lowBut loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
Conduct
To lead, as a commander; to direct; to manage; to carry on; as, to conduct the affairs of a kingdom.
Little skilled in the art of conducting a siege.
Conduct
To behave; - with the reflexive; as, he conducted himself well.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit, as heat, light, electricity, etc.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
To conduct one's self; to behave.
Conduct
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Conduct
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Conduct
Direct the course of; manage or control;
You cannot conduct business like this
Conduct
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Conduct
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Conduct
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Conduct
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Conduct
Lead musicians in the performance of;
Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor
She cannot conduct modern pieces
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to conduct oneself?
To conduct oneself means to behave in a particular manner, often according to social or professional standards.
Can conduct affect performance?
Yes, good conduct, such as professionalism and ethical behavior, can positively influence one's performance and the perception of it by others.
How is performance measured?
Performance is usually measured against specific criteria, such as effectiveness, skill, audience response, or adherence to standards.
Is conduct always related to ethics?
While conduct often involves ethical considerations, it broadly refers to any manner of behavior or management, not exclusively ethical situations.
Can someone perform without an audience?
Yes, one can perform tasks or practice skills without an audience, though performance often implies an audience in artistic contexts.
Are conduct and performance interchangeable?
Though they can overlap, conduct and performance are not interchangeable, as conduct emphasizes behavior and management, while performance focuses on execution and skill display.
Does conduct only apply to individuals?
No, conduct can apply to both individuals and organizations, referring to the behavior or management style of either.
Can performance be negative?
Yes, if the execution of a task or skill display fails to meet expected standards, it is considered a negative performance.
Is professional conduct important in all careers?
Professional conduct is crucial in all careers as it reflects on an individual's or organization's values, work ethic, and respect for others.
Can a person both conduct and perform a task?
Yes, a person can conduct a task by managing or directing it and perform it by executing it, especially if it involves specialized skills.
Does conduct influence one's reputation?
Yes, an individual's or organization's conduct greatly influences their reputation, as it reflects their character and values.
What is the role of feedback in performance?
Feedback is crucial for improving performance by providing insights into strengths and areas for improvement.
How can someone improve their performance?
Improving performance often involves practice, feedback, learning from mistakes, and sometimes formal training or education.
How do cultural differences affect conduct?
Cultural differences can significantly affect what is considered appropriate or ethical conduct, as cultural norms and values vary widely.
Are there standards for conduct?
Many professions and organizations have specific standards or codes of conduct that outline expected behaviors and practices.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
