Understanding collective and individual behavior are key to a successful life.
Take a look at the next picture:
It's clear that the little fish here, have a problem.
What's also clear, is that random actions of an individual fish are not likely going to change the situation.
In the next picture, by coordinating behavior, a way has been found to solve 'the problem' :
This solution looks very simple, the question is how to organize this kind of collective "big fish" behavior?
The problem is that often first movers don't benefit from a collective approach in the first stage:
First movers take a risk by sticking out their neck. The are not sure that their fellows will follow. They also take the risk that their actions turns against themselves.
It turns out that one way to get individuals to coordinate their behavior is through morality.
Morality
Our natural sympathy for other people, our fear of shame and even our feelings of guilt, are often enough to stimulate us to participate in a successful collective action.
Albeit it's discussable what the origins of morality are, it's clear that morality can help us to overcome that 'first mover period'. Groups that use concepts like fairness, reciprocity, trust, guilt, and shame, often do better than rival groups.
Interested?
In an excellent essay called A Business Plan for Catalyzing Collective Action , The Point explanes how how these cooperative mechanisms can be created.
Examples
Collective rational or even emotional behavior often plays a decisive role in our society, as may be clear from the 2009 credit crisis turmoil and the escalating bonus madness.
Be aware of individual and collective behavior.
Study "collective behavior mechanisms" and certainly don't forget to integrate the key principles of this collective behavior into your personal Life Plan.
Take a look at the next picture:
It's clear that the little fish here, have a problem.What's also clear, is that random actions of an individual fish are not likely going to change the situation.
In the next picture, by coordinating behavior, a way has been found to solve 'the problem' :
This solution looks very simple, the question is how to organize this kind of collective "big fish" behavior?
The problem is that often first movers don't benefit from a collective approach in the first stage:
First movers take a risk by sticking out their neck. The are not sure that their fellows will follow. They also take the risk that their actions turns against themselves.
It turns out that one way to get individuals to coordinate their behavior is through morality.
Morality
Our natural sympathy for other people, our fear of shame and even our feelings of guilt, are often enough to stimulate us to participate in a successful collective action.
Albeit it's discussable what the origins of morality are, it's clear that morality can help us to overcome that 'first mover period'. Groups that use concepts like fairness, reciprocity, trust, guilt, and shame, often do better than rival groups.
Interested?
In an excellent essay called A Business Plan for Catalyzing Collective Action , The Point explanes how how these cooperative mechanisms can be created.
Examples
Collective rational or even emotional behavior often plays a decisive role in our society, as may be clear from the 2009 credit crisis turmoil and the escalating bonus madness.
Be aware of individual and collective behavior.Study "collective behavior mechanisms" and certainly don't forget to integrate the key principles of this collective behavior into your personal Life Plan.
