Dr. Michael Morris, a leadership professor at Columbia Business School and author of 'Tribal,' shares fresh insights on the positive aspects of tribalism. He discusses how tribal instincts can unite distinct groups and enhance workplace inclusion. The conversation also dives into community initiatives that bridge ideological divides and the role of cultural traditions in fostering identity and survival. Morris highlights the importance of reevaluating biases in hiring practices, emphasizing the need for social transformation to combat inequality.
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Quick takeaways
Tribalism, often seen negatively, can actually promote societal cooperation and cultural richness, aiding social change and unity.
Understanding the three instincts of tribal psychology—peer, hero, and ancestor—can help enhance group identity and foster collaboration.
Workplace discrimination can be alleviated by addressing in-group favoritism and reevaluating recruitment practices to promote true diversity.
Deep dives
The Purple Leash Project
A significant barrier for domestic abuse survivors is the lack of pet-friendly shelters, with only 3% previously accepting pets. This inadequacy often forces individuals to choose between leaving an abusive situation or staying for the sake of their pets, causing delays in seeking help. Recognizing the vital bond between pets and their owners, Purina initiated the Purple Leash Project, aiming to create more domestic violence shelters that welcome pets. The project has successfully increased the percentage of pet-friendly shelters to nearly 20%, facilitating escape and healing for both survivors and their pets.
Challenging the Narrative of Tribalism
The prevailing view of tribalism often casts it in a negative light, portraying it as a source of division and conflict. However, the discussion highlights an alternative view that tribal instincts can actually promote cooperation and cultural richness within societies. These instincts are argued to be fundamental to human achievement and social change, as they help foster group identity and solidarity. Understanding these psychological underpinnings is crucial for leaders and activists seeking to bridge divides rather than exacerbate them.
The Role of Tribal Instincts in Society
Tribal psychology manifests through three key instincts: the peer instinct, the hero instinct, and the ancestor instinct. The peer instinct drives conformity and coordination within groups, essential for effective functioning and collaboration. The hero instinct encourages individuals to emulate successful figures, facilitating the spread of innovation and new ideas. Lastly, the ancestor instinct emphasizes the importance of tradition and cultural memory in forming cohesive communities, allowing knowledge and practices to be passed down generations.
Cultural Change and Empathy
Cultural change can be both necessary and possible, with successful examples demonstrating how teams can shift their norms and practices. One notable example is a Dutch soccer coach who transformed a struggling team by breaking established cultural barriers and fostering a new identity. By prioritizing egalitarian norms and shared goals, he was able to lead the team to unprecedented success. Such approaches suggest that rethinking cultural dynamics and embracing empathy can facilitate broader social change and cohesion.
Rethinking Inequality and Discrimination
The discussion around workplace discrimination emphasizes a need to shift the focus from hostility towards outgroups to the unconscious biases of in-group favoritism. Many organizational practices unintentionally support these biases by promoting hiring based on cultural fit, which can perpetuate inequalities. Addressing this issue requires a re-evaluation of recruitment processes and the promotion of diversity beyond surface-level initiatives. Acknowledging generosity towards similar individuals can illuminate the root causes of discrimination, aiding in the creation of more equitable workplaces.
This week Scott is joined by author and professor of leadership at the Columbia Business School, Dr. Michael Morris. Scott and Dr. Morris discuss the upsides of tribalism—
from uniting different tribes to practical implications for workplace inclusion to how tribal psychology may be our best hope for social change.