Tribe Mentality: Navigating Loyalties in a Connected World

Human beings are inherently tribal creatures, wired to seek a sense of belonging. From our immediate family to broader social circles, we find comfort and identity in the tribes we are part of. This blog explores the complex tapestry of human loyalties, from the personal to the global, and the implications of conflicting interests within these tribes.

The Tapestry of Tribes: Our tribal affiliations range from the intimate bonds of family to the broader connections of community, region, and country. Whether it's the company we work for, the local health club we attend, or the social media group we engage with, we are members of multiple tribes, each with its own significance.

Loyalty Defines Tribes: The defining characteristic of a tribe lies in the loyalty its members feel towards it. It's the emotional connection that comes from belonging. However, this sense of loyalty varies in intensity across different tribes. While most of us feel a deep bond with our family, that loyalty may diminish as we move outward to our local community, region, and country.

Conflict of Interests: The complexity arises when there's a conflict of interests between these tribes. What happens when what's best for your organisation contradicts the interests of your department? Or when the well-being of your country clashes with the welfare of your town? In such instances, individuals are likely to prioritise the tribe to which they feel the closest, strongest bond.

Root of Global Issues: This tribal instinct is at the root of numerous global problems. On a national level, it manifests as patriotism or protectionism, depending on one's perspective. The innate desire to protect one's tribe often leads individuals to prioritise their personal interests over the greater good, hindering progress toward a collective well-being.

The Human Condition: As a social species, our instinct is to protect and prioritise the tightest, closest social group. This doesn't necessarily mean that actions favouring one's personal tribe are always morally right. However, it's a fundamental aspect of the human condition that must be acknowledged when trying to understand or influence behaviour.

Loyalty Schemes and Belonging: Businesses leverage this tribal instinct through loyalty card schemes and other strategies. Supermarkets, for example, aim to make customers feel part of their tribe, encouraging continued patronage. They want you to consider yourself part of the Sainsbury’s tribe or the Waitrose tribe with a loyalty card and reward you for being so. While loyalty cards alone may not suffice, businesses find creative ways to foster a sense of belonging.

Influencing Behaviour: Understanding the power of tribal loyalties is crucial for comprehending and influencing human behaviour. Whether it's a small action by a friend, a colleague, or a significant political movement, the collective fear that a tribe is under threat often drives decisions.

 Tribal mentality is deeply ingrained in the human experience, shaping our perceptions, decisions, and interactions. Acknowledging the influence of tribal loyalties is not a judgement of right or wrong but a recognition of a fundamental aspect of our social nature. As we navigate a world filled with interconnected tribes, understanding these dynamics becomes essential for fostering cooperation, empathy, and collective progress.