Reciprocity

Dr. Anirban Ghatak

Mr. Dilipchandra. S
Dr. Arya Aiyappan

Reciprocity

Reciprocate - Latin recipricus

-returning the same way; alternating

A behavioural response to perceived kindness and unkindness

Responding to a positive action with another positive action
Rewarding kind actions

Culturally rooted moral principle

Quality of the human mind

Golden rule
We should treat others as we
would like others to treat
us

Silver rule
Do not impose on others
what we ourselves do not

desire.

Who: individuals, groups, organizations, communities, countries

When: spontaneous or intentional

What: resources, feelings

Why:
Equilibrium
Social
Meet

capital

needs: individual, interpersonal, communal

Social

change

Reciprocity as a behaviour
A strong determining factor of human behaviour
Centered on trading favours than making a negotiation or a contract

A small favour can create a sense of obligation

Feeling of obligation allows an action to be reciprocated

Helps develop and continue relationships with people.

Acquired through socialization

Lets reflect ..

What is it to reciprocate when somebody invites you to something?

Someone invites you over for dinner. What would it mean for them to
reciprocate?
This goes on for months and what are you thinking after a few months?
Reciprocity is about something more than accepting my invitation.
Reciprocity is mutuality.
So in the picture painted, is that mutuality?

Reciprocity as a behaviour

Reciprocity stems from - Expectations and Obligation

Reciprocity is not always give and take
Do not consciously think about reciprocity in relationships

You should not take more than you gave

Reciprocity as a behaviour

Reciprocal altruism among animals

You scratch my back and Ill scratch yours

Positive reciprocity
Response to kindness with kindness in turn
- You have helped me, Ill help you in return

Negative Reciprocity
Retaliatory aspect of returning a hostile action with hostility
- You have hurt my feelings, I will hurt you

Newtons third law

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction

Karma Yoga There is order to the universe

We can influence outcomes through our actions

As you sow so you reap

Supporting virtues of Reciprocity

Generosity

Readiness to proffer goods to others

Reflects magnanimity
Resentment kept aside
Reduces unproductive tensions and conflicts

Conviviality
Disposition to participate in social life
Gain pleasure from social interaction
Not out of a desire to gain particular goals
Stabilizing agent in relationships

Empathy
A form of vicarious experience
Gives insight into anothers psychological state

Allows examination of virtue and vice from different points of view

Practical wisdom
Traits that help to translate intentions into effective conduct
Its relevance to reciprocity operates at four levels

(1) Being able to assess peoples agenda

(2) Being alert to possibilities
(3) Timing and tuning
(4) Coordination

Creating Reciprocity
Sharing love (Fellow feeling)
Giving

Caring
Listening

Complimenting
Being attentive
Giving forgiveness Highest virtue

Creating Reciprocity
A spirit of cooperation
Understanding of and ability to embrace interdependence
-Accept various strengths and weaknesses

Emotional maturity
Respect
Passion, love and emotional contribution - behavioural investments

Creating reciprocity

Buddhism

A variety of intricate knot images

importance of our many interconnections.

Types of Exchanges

Money Cash, checks, promissory notes

Tangible goodsUseful, decorative, rare, or sentimentally valuable items
Intangible servicesMedical care, legal advice, expert assistance or any
other valuable service
Positive regard Friendship, love, attention, empathy or caring

Prestige Respectful titles, status symbols, recognition and other ways to

acknowledge stature.

Managing negative reciprocity

If someone treats us bad, we wish to dish something negative back at them.

Cannot deny these feelings

But can spot the triggers
Choose how to react
Attempt to pay back creates a spiral of negativity
Control your inner dialogue

Life Situations

Reciprocity in relationships

Parent child relationship

Love
Care
Commitment
Support

duty

Situation
You are working abroad, your aged parents feel lonely.

You have let your parents down and they scold you..
You go with your friends without informing them.

Reciprocity in relationships

Teacher student relationship

Respect
Courteousness
Listening
Interacting

Behavioural control

Situation
While giving a lecture, a students asks a trivial question.

You enter the class and students are making noise..

You meet your student / teacher in the corridor..

Reciprocity in relationships

Friendships
Acceptance
Honesty
Sensitivity
Support

Situation
Your friend is in need

You friend has done something wrong

You friend has unconsciously hurt you

Reciprocity in relationships

Professional Relationships
Time
Attentive
Ideating and Knowledge sharing
Recognition

Situation
Your colleague talks ill about you to your boss

You colleague needs two days leave

You colleague has borrowed your idea and used it for his/ her
benefit..

Reciprocity in relationships

Social relationships
Community living
Inclusiveness
Social work
Prosocial and not antisocial in behaviour

Situation
You have shifted into a new locality / city (two-way).

Your neighbour empties the garbage onto the streets.

Your friend has employed a small child for household chores

Challenges to reciprocity

Laziness
Fear
Jealousy
Low self esteem
Poor choices

Multi-disciplinary Perspectives

Reciprocity rules to remember

Not a tool to prey on peoples emotions to get what we want
If we decide not to reciprocate, we trigger negative reciprocity
Do not expect anything in return
Balance and a giving mindset without an agenda wins

Thank you