What is Reciprocity?
Reciprocity: Building trust and loyalty in businesses
Reciprocity can be broken down into a simpler concept of “Karma”.
Like Karma, Reciprocity, deals with social norms like What you do comes back to you.
In Reciprocity, an individual is supposed to act in the same manner as another individual based on how they interacted in the past.
An Example Of Reciprocity.
When a person behaves nicely with you, you are also supposed to act nicely.
When someone greets you, you are supposed to greet them in return.
When someone, puts their trust in you, you are supposed to trust them back.
These social norms that are set in stone are an example of Reciprocity.
It is the art of giving to others and placing your trust in them.
What Are Motives of Reciprocity?
Reciprocity is mostly performed out of a motive. The motive can be building a reputation, gaining praise, financial benefits, or hoping for a promotion.
Another real-life example of it can be the salesman at stores, ever thought why do they act so nicely? It’s because they are expecting something in return.
“If they act nicely maybe you will end up buying their products”. This is the motive behind their nice nature.
How can reciprocity be applied in businesses?
A little reciprocity goes a long way. The concept of reciprocity can be applied both inside and outside businesses.
It can bring a positive upliftment in the workplace environment. Rewarding employees for their good behavior is a prime example.
Not only does it give the employee a reason to maintain his/her good behavior, but it also encourages other employees to follow in the footsteps of the rewarded employee.
This improves the working environment and maintains a code of conduct which in return, causes them to work more effectively and efficiently.
When it comes, to applying reciprocity outside of business, this practice is not new it has existed for decades or centuries in one form or another.
Have you ever wondered why some companies and apps give out free trials? It is to gain your trust and build your credibility. It gives you an idea of what you are signing up for is it useful to you? A little reciprocity can help, get all of these questions out of your and your customer’s way.
Apps and websites perform a good action by expecting the customers to “Reciprocate” and do the same i.e. Buy their products.
How To Apply Reciprocity In The Business?
Reciprocity is easier to give when it is genuine. Small acts such as greeting or maintaining good behavior should be performed out of heartfelt actions, not as a pretense.
Rewarding, employees for their good behavior and extra efforts given by them. This gives them the satisfaction that their actions are being recognized and applauded.
Giving out samples or free trials of products to win customers’ trust and build credibility.
Good marketers use good reciprocity as a marketing tool.
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This content is written by Krishna Jindal Content Writer.
