Masters in Business: The Basic Tribal Instincts that Drive Us with Michael Morris

Release Date: November 27, 2024

In this compelling episode of Bloomberg's Masters in Business, host Barry Ritholtz engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Professor Michael Morris of Columbia Graduate School of Business. Professor Morris, renowned for his expertise in social psychology and tribalism, discusses his groundbreaking book, "Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts that Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together." The dialogue explores the intricate ways tribal instincts shape markets, organizations, and societies, offering actionable insights for leaders aiming to harness cultural dynamics for success.

1. Professor Michael Morris: A Journey into Cultural Psychology

Barry Ritholtz begins by delving into Professor Morris’s academic background, tracing his path from an undergraduate in cognitive science and English literature at Brown University to earning a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Michigan. Morris shares, “I didn't seem to think that everybody thought the same way... I started working with people who were rebuilding a field called cultural psychology” (02:57). This interdisciplinary foundation naturally led him to explore how culture influences thought processes, ultimately guiding him into the realm of business psychology.

2. The Malleability of Culture: Debunking the Myth of Static Traditions

Morris challenges the pervasive myth that culture is static and unchangeable. He asserts, “Culture changes... it's an illusion that we kind of enjoy, but it's an illusion” (09:18). Highlighting the adaptability of cultural norms, he emphasizes that tribes are not genetically ingrained but are malleable constructs shaped by their environments and experiences. This perspective underpins his argument that leaders can actively influence and transform organizational cultures to achieve desired outcomes.

3. The South Korean Pilots: Overcoming Hierarchical Barriers

One of the standout discussions centers on the transformation of South Korean airline safety records. Morris recounts how hierarchical cultural norms led to critical communication failures in the cockpit, resulting in multiple crashes. He explains, “The change they made was changing the official language of the cockpit from Korean to English” (14:42). This simple yet profound shift dismantled the automatic deference to seniority, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. As a result, South Korean airlines achieved an impeccable safety record, illustrating the profound impact of cultural adjustments on organizational performance.

4. The Three Instincts: Peer, Hero, and Ancestor

Morris introduces his framework of three fundamental tribal instincts that drive human behavior:

• Peer Instinct: The desire to conform and align with the group. Morris explains, “This impulse to mesh with what the others around us are doing... it's our ability to work with and build on the ideas of others” (30:59).

• Hero Instinct: The aspiration to stand out and be exemplary. He notes, “The hero instinct was this new impulse to be normative, to be exemplary... was very adaptive for the group” (37:50).

• Ancestor Instinct: The reverence for past generations and the tendency to replicate traditions. “It's the curiosity that we feel about past generations... we can get beyond our current differences” (69:46).

These instincts collectively enable humans to build complex, cooperative societies and organizations, providing both the glue and the driving forces for cultural evolution.

5. Cultural Transformation in Corporations: Microsoft’s Renaissance

Professor Morris examines how Satya Nadella revitalized Microsoft by shifting its organizational culture from a "know-it-all" to a "learn-it-all" mindset. He highlights Nadella’s strategic listening tour and his commitment to fostering a growth mindset: “Satya Nadella is a big advocate of trying to create this growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset about ability” (54:15). By eliminating the toxic performance evaluation system and promoting empathy and continuous learning, Nadella successfully repositioned Microsoft as an innovative and adaptive leader in the tech industry.

6. The Merger from Hell: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch

Morris recounts the infamous merger of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, often dubbed the "merger from hell." The initial cultural clash led to significant talent loss and operational turmoil. However, the hiring of Sally Krawcheck, a respected and integrity-driven leader, marked a turning point. Morris explains, “She was a translator, a natural bicultural person... she gave them their name and their tradition, Merrill Lynch back” (66:15). This restoration of the Merrill Lynch identity rejuvenated employee morale and reinstated the firm's prestigious reputation, demonstrating the critical role of cultural identity in successful mergers.

7. National Success Stories: Singapore’s Cultural Engineering

Singapore's transformation from a struggling colony to a global powerhouse is attributed to the strategic cultural reforms implemented by Lee Kuan Yew. Morris describes how Lee maintained and adapted British cultural elements to foster a disciplined, corruption-free society: “He adopted white uniforms... made English the official language... strong anti-graft laws” (76:41). These deliberate cultural cues attracted global trade and investment, laying the foundation for Singapore’s economic miracle.

8. Evolutionary Insights: Identity Formation in Humans

Morris delves into the evolutionary underpinnings of human social behaviors. He discusses how humans, unlike other primates, are wired for complex social interactions through language and mimicry. “Our ability to mind read enables us to imitate each other's behavior at a much richer level... almost everything important that humans have accomplished is not the work of one lone genius” (26:54). This capacity for imitation and collective learning is fundamental to the development and evolution of human cultures.

9. Tribalism in Everyday Life: Navigating Modern Conflicts

Addressing current societal divisions, Morris offers a nuanced view of tribalism. He argues that while tribal instincts can contribute to conflicts, they are not inherently predisposed to hostility: “We don't have a tribal instinct to hate other groups... it’s a manageable side of human nature” (19:49). Drawing parallels to historical events like Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, he emphasizes the power of collective memory and shared heritage in overcoming divisions.

10. Practical Applications: Advice for Leaders and Graduates

In the concluding segments, Morris provides actionable advice for leaders and aspiring professionals. He underscores the importance of understanding and leveraging tribal instincts to foster cohesive and adaptive organizations. For college graduates, he advises, “Learn what AI is good at and also learn AI's limitations... it's going to be a distinguishing factor in the knowledge economy careers going forward” (90:03).

Notable Quotes

• "Culture changes... it's an illusion that we kind of enjoy, but it's an illusion." – Professor Michael Morris (09:18)
• "Our ability to mind read enables us to imitate each other's behavior at a much richer level... almost everything important that humans have accomplished is not the work of one lone genius." – Professor Michael Morris (26:54)
• "We don't have a tribal instinct to hate other groups... it’s a manageable side of human nature." – Professor Michael Morris (19:49)

Conclusion

This episode of Masters in Business offers a profound exploration of the tribal instincts that underpin human behavior and organizational dynamics. Professor Michael Morris effectively bridges evolutionary psychology with practical business strategies, providing listeners with invaluable insights into harnessing cultural forces to drive success. Whether you're a business leader, an academic, or simply intrigued by the complexities of human society, this conversation sheds light on the essential role of culture in shaping our collective and individual destinies.

About the Host and Production

Barry Ritholtz extends his gratitude to the production team, including audio engineer Steve Gonzales, producer Anna Luke, head of podcasts Sage Bauman, and researcher Sean Russo. He also promotes his new podcast, Money Short: 10 Minute Conversations with Experts, focusing on financial insights.

For those interested in exploring more episodes, Masters in Business offers a vast archive available on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.

Further Engagement

If you found this episode insightful, consider reading Professor Michael Morris’s book, "Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts that Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together," and explore previous episodes of Masters in Business for a broader understanding of how culture shapes the business landscape.