Physiology
Ghrelin
A hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates appetite. Often called the 'hunger hormone,' it signals the brain to seek food.
Biological Context
Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after eating. It also affects growth hormone release, sleep, and reward-seeking behavior. Ghrelin works in opposition to leptin (satiety hormone). Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin, partly explaining why tired people eat more.
Business Application
Organizational ghrelin: the signals that drive resource-seeking behavior—growth targets, acquisition appetites, market expansion urges. High ghrelin drives aggressive growth; low ghrelin may indicate satisfaction or stagnation.