Game Theory
Tit-for-Tat
A simple strategy for repeated interactions: cooperate on the first move, then copy whatever the other player did on their previous move. Punishes defection but forgives when cooperation resumes.
Biological Context
Tit-for-tat emerged as the winning strategy in Axelrod's computer tournaments of the Prisoner's Dilemma. It explains how cooperation can evolve among unrelated individuals: be nice first, retaliate against defection, but forgive and return to cooperation. Many animal interactions resemble tit-for-tat.
Business Application
Tit-for-tat principles apply to business relationships: start cooperative, respond to bad behavior with consequences, but remain willing to rebuild trust. Reputation systems formalize tit-for-tat dynamics.