Optimal Foraging Theory
Companies forage for customers, markets, partnerships, and talent.
Optimal foraging theory, developed by ecologists in the 1960s-70s, predicts how organisms should forage to maximize energy intake per unit time. Foraging costs energy (search, pursuit, handling) and delivers energy (calories consumed) - the difference determines survival. The theory makes specific predictions about diet selection (include food items if energy gained divided by search plus handling time exceeds current average intake rate), patch residence time (leave when marginal return equals environmental average), and central place foraging (optimize return trips to fixed locations like nests).
Business Application of Optimal Foraging Theory
Companies forage for customers, markets, partnerships, and talent. The same principles apply: search costs energy (sales, marketing), handling costs energy (onboarding, support), and returns deliver value (revenue, growth).