Selfish Herd Dynamics
Organizations experience analogous internal competition dynamics.
Individuals within flocks aren't equally safe. Those on the flock's edge face higher predation risk; those in the center are safest. This creates 'selfish herd' dynamics: individuals try to position themselves in the center, pushing others to the periphery. The constant jockeying for central position contributes to the flock's dynamic motion - the flock isn't just responding to external threats but also to internal competition for safe positions. This internal competition, combined with external predator pressure, creates the complex, ever-shifting patterns of murmurations.
Business Application of Selfish Herd Dynamics
Organizations experience analogous internal competition dynamics. Teams may jockey for favorable positions (closer to leadership, safer projects, better resources), and this internal competition can either energize the system (healthy competition driving performance) or destabilize it (political maneuvering at expense of coordination). Understanding selfish herd dynamics helps leaders design systems that channel internal competition productively.