Tribalism and Resistance to Change

What does William Ury suggest is the role of tribalism in relation to societal change?

According to the content, what is a consequence of significant advancements in technology?

What does the IBM CEO's perspective highlight about the nature of change in business?

How does the content characterize societal perceptions of change compared to historical perspectives?

What example is used to illustrate the notion that change is often over-rated?

What can be inferred about the evolution of cars over the past century?

Which aspect of the automobile industry does the content emphasize?

What was the average speed of cars in London in 2001 as mentioned in the content?

Which statement best reflects the author's view on Ford Motor Company?

What type of changes in airplanes does the content describe?

Tribalism and Resistance to Change

William Ury, a Harvard professor, argues that tribalism protects people from the fear of rapid change.
Tribalistic pillars (e.g., religion, nationalism, technology) act as a buffer against significant societal shifts.
When technology advances, other pillars strengthen, ensuring that change occurs gradually.

Fear of Change

People generally desire stability and security, actively seeking certainty and safety from change.
Businesses often feel pressured to constantly change to stay competitive, despite fearing disruptive changes.
The idea that we live in a period of little change may be inaccurate, only a difference in speed and not structure.

The Automobile as an Example

The automobile industry has invested significantly in research and development over 100 years.
Henry Ford's initial car design (metal chassis, engine, four wheels, clutch/brakes, steering, four seats, 18 mph) remains remarkably similar to modern cars.
Despite billions invested, average speed in London in 2001 was only 17.5 mph - a minimal improvement.
This example signifies that innovation within the automobile industry has been incremental, rather than transformative.

Implications for Businesses

The example of Ford does not necessarily exemplify efficient organizational structure, but rather highlights high entry barriers of a manufacturing-leading brand.
Businesses need to evaluate whether change is truly necessary or driven by external fear.
Significant innovation isn't always apparent and may seem incremental, requiring careful judgment in business decisions.
Jet engine development despite being over 50 years old, have yet to produce transformative changes outside of scale and capacity.

Explore the concepts presented by William Ury regarding tribalism and its role in resisting change. Delve into examples such as the automobile industry, examining how societal pillars influence our response to technological advancements. Understand the intricate balance between the desire for stability and the necessity of progress.