Reciprocity and generosity are two concepts contributing to sustainable relationships.
Wikipedia defines reciprocity as: “In social psychology, reciprocity is a social norm of responding to a positive action with another positive action… conversely, in response to hostile actions they are frequently much more nasty and even brutal. Reciprocity makes it possible to build sustainable and continuing relationships with reciprocal exchanges”.
Generosity is "the virtue of being liberal in giving, often as gifts….Scientific investigation into generosity has examined the effect of a number of scenarios and games on individuals' generosity, potential links with neurochemicals such as oxytocin, and generosity's relationship with similar feelings such as empathy”.
Building a sustainable relationship that mutually benefits all that are involved requires both generosity and reciprocity. Reciprocity happens in proximity where people have shared goals, motivation, commitment, and state.
Leading with generosity opens the door to reciprocal possibilities.
