What category does Reciprocity belong to?

Reciprocity belongs to the "Principles" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Reciprocity?

Key topics related to Reciprocity include: community, principles, psychology.

What are alternative names for Reciprocity?

Reciprocity is also known as: Give and take, Mutual exchange.

Reciprocity

The social norm of responding to positive actions with positive actions.

Also known as: Give and take, Mutual exchange

Category: Principles

Tags: community, principles, psychology

Explanation

Reciprocity is the social norm where people respond to positive actions with positive actions. When someone helps us, we feel compelled to help them back. In knowledge communities, reciprocity creates virtuous cycles: sharing knowledge freely often leads others to share with you. This principle underlies the success of open-source, digital gardens, and learning in public. Rather than hoarding knowledge, generous sharing builds social capital and often returns more than it gives. The key is giving without immediate expectation of return.

Related Concepts

Digital Garden
Social Capital
Virtuous Circle

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