a) Two family businesses are competing in the same industry, and have been bitter rivals since their early days. The feud eventually extended into the personal lives of each family, where even the children were taught to dislike their rivals since birth. While stubborn rivalries of the owners intensified, other competitors have steadily taken market share away from both companies. The old owners eventually retired, and the troubled businesses were taken over by their children. One day, the president of Company A called for a meeting with the president of Company B. Surprised that the perceived enemy would do so, the meeting was agreed to. At the meeting, the two presidents discussed the nature of their rivalry, its history, its negative effects on both businesses and families, and decided that it is best to try to end it. Teams from both sides drafted up various proposals which formed the basis of cooperation, and a deal was struck. Both sides were initially suspicious of each other, and the relationship was very fragile. Neither side knew for sure whether the deal would end up being a takeover plot, an elaborate scheme of corporate espionage, or some trap. However, both sides also knew that pursuing their rivalry would eventually destroy both businesses and decide to build trust, believing the other meant well.
b) This is a good example of a contrary case because:
- The fathers of each family developed and nurtured their hostility towards each other, while their children reflected on it.
- The end of the inherited feud was initiated by a decision to communicate and cooperate, even though each side was weary to trust the other.
- There were no guarantees that either side will uphold the deal, the deal was motivated by rational necessity for mutual benefit.
- The motivations of both sides were questioned, and the decisions of both presidents were guided by logic, despite unknowns and lack of certainty.
- Both sides were willing to take a leap of faith to trust the other side after reasoned and rational consideration of their situation.
c)
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FAITH
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IRRATIONALITY
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Trust
Self-reflection
Connecting over uncertainty
Rational necessity
Path to mutual benefit
Changer of nature of relationships
Catalyst to social connections
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Nurtured emotional state
Detrimental to welfare
Emotionality
Inherited way of being
Ill intention
Stubbornness
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