Loyalty towards colleagues is an important factor that can affect how people behave during times of extreme stress. It can be defined as a feeling of allegiance to others within one's organization or team. Loyalty is often reciprocal, meaning that individuals who feel loyal to their co-workers are more likely to receive support from them when they need it.
This relationship may become strained under certain circumstances, such as when employees experience high levels of job-related pressure or uncertainty. In these situations, employees may prioritize their own interests above those of their colleagues, which can lead to conflict and disloyalty. This phenomenon has been observed in various fields, including the military, healthcare, and business.
Nurses have been known to place their personal needs ahead of those of their patients, resulting in neglectful behavior and poor patient outcomes. Similarly, soldiers have been observed to abandon their comrades in battle if it means saving themselves.
The relationship between institutional loyalty and individual loyalty can also become strained during times of crisis. Institutional loyalty refers to a sense of commitment to an organization's values and mission. When faced with external threats or pressures, employees may feel a stronger sense of loyalty to their institution than to their colleagues. This can cause tension among workers, leading to disagreements about how to respond to the situation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to lay off employees to stay afloat financially. Some workers were willing to sacrifice their jobs to save the company, while others refused to do so. As a result, there was a divide among employees based on their level of loyalty to the organization versus their loyalty to each other.
Feelings of loyalty towards co-workers are important for maintaining cohesion within an organization.
They can be challenged by factors such as stress, uncertainty, and competition. During times of crisis, individuals may prioritize their own survival over the well-being of others, leading to conflicts and disloyalty. It is important for organizations to foster a culture of trust and collaboration that allows employees to support each other even in difficult situations. By doing so, institutions can ensure that employees remain committed to both their colleagues and their organization.
How do feelings of loyalty toward colleagues interact with broader institutional loyalty under extreme stress?
People often feel more loyal towards their teammates when they work together for a long time. This is especially true during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason is that individuals who spend years working together have created a strong bond based on mutual trust, respect, and support. They have seen each other at their best and worst, celebrating successes and supporting one another through failures.