Business dispute? Break bread, not heads!
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Kaitlin Woolley from University of Chicago hosted one hundred students for a meal. They role-played as either a union leader or manager. They were served either similar or different types of food. As they ate, the pair of strangers took turns haggling over pay rates.
And? Those eating SIMILAR meals found agreement almost TWICE as fast as those dining differently!
Why? Woolley believes sharing similar food preferences promotes trust between strangers. It unconsciously helps build rapport for better cooperation.
So next time, just say, ‘I’ll have what she’s having!” But the real question remains: WHO’S getting the check? No matter what side you’re on — Gesundheit, Elon!
Reference: Woolley, K., & Fishbach, A. (2017). A recipe for friendship: Similar food consumption promotes trust and cooperation. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 27(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2016.06.003