Reciprocity-as-a-Service: Turning Indirect Reciprocity into an Execution Accelerator Inside Organizations

Operationalize indirect reciprocity within firms via a digital “reputation bank” that records and signals costly contributions (e.g., lending scarce experts, sharing code/data). Reputation scores influence priority queues for future requests, leveraging second- and third-order reciprocity. Integrate with e-participation/transparency and psychological drivers in HRM to maximize fairness and engagement. This is novel because most execution research centers on alignment, structure, or incentives; few leverage social exchange and costly signaling as primary coordination mechanisms. It reframes internal resource sharing as a reputational market rather than pure hierarchy. Synthesizing strategic communication theory, HRM psychology, and digital governance, it targets the “commons” problem—unpriced help that stalls execution. Potential impacts include faster delivery on interdependent initiatives, stronger social capital, and a replicable template for prosocial execution cultures.

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