Hayek's Law of Reciprocity

Hayek's Law of Reciprocity suggests that economic agents—individuals and businesses—tend to mirror the behaviors they observe in their environment, especially regarding cooperation and trust. When people see others acting honestly and fairly, they are more likely to do the same, fostering mutual cooperation and economic stability. Conversely, if dishonesty and opportunism dominate, trust diminishes, leading to less cooperation and economic decline. Essentially, societal norms and behaviors tend to reinforce themselves: positive behaviors encourage more of the same, creating a self-sustaining cycle that supports a healthy economy.