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🧠 Terror Management Theory (TMT) – BGT Perspective
Terror Management Theory (TMT) is a psychological theory that explains how humans deal with the fear of death. It was developed by:
Ernest Becker
Jeff Greenberg
Sheldon Solomon
Tom Pyszczynski
The theory is based largely on Becker’s book:
The Denial of Death
📌 What is Terror Management Theory?
TMT states that:
Humans have a unique awareness that they will eventually die, and this awareness creates existential terror.
To manage this fear, people develop psychological systems that protect them from anxiety.
🧩 Core Concepts of TMT
1️⃣ Mortality Salience
When people are reminded of their death (e.g., accidents, illness, news of war), it increases anxiety.
This is called mortality salience.
Effect: People cling more strongly to their beliefs and values.
2️⃣ Cultural Worldviews
These are shared beliefs about:
Religion
National identity
Moral values
Social norms
They give life meaning and order.
When mortality is reminded:
People defend their culture more strongly
They may reject or criticize opposing beliefs
3️⃣ Self-Esteem as a Buffer
Self-esteem acts like a psychological shield.
If someone feels:
Valuable
Important
Morally good
They experience less death-related anxiety.
🔬 Example (Business Context – BGT)
In Business & General Theory (BGT) context:
During economic crisis
During pandemic
During war
When people are reminded of uncertainty and death:
✅ Consumers prefer familiar brands
✅ Employees support strong leaders
✅ Investors avoid risky decisions
✅ Nationalistic buying increases
🏢 TMT in Organizational Behavior
Employees become more loyal to company culture
Leaders may adopt authoritarian styles
Resistance to change increases
Group favoritism increases
Example:
After a crisis, organizations often emphasize:
Mission
Core values
Identity
This reduces uncertainty and anxiety.
📊 Simple Diagram
Fear of Death → Anxiety → Need for Meaning → Cultural Beliefs & Self-Esteem → Reduced Anxiety
🎯 Key Implications in Business
Branding should build identity
Leaders should provide meaning during crisis
Organizational culture reduces uncertainty
Communication should reinforce shared values
📝 Short Exam-Ready Definition (BGT)
Terror Management Theory explains that when people are reminded of their mortality, they cope with anxiety by strengthening their cultural beliefs and self-esteem, which influences attitudes, leadership preferences, consumer behavior, and organizational loyalty.
If you want, I can also provide:
🔎 A 5-mark exam answer
📚 A 10-mark detailed answer
📈 Case study example
🧾 PPT-ready notes
🧠 Comparison with other OB theories
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