Finding safety in numbers is a reaction often observed in animals in the wild. A chimpanzee that feels threatened returns to his group immediately to find security. People do the same thing. When things become difficult and one is unsure of what to do, people often go back to their parents, their family or to friends. They ask for advice or approval and feel safer simply by being there. People, who either like to give protection and advice or receive it, have strong tendencies to seek safety in numbers whenever things get difficult.
Some do not have such a strong tendency to seek safety in numbers and are considered as 'outsiders'. Such people do not count on protection from the group and have no fear to be left on their own. The drive needed to become an inventor, successful salesman, or to start up your own business are not consistent with those of people who seek safety in numbers.
Anyone who has traveled to Japan or encountered Japanese in other settings knows that Japanese are true group oriented people. They prefer to move around in groups and function well within them. When Japanese people wonder why they so seldom receive Nobel prizes or make incredible discoveries, they should look back to their reliance on 'safety in numbers'. Developing and implementing new ideas or approaches can be difficult with people who only feel safe within a group.
Go on to 'Keeping distance'
| Keeping Quiet | Over compensating | Fighting | To Flee |
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| Safety in numbers | Keeping distance | Aiming to please |
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