Dunbar’s Number

QUOTE

Robin Dunbar once said…

“You can't have five thousand friends.”

(British anthropologist.)

CONCEPT

Dunbar’s Number

Dunbar's Number is a theory proposed by British anthropologist Robin Dunbar, suggesting that there is a cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain quality social relationships.

These are relationships in which an individual knows who each person is and how each person relates to every other person. This number is generally estimated to be around 150, and it has implications for understanding social dynamics in both personal and business contexts, suggesting there's a limit to effective and meaningful interactions.

STORY

More People … Less Community?

At W.L. Gore & Associates, innovation wasn't just about products—it was about cultivating the right environment.

As the company grew, propelled by the success of its Gore-Tex fabric, founder Bill Gore noticed subtle shifts in the workplace. The once-familiar corridors began to fill with new faces, and the easy camaraderie that had fueled their creativity started to wane.

Gore, whose leadership style was deeply rooted in fostering strong interpersonal connections, saw the warning signs. Where there had been open dialogue and a community feel, there was a creeping sense of detachment. The factory that had been a hub of vibrant collaboration was now becoming just another industrial workplace.

In a decisive move, Gore began to cap the number of employees in each facility to around 150.

It was a strategic pivot that sought to preserve the company's core values. The results were telling. The smaller units thrived, echoing with the familiar buzz of productivity and innovation. It wasn't just about maintaining a number but preserving a culture that valued each individual's contribution.

This approach soon became part of the company's DNA, ensuring that as the company expanded, the essence of what made Gore unique remained intact.

The decision to limit plant sizes didn't just sustain their culture, it reinforced the idea that a company's strength lies in its people and the connections between them.