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We in the developed world would like to think we’ve grown up, and no longer act tribally. In fact, we sometimes point to benighted nations in the developing world, and bemoan the tribal rivalries that lead to wars, famines, and other forms of human suffering.

Yet, I have to ask if we really have left tribalism behind.

A case in point. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has just given a major pension fund conditional permission to buy Canada’s biggest phone company, Bell Canada (formally known now as BCE).

The conditions would ‘Canadianize’ the bid. You see, the pension fund may partner with several US private equity firms to make the acquisition, and that set off a furor when the deal was first proposed.

The idea that one or more American companies might be significant investors fanned the flames of tribalism among some Canadians. Unfortunately, there are quite a few Canadians who are tribal at heart, and so we go through foolish exercises like these all too often.

Free trade and globalization have made us somewhat more sophisticated, but like citizens of almost every country, we have some distance to go before we can claim to be above tribalism ourselves.

You’re reading the commentary section of People, Profits, & Pensions. There’s also a book section, where you can read excerpts from my forthcoming book by the same name, visit http://www.people-profits-pensions.com . In addition to reading, you can also be a book critic and give me your thoughts on what you’ve read.