The Gifting Meme

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Howard Taylor produces (in my opinion) an outstanding webcomic named "Schlock Mercenary". Last Sunday's Episode contained text that went something like this:

"The presentation of [a gift is] an extension of personal influence beyond extant position power."

"'Thank You' is also an extension of influence, but the effect of mere words will fade in the absence of the repeating effect of a memento."

"When you presented this to me, I felt my own sense of self-worth go up, I felt an increase in my loyalty to you, and those feelings will be reinforced every time I admire [the gift]."

"... this meme thrives in high-stakes, top-down organizational structures."

After reading this meme through carefully, and pondering it mightily, do you agree with the concept that gift-giving is a way to "buy" someone's loyalty, even between people who are already committed to each other?

There's an assumption here that the physical presence of a gift is going to reinforce a positive gratitude, and feeling of indebtedness. A gift may increase that possibility, but there's no guarantee that the reception would be positive. My answer would be no. The loyalty would be dependent on the relationship with the gift provider, and not in the gift itself.