The purpose I believe:

Nothing for us humans is so basic as wanting to be important in the eyes of others.*

The high-tech world does exemplify such chest thumping through corporate mantra - or 'sound bytes'. These sound bytes are intended as expressions of management strategy and wisdom where, in reality, they are intellectually and functionally meaningless high-tech monkey business.

Here's what I mean. Look at the following ubiquitous statements I've collected from various sources (over and over and over again). I've attempted to characterize the real meaning of these sound-bytes based on my experience interacting with the people and the companies who make them. In fact let's rate these sound bytes by monkey chest thumping: Five thumps-on-the-chest means 'way monkey' whereas one thump-on-the-chest means 'kinda monkey'.

"I hate to lose." -or- "I like to win."

Who likes to lose… and who hates to win? Not much to say about this one.

"Our company is an industry leader."

Every company likes to make this claim. How can every company be 'an industry leader', especially if it's a start-up? Have them explain what this means, how they measure it and watch 'em dance.

 

* Fawn Guffy, Ranch hand, Augusta, Montana, circa 1962. I stacked hay and herded cattle with this guy.