Final answer:
Fear/anxiety is the emotional state that increases a person's desire to affiliate with others, as it prompts seeking comfort and reducing stress in a social context. Altruistic behavior also plays a role in strengthening social bonds and relationships. When joining utilitarian organizations, the predominant reason is to gain tangible benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In considering the conditions that activate affiliative behaviors, the emotional state that increases a person's desire to affiliate with others is fear/anxiety. During emotional states of fear or anxiety, people often seek the company of others, which can provide comfort and reduce stress. This tendency is linked to our basic social nature and the psychological need to belong, as highlighted by researchers such as Baumeister and Leary, who note that the desire for interpersonal attachments is a fundamental human motivation.
Altruism is a form of prosocial behavior driven by selfless helping of others. The presence of altruistic behavior in human relationships often strengthens these bonds, promoting the formation of affiliations.
People join utilitarian organizations for various reasons, primarily because they receive a tangible benefit from joining. While an affinity with others may contribute, the primary motivator is the utility gained from membership.