Social Network theory dates back to the 1950’s where Barnes (1954) is credited with coining the term. Social Network Theory is the study of how the social structure around a person, group, or organization affect beliefs or behaviors (Dunn, 1983) The theory views relationships in terms of nodes and ties. Nodes can be defined as individual actors within networks, while ties are the relationships between the actors. (Dunn, 1983). These nodes and ties are often displayed in a diagram which shows the connection between them. Unlike traditional sociological studies, Social Network Theory does not assume that it is the attributes of individual actors, but rather the attributes of the individual are less important, but rather the relationships and ties with other actors within the network is what is important. One of the ways Social Network Theory has been used is to examine how companies interact with each other. By understanding what links members of the companies together, Social Network theory has served as a way to gather information about the relationships within their company to help answer questions through the roles of the relationships within the company. For my question of study I looked at the question of: Are actors and their actions viewed as independent of interdependent within an organization? To Begin to understand Social Network theory more deeply, it is important to understand some of the key concepts of the theory. One of the main concepts of this theory is identifying what a network means. A network can be defined as a set of relationships (Dunn, 1983). The simplest kind of network contains two objects, such as two people, and a relationship that links them together. For example, two people that know each other would ... ... middle of paper ... ...046-4964), 35(3), p.307. Merchant, Guy(2012)."Unravelling the social network: theory and research". Learning, media and technology (1743-9884),37(1), p.4-18 Moliterno, Thomas (2011). "Network Theory of Organization: A Multilevel Approach". Journal of management(0149-2063), 37(2), p.1554-1578. Moody, J. (2011). Strengthening prevention program theories strengthening prevention program theories. Society for Prevention Research, 349-360. Pryke, Stephen D.(2005)."Towards a social network theory of project governance". Construction and economics(0144-6193),23(9), p.927-939. Scherer, Clifford W. W (04/2003). "A Social Network Contagion Theory of Risk Perception". Risk analysis(0272-4332), 23(2), p.261-267. Seevers, Matthew (2007). "A Social Network Perspective on Sales Force Ethics". The Journal of personal selling &sales management (0885-3134), 27 (4), p. 341-353.
Kayla (a psuedonym) is a recent graduate of University of California Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and History. She is 23 years old and is currently living with both of her parents and half-sister in Glendale, CA. She migrated from Peru at the age of thirteen in 2005 with her mother and half sister. She states that her father was already living in the United States for 13 years when they were able to migrate. She explains that the reason behind her father’s move was due to the lack of job opportunities in Peru.
‘Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is notoriously difficult to summarize, define or explain’(Cressman, D. 2009). In doing an essay on ANT and in particular on Latour’s book ‘Reassembling the Social’(Latour, B. 2005) it is extremely important that I try and portray just how difficult the concept of ANT is to understand. It is a concept that has drawn many critics in sociological and other circles due to its lack of clear definition. In fact, there is no definition for ANT. In short, ANT is a theory which treats objects as part of social networks. It considers many factors including cultural factors, restrictions, other people, tools and many other objects. It is a theory that has drawn a lot of criticism in its own right but also a theory which has been developed by Latour and others as a way of criticising the more conventional theories in modern sociology. Latour believes that it is a strong theory as it tells us ‘how to not study’ things-’or rather, how to let the actors have some room to express themselves’. In this essay
Prevention: Evidence from the Chicago Longitudinal Study. Social Work Research, 30 (3), 153-167. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/docview/212142238/fulltextPDF?accountid=13758
This particular study looks at a previously existing network called Dodgeball. Dodgeball was created in 2000 and utilized in 22 cities around the United States. The social network only lasted nine years before it was shut down. It was a popular concept though and so other networks like it were started; such as FourSquare and Google Latitude. This network is similar to the previously mentioned sites because users can report their whereabouts to friends within their connections circle. Dodgeball is one of the first of its kind in social networking as it worked by using text messaging rather than GPS.
Social network, also referred to as a virtual community, is a platform that unites individuals to communicate. For instance, using it to email co-workers or instant message friends. Although it makes people's lives easier, it serves as an adverse tool of communication. The individual won't have face to
Gibson, J.L., Ivancevich, J.M., Donnelly, J.H., & Konopaske, R. (2009). Organizations: Behaviors, structure, processes (13th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
One of the most popular social networking websites today is none other than Facebook. People use Facebook in order to stay connected with their friends, family and the people around them, to discover what’s going in the world, in addition to share and express what matters to them. The Social Network is a film on how Facebook was created. There was a series of events, character development, relationships and a series of different emotions that are shown throughout the film.
Organization theory and design. Mason, OH: Cengage. Fabac, R. (2010). Complexity in organizations.
Townsley, R., Frances, J., Levacic, R. & Mitchell, J., 1991. Markets, Networks and Hierarchies: The coordination of social life. London: Sage.
Shafritz, J. M., Ott, J. S., & Jang, Y. S. (2011). Classics of organization theory. Boston, MA:
Within the field of sociology, the idea of social networks emerged with George Simmel (as cited in Pescosolido, 2011)who stated that “Society arises from the individual and the individual arises out of association” (208). George Simmel is renown for his focus on social integration, which
...Henslin, James M. "Social Structure and Social Interaction." Essentials of Sociology: A down to Earth Approach. 10th Ed. 10th ed. Pearson, 2013. 112. Print.
Understanding the structure of an organization plays a vital role in laying the blueprint for how a company will be managed and organized. It provides a well-defined framework that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each employee in a particular company. It shows how each employee interacts and works one another in achieving the goals of a company. In other words, organizational structure is a reflection of the working relationships that govern the workflow of the company. It has a profound effect on a company’s structural dimensions, which includes formalization, specialization, hierarchy and centralization.
Gibson, J. L., Ivancevich, J. M., Donnelly, J. H., & Konopaske, R. (2009). Organizations: Behavior, Structure, Processes. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Social networks are now widespread in our world; with existing social networks expanding, social networking sites are being created for educators, medical professionals all accessible 24 hours a day via computer, tablet, smart phone, and Internet-enabled devices. Challengers of social networking say that the sites prevent face-to-face communication, waste time on frivolous activity and spread false and potentially dangerous information. Social networks have become a substantial part of our modern civilization. It is a defining trait of how integrated our social interactions have become. Social networks have become an important source of news.