Professional Networks - Affiliation, Communities of Practice & Privacy

As human beings, we seek out interactions with each other, craving the formation of ‘close relationships’ (Crisp & Turner 2007:266) that can be both gratifying and beneficial. In relation to a professional network we need to understand why people make certain affiliations, why some people seek out affiliations at different levels of intensity and how we strive to achieve our ideal network. 

Crisp & Turner talk about our need for affiliation and how it "provides us with a network of support that will help us when we are in need” (Crisp & Turner 2007:266), suggesting that we mostly desire affiliation when we require assistance with something. In the world of performing arts we are introduced to new experiences regularly and rely upon the support of others and the knowledge and information that they may share in order to feel comfortable enough to make the most of a learning situation. 

My general need for affiliation is strong. I enjoy the company of others and much prefer it to working alone. I feel positive and motivated when working alongside others, and generally just much more comfortable knowing they are there. When I work individually I find that I am anxious, I trust myself less and feel worried, causing me to stress. It’s the whole safety in numbers thought, I just feel more settled working in a team. However it has to be said that in some situations, I do prefer working alone; if I need a quiet space in order to focus, like when spending time on my BAPP course. This shows that the need for affiliation can vary, and this depends on a number of factors.

The type of person that we are, our personality traits and preferences, plays a huge part in the level of affiliation that we desire. For example, someone’s social behaviour can tend toward introvert or extrovert; this can affect participation as it changes the level of interaction - social or professional - that we are comfortable with. This personal desire for solitude or contact is suggested by O'Connor & Rosenblood as operating according to the principle of homeostasis. (Crisp & Turner 2007:267). It’s the idea that people control their own levels of affiliation to keep it stable and as close to the preferred level as possible. People with extrovert traits usually prefer to spend much more time interacting within a network than those with introvert traits. Personally I think that both can be advantageous in different situations depending on the desired result. 

Then there is the theory that variation in participation can be dependent upon different cultures.  Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions Theory (2010) helps to evaluate approaches, decisions and actions when interacting with people from different cultures within the workplace, as to not cause offence to anyone. Working onboard a cruise ship I interact with people from over 50 different nationalities and being respectful of different cultures and beliefs is crucial, especially when relying upon a professional network.  

Altman introduced the privacy regulation theory (1975) which suggests that we each require different levels of privacy and these levels can fluctuate over time. I agree with Altman and also think that privacy should be considered from an ethical viewpoint too. Opposing feelings such as isolation or over-crowding can occur when our privacy levels are off balanced. Personally I feel anxious if I am totally alone, but I also feel anxiety when I am overwhelmed by too many people. So I agree with Altman that privacy is a very important factor to consider, especially when thinking about people’s comfort levels within a network.

I think that ‘Affiliation’ in general has really evolved over time…of course our need and desire to affiliate has always been present, but our environment, culture and the development of technology has caused this to change. Personally I think that global participation in Web 2.0 platforms has influenced our need to affiliate and also the way that we choose to affiliate, especially considering the workplace and our professional networks. When I originally started utilizing Web 2.0 platforms I was extremely tentative about what information I shared and made available online. However, through experiences that I accumulated over time I have really developed an understanding that engagement, participation and sharing of information is key to benefitting to the maximum. 

A theory that I found I could really relate to is 'selection, evocation and manipulation' (Buss 1987). He talks about how we choose to avoid certain social situations and then actively interact in others. I definitely avoid groups and situations that I don't think I 'fit in' with and choose to interact with people that I know I have things in common with.

Communities of Practice!

"groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” (Wenger - Trayner 2015:1) 

My own communities of practice include…

• The Arts Garage Dance Studios - I attend multiple times a week when I am home and not away on a ship contract. I enjoy meeting and socialising with people who have similar interests, talking about our job and what our future and present plans are but in a very social, relaxed setting. At the same time as chatting and learning from each other, we are taking a class and developing our physical practice too.

• Total Fitness Gym, Weekly Yoga Classes - Here I get to meet people who do not work within the same practice as me, however they have a huge interest in fitness which is a very key part to my employability and the success of my career. I find it so beneficial to make sure to interact with people independent of my practice, getting an outside opinion and a different view on things.

Due to the nature of my personality and the tendencies of my practice, interacting with people in this more relaxed, social setting is a great way to meet people and make connections that could really benefit my development & career. This has made me realise that I need to make the most of this and really attend as many dance related social events as possible.

References…

(Crisp & Turner 2007:266/267) Crisp & Turner, Essential Social Psychology, 2007

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory (2010) 

Altman, I. (1975). The environment and social behaviour (p. 46). Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Wenger-Trayner, E., & Wenger-Trayner, B. (2015) Communities of Practice:A brief introduction

(Buss 1987) - New Theoretical Perspectives: Selection, Evocation & Manipulation

Web 2.0 - Looking at it from an ethical side

It is no secret that there are some concerns over certain aspects of the Web. 

The fact that online we can be anything we want to be or whoever we say we are is a huge worry. There is always that issue of reliability, making us question sources and profiles. There have been so many reported ‘cat-fish’ stories where someone has very easily and believably presented themselves as a totally different person. There is an opportunity to create a whole new profile for yourself and become whatever you want, and then share this online with other people, making them believe you are who you say you are. This can have an effect on not only personal lives but professional lives too. People have often approached others on social media acting as a boss looking to employ you, and it turns out to be just a huge scam. And although applications try their best to monitor situations like these, there is no real way of knowing whether someone is telling the truth or not.

Then there is the issue of privacy. Anyone anywhere in the world can see what you post and share on social media, we can monitor settings yes, making things more private, but even if they can’t see everything, your name and photo is still out there for the world to see. There have been many cases of stolen identity, people creating social media profiles based off another individual's photos and information. This is a scary thought. 

And then there is the more recent concern of being ‘web-famous’. It seems as though people will do anything these days to get more followers or likes on a video. To be popular in the online-community, no matter what that takes. I have often seen disturbing videos online that have attracted a lot of web attention and wondered which morals that creator had broken in order to get these followers and likes?

Most social media sites have privacy settings that can be changed. I don’t know whether this is just me, but personally I have always found these settings rather confusing – difficult to understand what each setting means or how to change it. 

I feel as though the age at which children get their own device allowing them to access Web 2.0 and create profiles on social media sites is getting younger and younger each year. Younger children are much more naïve and trusting. Personally I think that sites like Instagram & Facebook should automatically be private, you should have to accept someone for them to be able to see anything on your page. 

With this blog I like the fact that I have to share the web link with people for them to be able to view it. It isn’t on google for everyone to access, I must choose to share the link. I think there should be more sites like this and generally more emphasis on privacy on social media sites and Web 2.0 in general.

I am not denying the benefits of Web 2.0…it is a hugely positive development with many advantages. But I do think that more attention needs to be given to the ethical side of things, to protect the people that utilize Web 2.0 in all its glory.