Chapter 5: Groups & Networks

Question 1

Dyad

Answer 1

A group of two

Question 2

Triad

Answer 2

A group of three or more

Question 3

Mediator

Answer 3

Member of a triad who attempts to resolve conflict between the two other actors in the group

Question 4

Tertius Gaudens

Answer 4

The new third member of a triad who benefits from conflict between the other two members of the group

Question 5

Divide et Impera

Answer 5

The role of a member of a triad who intentionally drives a wedge between the other two actors in the group

Question 6

Small Group

Answer 6

A group characterized by face-to-face interaction, a unifocal perspective, lack of formal arrangements, and a certain level of equality

Question 7

Party

Answer 7

A group that is similar to a small group but multifocal

Question 8

Large Group

Answer 8

A group characterized by the presence of a formal structure that mediates interaction and, consequently, status differentiation

Question 9

Primary Groups

Answer 9

Social groups, such as family or friends, composed of intimate face-to-face relationships that strongly influence the attitudes and ideals of those involved

Question 10

Secondary Groups

Answer 10

Groups marked by impersonal, instrumental relationships (those existing as a means to an end

Question 11

Reference Group

Answer 11

A group that helps us understand or make sense of our position in society relative to other groups

Question 12

Social Network

Answer 12

A set of relations-essentially, a set of dyads-held together by ties between individuals

Question 13

Tie

Answer 13

A set of stories that explains our relationship to other members of our network

Question 14

Narrative

Answer 14

The sum of stories contained in a set of ties

Question 15

Embeddedness

Answer 15

The degree to which ties are reinforced through indirect paths within a social network

Question 16

Strength of Weak Ties

Answer 16

The notion that often relatively weak ties turn out to be quite valuable because they yield new information

Question 17

Structural Hole

Answer 17

A gap between network clusters, or even two individuals, if those individuals (or clusters) have complementary resources

Question 18

Social Capital

Answer 18

The information, knowledge of people, and connections that help individuals enter, gain power in, or otherwise leverage social networks

Question 19

Organizational Culture

Answer 19

The shared beliefs and behaviors within a social group; often used interchangeably with corporate culture

Question 20

Organizational Structure

Answer 20

The ways in which power and authority are distributed within an organization

Question 21

Isomorphism

Answer 21

A constraining process that forces one organization to resemble others that face the same set of environmental conditions