Chapter 5: Groups & Networks Flashcards
Dyad
A group of two
Triad
A group of three or more
Mediator
Member of a triad who attempts to resolve conflict between the two other actors in the group
Tertius Gaudens
The new third member of a triad who benefits from conflict between the other two members of the group
Divide et Impera
The role of a member of a triad who intentionally drives a wedge between the other two actors in the group
Small Group
A group characterized by face-to-face interaction, a unifocal perspective, lack of formal arrangements, and a certain level of equality
Party
A group that is similar to a small group but multifocal
Large Group
A group characterized by the presence of a formal structure that mediates interaction and, consequently, status differentiation
Primary Groups
Social groups, such as family or friends, composed of intimate face-to-face relationships that strongly influence the attitudes and ideals of those involved
Secondary Groups
Groups marked by impersonal, instrumental relationships (those existing as a means to an end
Reference Group
A group that helps us understand or make sense of our position in society relative to other groups
Social Network
A set of relations-essentially, a set of dyads-held together by ties between individuals
Tie
A set of stories that explains our relationship to other members of our network
Narrative
The sum of stories contained in a set of ties
Embeddedness
The degree to which ties are reinforced through indirect paths within a social network
Strength of Weak Ties
The notion that often relatively weak ties turn out to be quite valuable because they yield new information
Structural Hole
A gap between network clusters, or even two individuals, if those individuals (or clusters) have complementary resources
Social Capital
The information, knowledge of people, and connections that help individuals enter, gain power in, or otherwise leverage social networks
Organizational Culture
The shared beliefs and behaviors within a social group; often used interchangeably with corporate culture
Organizational Structure
The ways in which power and authority are distributed within an organization
Isomorphism
A constraining process that forces one organization to resemble others that face the same set of environmental conditions
