In times of modern communication, social networks and their effects can be found whenever human beings interact in order to exchange resources (intangible assets). When analyzing how these networks can be utilized there is one topic which plays a major role in multiple areas: the concept of reciprocity (Baker, 2000; Gladwell dot com, 1999; Mors, 2014).
In order to investigate in what way I am using the concept of reciprocity, this synopsis focuses on different theories. First, the balance between investing and requesting (Baker, 2000) is explored, followed by possible traps of getting stuck inside of a certain social network. This is followed by a narrative of mine about possible mutual benefits of reciprocity. This neatly fits into the topic of the union/disunion strategy (Baker, 2000) as well as building trust (Cross & Parker, 2004), which can provide a flourishing framework for the right use of the concept. Lastly, the intertwined relational links between personal and professional contacts are analyzed.
Finally, the synopsis will conclude with possible impacts on my future career and actions that could be taken. It is meant to be a starting point for the upcoming discussion, whether the design of a simplified egocentric social network of mine shows patterns of the investigated theories.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. How I am using the concept of reciprocity in my social network
3.1 Invest & Request
3.2 Remaining inside your personal supply network
3.3 Mutual benefits through reciprocity in the case of empathic listening vs listening to judge
3.4 Union vs disunion strategy
3.5 Building trust
3.6 Intertwined personal and professional networks
4. Implications, Conclusion & Further Discussion
5. Further questions that could be assessed during the exam
Objectives and Topics
The main objective of this work is to examine how the concept of reciprocity is applied within the author's personal social network. By analyzing behavioral patterns through relevant academic theories, the paper investigates how social resources are exchanged, how trust is established, and how the balance between investing and requesting influences network dynamics.
- Application of the reciprocity concept in personal and professional spheres.
- Evaluation of network strategies, specifically Union vs. Disunion.
- Analysis of trust building and boundary spanning within social networks.
- Reflection on information redundancy and the maintenance of network ties.
- Practical assessment of an ego-centric social network map.
Extract from the Book
Building trust
Following up the last thought, building trust (Cross & Parker, 2004) is one of the major ways to avoid becoming redundant in another person’s network from my perspective. Moreover, trust is one of the strongest attributes I can provide to my social network. Building trust with a multitude of people enabled me to become some kind of “glue” in my social network. I am keeping many people together who would not interact if it was not for me. They would come to me in order to share news, their issues or just spend some time with me. In contrast, I can also tell them my deepest thoughts and feelings and they would respond in a caring and attentive way. I believe that I have found a way to make people feel comfortable by generating trust – especially among my strong ties. Besides the ten recommendations by Cross & Parker (2004), I managed to achieve this by having a multi-facetted way of interacting with others. I am very good in reading people and figuring out what exactly they are looking for. I can then adapt and play a role they appreciate and I enjoy playing and living it. As I do not like to act the same way all day long, I can create a balance for my own by switching between a serious, funny, caring, grumpy, active and lazy person, and at the same time giving people what they are looking for in human relationships.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the role of social networks and the central concept of reciprocity as a core mechanism for resource exchange.
Methodology: The author outlines the reflective approach used to analyze past and present behaviors regarding reciprocity, including the use of an ego-centric network map.
How I am using the concept of reciprocity in my social network: This chapter analyzes specific behaviors like investing versus requesting, the risks of network closure, empathic listening, and the development of trust to optimize network outcomes.
Invest & Request: This section discusses the internal struggle of balancing support for others with personal needs and the varying strategies used to maintain healthy network ties.
Remaining inside your personal supply network: The author explores the dangers of information redundancy when staying too long within established, strong-tie networks.
Mutual benefits through reciprocity in the case of empathic listening vs listening to judge: This part highlights the personal growth achieved by transitioning from judgmental listening to empathic listening within interpersonal relationships.
Union vs disunion strategy: The chapter describes the transition from a self-serving, manipulative strategy to a collaborative union strategy focused on mutual benefit.
Building trust: The author details how multi-faceted interpersonal behavior and genuine interest are used to act as a central connection point (or "glue") in a network.
Intertwined personal and professional networks: This section addresses the overlap between different network spheres and argues that these connections are enriching rather than problematic.
Implications, Conclusion & Further Discussion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings and outlines future actions for network expansion, while also proposing areas for further academic exploration.
Further questions that could be assessed during the exam: This section poses critical questions about the long-term sustainability of network ties and the evolution of social connectivity.
Keywords
Reciprocity, Social Networks, Union Strategy, Disunion Strategy, Trust, Boundary Spanner, Information Redundancy, Strong Ties, Weak Ties, Empathic Listening, Ego-centric Map, Social Capital, Resource Exchange, Networking, Behavioral Patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work examines how the theoretical concept of reciprocity is applied to the author's own social network, evaluating how personal behavior affects the quality and utility of social connections.
What are the central thematic areas?
The core themes include the balance of investing and requesting resources, the formation of trust, the impact of union versus disunion strategies, and the management of information flow within networks.
What is the primary goal of this research?
The goal is to reflect on personal networking habits, identify patterns consistent with academic literature, and determine actionable improvements for future professional and personal interactions.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a reflective, qualitative analysis of his own past and present behavioral approaches, supported by an ego-centric network mapping to visualize and evaluate his relational ties.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the mechanics of reciprocity, the risks of network stagnation due to redundancy, strategies for building trust, and the integration of professional and personal network spheres.
Which keywords define this paper?
The work is defined by concepts such as reciprocity, social capital, trust building, union/disunion strategies, and network dynamics.
How does the author define their role as a "boundary spanner"?
The author identifies as a boundary spanner when they bring new, disconnected people into their network, thereby facilitating connections between previously unrelated individuals.
How does the author plan to change their networking behavior in the future?
The author intends to expand their network by adding more "weak ties" to ensure a diverse information inflow and to better balance their tendency to overinvest in relationships.
Why does the author consider their personal network a "supply network"?
It is viewed as a supply network because it serves as a source for resources—both tangible and intangible—that are exchanged through the mechanism of reciprocity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Alexander Kunst (Autor:in), 2014, How I am using the concept of reciprocity in my social network, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/285265
