PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN NETWORKS

Considerable research has been devoted to understanding intergroup contact. In this paper I aimed to highlight theoretical processes that reduce cross-group prejudice and promote intergroup cooperation. Therefore, I focused on the role of social contact in the form of romantic relationship between individuals belonging to different (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious) social groups. In emerging work convincing evidence has been provided that cross-group friendships reduce intergroup prejudice (Levin, van Laar, & Sidanius, 2003). Accordingly, cross-group romantic relationships should also reduce intergroup prejudice. Overall, in this paper I emphasized the significance of affective ties among members of different social groups, along with the unique role that social contact plays in reducing intergroup prejudice.

To guide social interaction, people often rely on expectations about the traits of other people, based on markers of social group membership (i.e., stereotypes). Although the influence of stereotypes on social behavior is widespread, key questions remain about how traits inferred from social-group membership are instantiated in the brain and incorporated into neural computations that guide social behavior. Here, we show that the human lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) represents the content of stereotypes about members of different social groups in the service of social decision-making. During functional MRI scanning, participants decided how to distribute resources across themselves and members of a variety of social groups in a modified Dictator Game. Behaviorally, we replicated our recent finding that inferences about others' traits, captured by a two-dimensional framework of stereotype content (warmth and competence), had dissociable effects on participants' monetary-allocation choices: recipients' warmth increased participants’ aversion to advantageous inequity (i.e., earning more than recipients), and recipients’ competence increased participants’ aversion to disadvantageous inequity (i.e., earning less than recipients). Neurally, representational similarity analysis revealed that others' traits in the two-dimensional space were represented in the temporoparietal junction and superior temporal sulcus, two regions associated with mentalizing, and in the lateral OFC, known to represent inferred features of a decision context outside the social domain. Critically, only the latter predicted individual choices, suggesting that the effect of stereotypes on behavior is mediated by inference-based decision-making processes in the OFC.

Social media network analysis has become very popular in recent years. How do real networks evolve over time? What are the normal evolving behaviors in a social media network? In order to extract behaviors occurring regularly to reveal the microscopic evolving properties in social networks, the evolving process of networks is modeled as stochastic states transition, and the evolving behaviors are described as topological structure changes of a series of sub graphs. Then, based on Maximal Frequent Sub graph mining technology, RB Miner (Regular Behaviors Miner) algorithm is proposed to identify such regular behaviors in network dataset. The empirical evaluation using both synthetic and real dataset verifies that the proposed algorithm is valid, and the regular behavior patterns show more dynamic information hidden in evolving social networks than normal frequent sub graph patterns.

Agricultural innovation has tremendous potentials to improve the welfare of the rural poor. Yet, many new technologies that seem profitable in demonstration plots are not widely adopted due to inadequate social groups linking the farmers to the researchers which result to non-effective information dissemination. There is no adequate link between the farmers and the social groups which are very pivotal to the adoption of innovation and its eventual usage. This study therefore looked at social network and innovation dissemination among farmers in Kwara state Nigeria. This research specifically examined the impact of social network among the farmers in the study area and estimated the correlation of individual farmer’s choices and social network behaviour. A two-stage approach was used in data selection; the first stage was purposive and second involved the random selection technique to collect data from 125 respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistic, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and Qap correlation were the tools employed. The result of the analysis showed that farmers who are members of social group adopt innovation faster. The p-value at 5% signified that there is no correlation between the farmer choice behaviour and social network behaviour. This implies that farmer tend to behave differently under different conditions as regards their choice of innovation adoption., However, when farmers are members of a social group, their decision tend to be different from when they were not and thus, there is a need for adequate information link between researchers and the farmers. Female farmers should be encouraged to join social group as measure to enhance innovation adoption. Keywords: Social Network Analysis (SNA), Qap Correlation and Innovation

From Social Inequality to Personal Entitlement: the Role of Social Comparisons, Legitimacy Appraisals, and Group Membership

Previous work has documented that humans categorize robots as members of different social groups, thereby using socially relevant cues such as a robot’s alleged gender or nationality. Importantly, these social categorization processes affect impressions people form about robots. In an experiment with N=45 participants, we utilized a minimal-group paradigm and tested whether categorizing the humanoid robot NAO as an in-group member vs. an out-group member based on socially non-relevant features would result in higher levels of anthropomorphism and more positive evaluations of the robot. Innovatively, to assess anthropomorphism, we utilized an implicit measurement procedure. Results support our hypotheses: Perceived in-group membership with the robot resulted in a greater extent of anthropomorphic inferences about the robot and more positive evaluations. Moreover, compared to the out-group condition, participants who perceived NAO as an in-group member showed greater willingness to interact with robots in general.

When is computer-mediated intergroup contact most promising? Examining the effect of out-group members' anonymity on prejudice

Formal models of status construction theory suggest that beliefs about the relative social worth and competence of members of different social groups can emerge from face-to-face interactions in task-focused groups and eventually become consensual in large populations. We propose two extensions of earlier models. First, we incorporate the microlevel behavioral assumption of status construction theory that people can become resistant to belief change when a belief appears consensual in their local social environment. Second, we integrate the insight that the macro-level social structure of face-to-face interactions in large populations often is a clustered network structure. Computational experiments identify an outcome that was not anticipated by earlier formalizations. The combination of network clustering at the macrolevel and resistance to belief change at the microlevel can constrain the diffusion of status beliefs and generate regional variation in status beliefs. Further experiments identify conditions under which this outcome obtains.

The puzzle of indirect speech

Teacher judgments of student performance might be biased by stereotypes, which can result in disadvantages for members of negatively stereotyped social groups. On the basis of the shifting standards theory, we examined gender and ethnic biases in student teachers’ judgments. According to this theory, whether such judgment biases are masked or revealed depends on the judgment context. Specifically, the use of subjective scales allows different standards of judgment to be applied to members of different social groups and should therefore mask biases, whereas the use of objective scales does not allow for a standard shift and should therefore reveal stereotyped expectations. The present studies tested predictions derived from this theory by varying the judgment context: using “educational standards” as a setting that requires objective scales and “inclusion” as a setting that employs subjective scales. Study 1 explored the stereotype that girls are not as good in mathematics as boys, Study 2 the stereotype that students of Turkish origin are not as good in German as nonimmigrants. Participants in two experimental vignette studies (Study 1: N = 155; Study 2: N = 265) were asked to evaluate the performance of a stereotyped or nonstereotyped target student in a context requiring ratings on either objective or subjective scales (2 × 2 between-subjects design). In line with the shifting standards theory, stereotyped students were evaluated similarly to nonstereotyped students on subjective scales but were evaluated more negatively on objective scales. Results indicate that student teachers’ judgments are biased by gender and ethnic stereotypes.

Considered are certain theses from Robert A. Burton’s book, which could be useful for the development of a new research area — neurosociology. Analyzed are ideas on the social consequences of human brain functioning neural regularities revealed in neurobiological studies. These regularities show the biological nature of the following: (1) the sensation of personal space; (2) agentivity; (3) intention as a conscious process of choosing thoughts and actions; (4) perceiving information which is presented concisely and in a symmetrical manner as being correct, regardless of its contents; (5) variations in cognitive abilities of the members of different social groups; (6) high self-esteem associated with a low level of cognitive abilities and competencies. And finally, pointed out is the complexity of finding causal connections between social and neural levels. Following in the wake of the reviewed book’s author, we call for being cautious and skeptical when formulating any conclusions about social behavior based on currently available neuroscientific data.

Social networks are an important variable which explain career issues such as career satisfaction, success, development and employment. However, research is often conducted separately from different theoretical perspective, i.e. social capital, social network analysis or networking, such that the comparison of findings across studies is difficult. The major question posed by our research concerns how employees' networking behaviours (behavioural perspective) and the individual social capital related to work (resource-based) influence the quality of careers. The discussion draws upon a survey carried out among employees (N=373) with a usage of American and Dutch research tools adapted to Polish conditions. Explanatory factor analysis followed to appoint adequate networking behaviours. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were then performed between variables in order to test the formulated hypotheses. The results of the study show that networking behaviour is a good predictor of career satisfaction and prospects, while individual social capital related to work is only related to career prospects. The influence of individual social capital related to work on career prospects is weaker than the influence of networking behaviours on career prospects. Thus, the behavioural perspective provides more explanations of career issues than the resources perspective. This paper contributes to the prior literature on individual social capital, networking behaviours and career issues by explaining how two different perspectives of social network influence career satisfaction and prospects. The value of the research is the usage of independent variables representing two different theoretical perspectives to test their impact on dependent variables i.e. career satisfaction and career prospects. The paper concludes with implications for further research and provides some hints for employees and organisations focused on successful work and career.

We use game theoretic models to take an in-depth look at the dynamics of discrimination and academic collaboration. We find that in collaboration networks, small minority groups may be more likely to end up being discriminated against while collaborating. We also find that discrimination can lead members of different social groups to mostly collaborate with in-group members, decreasing the effective diversity of the social network. Drawing on previous work, we discuss how decreases in the diversity of scientific collaborations might negatively affect the progress of epistemic communities.

Introduction. Diagnostics of social identification strategies in social groups of various types has not lost its relevance for many decades. In modern conditions, the discussion and development of the methodology and methods of applied diagnostics of identification strategies in small and large social groups receives a new direction of development, thanks to the development of the theory and practice of network methods. This is due to the fact that two multidirectional processes are simultaneously developing in a network society: on the one hand, globalization, which integrates the values of people of various social entities, and, on the other hand, differentiation, dividing the society into many social groups –-social networks, striving to preserve their values and differences. Under these conditions, network diagnosis of identification strategies has several advantages.Methodology and sources. The research methodology for network diagnostics of identification strategies in social groups is formed from a combination of theoretical principles and methodological procedures that combine the advantages of a number of sociological theories: firstly, theories that consider social groups as an object of direct research; secondly, theories, which show the role and importance of identification strategies that influence the success of social identification; thirdly, theories that show the methodological principles and approaches to the formation of technologies for network diagnostics of identification strategies.Results and discussion. Network diagnostics of identification strategies is built as a set of principles and research technologies aimed at collecting and analyzing information about the goals, means and results of mastering patterns of behavior and imitation by members of social groups. Its object is the social mechanism for determining the direction and use of means of mastering standards, assigning these standards and forming behaviors that integrate and include the individual in social groups, achieving on this basis a unifyingcommon, allowing to correlate, compare and unite with groups - to achieve identity. Network diagnostics, formed on the basis of the study of values, involves the study of identification strategies as a process that can be organized in different ways. In the most general sense, these strategies are formed as conscious or unconscious standards, goals and actions leading to the result – identification. Identification strategies in a social group may differ in direction with identification strategies that are proclaimed by organizations within which, for example, small groups appear. These strategies may also differ in the goals and benchmarks of large social groups.Conclusion. There are discusses the theoretical foundations of constructing network diagnostics of identification strategies in the paper, also it contents the empirical experience of using such a technique. A modern networked society is formed as countless small groups arising on a common basis. Network identification diagnostics has several advantages of studying the standards of unity, which allows a purposeful and planned study of the success of identification in social groups.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to pursue the following two objectives. First, this study examines how social capital indicators (reciprocal norm and social network) cause ethical consumption behavior by conceptualizing it as value co-creation specific to socially responsible firms. Second, it aims to verify whether corporate trust, which is another core indicator of social capital, mediates between social capital indicators and ethical consumption behavior.Design/methodology/approachFor study subjects, the author selected general public located in the city of Seoul. A total of 307 respondents were used for statistical analysis after discarding unusable questionnaires. For the purpose of judgment sampling, the author selected those respondents who had prior purchase experience of the products or services provided by socially responsible firms.FindingsThis study tested core elements of social capital (reciprocal norm, social network and corporate trust) as predictors of ethical consumption behavior. In particular, the study newly conceptualized and validated ethical consumption behavior as one encompassing the civic engagement behavior whose premise is well encapsulated by value co-creation principle. The results demonstrate that the social network and reciprocal norm significantly influence ethical consumption behavior directly as well as indirectly through corporate trust.Research limitations/implicationsThe significance of this study may be that it adds to current literature on ethical consumption behavior by validating an empirical model of ethical consumption behavior from the perspective of consumer engagement paradigm. No previous studies of ethical consumption behavior empirically tested this model previously, only offering conceptual similarity between ethical consumption and consumer engagement. The study’s result may provide some insights as to the utility of value co-creation strategy for socially responsible firms as a useful way to promote ethical consumption behavior.Practical implicationsThis study’s result may provide some useful insights as to how socially responsible firms can improve their performance by understanding what makes their customers voluntarily engage in favor of the firms to create shared values. In particular, the finding on the corporate trust mediating between bonding network and ethical consumption behavior sheds useful insights for the firms on how they should garner customer trust to trigger ethical consumption behavior. In this sense, socially responsible firms need to focus their resources on publicity or endorsements by highly respected celebrities designed to stress the firms’ trustworthiness and create favorable corporate image.Social implicationsThe finding that reciprocal norm has a significant impact on ethical consumption behavior also provides strategic implications on how to enhance the effectiveness of corporate messages. That is, the socially responsible firms should implement some corporate strategies designed to raise authentic corporate image of the firms by hiring the socially disadvantaged and returning some portion of profit back to society. By doing this, the socially responsible firms can expect to instill some sense of reciprocity into their current as well as potential customers.Originality/valueDespite this conceived linkage, no previous research has empirically approached ethical consumption from the perspective of civic engagement to examine whether ethical consumers voluntarily engage in firm-specific engagement behavior that fulfills their civic responsibility. Therefore, the present research embarks on a new approach to conceptualize ethical consumption as a construct that embodies civic engagement that is conceptually encapsulated by the principle of value co-creation.