Social Networks and Group Dynamics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts relating to social networks, group dynamics, and organizational behavior.

Social network

A web of social ties connecting people directly and indirectly.

Weak ties

Distant connections that often provide better access to new opportunities.

Digital divide

Inequality in internet access and use across different demographics.

Social group

A collection of people who regularly interact and share a sense of identity.

Social aggregate

People in the same place but not necessarily interacting.

Social category

People sharing a trait but lacking interaction.

Primary group

Small, emotionally intimate groups, such as family and close friends.

Secondary group

Larger, goal-focused groups like clubs or organizations.

In-group

A group you belong to and feel loyalty towards.

Out-group

A group you feel opposition or hostility towards.

Reference group

Groups used for self-evaluation and comparison.

Dyad

A group of two people, characterized by intense interactions but fragility.

Triad

A group of three people, which is more stable and can form alliances.

Transformational leader

A leader who inspires and motivates change.

Transactional leader

A leader focused on routine tasks and structures.

Conformity

Adjusting behavior to align with group norms.

Obedience to authority

Following orders from figures of authority.

Groupthink

The suppression of dissent within a group for the sake of harmony.

Organization

A formal group with a clear structure and goals.

Bureaucracy

A hierarchical system of organization characterized by rules and a division of labor.

Iron law of oligarchy

In large organizations, power concentrates in the hands of a few.

McDonaldization

Society becoming standardized and efficiency-driven, similar to a fast food model.

Telecommuting

Working remotely, enabled by technology and the internet.

Social capital

Networks, trust, and norms that facilitate cooperation within a community.

Bridging capital

Connections that link diverse groups together.

Bonding capital

Tight-knit relationships that reinforce exclusive identities.