INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING LESOON 1 24.pptx

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING  OVERVIEW OF DISABILITY  One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experie nce some form of disability , and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries.  One-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million a...

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING  OVERVIEW OF DISABILITY  One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experie nce some form of disability , and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries.  One-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million and 190 million people, experience significant disabilities (World Bank)  PWDs are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes such as less education, poorer health outcomes, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates.  About 80% of persons with disabilities live in developing countries, according to the UN Development Program (UNDP). The World Bank estimates that 20 per cent of the world's poorest people have some kind of disability, and tend to be regarded in their own communities as the most disadvantaged  Learning Outcomes At the end of the session, the student is expected to be able to; 1. Explain the meaning of networking and networks 2. Discuss the importance of networking 3. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of networking theories (Social exchange and social support theories)  QUOTE ‘Network, network, network. It’s not what you know today it’s who you know. This kind of social climbing isn’t to your taste, but you may as well join in today. If you can’t beat them……..’ Metro 11/2/09  Introduction The nature and quality of relationships between people in a community is a key indicator of the well-being of that community The concept of networking is as old as humankind and appears to be a natural feature of human societies Studies of humans and other primates suggests that we share an inherent sociability, a tendency to connect and co-operate with others  What is Networking? Networking refers to the “ practice of initiating, maintaining and using connections and relationships between individuals and between organizations” (Gilchrist, 2007) Networking involves meeting people who can be of help to you and being of help to them.  CONT’D  Networking involves: Making and maintaining contact and connections with individuals, groups, or organizations with shared interest for the purpose of; Exchanging and sharing information  Exchanging and sharing resources or services Identifying opportunities for working together on particular issues that will be of benefit to society/specific population  What is a network? A Network is a social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes", which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige. Networks are loose, informal connections between people or organisations A network consists of; 1. Nodes (the individual actors within a network) 2. Ties/Links/Connections/Edges (the relationships between the actors) CONT’D  The terms ‘networks’ and ‘networking’ seek to describe interactions and communication activities between individuals and organisations operating in a variety of settings and contexts.  Networks are not restricted to any single business, jurisdiction or nationality; networking can occur universally. CONT’D Some people in networks (typically family and close friends) have strong ties which are bonding. Others have weak ties – eg neighbours, colleagues, fellow enthusiasts/activists Diagrammatic representation of a network Diagrammatic representation of a network Characteristics of Networks 1. Networks operate on the basis of informal relationships rather than formal roles 2. The connections in a network are lateral and there is avoidance of formal bureaucratic structures 3. Membership tends to be voluntary and participative 4. Co-operation between members relies on persuasion and reciprocity rather than coercion and contracts 5. Networks are neither groups nor organizations although they create the conditions for these to emerge 6. Influence within networks operates through information connections based on trust, loyalty, reciprocity, civility and sociability  Importance of Networking 1. Networks provide robust and dispersed communication channels- enabling people to share ideas 2. Networks facilitate collection action – enabling people to co- operate 3. Networks underpin multi-agency partnerships 4. Networks support citizen engagement 5. Promote community cohesion 6. Networks create opportunities for reflection and learning 7. Enhances people’s ability to cope with difficulties and disasters by keeping hope alive  Skills of Networking Networking is a difficult and sometimes risky process requiring tact and skill to make connections or step into an unfamiliar culture or organizational environment. The following skill sets can enhance effective networking; CONT’D  Ability to find out who might have interest in a particular issue and gathering information about them (Mapping)  Organizing meetings, sending out information bulletins, keeping up-to-date records of names and contact details of key persons (Maintaining connections)  Helping separate groups to recognize their common or overlapping interest (Merging) CONT’D  Dealing with conflicts and misunderstandings; challenging prejudice and apprehension (Mediating) Persuading and encouraging people to link up with others, take up responsibilities and new roles (Motivating) Identifying ruptures in the networks and addressing gaps that emerge through people leaving (Mending)  Characteristics of Effective Networker Acts respectively and professionally Has a good reputation in the community Keeps up to date and is well linked to the community Knowledgeable and well regarded for this Empowers others and instil confidence in their efforts Understands reciprocity and acts accordingly Non-judgemental in their attitude and open to criticisms  Networking Strategies  Thoughtfulness/carefulness in the early phase of any potential relationship  Attention to self-presentation  Using non-verbal cues to identify potential points of similarity and difference  Listening attentively to what the other person is saying  Making space for humour (useful for opening up dialogue)  Networking theories Theory – Set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that explain or predict events or situations by illustrating the relationships between variables Theory provides a systematic way of understanding events or situations  Social Exchange Theory (SET) Social exchange refers to a relation involving two persons [or more], each of whom provides benefits to the other, and contingent upon benefits from the other (Emerson, 1981). The motivation to become involved in an exchange is to satisfy needs CONT’D Social exchange theory builds on the assumption that those engaged in interactions are rationally seeking to maximize the profits or benefits to be gained from those situations, especially in terms of meeting basic individual needs. Therefore, individuals or groups may seek relationships and interactions that promote their needs  CONT’D Social Exchange theory is based on the premise that human beings interact in a social behaviour/relationship in order to maximise benefits and minimize costs, which will then lead to a positive outcome Based on the social exchange theory, human behaviour is viewed as motivated by desire to seek rewards and avoid potential costs in social situations  Rules/norms of exchange One of the basic tenets of SET is that relationships evolve over time into trusting, loyal, and mutual commitments. To do so, parties must abide by certain “rules” of exchange. The rules and norms of exchange are “the guidelines” of the exchange processes. Social exchange theory is based on two important rules/norms that guide the exchange process:  Reciprocity (give and take)  Equity (fairness) and  Reciprocity Individuals will be most comfortable when they believe that they are receiving benefits that is approximately equal to what they are putting into the relationship. Social relationships in which the actors involved have perceptions of equality imply that there is a presence of reciprocity in that particular exchanges CONT’D Individuals who perceive the presence of reciprocity in their social relationships are more likely to feel satisfied with and maintain those relationships.  Equity (fairness) Social relationship or exchange between two individuals must be seen as fair by both for the relation to continue, or at least to continue as strongly. This means that in social exchange, it is important for the actors to respond fairly and in manner deemed to be important by the other person/group  The concepts of Rewards and Cost Rewards are exchanged resources or any benefits that bring pleasure and satisfaction to the actors involved in a social relation or exchange On the other hand, costs refer to punishments or forfeited rewards that result from social exchanges/relationships  Costs involved in Social Exchanges Generally, social exchanges carry three (3)potential costs to the actors involved in the relationship; 1.Investments cost: the energy and personal cognitive or emotional investment put into an exchange by the actors involved 2. Direct costs: Include time and financial resources CONT’D 3. Opportunity cost: The possible rewards that maybe lost as a result of the relationship or social exchange. For example, a parent sacrifices a substantial possible rewards or benefits in order to responsibly raise children. Social exchange theory has been applied to romantic relationships, parent-child relationship and joining a group etc Social Support Theory The importance of interpersonal relationships to ours lives as human beings is widely acknowledged. Seeking and receiving help from other people has become a major form of coping activity for many people. The availability of someone to provide help or emotional support may protect individuals from the negative consequences of illness, stressful situations, discrimination and forms of disability-related challenges  What is Social Support? Social support refers to the existence or availability of people on whom we can rely, people who let us know that they care about, value, and love us Social support also describes the structure, processes and functions of social relationships. It represents a feedback provided through contact with similar and valued peers (Gottlieb, 1985) Social support can enhance the psychological well-being and enable people to cope with stressful events/conditions  Sources of social support Family (both nuclear and extend) Friends (Informal) Professionals and agencies (formal)  Four Types of Social Support 1. Emotional Support: It involves the provision of empathy, love, care and sharing of life experiences 2. Instrumental Support: It involves the provision of tangible aid and services that directly assist a person in need (Labour, time, money). 3. Informational Support: Involves the provision of advice, suggestions and information that a person can use to address problems 4. Appraisal Support: Providing information that is useful for self- evaluation purposes in the form of constructive feedback, affirmation of one’s sense of worth, perception, thoughts, feelings and behaviour Conclusion …………………….. The availability of social support from others, especially family members can help people with permanent and severe forms of disability especially children live a relatively meaningful and fulfilling life.