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Chapter
5
Networks and Organizations
Chapter Learning Objectives

Social Groups

  • Define a dyad and a triad and explain the fundamental differences between these two types of groups.
  • Describe the three different roles that a third group member can play when entering a dyad.
  • Explain the relationship between group size and complexity.
  • Describe the characteristics of these different types of groups: small groups, parties, large groups, primary groups, secondary groups, in-groups, out-groups, and reference groups.
  • Describe the Asch Test and what it shows individuals and groups.

From Groups to Networks

  • Define a social network.
  • Define a tie and a narrative and explain how they relate to social networks.
  • Explain the concepts of embeddedness and the "strength of weak ties."
  • Define structural holes and explain the role they play in social networks.
  • Define social capital and describe its role in social networks.
  • Summarize the various opinions about changes in social capital and civic engagement in the United States.

Network Analysis in Practice

  • Understand the various ways that researchers use basic concepts about groups and social networks to investigate how group life shapes individual behavior.

Organizations

  • Define an organization and understand the difference between a formal and an informal organization.
  • Define organizational culture and organizational structure.
  • Explain the concept of isomorphism.

The Wealth of Networks

  • Identify some of the ways in which the development of new technologies has changed the nature of networks.
  • Explain the open-source or peer-based production model and understand in what contexts this model has a greater chance to succeed.
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