The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the process of networking in two intentionally created social networks. It sought to describe the core characteristics associated with networking and analyze how networking functions as a social resource generation strategy for adults dealing with personal growth and/or social change. This study utilized a transformational frame of reference to focus the investigation. The literature suggests that transformationalists view networking as an action oriented change strategy which can be used to accomplish an array of personal and group goals. A theoretical rationale was presented to support the assumption that networks and networking are effective vehicles for personal and social transformation. It asserted that networks and networking emerge out of and are a reflection of a new paradigm or worldview. It demonstrated that the characteristics of networks and networking are a manifestation of the propositions inherent in the new paradigm and therefore can be appropriately viewed as vehicles for personal and social transformation. Qualitative research theories and methods were used to conduct two case studies of social networks which were intentionally created to assist adults dealing with some aspect of personal growth and/or social change. The findings indicated that networking can be typified by three core characteristics: connectedness, communication, and cooperation. Networking, in these settings, served four fundamental functions. It provided access to information and potential sources of power and influence, promoted psychological support, provided assistance with problem solving, and enhanced community effectiveness. A comparison of the findings from each of the cases also indicated important differences in the characterization and functions of networking between the two settings. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that while generic characteristics and potential functions are identified, how and to what extent they became operationalized were effected by various contextual factors, most notably the purpose and structure of the network.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UMASS/oai:scholarworks.umass.edu:dissertations-4182 |
| Date | 01 January 1987 |
| Creators | MARCHESANI, LINDA SUE |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst |
| Source Sets | University of Massachusetts, Amherst |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest |
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