AFFILIATION

The Theory of Affiliation within our Professional Networks (Lens 3)

The Module 1 Handbook explains that this theory elaborates from social psychology; how humans enjoy and benefit from affiliations. Ultimately we have affiliates from 'close relationships' but we also have developed affiliations through networks. (Crisp and Turner, 2007 p.266) 

(Allport, W.G 1985 cited in Crisp and Turner, 2020 pg.2) Allport, W.G, defines social psychology as "an attempt to understand and explain how the thoughts and feelings and behaviour of individuals are influenced by the action, imagined or implied presence of other."

How much do we rely on our affiliates to motivate, inspire and fuel our creativity?

In the first social psychological experiment (Triplett, N. 1897) "compared children who completed a task alone or in the presence of others.. performing in the presence of others led children to complete the task more quickly because it aroused a competitive instinct." The idea of "competitive instinct" contributing to success really interests me. During a contract, our cast are our affiliates, relationships we have formed through our interest and passion to perform. In rehearsals despite being in a learning environment we perform to our upmost and put 100% effort into the movement as if we were performing onstage. Is this because we are creating a first impression to our cast, choreographer and director? Or is due to the presence of others arousing a competitive instinct? 

A principle of the Affiliation Theory is the principle of Homeostasis. (O'Connor and Rosenblood, 1996)

Homeostasis idolises the idea that the need for affiliation in each individual may differ. As individuals we aim to seek "optimal range" in social interaction. Rosenblood, L.K (1996) alludes that that the amount of social interaction you seek depends on whether you are an extrovert or an introvert- to meet that optimal range. 

"If excess contact is experienced people will seek out solitude so that this range can be reestablished. Similarly, if individuals experience too much solitude, the will seek out others."

EXTROVERTS- seek solitude 

INTROVERTS- seek interaction with affiliates

This challenges my perception of Extroverts and Introverts as I would have automatically assumed that they would have seemed the opposite alternative.

On Web 2.0, my affiliates whom I engage with on social networking sites are really beneficial to my practise and my confidence. The ability to comment on each others posts with encouragement and praise, the power to tag affiliates in inspiring quotes or educational references and without realising my affiliates motivate me when I am procrastinating about doing something. 

Torres, G. (2021) Instagram 

@geegtorres

Do I depend on my affiliates too much? Whilst enjoying the rewarding feeling of receiving praise and compliments on things I post online, I do find solitude in hustling and excelling in private and posting my achievements post the event in order to keep my profile up to date for self promotion purposes.

I feel I gain more benefits and a feel more of a rewarding feeling when supporting my affiliates rather than craving compliments from my affiliates. Then why not be your own affiliate? Support yourself and take your own advice rather than depending on others to give it. Journalling* is a great example, note down your affirmations and what your strengths are, re-read these during moments of doubt. *Read my previous blog on Journalling as a Reflective Practise

Here is a reflection of an experience of me seeking both solitude and interaction.

I go for my morning run and I 

a) SOLITUDE: Journal afterwards "That run made me feel strong and I have achieved something great today"

b) SEEKING OTHERS: Posting the stats of my run. My affiliates within this particular network can now view my pace, time and can give positive feedback and comments.

On a day to day basis I swap from doing both the latter options. 

Am I engaging in Rosenblood's principle? 

By seeking both solitude and interaction am I neither an introvert or an extrovert and sit in the middle of both labels? 

On Monday I went for a Morning Run therefore have had minor social interaction so far therefore seek communication and engagement. Yet on Tuesday I went for an evening run therefore have almost reached my optimal range of social interaction for the day so subconsiously feel to journal would be most beneficial. 

References:

Crisp, R.J and Turner, R.N (2020) Essential Social Psychology, Sage. [online] Available at: https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=gcfXDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=essential+social+psychology&ots=ln95FBqUwW&sig=QWW3-qRnmrDxH-07QYt44eO6tHw#v=onepage&q=essential%20social%20psychology&f=false [Accessed on: 22 Feb 2021]

Rosenblood, L.K. (1996) Affiliation Motivation in Every Day Experience: A Theoretical Comparison. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 70(3) pp.513-522  [online] Available at: 

https://search.proquest.com/openview/fbfb36bd6d60604f88bac3fc81147d48/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=60992 [Accessed on 22 Feb 2021]

Torres, G. (2021) Instagram [image] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLkLSkSMxdQ/ [Accessed on 22 Feb 2021]

Module 1 Handbook