Cooperation
One of the most influential researchers in the field of Cooperation has been Robert Axelrod. I have to say I am really intrigued by Axelrod (1984) who ‘identified the importance of the notion of cooperation, and in particular, the benefits of cooperating fully with others, until you reach a point of maximum benefit after which a choice emerges’. This made me see how I had already found the benefits of cooperating during my training at college. I took full advantage of the teacher’s skills and knowledge throughout the three year course then I reached graduation which is where my choice emerged. From my training have I gained enough knowledge to go into the professional world?
Looking at Axelrod’s project starting with the question ‘When should a person cooperate, and when should a person be selfish, in an ongoing interaction with another person?’ On reflection I have in the past questioned if I should put myself out for some one to aid their success not realising the potential damage I could have one my own by doing this. I attended an audition where I knew another candidate so it made sense to pair up and try to learn lines together in that particular situation. We took turns reading opposite lines because we were reading for the same part and when we were confident we started to stage the scene. I politely agreed to let her go first gaining perspective on her interpretation which was helpful. However just as my turn arose to rehearse my name was called to go and read for the part. Great by cooperating and not being more selfish my kindness had backfired and resulted in not hearing back for a recall. Had I known this would be the case I would have chosen to work alone rather than sharing my knowledge. With this experience of cooperation in mind I think in the future I will put my needs first then others second. I have come to the realisation that cooperation is necessary when networking but only to a certain degree with every new experience needing individual assessment. Looking at Axelrod’s origional question deciding whether to be cooperative or selfish in this situation alone I see how by having this insight in the future will definitely aid my professional conduct and make me think twice if I find myself in the same situation.
At times I can see that mutual cooperation with reference to Axelrod’s project on the ‘Prisoner's Dilemma’ can be useful in consideration of my future needs.’ The game allows the players to achieve mutual gains from cooperation, but it also allows for the possibility that one player will exploit the other, or the possibility that neither will cooperate’ Axelrod, R. (1984 pp xi – xiv).
I find this concept very interesting and reaffirm my thoughts when assessing other professionals. I judge others on first impressions trying to see the good in them. I guess this possibly naive approach can be a down side not knowing what lengths others might l go to in order to maximise their own potential over mine. The constant battle for improvement all relies on whether or not the cooperation is mutual .How can I be certain who I can and can’t trust when applying this theory in a professional context? Maybe by asking this question alone will help to keep me alert for future occurrences.
Affiliation
‘Affiliation is a concept in the field of social psychology that seeks to explain why humans ‘form close relationships’ (Crisp & Turner, 2007 pp266). I questioned why I form close relationships when professionally networking and I came to the realisation that maybe I form close relationships in order to seek validation from other experienced professionals to sustain a high standard of skill and performance. I trust other performers who I deem to be talented as reliable and therefore suitable to be’ a network of support’. I think this is a subconscious reaction of mine which I had never really given much thought to before now.
‘Affiliation therefore can be explained as a social process that satisfies a psychological need by providing us ‘with a network of support that will help us when we are in need’ (Crisp & Turner 2007 pp266). I can now see that I do rely on affiliation having a large network of friends to support me both professionally and personally. It is reassuring to be surrounded by people who share a common interest and discuss professional issues with.
In the past I have looked to others in my ‘network of support’ for advice on audition material and in turn have given advice back. I can see that this process over time has broadened my knowledge of materials and opened my eyes to new ideas which have helped me to become a more varied performer. With this affiliation and sharing of knowledge I can see how useful it is to have in order for me to continue learning.
I hadn’t really appreciated the potential that affiliation could hold but now looking to the future I intend to share more of my experiences and be open to others ideas being selective on how best to utilise the information gained.
I like the question asked in the reader ‘If experienced and influential individuals are likely to be at their preferred level of affiliation, why is it common for them to still assist younger, less experienced individuals?’ Extract from Crisp, J & Turner, R. (2007 pp266 – 268) I thought this was interesting and realised that through teaching I do this. I gain a real sense of satisfaction assisting youngsters to develop their own sense of performance. What is the point of having a skill but not sharing it with others? I don’t just mean in a performance sense either by having had an experience which has helped me to grow and form a critical eye, I am then able to use this to motivate others who are less experienced. Passing on any experience both positive and negative can give insight and I have appreciated more experienced professionals doing this for me.
Social Constructionism
From the Extract from Crotty, M. (2005 pp 42‐44): In the constructionist view, as the word suggests, meaning is not discovered but constructed. My understanding from this was In order for me to have a networking system I had to construct it. Using my knowledge I had to give my network ‘meaning’ so the information I gave in order for it to exist is what made it be.
I would say the start of my networking skills came from what I learnt at college and since then has grown with my increased contacts and experience.
Social constructionism seems to be a continual process that I unknowingly utilise on a daily basis. Looking at Stacey Wilson’s comment on the use of facebook as a social constructionism I can see how this process significantly impacts my professional networking growth. Now seeing the how having many friends and professional acquaintances available to me is something I had once overlooked as a potential benefit. On reflection this by my own creation is a very useful tool to have looking forward I see people who I may not be in constant contact with currently becoming more important by my own interactions and networking skills.
The more I investigate and explore new concepts and ideas the more successful I can become. Work opportunities don’t just come my way I actively have to seek them out and network building new relationships in order to create new alliances.
I can take a positive step for future reference using social constructionism as a way of reminding me that I will only get out of a situation what I put in speculating to accumulate. In the past I have dismissed the notion of travelling a long way for an audition because the amount of effort required was significant. If I always had that approach then I am allowing myself to miss out on so many discoveries loosing out on the ability to create a new meaning.
If I want to succeed then I must be willing to put maximum effort in not just on stage but in preparation as well!
Connectivism
My understanding of connectivism is that it’s a theory of learning which can be passed through the internet and digital technologies such as social media like Web2.0.Looking at connectivism I use the internet almost on a daily basis for my main medium to learn. Being on this BAPP course the main way I stay connected and further educate myself is through the internet using the theory of connectivism regularly.
‘In relation to professional networks the theory of Connectivism provides an explanation about how networks provide the means for individuals to connect and learn from and within the network’. Whether I am obtaining information from observing the information or from ‘within’ actually sharing my knowledge interacting with others the cycle of learning is continual.
‘However you receive the information it is the learner who connects information into higher schemes that make sense of their experiences. As such, the theory argues that knowledge is constructed from the forms and patterns of connections made. Extract from Siemens, G. (2004)’ I feel It doesn’t matter how I receive information its how I process it which will determine how successful and beneficial the information will be and how effectively I can put it to use.
‘Different approaches and personal skills are needed to learn effectively in today's society. For example, the ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill’.
I feel connectivism is relevant to my further networking keeping me aware of the constant change in technology. Just by looking over the last few years I can see how being able to utilise the internet is so an important when trying to get ahead in the performance industry. Seeing a change and moving with the times is integral in order for me to stay current and connected to an ever changing system of learning.
Communities of Practice
A community of practice is the idea that a group of people who share common interests in order to learn from each other are formed.
Being a part of such communities for me professionally has been essential in order for me to find vital information regarding auditions that weren’t necessarily public knowledge.
Word of mouth is great when it comes to getting ahead and it’s not always what you know but who and if a friend wants to share information with me that’s great. This has always and will continue to be the most important networking tool I know.
Looking back when I first graduated my first few auditions were accompanied by at least five other girls from my year. We all knew about the audition so there was no point trying to hold back information instead we helped each other out by travelling together and sharing the cost. This is kind of situation doesn’t arise much any more though as I’ve progressed over the years the communities of practice I engage with have changed. I have a more varied group of people I socialise with different styles and qualities so it would be rare we would attend the same audition for the same part. I’m not sure when I look at this why this has become the case as it hasn’t been a conscious decision to push potential competition out of my social circle. Maybe as performers we all develop different sections of our ambition and naturally drift apart. If the situation did arise would a friend tell me about an audition if they saw me as competition for the same part? Probably not and I don’t think I would go out of my way to inform them either. Auditions can sometimes be last minute and I often find it a struggle to prepare myself let alone assist others. If I did need advice about what style of song to sing I would ask that community of friends for advice, I guess this is where I am more selective of what I share and how I use information to my advantage and benefit from others varied knowledge.
I hadn’t realised it before but guess I have developed a way of using this technique to aid my professional conduct being selective in how I use it. A skill which I wasn’t aware I had but intend to continue using.
References
Axelrod, R. (1984) The evolution of cooperation. London: Penguin
Crisp, J & Turner, R. (2007) Essential social psychology. London: Sage
Crotty. M. (2005) The foundations of social research: meaning and perspectives in the
research process. London: Sage
Stacey Wilson Blogspot Accessed 3/01/11
Siemens, G. (2004) Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age
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