Final answer:
Social network theory highlights how patterns of interactions within organizations affect outcomes such as commitment and innovation. It shows that strong ties enhance employee engagement while weak ties can foster social capital and networks beneficial for career and organization-wide success. Social media accelerates awareness and leadership, enhancing participation and civic engagement in both political and organizational settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social network theory provides a framework for analyzing the patterns of interactions and relationships within organizations. It helps to understand the impact of connectedness on various organizational outcomes such as communication effectiveness, information flow, and innovation. Strong ties within an organization, similar to those found in social movements, can enhance commitment and engagement among members. On the other hand, the weak ties common in social media platforms can contribute to social capital by fostering wider networks that can still be beneficial for the organization and individual employees.
Within the workplace, social networking and friendships play a critical role in increasing job satisfaction and the possibility of career advancement. Positive relationships with co-workers can lead to better focus, less absenteeism, and longer tenure in a role. In contrast, a lack of these connections can result in decreased productivity and motivation.
Social media platforms, while often characterized by weak ties, have the potential to build stronger connections through repeated interactions and the sharing of common interests. These platforms can accelerate the process of issue awareness and leader emergence. By creating an environment where networks supplement traditional organizational structures, online and offline connectedness can support greater participation in both the political and organizational contexts, thereby manifesting enhanced social capital and civic engagement.