Relational and Content Differences Between Elites and Outsiders in Innovation Networks

This study investigated the nature of network communication patterns based on innovation. As expected from previous work on uncertainty and informal organizational elites, a central group of core, integrated members was apparent in each network structure from three organizational subunits in a school district. Earlier studies have shown that communication about new ideas tends to occur in strong, multiplex relationships rather than weak ties in organizations. Such findings are apparent at the group level in the analyses of these data; the central, elite groups are characterized by dense linkages and high volumes of social/personal, and work communication. Relational attributions and content data were analyzed in a 2 × 2 table of elite and outsider sources and their judgments of elite and outsider contacts. As expected, elites view one another more favorably (on affect, influence, and receptiveness to new ideas) than they do outsiders. Outsiders also tend to rate elites more favorably in each area than they do other outsiders. Implications are discussed in terms of the way that elites manage uncertainty, others’ attributions, and their close versus weak ties in order to retain influence and control over innovation processes.     

Coping With Physical Exertion and Negative Feedback Under Competitive and Self-Standard Conditions

The relationship between goal orientation, self-efficacy, perceived ability, effort, commitment, exertion, feedback tolerance, and process/outcome measures were investigated in 4 studies. In Study 1. feedback (win, lose, win/lose) in a competitive task (accuracy of dart throws) was manipulated. Results showed dart accuracy performance correlated significantly with ego orientation when feedback was positive (win opponent), but not when negative (lose) or alterable (lose/win). Self-efficacy and perceived ability after task familiarity predicted performance in all feedback conditions. In Study 2. a computer-simulated running task was performed by participants under 3 feedback modes (win. lose, win/lose) nested within 2 conditions (self-standard and against an opponent). Results indicated that ego more than task orientation accounted for the performance variance in all experimental conditions. Self-efficacy and task-specific psychological states accounted for 63% to 68% of the performance variance. In Studies 3 and 4. exertion time in strength and endurance tasks were related to the type of activity in which participants were engaged and their commitment and exertion tolerance in the specific tasks. Goal orientation and self-efficacy accounted for much of the exertion-time variables' variance, but they were not significant predictors.     

The process of family member marginalization: Turning points experienced by “black sheep”

Family member marginalization, or feeling different, not included, or not approved of by family, is a chronically stressful interpersonal process with negative mental and physical health consequences. Framed by hurtful communication, this study took an interpretive approach to understanding the process of marginalization in families. Across 30 marginalized family members, 184 turning points were reported, which were organized into 22 event categories and 4 supracategories. Communication events included disclosures, ceasing contact, and deception, among others. The most commonly reported turning points were “normative” life events such as weddings and having children. Five trajectories captured the process of marginalization. Ambivalent events and a new way of understanding the underlying motivations behind turning points are forwarded, with implications for interpersonal process scholars.