Social Influence: Use it for Good, not Evil

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Event Website

https://source2022.sched.com/

Start Date

18-5-2022

End Date

18-5-2022

Keywords

Communication, Influence, Power

Abstract

Influence is the ability to affect the behavior of others and have the power to move others in a particular direction or decision. This can be in many forms from tactical moves, leveraging, pushing a personal agenda, and more. It can also go in a less taking over the world, evil plan and instead a good direction with your team connecting, involved, and even being inspired. It comes down to how effective leaders within a team are going to interact and how they will use their social influence within the group's dynamics. Social influence is a powerful tool in group settings when used properly. To understand the background of social influence, we must first break it down into pieces and examine each one. The term “social” is linked to groups and communities, and “influence'' is linked to power and authority. When the two are put together, we can visualize a group being impacted by a source of authority. When discussing social influence, one must consider the ways in which it can be used well in both groups and organizations, as well as how it can be misused and negatively impact these groups. In our research we examine three theories surrounding social influence, determine the best practices for using social influence in a positive way and offer potential solutions to our concern of misusing social influence for nefarious purposes.

Slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE-peg7W_g/5q-_AhkbgRrbgPPAcIGOjA/view?utm_content=DAE-peg7W_g

Faculty Mentor(s)

Donald Wattam, Robert Perkins

Department/Program

Education

Additional Mentoring Department

Higher Education

Additional Mentoring Department

Graduate Studies

Streaming Media

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May 18th, 12:00 AM May 18th, 12:00 AM

Social Influence: Use it for Good, not Evil

Influence is the ability to affect the behavior of others and have the power to move others in a particular direction or decision. This can be in many forms from tactical moves, leveraging, pushing a personal agenda, and more. It can also go in a less taking over the world, evil plan and instead a good direction with your team connecting, involved, and even being inspired. It comes down to how effective leaders within a team are going to interact and how they will use their social influence within the group's dynamics. Social influence is a powerful tool in group settings when used properly. To understand the background of social influence, we must first break it down into pieces and examine each one. The term “social” is linked to groups and communities, and “influence'' is linked to power and authority. When the two are put together, we can visualize a group being impacted by a source of authority. When discussing social influence, one must consider the ways in which it can be used well in both groups and organizations, as well as how it can be misused and negatively impact these groups. In our research we examine three theories surrounding social influence, determine the best practices for using social influence in a positive way and offer potential solutions to our concern of misusing social influence for nefarious purposes.

Slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE-peg7W_g/5q-_AhkbgRrbgPPAcIGOjA/view?utm_content=DAE-peg7W_g

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CEPS/13