After reading The Networked Professional Reader, I tried to get a better understanding of what each concept meant and how it links to my professional practice. There were four main concepts that stood out to me the most starting with:
Cooperation
The definition I found that seemed most suited was, ‘an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint action.’ (1)
Another way to describe this concept is, ‘the benefits of cooperating fully with others until you reach a point of maximum benefit,’ (2)
Robert Axelrod was the main researcher that looked into the benefits people take in to consideration when cooperating in something; is it worth getting involved or helping? and what can you gain from the situation? As I have been in China whilst carry out this module I have been surrounded by the Chinese culture. This concept reminded me of their culture and the way they carry out their business. This is called Guanxi 关系 meaning ‘the system of social networks and influential relationships which facilitate business and other dealings’(3). Most business transactions are carried out by favours. Helping one person out in exchange for something in return. This concept is also used in the performing industry. A successful way of networking in the industry is by gaining contacts that are useful to you who are able to help you and you help them in return. For example, by telling each other about auditions, opportunities, and putting a good word in for you. Without actually saying it out aloud you would expect that person to do the same for you, if you had done it for them, a lot like Guanxi. This also links back to Robert Axelord (1984) Game theory about cooperation.
Affiliation
Affiliation has been defined as, ‘a social or business relationship’(4). This looks into the way people like knowing or having a link to someone else. Crisp and Turner, 2007, page 266, explained this as an action that gives people, ‘a network of support that will help us when we are in need’ (5). I think this links into my professional practice when people ‘name drop’. This is when people like to associate/affiliate themselves with certain people. These people usually have something to give, either because they are successful, have power over something or are talented. For example, ‘The Royal Ballet’ has a great name for itself in the dance world. Therefore if someone mentions they performed in that company you will automatically assume they are great and are at a certain standard.
Connectivism
At first I found this theory very difficult to understand. After researching different articles about the topic I feel as though I have a slightly better understanding. The idea has been described as ‘a learning theory for the digital age’ (6). It looks at the way in which technology now teaches you with interactive learning. The main researcher on this theory was Siemens, G (2004).
In terms of networking and how we learn more about our professional practice is directly linked to connectivism. Technology and access to information has completely evolved. For example it use to be a lot harder to access information. You didn't carry a device around with you that you could use to send emails, photos, or gain all types of information that you could possibly need for an audition or job opportunity. It was also harder to stay in contact with people, but now with social media it is easier to stay in contact with friends, colleagues and employers. The increase of connectivism has made the performing arts industry a lot more accessible.
Communities of Practice
This concept is described as a group of people with shared knowledge or interests that want to gain more knowledge in the area they are interested in. This idea is seen to be more beneficial than acting alone and finding information out by yourself. From experience this form of gaining knowledge is very strong. The performing arts industry is a specialised area in which not everyone knows a lot about. Therefore it is very useful to contact, work with, help and share opinions or knowledge about what you know as you will more than likely gain something in return. An example of this in my professional practice is on the social networking site called ‘Facebook’. On this there is a group called ‘The Hustle’. On this group performers share audition information, part-time work opportunities when you are not performing, deals on photographs, places to rent and any other information that could help in the industry. This is a great platform for fellow performers to help and share their knowledge, which I think directly relates to communities of practice.
Conclusion
Looking at these different concepts has made me realise I need to share and gain more knowledge from others that are in a similar profession to me. I do not think I have been utilising the opportunities that I have around me, particularly with the contacts I have already made. My next step in my professional practice will be to start putting these concepts into practice.
References
(2) WBS 3730 Module 1 Reader 3 BAPP Arts, Middlesex University, Page 5
(5) WBS 3730 Module 1 Reader 3 BAPP Arts, Middlesex University, Page 6
No comments:
Post a Comment