The role of individual-social-technology fit in online social network value development: an empirical study

Info ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 66-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
ChienHsing Wu ◽  
Shu-Chen Kao ◽  
Hsin-Yi Liao
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Network ◽  
Social Software ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Features ◽  
Individual Features ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to reveal the role of individual–social–technology fit in online social network (OSN) value development. The social software features (e.g. communication and interaction), social features (e.g. privacy and trust) and individual features (e.g. sense of belonging and self-disclosure) are considered fitting forms to describe the OSN value. Implications and suggestions are addressed. Design/methodology/approach – The literature review on social software, the social and individual characteristics and the research gap with respect to OSN value is presented. The research arguments are then hypothesized, and research model used to describe the proposed role is examined empirically. The research targeted mobile phone users as the subjects, and the extent of the activities of these users on OSN for both work and studies. A salient investigation explores the moderation effect of gender. The research results are obtained, and the findings are revealed on the basis of 468 social software users. Findings – The significant effect of individual–social–technology fit on OSN value development is presented through the satisfaction of both participation and sharing information, and knowledge about this fit is verified. The interplay of social software, social and individual features contributes significantly to individual–social–technology fit development, implying that OSN value development is not a single issue. OSN value development should be considered concurrently with technological, personal and social issues. Research limitations/implications – The empirical study confirms that fitness analysis produces a systematic outcome, in which all elements (e.g. social, technology and individual) are required to cooperate with one another to maximize the OSN value. An individual adopts online channels to communicate with others; thus, the benefits may be a multidimensional issue instead of only a single information service issue. They also consider building an equal social relationship to be important, as it enables diverse propositions, maintains acceptable privacy and behaves on faith to enhance the fit of technology features and individual features to value development. The subjects also likely accepted the fact that emotion generation is important for the advantage of fit of technology features and social features, thereby likely benefitting OSN value development. Originality/value – The OSN does not only add new values to the society but also brings new effects on social development, especially in terms of social cognition from virtual community formation, development and creation. Although existing studies in the literature present the important aspects and antecedents linked significantly to OSN value development, these studies also insufficiently discuss the effect of fit of these facets on OSN value development. This exploratory study mainly aims to propose and examine the individual–social–technology fit model through an empirical investigation. The main argument of the study is that when a positive and healthy virtual society is developed through social software, the individual and social characteristics, as well as the social software features, should be defined with a suitable fit to promote the social networking value.

scholarly journals “Libraries motors of change” and the social role of (digital) libraries for their communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 142-145
Author(s):  
Mario Coffa
Keyword(s):  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Role ◽  
International Federation ◽  
Individual Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Uniform Manner ◽  
The Individual

Purpose Based on a comparison with different realities, analysis of the situation of libraries in line with International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) policies and directives. Design/methodology/approach The method used for the following paper is that of a remote interview. Findings The expected results will emerge from the debate that can be raised from this paper. Research limitations/implications The IFLA guidelines have international value but are implemented according to the context of the individual country, not always in a uniform manner. Originality/value The interview reveals the formality of the contents through the informality of the method.

Promoting and marketing a revolutionary cooking appliance in the 1840s Stanislas Sorel’s portable stove “Le Cordon Bleu” (1834–1849)

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-59
Author(s):  
Dirk HR Spennemann
Keyword(s):  
Primary Sources ◽  
Early Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Dinner ◽  
Scientific World ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to describe the nature and significance of Sorel’s cooking appliance and to examine the promotion and marketing options used by Sorel to make it an appliance that was “widely used in private residences and by small eating houses.” It will highlight the role of the individual and will demonstrate that marketing and promotion strategies that are modulated by the social ambitions of the manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach The basis of this research is extensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of primary sources, mainly the advertisements placed by Sorel, supported by information in contemporary newspapers and journals. Findings Stanislas Sorel’s invention of an early form of thermostat allowed him to develop a stove that could cook a four-course family dinner largely unsupervised, an invention which was poised to revolutionise the lives of many households. Sorel was primarily an inventor striving for acceptance in the scientific world, with limited skills in the commercialisation of his inventions. His promotion and marketing efforts reflect both the social realities of the time and his own ambitions. Originality/value There has been very little research into the way small French inventors and manufacturers approached the marketing of their products. The paper provides a unique insight into the promotion techniques of a mid-nineteenth-century French inventor-cum-entrepreneur and highlights the role of the individual and how actions are constrained by ambition and opportunity. The paper provides an example of how research into how specific individuals can inform the larger history of marketing.

Social capital inequality and capital structure of new firms in a developing country: the role of bank ties

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vi Dung Ngo ◽  
Quang Evansluong ◽  
Frank Janssen ◽  
Duc Khuong Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
New Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Business Association ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Individual

PurposeThis article aims to clarify the role of social capital and social capital inequality embedded in bank ties in enabling and diversifying new firms' debt use.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a quantitative method, using an unbalanced longitudinal dataset covering three years–2011, 2013 and 2015–from a project on small manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam. The sample consists of 513 firm-year observations.FindingsNetwork extensity and network mobilisation increase new firms' debt use. Differences in ascribed and attained social statuses (i.e. gender, generation, business association membership and political affiliation) result in social capital inequality between entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs who are of a younger generation, have higher levels of education and are not members of the Communist Party benefit less from social capital than those who are older, have less education and are party members.Originality/valueThe effects of access to and the use of the social capital embedded in bank ties on new firms' debt use are both studied. The sources of social capital inequality are investigated at the individual level through distinguishing ascribed and attained social statuses and explained by two mechanisms: capital deficit and return deficit. The moderating effects of social capital inequality are also examined.

When your world gets smaller: how older people try to meet their social needs, including the role of social technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 1826-1852 ◽  
Author(s):  
TINA TEN BRUGGENCATE ◽  
KATRIEN G. LUIJKX ◽  
JANIENKE STURM
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World

ABSTRACTSocial needs are important basic human needs. When social needs are not fulfilled, it can lead to mental and physical health problems. In an ageing society, meeting the social needs of older adults is important to sustain their wellbeing and quality of life. Social technology is used by younger people attempting to fulfil social needs. The aim of this study is to understand the social needs of older people and the role of social technology in fulfilling these needs. Using this information we will uncover opportunities for (technological) interventions. We conducted a qualitative explorative field study by interviewing 19 community-dwelling older adults. The participants were selected by professional care-givers with the help of a list of criteria for people at risk of social isolation or loneliness. Semi-structured interviews were held, using a topic list covering the following topics: social networks, social support, connectedness, neighbourhood, activities and hobbies, as well as use of and experiences with social technology. After thematic analysis, inductive codes were attached to quotations relevant to the research question. The results were described in four sections: (a) social needs and relationships; (b) the influence of life history and personality; (c) possibilities and barriers to meet social needs; and (d) use of and attitude towards social technology. The results indicate that the group of participants is heterogeneous and that their social needs and the way they try to meet these are diverse. The Social Production Functions Theory of Successful Aging (SPF-SA) was found to be a useful basis for interpreting and presenting the data. Social needs such as connectedness, autonomy, affection, behavioural confirmation and status are important for the wellbeing of older people. Although the need for affection is most easy to fulfil for older people, it looks like satisfaction of the need for behavioural confirmation and status are in some cases preferred, especially by the male participants. Resources such as relationships, activities, personal circumstances and social technology can help meet social needs. Where there is a lack of (physical) resources such as health problems, reduced mobility, death of network members, fear of rejection and gossip, and poor financial circumstances, meeting social needs can be more difficult for some older people. Social technology now plays a modest role in the lives of older people and in fulfilling their social needs. Because of its potential and its role in the lives of younger people, social technology can be seen as a promising resource in the satisfaction of social needs. However, since it is yet unknown how and to what extent the use of social network technologies, such as Facebook, can be beneficial for older people, more research in this area is needed. Based on our findings, we conclude that the world of older individuals is getting smaller. The loss of resources,e.g.the loss of one's health and mobility, may make it more difficult for an older person to connect with the world outside, which may result in a smaller social network. We therefore suggest that interventions to support older adults to meet their social needs may focus on two aspects: supporting and improving the world close by and bringing the world outside a little bit closer.

scholarly journals From social network to firm performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 680-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aluisius Hery Pratono
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
Complex Relationship ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Social

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a structural equation model to explain the complex relationship between social network and firm performance by introducing the mediating role of trust, selling capability and pricing capability.Design/methodology/approachThe research model with hypothesis development was derived based on the literature. To provide empirical evidence, this study carried out a survey in which the data were equated with a list of questionnaires with a random survey of 380 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Indonesian context.FindingsThis study indicates that the use of social media in management process will not affect the increasing firm performance, unless the firms build trust upon social networks. The social network with trust allows the firms to gain a pricing capability and a selling capability, which brings a positive impact on firm performance. The results also show that the selling and the pricing capabilities become essential following the utilizing the social media, which concerns on trust building.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on the small-to-medium context, which has conventionally provided an exemplary site for the development of social capital theory but raises issues of generalizability across different contexts.Practical implicationsTo the managers, it is advisable to encourage their employees to consciously exploit the selling capability by enhancing the business networks via social media to achieve the firm performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the social capital theory by explaining the mediating role of trust in the complex relationship between social network and firm performance. This study provides evidence that trust plays a pivotal role in social networks, which enable the observed firms to achieve the performance.

scholarly journals Others' fortune in online vs offline settings: how envy affects people's intention to share information

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Suárez Vázquez ◽  
Manuel Chica Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Online Social Network ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Share Information

PurposeThis paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by answering the following question: is the effect of envy on people's intention to share information the same in offline settings and on online social networks?Design/methodology/approachTwo studies demonstrate (1) how envy that results from upward social comparisons affects people's intention to share information and (2) the difference between online and offline settings.FindingsThe likelihood of sharing information susceptible of triggering envy is lower in online social networks than in an offline scenario.Research limitations/implicationsIn digital environments, feelings of envy depend on the number of social comparisons that the individual is exposed to.Practical implicationsThis research recommends (1) incorporating tools that allow online social network users to feel part of their network's successes, (2) promoting offline diffusion of information and (3) encouraging people to play an active role when using online social networks.Social implicationsBenefits can be derived from offering tools that permit receivers to take advantage of the selective self-presentation of other users. Such tools could have positive consequences for the welfare of online social network users.Originality/valueTo date, the literature has paid no attention to envy as an engine of information sharing. This aspect is especially relevant when discussing platforms whose main goal is precisely information sharing and that offer fertile ground for upward social comparisons.

New images of city through the social network

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-223
Author(s):  
Paola Carone ◽  
Simona Panaro
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The City

Purpose – The following paper aims to study the role of Facebook to improve the participation of the stakeholders to the urban regeneration and to identify preferences and create a database. Then great attention is given to the study of the potential of the social network in linking up extremely varied users, favoring also the connection from the web to the real. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology will combine the use of the social networking site Facebook and Checkland’s CATWOE. In this way, heterogeneous and selected groups of stakeholders could have an increasingly active role in the definition of urban strategies of transformations. Findings – The stakeholders’ participation is revealed in the choice of criteria, future cities characters and focal points, with the objective to identify some strategies for future sustainable scenarios of development. Originality/value – Facebook allows users to access the network of specific realities of the city and to meet and know them, improving the connection among people, thanks to the flow from web to real and vice versa.

Intertextuality in corporate narratives: a discursive analysis of a contested privatization

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 534-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Lupu ◽  
Raluca Sandu
Keyword(s):  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Discursive Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multiple Processes ◽  
Societal Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Oil Company

Purpose Despite the growing amount of research on the social and organizational role of legitimacy, very little is known about the subtle discursive processes through which organizational changes are legitimated in contemporary society. The purpose of this paper is to explore the subtle processes of interdiscursivity and intertextuality through which an organization constructs a sense of legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the case of a newly privatized oil company in a transitional, post-communist economy, the authors’ research uses critical discourse analysis to analyze the annual reports, corporate press releases, and relevant media from the four years following privatization. Findings The authors argue for a relational understanding of legitimacy construction that emphasizes how legitimacy relies on the multiple processes of intertextuality linking corporate narratives and media texts. Corporate narratives are not produced solely by the discourses that occur at the individual and organizational levels; they are also produced by the much broader discourses that occur at the societal level. Originality/value This study’s main contribution is that it reveals the intertextual and interdiscursive construction of corporate narratives, which is a key element in understanding how discourses around privatization are interlinked and draw upon other macro-level discourses to construct legitimacy.

Value-driven issues throughout the development of sociological theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 147-160
Author(s):  
Gulbarshyn Chepurko ◽  
Valerii Pylypenko
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social System ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Social Sphere ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Different Levels

The paper examines and compares how the major sociological theories treat axiological issues. Value-driven topics are analysed in view of their relevance to society in times of crisis, when both societal life and the very structure of society undergo dramatic change. Nowadays, social scientists around the world are also witnessing such a change due to the emergence of alternative schools of sociological thought (non-classical, interpretive, postmodern, etc.) and, subsequently, the necessity to revise the paradigms that have been existed in sociology so far. Since the above-mentioned approaches are often used to address value-related issues, building a solid theoretical framework for these studies takes on considerable significance. Furthermore, the paradigm revision has been prompted by technological advances changing all areas of people’s lives, especially social interactions. The global human community, integral in nature, is being formed, and production of human values now matters more than production of things; hence the “expansion” of value-focused perspectives in contemporary sociology. The authors give special attention to collectivities which are higher-order units of the social system. These units are described as well-organised action systems where each individual performs his/her specific role. Just as the role of an individual is distinct from that of the collectivity (because the individual and the collectivity are different as units), so too a distinction is drawn between the value and the norm — because they represent different levels of social relationships. Values are the main connecting element between the society’s cultural system and the social sphere while norms, for the most part, belong to the social system. Values serve primarily to maintain the pattern according to which the society is functioning at a given time; norms are essential to social integration. Apart from being the means of regulating social processes and relationships, norms embody the “principles” that can be applied beyond a particular social system. The authors underline that it is important for Ukrainian sociology to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of axiology and make good use of those ideas because this is a prerequisite for its successful integration into the global sociological community.

New Democracy in Digital Era through Social Media and News Online

Humaniora ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Abitassha Az Zahra ◽  
Eko Priyo Purnomo ◽  
Aulia Nur Kasiwi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Online News ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Democracy

The research aimed to explain the pattern of social communication on the issue of rejection of the PLTU Batang development policy. It used data on Twitter accounts involved in the rejection of the PLTU Batang development policy. In analyzing existing data, qualitative methods and social analysis networks were used. To see social networks in the rejection of the PLTU Batang development policy, the research used the NodeXL application to find out the patterns of social communication networks in #TolakPLTUBatang. From the results, it can be seen that in the dissemination of social networking information, the @praditya_wibby account is the most central account in the social network and has a strong influence on the social network. The @praditya_wibby account has a role in moving the community through Twitter to make a critical social movement. This means that in the current digital era, democracy enters a new form through the movement of public opinion delivery through social media. Besides, by encouraging the role of online news, the distribution of information becomes faster to form new perceptions of an issue. This is evident from the correlation network where the @praditya_wibby account has correlations with several compass online media accounts, tirto.id, okezonenews, vice, antaranews, BBCIndonesia, and CNN Indonesia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document