Social Networks and Business Performance of Igbo Migrant Traders in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah O. Obor ◽  
Emeka E. Okafor
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
South West ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study focused on social networks and business performance among Igbo businessmen in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria through the exploratory research design. Social exchange, social network and social capital theories were employed as theoretical framework. Twenty-six in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and case studies were conducted with purposively selected respondents in four business locations in Ibadan. The results showed that among the factors that facilitated migration of the Igbo to Ibadan were their interest to learn a trade, their inability to attain higher education, and having a relative in Ibadan. The types of social networks available showed that social network was not location bound, as all the respondents belonged to town progressive unions and mutual benefits/cooperative associations. Social networks played vital roles in business performance, including social support, access to loan, business growth and expansion. The main challenges to maintaining adequate social network in business were distrust, envy, unbridled competition, dishonesty and inability to keep terms of agreement. The study concludes that social networks have positively influenced the business performance of migrant Igbo in Ibadan. There is need for the Igbo to strengthen their social networks through honesty, forthrightness, and transparency in all their dealings.

scholarly journals Social networks and type 2 diabetes: a narrative review

Diabetologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda T. Schram ◽  
Willem J. J. Assendelft ◽  
Theo G. van Tilburg ◽  
Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Favourable Effect ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Network Variable

AbstractIt has been known for decades that social networks are causally related to disease and mortality risk. However, this field of research and its potential for implementation into diabetes care is still in its infancy. In this narrative review, we aim to address the state-of-the-art of social network research in type 2 diabetes prevention and care. Despite the diverse nature and heterogeneity of social network assessments, we can draw valuable lessons from the available studies. First, the structural network variable ‘living alone’ and the functional network variable ‘lack of social support’ have been associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk. The latter association may be modified by lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity, low level of physical activity and unhealthy diet. Second, smaller network size and less social support is associated with increased risk of diabetes complications, particularly chronic kidney disease and CHD. Third, current evidence shows a beneficial impact of social support on diabetes self-management. In addition, social support interventions were found to have a small, favourable effect on HbA1c values in the short-term. However, harmonisation and more detailed assessment of social network measurements are needed to utilise social network characteristics for more effective prevention and disease management in type 2 diabetes. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals A Relational Perspective on Social Support Between Bereaved and Their Networks After Terror: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 233339361879207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Dyregrov ◽  
Pål Kristensen ◽  
Atle Dyregrov
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Terror Attack ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Relational Perspective ◽  
Social Network Support ◽  
Stressful Experiences ◽  
Relational Regulation ◽  
Depth Interviews

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of social network support after traumatic deaths and, by demonstrating the complexities of such encounters, to highlight whether such support may be totally beneficial. A phenomenological dynamic and relational perspective was applied to 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved as a result of the 2011 terror attack in Norway. Three main themes were identified in respect of interactional support processes: (a) valued support, (b) stressful experiences, and (c) interactive barriers. As well as describing the value of experienced support, the article also elaborates on the effect of lacking, avoidant, and inept support. The findings show that insecure communication and a nonmatching understanding of time and emotional overload can form interactive barriers between the bereaved and their networks. By better understanding the relational regulation processes inherent in social support we may provide informed advice to both the bereaved and their networks to maximize recovery.

New Communication Technologies

2019 ◽  
pp. 105-113
Author(s):  
Rengim Sine
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Actual Control

From the onset of the digital dawn, visually constructed new communication technologies, in particular social networks, have occupied a significant place in the lives of children. With increasing compactness of digital technologies, its availability increased also and helped social networks to a central role in the lives of adults and children as well. The shrinking of technology enabled most families to afford a tablet for their children who used the technology for starting an active social network life. This process brought with it endless debates about the actual control conditions of the children's usage and those conditions that were advisable. This study utilized in-depth interviews with six parents of children in the 4-7 age group, consisting a focus group to define the motives of adults who enabled their children with access to “digital technologies” and “social networks.”

scholarly journals Head-to-Head Comparison of Social Network Assessments in Stroke Survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Morgan Prust ◽  
Abby Halm ◽  
Simona Nedelcu ◽  
Amber Nieves ◽  
Amar Dhand
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Mapping Tool ◽  
Social Network Structure ◽  
Network Mapping

Background and Purpose: Social networks influence human health and disease through direct biological and indirect psychosocial mechanisms. They have particular importance in neurologic disease because of support, information, and healthy behavior adoption that circulate in networks. Investigations into social networks as determinants of disease risk and health outcomes have historically relied on summary indices of social support, such as the Lubben Social Network Scale–Revised (LSNS-R) or the Stroke Social Network Scale (SSNS). We compared these 2 survey tools to personal network (PERSNET) mapping tool, a novel social network survey that facilitates detailed mapping of social network structure, extraction of quantitative network structural parameters, and characterization of the demographic and health parameters of each network member. Methods: In a cohort of inpatient and outpatient stroke survivors, we administered LSNS-R, SSNS, and PERSNET in a randomized order to each patient. We used logistic regression to generate correlation matrices between LSNS-R scores, SSNS scores, and PERSNET’s network structure (eg, size and density) and composition metrics (eg, percent kin in network). We also examined the relationship between LSNS-R-derived risk of social isolation with PERSNET-derived network size. Results: We analyzed survey responses for 67 participants and found a significant correlation between LSNS-R, SSNS, and PERSNET-derived indices of network structure. We found no correlation between LSNS-R, SSNS, and PERSNET-derived metrics of network composition. Personal network mapping tool structural and compositional variables were also internally correlated. Social isolation defined by LSNS-R corresponded to a network size of <5. Conclusions: Personal network mapping tool is a valid index of social network structure, with a significant correlation to validated indices of perceived social support. Personal network mapping tool also captures a novel range of health behavioral data that have not been well characterized by previous network surveys. Therefore, PERSNET offers a comprehensive social network assessment with visualization capabilities that quantifies the social environment in a valid and unique manner.

scholarly journals GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS: THE RELATION BETWEEN SOCIAL NETWORKS AND RESILIENCE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S678-S679
Author(s):  
Nancy Mendoza ◽  
Christine Fruhauf
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Grandparent Caregivers ◽  
New Information ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Grandparents raising grandchildren experience multiple challenges as they take on the unexpected role of caring for their grandchildren, which usually occurs under stressful and stigmatizing conditions. Many of the challenges grandparents experience are well documented in the research. Less attention is given to understanding how a grandparent caregiver’s social network changes when s/he becomes a caregiver and how her/his social network influences resilience. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use social network analysis (SNA) to examine the relation between social networks and resilience in grandparents raising their grandchildren. This was done by conducting face-to-face interviews with twenty grandparents raising grandchildren after they completed a survey measuring social support, social isolation, and resilience. The interview protocol included questions related to participants’ social network, social support, and services. Prior to the interviews, using data from the surveys participants were identified as representing one of four resilience quadrants: resilient, maladaptive, competent, and vulnerable. Qualitative analysis of grandparent’s social networks across groups indicated resilient grandparent caregivers’ networks were structured in a way that provided more opportunities for the inflow of new information and resources. Whereas the proportion of professionals in maladaptive grandparent caregivers’ networks tended to be less than for other networks. This could suggest that for grandparent caregivers, having professionals in one’s network can be beneficial. Findings from the current study provide opportunities for future research such as identifying ways to help grandparent caregivers structure their social networks to promote resilience.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COGNITION AS MEDIATED BY HEALTH AND POSITIVE AFFECT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S648-S648
Author(s):  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Karen L Siedlecki ◽  
Timothy Salthouse
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Decreased social networks are common in old age after major life events such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and declining health (Shankar et al., 2013). Diminished social ties are associated with increased feelings of loneliness and perceived isolation, which can have negative effects on cognition and physical health. The current study examines the relationship between social support (assessed via the Social Network Questionnaire) and overall cognitive performance (assessed as a latent construct comprising indicators that represent mean verbal episodic memory, processing speed, reasoning, and spatial visualization), and investigates positive affect and self-rated health as mediators of this relationship. The current study included 5,125 participants between the ages of 18-99 years from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling. After controlling for age and education, results showed that a social support construct (comprising indicators representing each social network subscale) significantly and positively predicted cognitive performance (.59, p&lt; .001). This relationship was reduced to .22 (p &lt;.001) when positive affect was included as a mediator, and to .14 (p&lt; .001) when self-rated health was included as a mediator. When the variables were included in a joint mediation model the relationship between social support and cognition was .20 (p &lt; .001). Thus, health and positive affect are partial mediators of the relationship between social support and cognition and may help explain the relationship between social support and cognition. Furthermore, these findings provide additional evidence that social networks may play an important role in successful aging.

scholarly journals How partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenthood: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
pp. 205715852094337
Author(s):  
Caroline Bäckström ◽  
Therese Larsson ◽  
Stina Thorstensson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Transition To Parenthood ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Equator Network ◽  
Expectant Fathers ◽  
To Receive

Social contextual circumstances have an influence on parental transition, and social support has been shown to facilitate the transition to parenthood, among other states. Further knowledge is, however, needed to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks during pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenting. Within this study, a social network is defined as social connections such as family, friends and significant others. In total, 14 partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. EQUATOR Network guidelines and the COREQ checklist were applied. The analysis resulted in one theme of meaning: Partners use their social networks to receive social support, which facilitates understanding about how to prepare for childbirth and parenthood, which was described through three sub-themes. The results highlight the importance of social networks for partners when preparing for childbirth and parenthood. Professionals should aim to strengthen and extend partners’ social networks and access to social support. This could be done not only to support partners to attend parental classes, but also to participate socially as well as engage with other expectant parents within the classes.

scholarly journals Associations Between Social Support, Social Networks, and Financial Exploitation in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 990-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R. Beach ◽  
Richard Schulz ◽  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
The Social

Social support and social networks are important correlates of elder mistreatment. This study tests hypothesized associations between perceived social support, social network size, and financial exploitation (FE). A population-based survey of 903 older adults (60+) in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) found that lower perceived social support and larger social networks were simultaneously associated with higher risk for FE since age 60, controlling for known risk factors. The same associations were found for FE in the last 6 months. Older adults with larger social networks combined with lower perceived social support were most likely to report FE. When it comes to the role of social relationships and risk for FE, “more may not always be better.” Encouragement to widen the social network by “making new friends” should be stressed less than making sure these new network members will truly be supportive of the older adult.

Social networks and service utilisation in patients with severe mental illness

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (S1) ◽  
pp. 113-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Becker ◽  
Maya Albert ◽  
Matthias C. Angermeyer ◽  
Graham Thornicroft
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Family Roles ◽  
Social Anthropology

In a seminal study, Elizabeth Bott (1957) investigated relationships between family roles and social networks in a small group of families in London. The author was an anthropologist, and the field of social network research, in psychiatry, has received major input from methods of social anthropology. Tolsdorf (1976) investigated social networks of patients with schizophrenia. Since then, many studies have focused different aspects of social networks and social support in patients with psychotic disorders.

scholarly journals The Absence of Close Social Network Connections: A Case Study Investigation in Social Isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 170-170
Author(s):  
Raeann LeBlanc ◽  
Rachel Walker
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Network Effects ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Multiple Data

Abstract Social isolation is an emerging phenomenon known to significantly influence health outcomes and carries specific risk in older age. As part of a larger study exploring the social network effects on health among persons age 65 and above, it was found that four cases from a larger sample (n=89) could not name any one from their social relationships supportive to them in managing their health while living with complex chronic health needs. In addressing these findings, these cases, bounded spatially by individual social networks and temporally by the time of the study interview, served the basis for intensive analysis using multiple data points from in-depth interviews and survey measures. Measures included descriptive data (social networks, demographics) and measures of health (SF-12), and social support (MOS-SSS). Each participant case identified as female gender and single, three lived alone, had a high burden of chronic conditions and poor health. All had recent hospitalizations (1 or more within the past year). The structures of their social networks varied in type of relationship roles and size. Social support was perceived overall as low. This study offers a specific contribution to research on social connection/isolation. This phenomenon is relative to specific contexts. Findings emphasize that social isolation can be specific to certain aspects of identity and poorer health in older age. Additional research on the functions and qualities of social networks, in addition to the structure, are important to specify in future research and knowledge development for practice assessment to determine social connection and isolation.

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