3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
One of the concepts that was talked about comes from chapter 12 and it is the concept called Interpersonal Linkage Power. Interpersonal linkage power is when members of a group have personal access to people or information sources that is useful to the group. Their type of power allows them to engage the services of individuals, groups and organizations or to gain access to resources. In the real world it is commonly known as "who you know" type of thinking. Unfortunately I have seen this happen for the good and for the bad. For example in a psychology course I once took one, our group needed to set up an interview with a prominent member of a company we wanted to work for and get insight about the organization. One of our members had an uncle who worked side by side with the CEO of the company and we were able to get seen a lot faster than other groups who had no pull in trying to get access for their interviews.
I have also seen this happen negatively as well. I once worked in a group that the team leader wanted to set up a karaoke night at bar to help our fundraiser. When the leader was trying locate a DJ who would be the host he found it very difficult. Fortunately for us we had another group member who had a cousin who was DJ and volunteered to help. When we told the group leader we could tell he was bit upset because he really wanted to find a DJ and kind of didn't like asking for help sometimes.
What I like most about this concept is that most of the time interpersonal linkage power always helps the group rather than hurting the group.
Hey! I think those examples illustrate the positive and negative aspects of this concept really well. A friend of mine was talking to me about careers and internships the other day, and we were both talking about how helpful it is to get involved and meet people that can help you get to where you want to go career-wise. I know people that have done very well for themselves because of who they know. A couple of my friends have taken the opportunity to make a good impression and even befriend a few people with power in their line of work. As a result, my friends have been able to get jobs and unique opportunities because they "knew people" and built relationships that allowed them to get these cool opportunities.
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