Task 3b - Theories Relating to Networking

There are many theories relating to networking that I have discovered over the past few months, most of which I had never even heard of before embarking on this course.
Altman’s ‘Privacy Regulation’ Theory is one which I believe helps a lot in the understanding of why some people are more interested in Professional Networking than others. I think it links in well with the theory of ‘Affiliation’. Each person has a different level of desired contact at any given time. If for example you meet a person for the first time who has been in a crowded environment for most of the day and has had their affiliation needs met, they may not be willing to take the time to get to know you. Their need for privacy will have kicked in and they will find anything you do or say to be a hindrance. In such a case it is important to remember that should you meet the same person again at a different time their attitude towards you may be completely different. This is why I have found that it is always important to chase up your leads. Say for example you had been given a number for a potential casting contact. If you can’t get through at first it may simply be because the person is not in the mood to talk. Obviously to continue calling them that night would be inappropriate, but calling back the next day could often work in your favour.
Social Constructionism is something that also may help me develop my professional networking in the future. It is true that not everybody sees the world in the same way and therefore will have different views and opinions. If we do indeed construct meaning through experiences and not just based on what we have been told then professional networking can be extremely hard. Take having a bad experience with a bicycle as a child. When (as an adult) somebody suggests riding one to work you will have an adverse reaction, the word is automatically linked in your brain to the bad experience you have previously encountered, no matter how long ago it was. It is important when trying to establish a good professional network that we take social constructionism into consideration. Don’t automatically assume that your interpretation of something is going to be the same as that of the person next to you. Listening to what other people have to say will only make your knowledge of that subject grow.
I find the theory of objectivism to be somewhat narrow-minded. It may simply be that my interpretation of the concept is not correct, but I don’t see how an object can have meaning without somebody first associating it with that meaning through experience. I think in the ever-growing world we live in, with access to information so readily available people must surly question this theories validity.
The Theory that knowledge can be ‘half life’ on the other hand is something I find very modern. With everything progressing so fast, it is inevitable that information will change - things we previously believed to be true e.g. the world is flat… are eventually proven to be incorrect. It is important when creating a professional network that you know about the current 'hot topics' for your industry. I now understand that if you don’t do your research regularly you are likely to look a fool. At the end of the day it is true that you are only cheating yourself when you don’t do work you know you will benefit from.