Task 3b - theories relating to networking

It was interesting to read about theories surrounding networking - i have been aware that i have been networking when attending specific networking events but hadn't realised how much myself and others do it day to day and that they were theories used.

Cooperation is the process of groups of organisms working or acting together for their common/mutual benefit, as opposed to working in competition for selfish benefit

I liked this definition as i think with co operation the main gain is personal but has a nicer tone as you're also helping someone else; you scratch my back i'll scratch yours . i think people co operate to achieve your goals and its essential as if you do not co operate be it within your own team or with others who could potentially effect your work (teachers in other schools etc) your practice could suffer due to poor relationships with those needed to succeed. Within my own professional team we will always co operate eg cover for each other and help each other out with big jobs. I always share or re tweet statuses of other dance schools and companies with whom i am friends with and they in return share mine and 2 of my bosses now advertise each other on their websites. 

Affiliation - the relationship resulting from affiliating one thing with another or a club society or organisation formed.

I think affiliation is something that happens naturally a lot of the time. You'll naturally talk or meet with those who work in your industry and therefore become affiliated with should you share work ideas or networks. I think whilst it can be a natural process some people, perhaps who are aware of the importance of networking and the theories involved, will try and become affiliated with people in order to achieve a goal. I am affiliated with dance associations and contacts due to my line of work and therefore sometimes get invited to certain events that are only for dancers or teachers. i feel these events are great but are often advertised as social occasions but are really a good excuse for networking.  

Communities of practice - A community of practice (CoP) is, according to cognitive anthropologists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger a group of people who share a craft and/or a profession.

I like this idea of 'situated learning' suggesting not having a hierarchy and keeping things informal, in the industry this and would perhaps help encourage more people to attend dance classes and remove the stigma. This feeling of everyone being equal within a community is seen via social media, people from anywhere can comment on my work as i can i on theirs, and learn through connecting with others as a wide community. As stated before i am using social media regularly and therefore connecting with this wider community and networking via this. I have my personal community but there is also the wider network of other dance teachers who are part of this community This means we are able to expand our networks, meeting others from different areas. it is nice to feel a part of something so i think this a great form of networking, that i hadnt realized i used so much.