Role Of Social Influence Research Articles

A study of herding behaviour in exit choice during emergencies based on random utility theory

Modelling human behaviour in emergencies has become an important issue in safety engineering. Good behavioural models can help increase the safety of transportation systems and buildings in extreme situations like fires or terrorist attacks. Although it is well known that the interaction with other decision makers affects human behaviour, the role of social influences during evacuations still needs to be investigated. This paper contributes to fill this gap by analysing the occurrence of Herding Behaviour (HB) in exit choice. Theoretical explanations of HB are presented together with some modelling approaches used in different fields where HB is relevant. A discrete choice stated preference experiment is then carried out to study the role of HB in the decision-making process concerning exit choice during evacuation. A binary logit model is proposed showing that the occurrences of HB are affected by both environmental and personal factors. In particular, the model shows that the personal aptitude to HB can have a key role in selecting an exit.

Smoking behaviors and intentions among adolescents in rural China: The application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the role of social influence

IntroductionThis study investigated the associations between the variables of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), influence of significant others, and smoking intentions and behaviors among adolescents living in rural southern China. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 2609 students in two junior high schools in rural Shantou, Guangdong province, using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate univariate and adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that having favorable attitudes towards smoking on psychological and social aspects, perceived behavioral control, and having most friends who were current smokers were significantly associated with smoking intentions in the next six months and in the next five years. Having most family members who were current smokers was also significantly related to smoking intention in the next five years. Having favorable attitudes towards smoking on psychological aspect and negative attitudes on physical aspect, perceived support from friends on smoking, and having most friends and senior relatives being current smokers were significantly associated with increased likelihood of ever smoking. Perceived behavioral control and having most friends being current smokers were also significantly associated with regular smoking and smoking in the past 30days. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the key constructs of the TPB model and friends' smoking behaviors play important roles in accounting for smoking intentions and behaviors among a sample of rural Chinese adolescents.

Student engagement: the role of social influence and locus of control

Engagement has become a popular topic in marketing research and practice. The present study focuses on higher education as a propitious context for the assessment of engagement phenomena and tests two sets of constructs as predictors of student engagement with a course. One set is conceptually grounded on the Social Influence Theory (SIT), whilst the other is grounded on the locus of control concept. We conducted surveys in higher education institutions and used structural equation modelling for the analysis. Results suggest that social influence constructs are stronger predictors compared to locus of control constructs. We discuss the results along with implications.

The Role of Social Influence and Prior Experience on Citizens' Intention to Continuing to Use E-Government Systems

The increasing use of the Internet over recent years has forced governments and individuals to utilise Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in the form of electronic government (e-government). However, the success of e-government delivery is dependent on usage generally but also on growing concerns about perceived social influence and prior experience of e-government service usage; this is in order to ensure better utilisation of ICT investments by retaining current users. Few studies have investigated the influences of perceived social influence and prior experience on personal factors, such as self-efficacy, personal outcome expectation and satisfaction, towards intention to the continual use of e-government systems. To fill this gap, the present research develops a conceptual framework by associating it with citizens' prior experience. A conceptual framework of six constructs is developed by integrating Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT). Theoretically, the present study extends the roles of pre-adoption and post-adoption by offering a self-regulating process through self-efficacy as a physical ability. Further, the study reveals the importance of social influence and prior experience as well as personal outcome expectation and satisfaction as cognitive factors that represent personal goal assessments.

Fat-Tailed Fluctuations in the Size of Organizations: The Role of Social Influence

Organizational growth processes have consistently been shown to exhibit a fatter-than-Gaussian growth-rate distribution in a variety of settings. Long periods of relatively small changes are interrupted by sudden changes in all size scales. This kind of extreme events can have important consequences for the development of biological and socio-economic systems. Existing models do not derive this aggregated pattern from agent actions at the micro level. We develop an agent-based simulation model on a social network. We take our departure in a model by a Schwarzkopf et al. on a scale-free network. We reproduce the fat-tailed pattern out of internal dynamics alone, and also find that it is robust with respect to network topology. Thus, the social network and the local interactions are a prerequisite for generating the pattern, but not the network topology itself. We further extend the model with a parameter that weights the relative fraction of an individual's neighbours belonging to a given organization, representing a contextual aspect of social influence. In the lower limit of this parameter, the fraction is irrelevant and choice of organization is random. In the upper limit of the parameter, the largest fraction quickly dominates, leading to a winner-takes-all situation. We recover the real pattern as an intermediate case between these two extremes.

When do recycling attitudes predict recycling? An investigation of self-reported versus observed behavior

We examine differences between the role of social influence and worldview (i.e., anthropocentrism) in self-reported and observed recycling behavior. Based on self-determination theory, we suggest social influence prompts a sense of controlled regulation, moderating the relationship between attitudes and self-report recycling behavior; whereas ecological worldviews prompt a sense of autonomous regulation, moderating the relationship between attitudes and observed recycling behavior. Both a laboratory-based paradigm and survey were administered to 108 participants. Results indicate that self-reported and observed recycling behavior are correlated, but not strongly. Additionally, results showed that social influence moderates the relationship between recycling attitudes and self-reported recycling behavior, but not observed behavior. Conversely, anthropocentrism moderates the relationship between recycling attitudes and observed recycling behavior, but not self-reported behavior. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

Exploring the role of social influence in promise beliefs and information acquisition among newcomers

This study investigates the role of social influence in newcomer promise beliefs and promise-related information by co-workers. During their first month on the job, 85 new recruits completed both a one-shot questionnaire and a diary booklet for 10 consecutive workdays. We examined two information sources: contract makers (e.g., managers) and facilitators (e.g., senior colleagues). Two information-gathering processes that newcomers use were also assessed: direct communications and monitoring. Newcomer's reciprocation ideologies (creditor ideology and reciprocation wariness) were also assessed. Participants reported daily the promises received along with their sources and the information-gathering processes involved. A total of 601 promissory interactions were assessed. Analysis using multilevel random coefficient modelling demonstrated the importance of line managers and direct communication in promise beliefs. Both reciprocation ideologies related negatively to employer promises. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Discrete Opinion Dynamics on Online Social Networks

This paper focuses on the dynamics of binary opinions {+1, −1} on online social networks consisting of heterogeneous actors. In our model, actors update their opinions under the interplay of social influence and self- affirmation, which leads to rich dynamical behaviors on online social networks. We find that the opinion leading to the consensus features an advantage of the initially weighted fraction based on actors' strength over the other, instead of the population. For the role of specific actors, the consensus converges towards the opinion that a small fraction of high-strength actors hold, and individual diversity of self-affirmation slows down the ordering process of consensus. These indicate that high-strength actors play an essential role in opinion formation with strong social influence as well as high persistence. Further investigations show that the initial fraction of high-strength actors to dominate the evolution depends on the heterogeneity of the strength distribution, and less high-strength actors are needed in the case of a smaller exponent of power-law distribution of actors' strength. Our study provides deep insights into the role of social influence and self-affirmation on opinion formation on online social networks.

User experience in social commerce: in friends we trust

Social commerce (s-commerce), a new form of commerce that involves using social media, has been rapidly developing. While the adoption of social technology is well studied, new theoretical development is needed to explain the specific characteristics of s-commerce and their interactions with the user. This study analyses consumer behaviours in s-commerce, focusing on the role of social influence in s-commerce. A model is created to validate the relationship between the subjective norm and trust, social support, attitude, and intention. The results of the model show that the subjective norm is a key behavioural antecedent to use s-commerce. In the extended model, the moderating and mediating effects of the subjective norm on relationships among variables were found to be significant. The new set of variables adapted from previous research can be s-commerce-specific, acting as factors that enhance attitudes and behavioural intentions in s-commerce. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of building a theory of social interaction and providing practical insights into developing user-centered s-commerce as a platform.

Social facilitation of d-amphetamine self-administration in rats.

The link between social influence and drug abuse has long been established in humans. However, preclinical animal models of drug abuse have only recently begun to consider the role of social influence. Since social factors influence the initiation and maintenance of drug use in humans, it is important to include these factors in preclinical animal models. The current study examined the effects of the presence of a social partner on responding for sucrose pellets under various motivational conditions, as well as on d-amphetamine (AMPH) self-administration. Rats were trained to lever press for either sucrose or AMPH (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg/infusion unit dose). Following response stability, a novel same-sex conspecific was presented in an adjacent compartment separated by a clear divider, and responding for sucrose or AMPH reward was measured. Rats were allowed to restabilize, and subsequently given an additional partner presentation. Presence of the social partner increased responding only during the first pairing with the AMPH 0.1 mg/kg/infusion unit dose, whereas inhibition of responding was observed during the first pairing during access to the 0.01 mg/kg/infusion unit dose. Under free feed conditions, inhibition of sucrose pellet responding was observed in the presence of the social partner, but this effect was attenuated under food restriction. In contrast, the results demonstrate social facilitation of AMPH self-administration at a high unit dose, thus extending the influence of social factors to an operant conditioning task. This model of social facilitation may have important implications as a preclinical model of social influence on drug abuse.

Downregulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex Prevents Social Conformity

We often change our behavior to conform to real or imagined group pressure. Social influence on our behavior has been extensively studied in social psychology, but its neural mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the transient downregulation of the posterior medial frontal cortex by theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces conformity, as indicated by reduced conformal adjustments in line with group opinion. Both the extent and probability of conformal behavioral adjustments decreased significantly relative to a sham and a control stimulation over another brain area. The posterior part of the medial frontal cortex has previously been implicated in behavioral and attitudinal adjustments. Here, we provide the first interventional evidence of its critical role in social influence on human behavior.

Multiple objectivity: an anti‐relativist approach to situated knowledge

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the inadequate nature of both “mono‐objectivist” approaches, which deny any role of social influence in science, and relativist social constructions, which fail to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. It outlines an alternative conceptual framework that allows for the possibility of social construction of science, while preventing epistemological relativism.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes the cybernetic concept of recursion to show how science can bend back on itself, investigating its own foundations, without undermining its ability to improve our empirical understanding of the world. The paper makes use of several case studies to define specific mechanisms that show how the process of knowledge production in science can steer a course between reduction to a single “right answer,” and fragmentation into subjective interpretations.FindingsThe paper concludes by showing how the cybernetic recursion of multiple objectivity can also be applied to cybernetics itself. In particular, it suggests that such recursive investigations allow us to reconsider the Law of Requisite Variety, and envision an alternative form that can better account for the complexity that arises in self‐generating systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is unlikely to be of use to scientists looking for epistemological proof of singular right answers, or social constructivists looking for proof of epistemological relativism.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that researchers in constructivism need not limit their work for fear that it will lead to relativist conclusions.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to offer an alternative to current developments in the field of science and technology studies.

Can Social Scientists Promote the Effects of Social Influence During War? An Effect Size Perspective

A recent paper in Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy by Sara King presented an overview of the role of social influence in modern military affairs. The current article comments on King's paper by focusing on the limitations of implementing social science theory on wartime affairs. Specifically, the author addresses these limitations within an effect size framework, and suggests that a cautious attitude is needed when utilizing social-science theories in wartime affairs. Language: en

The Role of Social Influence, Culture, and Gender on Entrepreneurial Intent

This study examines the impact of the social influence of family, friends, and role models on entrepreneurial intent, as well as effects of parental entrepreneurial experience on entrepreneurial intent. It also examines how these social norms when combined with gender and national culture influence entrepreneurial intent. While finding significant variances between countries, using a sample of 2,164 university students from 14 countries, this study concludes that each of the three individual factors which comprise Ajzen's (1991) social norms contribute at a significant level to entrepreneurial intent across all countries, with the presence of parental experience contributing a small additional degree explanatory power. Culture is also found to influence entrepreneurial intent, with gender egalitarianism significantly impacting in particular the entrepreneurial intent of women.

Investigating the role of social influence and self-experience in the investment decision of a casual investor

Investors make value judgements about their past choices and the consequences associated with them. Based on their reflection, they may be content and happy with the outcome, or after experiencing that outcome, may regret making the decision instead of an alternative choice. Apart from one’s own experience, an investor’s decision may also be influenced by the social environment (such as friends and relatives). This paper reports the result of an experimental study that specifically investigates the role of social influence in a casual investor’s investment decision making. The study shows that similar to one’s own experience, social influence plays a significant role in one’s investment decision.

Social influence and obesity

To review a selection of research published in the last 12 months on the role of social influence in the obesity epidemic. Recent papers add evidence to previous work linking social network structures and obesity. Social norms, both eating norms and body image norms, are identified as one major source of social influence through networks. Social capital and social stress are additional types of social influence. There is increasing evidence that social influence and social network structures are significant factors in obesity. Deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action and dynamics of social influence, and its link with other factors involved in the obesity epidemic, is an important goal for further research.

A Mixed Methods Approach to Measuring Depth of Group Information Processing in the Context of Deliberative Public Involvement

This article presents a mixed methods procedure for evaluating information processing and the role of social influences in deliberative public involvement groups. Specifically, it describes an interpretive, qualitative coding scheme for analyzing group discussions to quantitatively assess how group differences in information processing and social influences affect decision judgments. To substantiate the need for this new approach, the contributions of social psychology for better understanding persuasive influences in groups and individual information processing are described in relation to participatory public involvement contexts. The approach is then described using examples from a deliberative public involvement process. The article concludes with a discussion of the challenges associated with the proposed technique and suggestions for research to advance the technique and assess its contribution to mixed methods research.

Role of social influence in childhood obesity

Role of social influence in childhood obesity

Predicting e‐procurement adoption in a developing country

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to predict e‐procurement adoption through integrating the constructs of the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA structural equation modelling is conducted through the analysis of 316 usable questionnaires.FindingsThe results show that the proposed model has good explanatory power and confirms its robustness, with a reasonably strong empirical support, in predicting users' intentions to use e‐procurement technology. Behavioural intention toward e‐procurement technology is mainly determined by user's attitude and additionally influenced by perceived usefulness and subjective norm.Practical implicationsThe paper provides procurement system developers and managers with a useful adoption model that demonstrates the significance of perceived usefulness of e‐procurement system in influencing the adoption decision. This highlights the importance of maximizing the benefits of e‐procurement system for potential users to facilitate the adoption process.Social implicationsSystem developers and procurement managers should also consider the role of social influences, such as these from supply chain partners, in the adoption process and how such influences may facilitate or inhibit e‐procurement adoption process.Originality/valueThe paper is the first study that examines e‐procurement adoption in the United Arab Emirates. Also, the findings allow us to understand the importance of both technology‐related aspects and social influence in e‐procurement adoption.

Social influence in military leadership training

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a renewed understanding of social influence in the military by exploring officers' decision‐making processes in a stressful situation. The intention is to develop self‐awareness as a central leadership capability in authentic leadership.Design/methodology/approachDuring wintertime in Norway, standing half‐naked and blindfolded on a wharf, officer cadets were offered the choice of jumping or not jumping into the icy ocean. From that starting point, a qualitative dialogue evolved in which the cadets reflected on their decision‐making processes and explored their reasons for making their decision. Finally, the decision was executed by the cadets on whether to jump into the icy water or not.FindingsThe results from “the water jump” showed that most of the cadets jumped, indicating that they preferred physical inconvenience over social inconvenience, and that officers are highly influenced by their group and the military organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted with a relatively small group and the findings may not generalize readily to other populations.Practical implicationsThe “water jump” has been adopted by the Royal Norwegian Navy, and is under consideration by the Army and Police in Norway. Using the physical environment as a background to tap into the cadets' thinking in action provides knowledge about the individual self and social influence relevant to growth as leaders.Originality/valueThe paper is one of few to explore the role of social influence in the context of a military real‐world leadership training activity. Moreover, addressing social influence as a potential drawback in decision making is done to enhance self‐awareness as a central leadership capability of authentic leaders in operations.