新作坊

The organization of social action

摘要：

Information is one of the sources of power in organizations (Ragins & Sundstrom, 1989) and in community action (Dubow & Podolefsky, 1982; Yeich & Levine, 1992). Peace activists ([Fiske, S.T.], 1987) and waste recyclers (Arbuthnot, 1977) are more knowledgeable of the relevant issues than the general public. Awareness of issues is associated with social activism (Fiske, Pratto, & Pavelchak, 1983; Fox & Schofield, 1989; Hamilton, Lynch, Naginey, Peters, & Piske, 1989; McKenzie-Mohr & Dyal, 1991). Those who are more knowledgeable about nuclear weapons tend to worry more about nuclear war (Russo & Lyon, 1990); they are also more likely to engage in advocacy (Nemiroff & McKenzie-Mohr, 1992). Public information and education campaigns have been used to increase awareness of social, environmental, and health issues. Awareness of the issues by itself, is usually not enough to induce people to engage in successful coping action (Fiske, 1987; [Gardner, G.T.] & Stern, 1996; Schofield & [Pavelchak, M.A.], 1985). People also need motivation and confidence in their abilities. Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of our ability to cope with an event (Lazarus, 1991; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Perception of our capabilities, or self-efficacy, forms part of social cognitive theories (Bandura, 1986) and the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1989). A situation which we evaluate as relevant to our well-being, activates problem solving. In addition, we perceive ourselves as being able to control the problem (Lazarus, 1991; Peacock, Wong, & Reker, 1993). Perceiving that we can resolve an issue is an inducement for social action ([Hirsch, E.L.] 1990). Self-efficacy expectations are determinants of disarmament activism (Axelrod & Newton, 1991; [Peter Horvath], 1996a; McClenney & Neiss, 1989; [McKenzie-Mohr] et al., 1992; Wolf, Gregory, & Stephan, 1986), while perceived collective control, or the expectation that we can prevent war in collaboration with others, is associated with peace activism (McKenzie-Mohr et al., 1992). Perceived efficacy with regard to dealing with community issues is associated with a sense of community (Davidson & Cotter, 1989; [McMillan] et al., 1995) and with social action on community issues (Chavis & Wandersman, 1990; Florin & Wandersman, 1990; [Wolff], 1987; [Zimmerman, M.A.] et al., 1992; Zimmerman & Rappaport, 1988). The action of individuals is influenced by contextual factors such as social norms (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). Social expectations and support are environmental factors that moderate or help to actualize the potential for empowerment of individuals and groups. Whereas the values reviewed above are mostly intrinsic motives, social norms are relatively more extrinsic motivators found in the environment. Normative beliefs, or our expectations of the reactions of others, influence attitudes, intentions, and behaviours in the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). The disarmament attitudes of significant others influence our values toward peace issues ([Mayton, D.M.], 1987). The perceived expectations of our relatives and friends influence disarmament actions (Newcomb, Rabow, & [Hernandez, A.C.R.], 1992) as well as other types of community activities like recycling (Vining & Ebreo, 1992). Our perceptions and attitudes toward others are also important motivators of social action. A sense of community facilitates community activism, political participation, and empowerment (Chavis & Wandersman, 1990; Davidson & Cotter, 1989; McMillan et al., 1995). How we perceive a social group or organization to which we belong, including perception of order and feelings of satisfaction with the group, increase empowerment and social action (McMillan et al., 1995).