A ReflectionThrough the Lens of A Book--Unanticipated Gains

“Think back to the most important experiences of your life, the highest highs, the greatest victories, the most daunting obstacles overcome. How many happened to you alone? I bet there are very few. When you understand that being connected to others is one of life’s greatest joys, you realize that life’s best comes when you initiate and invest in solid relationships.” -John C. Maxwell

While we are facing the age of Covid-19, especially for those who currently experience separation and distance from friends or loved ones, social connectivity becomes more crucial in everyone's daily life. This article will introduce the different social ties that Mario Luis Small, the author of Unanticipated Gains, discusses and reflects on and that we can practice in creating a common space for community networking. The article will also discuss in what conditions will be most beneficial for everyone to employ as social capital.

In general, the networking action from one another is either built purposely or non-purposely. As Small researched, there are four types of actions that form personal ties. First is one seeking the need of resources, including information, services, material goods, trust, obligations, and prosocial norms, and willing to gain access via personal ties. Second is when the original purpose of his or her action is not to make a personal network but to gain other resources. For example, if a traveler comes to you and asks for directions in the middle of the street, the main purpose of this action is not original to make a personal tie but obtain immediate information from you. Third is when the action has no purpose other than itself, but it is expressive of personal emotion or character. An unintentional joke or small talk with no underlying purpose usually falls into this category. Fourth is the action has no purpose nor even itself. Small identifies this as a habitual action. This is like starting a conversation. When there are two strangers, one sneezes, and another says, “Bless you”.

From a different dimension, a networking tie starts nowhere or somewhere inside an institutional setup, which is called institutionalized relationships. As part of Hi Neighbors, we aim to create a safe space for neighbors with diverse nationalities and social classes to breed social ties by creating common objects. In the book, from a survey of 293 childcare centers, those that have a parent association foster the social network between moms and their children. The notion of “making friends” between moms is promoted with the requirement of activity engagement and responsibility of internal and external organizational objectives.

Back to the question, what can an organization practice for a better outcome of social connectivity? There are three approaches: first is to suit local demand and provide “investment”-based networking activities. This means under a field of demand and supply, those who have the resources meet those who need them via dedicated events. Second, the inside of the organization itself is a social connection of neighborhood events and tasks-based activities and this requests teamwork, mentorships, and volunteers. During which activities, the connection of the neighborhood, organization staff, and public figures creates the pool for a meritorious social capital within. Third, the connection from one organization to another helps individuals form ties to external resources. Plus, a close tie to the organization will help with the networking ultimately. As current Hi Neighbors’ activities and services, the resources map, monthly events, and direct connection of individuals and other organizations bring the opportunity for some level of personal network.

It’s worth noting that connectivity often comes with uncertainty and not all activities create equal opportunities toward personal ties. On the one side, diversity creates better connections, stronger social values, and less vulnerability to the institutionalized relationship. On the other hand, as organizations create the resources pool for a group with similarities, competition, especially towards limited resources, could undermine trust and the formation of friendships. This is also what we have been working on to avoid resources competition and to create a healthy and comprehensive space for everyone. In addition to buid stronger ties within the organization and everyone around.