Exploring the Key Dissimilarities between Normative and Informational Social Influence
Have you ever found yourself conforming to the opinions or behaviors of a group, even when they don’t align with your personal beliefs or values? This phenomenon is known as social influence, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. Two types of social influence that are particularly noteworthy are normative and informational social influence.
Understanding Normative Social Influence
Normative social influence occurs when an individual conforms to the opinions or behaviors of a group in order to fit in or be accepted. This type of influence is driven by the human desire for social approval and avoiding rejection. For example, if a person is at a party and everyone is drinking alcohol, they might feel pressure to drink as well in order to fit in with the group. This can lead to a behavior that is not aligned with their personal values or beliefs.
Exploring Informational Social Influence
Informational social influence, on the other hand, occurs when an individual looks to others in a group for guidance or direction on how to behave or think. This type of influence is driven by the belief that others have more knowledge or expertise on a particular topic. For example, if a person is new to a job and is unsure of how to complete a task, they might look to a more experienced coworker for guidance on how to proceed.
Differences between Normative and Informational Social Influence
While normative and informational social influence can both lead to conformity within a group, there are key differences between the two. Normative social influence is driven by a desire for acceptance and social approval, while informational social influence is based on a belief that others have more knowledge or expertise. Normative social influence often results in behaviors that are inconsistent with personal values or beliefs, while informational social influence can lead to learning and growth.
Examples of Normative vs. Informational Social Influence
To better understand the differences between normative and informational social influence, let’s consider some examples. Imagine a group of coworkers are discussing a controversial political issue. If an individual agrees with the majority opinion in order to avoid being ostracized or criticized by the group, this is an example of normative social influence. On the other hand, if an individual asks questions and seeks guidance from coworkers who are more knowledgeable about the issue, this is an example of informational social influence.
Takeaways
While normative and informational social influence may both lead to conformity within a group, the underlying motivations and outcomes are different. Normative social influence is driven by a desire for social approval and can lead to inconsistency with personal values, while informational social influence is based on a belief that others have more knowledge and can lead to growth and learning. Understanding these differences can help individuals make more informed decisions about when to conform and when to speak up.
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