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Perceptions of Self and Collective Efficacy in Community Organization Theory and Practice
47
Citations
0
References
1994
Year
Group PhenomenonSocial PsychologySocial InfluenceAgency (Feminist Philosophy)Learned HelplessnessOrganizational BehaviorPsychologySocial SciencesSelf-efficacy TheoryManagementGroup PsychologySocial IdentityBehavioral SciencesAgency (Social Cognitive Psychology)Community LeadershipSocial OrganizationCommunity EngagementGroup InteractionApplied Social PsychologyCollective SelfCommunity ParticipationCollective EfficacyCommunity DevelopmentCommunity Organization TheoryOrganizational CommunicationGroup DynamicCommunity OrganizingSocial BehaviorSociologyCollective ActionOrganization TheorySelf-efficacyLearned HopefulnessSmall Group Research
Abstract The concepts of learned helplessness and locus of control have been shown to be reliable predictors of both individual and group behaviors across a wide variety of social situations. Little effort, however, has been directed at understanding the variables associated with these constructs which influence the decision of a disempowered group to take social action when faced with adversity or challenge. This paper analyzes the concepts of perceived self and collective efficacy and discusses how these variables in individual and group behavior impact organizing. The concepts of perceived and collective efficacy are drawn from social learning theory and, within the paper, are hypothesized as the linch pin between various conflict theories. It is argued that once disenfranchised persons are recruited into social action organizations, a certain amount of resocialization must occur that transforms perceived helplessness or personal inefficacy into learned hopefulness with its associated motivation to take action. The role of group leadership in promoting collective efficacy is discussed. KEYWORDS: Self-efficacycollective efficacycommunity organizing theorysocial actionsocial change