Social Relationship

in Middle and Late

Adolescence
What is Social Relationship?
Social relationships in adolescence are generally less
intimate, with limited self-disclosure, but may still require
loyalty, as seen in groups like fraternities or religious
organizations. During middle and late adolescence, peers
from school or the neighborhood become increasingly
important, with attachments shifting from family to
friends. Forming friendships is crucial for adolescent
development, as these relationships help them build self-
identity, boost self-esteem, and strengthen relationship-
building skills as they prepare for young adulthood.
 Goleman’s Social Intelligence
Theory
In Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, Daniel Goleman
explains that our brains are naturally wired for social connection. The orbitofrontal
cortex (OFC), located above the eyes, links with key brain regions (cortex, amygdala,
and brain stem) and integrates thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in social
interactions. The OFC quickly assesses our feelings and thoughts about others and
determines our responses. While this initial assessment is automatic, our final
actions toward others are conscious choices, making us responsible for our
behavior and thoughts in relationships.
 Social Influence
Social relationships, while partially driven by neural reflexes, are also shaped by
social influence. Social influence involves factors like behaviors, attitudes, ideas,
and resources that can change beliefs or actions. Lisa Rashotte highlights a
study by John R. P. French and Bertram Raven (1959), which found that social
influence often operates through power—whether authoritative, coercive,
suggestive, or reward-based. Influence can also come from interactions with
perceived experts or like-minded people. The study concluded that leadership
and power are strongly interconnected in social influence.
3 Varieties or Types of
Social Influence
1. Compliance - is when a person seems to agree, and follows what is requested
or required of him or her to do or believe in, but does not necessarily have to
really believe or agree to it;
2. Identification - is when a person is influenced by someone he or she likes or
looks up to, like a movie star, a social celebrity, or a superhero; and
3. Internalization - is when a person is able to own a certain belief or act, and is
willing to make it known publicly and privately.
Social scientists and psychologists identified
other types of social influence as:
Conformity, a common form of social influence, involves changing behavior, beliefs,
or thoughts to align with others. Social psychology identifies two types:
informational conformity (internalization) and normative conformity
(compliance). Conformity is especially strong in middle and late adolescents, who
often seek approval and acceptance from peers to feel a sense of belonging. This
peer pressure can yield positive or negative outcomes depending on the group’s
influence. Conformity often leads to group members adopting similar appearances,
preferences, and behaviors to show loyalty and maintain group relationships.
Social scientists and psychologists identified
other types of social influence as:

Conversion is a form of social influence where an individual or group fully

adopts new beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors to align with others. This can
involve mutual influence among group members, leading to a shared set of
values. Religious conversion is a common example, where internalization
makes these new beliefs and actions feel personal and genuine.
Social scientists and psychologists identified
other types of social influence as:
Minority influence occurs when a small group impacts the beliefs or behaviors of a
larger group, leading the majority to adopt the minority's perspective. This
influence is more likely when the minority holds economic, political, or social
power, or when the majority is disengaged from the issues.

Reactance, or non-conformity, is the rejection of social influence imposed by

others, often as a counter-reaction. For example, an adolescent may refuse to follow
parental guidance, like staying home on weekends, as a form of resistance.
Reactance occurs regardless of whether the influence is justified.
Social scientists and psychologists identified
other types of social influence as:
Obedience is a form of social influence where an individual follows
directives from an authority figure, often due to respect or fear, even if the
actions don't align with personal beliefs or values.

Persuasion is the process by which one person or group influences another

to change their beliefs, actions, or attitudes through appeals to reason or
emotion.
 Leadership and Followership Theories
Leadership, historically seen as the role of someone with strength,
wisdom, or inherited power, has evolved in definition. Influence is
central to leadership, with Chester Barnard defining it as the ability of
an authority figure to inspire behavior that achieves goals. French
and Raven added that leaders can derive power from multiple
sources, including position, rewards, expertise, respect, or coercion.
 Theories of leadership:
1. Trait Theory. This theory defines leadership based on certain personality
traits which are generally suited for all leaders, such as decisiveness,
persistence, high level of self-confidence and assertiveness, among others.
2. Behavioral Theory. This theory presupposes that leadership is a learned
behavior, and that leaders are defined according to certain types of
behavior they exhibit.
3. Participative Theory. The opposite of an autocratic leader, the
participative leader involves other people to make common decisions.
4. Situational Theory. This theory assumes that there is no one style of
leadership and that leadership behavior is based on the factors present in
a situation, and usually takes into consideration how followers behave.
 Theories of leadership:
5. Transactional Theory. This theory states that leadership involves a
transaction or negotiation of resources or position, and usually employs
reward and punishment.
6. Transformational Theory. This theory involves a vision, which a
leader uses to rally support from followers, and the role of the leader is
in motivating others to support the vision and make it happen.
Authentic Leadership
In Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?, Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones
identify three key principles of authentic leadership:

1. Leadership is situational: A leader’s actions should adapt to

each situation’s unique demands to benefit followers.
2. Leadership is non-hierarchical: Effective leadership depends on
qualities beyond rank, like skills, traits, and connections.
3. Leadership is relational: Leadership is a mutually beneficial
relationship, with leaders demonstrating authenticity and
fulfilling followers' desire for belonging and community.
According to Goffee and Jones, authentic leaders exhibit three key traits:

1. Integrity: They consistently "walk their talk," aligning their actions with
their words.
2. Adaptability: They adjust to different situations while staying true to
their core values and genuine self.
3. Comfort with self: They confidently engage with people from diverse
backgrounds, as exemplified by Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Authenticity in leadership is ultimately shaped by followers' perceptions of

the leader.
Leader-Member Exchange
(LMX) Theory
focuses on the relationship dynamics between leaders and followers, highlighting
followership as a defining element of leadership. Originating from the Vertical Dyad
Linkage (VDL) Theory developed by Dansereau, Graen, and Haga in 1975, LMX
Theory evolved to emphasize the leader-follower interaction as central to effective
leadership.
LMX Theory suggests that a leader's effectiveness depends on the quality of their
relationships with followers, which can vary in different work situations. The theory
also emphasizes that leaders and followers should exchange resources in a way
that is meaningful and perceived as fair by both.
Heroic Leadership
In Heroic Leadership, Chris Lowney outlines a Jesuit-inspired model based on four
principles:
1. Self-awareness: Leaders must understand their strengths, challenges,
emotions, and values.
2. Ingenuity: Leaders should be adaptable and open to new ideas.
3. Love: Respect for oneself and others fosters strong, respectful partnerships.
4. Heroism: Leaders inspire others to pursue higher goals.

Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones highlight that followers desire authenticity,
significance, excitement, and community from leaders, stressing that leadership
requires dedication and responsibility.

Authenticity - the leader is not afraid to show his or her weakness,

reveals his human side without fear, and uses these together with
his strengths to lead others;
Heroic Leadership
Significance - a leader provides the reason or meaning for followers to believe
in;
Excitement - a leader provides motivation and inspiration to his or her followers
and excites them to pursue their vision; and
Community - a leader builds a community of followers with whom they can
associate and forge relationships

Simon Sinek adds that a leader’s effectiveness begins with clarifying the "why" or
purpose behind actions, followed by the "how" (action plan) and "what" (results).
Sinek distinguishes between visionary "why" leaders, realist "how" leaders, and
builder "what" leaders.
Thank you
very much!