Social Exchange Theory and Example in Real World.pptx
1.
SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
Managementand Organization Theory, Chapter 33 - Miles, J.A. (2012)
Sharfuddin Chowdhury
MBBS, FCS(SA), FACS, MMed, PhD, DSc (2nd
yr)
October 7, 2025
2.
INTRODUCTION
Social ExchangeTheory (SET) explores relationships as transactions.
Based on cost-benefit analysis, individuals seek to maximize rewards and
minimize costs.
Key premise: Social interactions are reciprocal.
Importance for management: Explains employee motivation,
commitment, and cooperation.
3.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Developedfrom sociology and psychology.
Roots in economic principles of rational choice.
Peter Blau (1964) – broader
organizational applications.
George Homans (1961) –
behavior as an exchange of
rewards.
4.
CORE CONCEPTS OFSOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
Rewards – benefits from interaction (e.g., recognition, support).
Costs – sacrifices or negative outcomes (e.g., time, effort).
Reciprocity – the expectation that positive actions will be returned.
Comparison Level – benchmark for what individuals expect in a relationship.
Equity & Justice – perceived fairness is critical for sustained relationships.
5.
BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
Peopleare rational and seek to maximize rewards.
Social relationships are interdependent.
Behavior is contingent upon past interactions and expectations.
Mutual benefit is essential for long-term relational stability.
6.
TYPES OF EXCHANGE
Economic Exchange – short-term, explicit, contractual.
Social Exchange – long-term, trust-based, implicit.
Example: Mentoring programs rely on social exchange, not contractual
obligation.
7.
SOCIAL EXCHANGE INORGANIZATIONS
Employee-Organization relationship is a social exchange:
Organization provides: salary, benefits, support.
Employee provides: loyalty, effort, performance.
Strong reciprocity leads to:
Increased job satisfaction
Higher organizational commitment
Reduced turnover
8.
FACTORS AFFECTING SOCIALEXCHANGE
Trust: Reliability of the other party.
Power & Dependence: Unequal dependence can strain exchange.
Cultural Norms: Influence expectations of reciprocity.
Perceived Fairness: Imbalances reduce satisfaction and cooperation.
9.
UTILITY FOR THEHEALTHCARE LEADERS
Employee Motivation: Recognition and rewards maintain engagement.
Leadership: Leaders can build trust through reciprocal behavior.
Team Dynamics: Collaboration improves when members perceive fairness.
Conflict Resolution: Understanding exchange imbalances helps manage
disputes.
10.
EXAMPLE IN HEALTHCARE
Scenario:In the emergency department, trauma cases require quick
coordination of nurses, surgeons, anesthetists, and support staff. Nurses often
take on extra shifts or responsibilities during busy trauma admissions.
Application of SET:
If nurses feel their extra efforts are recognized (e.g., verbal appreciation,
schedule flexibility, professional growth opportunities), they are more willing
to keep supporting the trauma team during critical shortages.
If perceived costs outweigh benefits (e.g., burnout, lack of recognition, unfair
workload), trust declines, and staff morale drops.
Reciprocity boosts collaboration—for example, when surgeons acknowledge
nursing contributions, teamwork and efficiency improve.
11.
CRITIQUES AND LIMITATIONS
Overemphasis on rationality – ignores emotions and altruism.
Difficult to quantify rewards and costs in complex relationships.
Assumes reciprocity, but not all social behavior is transactional.
12.
SUMMARY
Social ExchangeTheory explains interpersonal and organizational
behavior.
Focus on mutual benefit, fairness, and reciprocity.
Provides a framework for enhancing workplace relationships.
Still relevant for modern management practices, HR strategies, and
leadership.
APPLICATION
Resource exchange canbe economic, social, or both
Most rewarding outcomes in social exchange theory do not need to
have material value
Reciprocity
Individualistic
Consider a member of the health plan and wellness program
Collectivistic
Social drivers of health and removing barriers to care
#2 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#4 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#5 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#6 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#7 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#8 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#9 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#10 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#11 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)
#12 Provides a common picture of a process for the whole team.
Helps identify which parts of the system are important to measure.
Helps generate ideas for change. (Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process.)