The argument presented in the article by Albert Bandura is based on the social cognitive theory. From an agentic point of view, the theory posits that human beings are capable of organizing, reflecting and regulating themselves in a proactive manner. This is necessary given the reality that human beings are designed in such a manner that they adapt and change in accordance to situations (p. 75).
The article is critical in the understanding of various social arrangements such as in the efforts to address poverty. Most of the approaches to poverty reduction are founded on the necessity for empowerment in collective actions. The same is evident in various other situations, such as in workplaces where team work has been emphasized above all else. This is based on the article’s idea that in such situations, there is the belief in collective action generating more and better required outcomes. Given that it is impossible to achieve great outcomes alone, humans have developed the tendency to work in groups.
The article is an interesting source of understanding of group mechanisms in the modern world. From reading it, it is possible to understand why collective action has taken a center stage in many operations in the modern life. People are able to change their environment and influence their destinies, but not individually. Interdependence has become a reality, transcending time, place, and national boundaries (p. 78). For instance, the article can better explain the reality of globalization, the interconnectedness at the global level, which is the current phenomenon. It is also possible to understand why relationships are important given the reality that individual efficacy is no longer enough in achieving the desired results.
In the modern life, as Bandura concludes, it is not possible to evade the idea of collective efficacy. This is due to the reality of various transnational forces which have led to changes in the locus and form of power. There have been major changes, including technological changes that have completely changed the centers of power in a manner that has not been experienced in the past. This has led to emerging social realities causing interdependence to an extent that it is no longer possible for individuals to control. This suggests the increasing importance of collective efficacy in getting things done. For instance, it is no longer possible for a single manager to effectively influence the direction of an organization without the input of each and every member of the organization.
Work Cited:
Bandura, Albert. Exercise of human agency through collective efficacy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9, 2000, pp. 75-78
