Formal and Informal Networks’ Characteristics and their Effect in Terms of Gender

Formal and Informal Networks’ Characteristics and their Effect in Terms of Gender

The purpose of this study is to identify formal and informal networks among male and female employees in different organizations in order to examine their characteristics and related gender differences. Moreover, this study aims to analyze the impact of these networks on both the career development of female workers and on organizational outcomes. For theses purposes, a review of previous research, an egocentric social network analysis via an online survey, and a whole-network analysis of three enterprises, including interviews with managers and employees, were conducted. Key findings are as follows: Both male and female workers showed sex homophily, which is characterized by networking with people of the same gender. Networks were significantly associated with career satisfaction and career outlook among both male and female workers, but only associated with position among female workers. Informal networks showed higher density than did formal networks, and network connection was highly related with gender and department. In addition, gender proportion was related to network composition, which is associated with organizational outcome. Based on these findings, improving awareness of networking at the individual level, providing networking opportunities and shifting the manner of thinking about networks as well as diagnosing organization at the corporate level, establishing mentoring and network programs and supporting women’s councils, promoting online network activities at the governmental level, and the reation of social and cultural environments that promote networking are all suggested.