Interpersonal networks of managerial and professional women and men: descriptive characteristics

Abstract

Presents descriptive information on interpersonal networks, both inside and outside of one′s organization, among managerial and professional women and men. Sex differences were also examined. Data were collected from 57 women and 55 men in early and mid‐career stages using questionnaires. Respondents indicated an average of 4.9 individuals in their inside networks and 2.8 individuals in their outside networks. There was a higher percentage of men in both networks, but the difference was smaller in outside than in inside networks. Respondents interacted with inside and outside network members about once a week. Inside network members held staff rather than line jobs, were at slightly higher organizational levels and were only modestly connected to powerful organizational leaders. Outside networks consisted mostly of friends and spouses. The networks of women and men had some differences. Women′s networks contained more women than did men′s networks. Women also received a greater number of developmental functions from their outside network, with a similar tendency from their inside network as well.