Women’s networking across boundaries: recognizing different cultural agendas

Abstract

Networking is increasingly being seen as a crucial skill associated with career success. Presents the findings of a study into the attitudes towards networking of a sample of women from the UK, Spain and the USA. A prior questionnaire‐based study of members’ needs, perceptions and expectations with the European Women’s Management Development Network suggested some cross‐cultural differences in networking attitudes and behaviours. In order to investigate these further, the questionnaire used was further developed and distributed to women’s networks within the USA, UK and Spain. The results indicate differences between the three countries in terms of a whole range of networking issues, leading to the categorization of American women as instrumentalists, UK women as developers, and Spanish women as socialites. Discusses the importance of developing a further understanding of networking practices and motives across cultures and suggests further research.

Citation

Travers, C., Stevens, S. and Pemberton, C. (1997), "Women’s networking across boundaries: recognizing different cultural agendas", Women in Management Review, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 61-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649429710162820