Network Penalty: Unveiling The Perceptual Consequence of Using Your Network

Authors:

Abstract: This research investigates the perceptual consequences of network use in the workplace. Across 4 studies (N = 1,609), we demonstrate that individuals who use their network (versus their expertise) may incur perceptual penalties, challenging the existing assumption that networks provide benefits to individuals. In Study 1, participants rated colleagues who used their network as less competent and were less willing to work with them compared colleague who used their expertise or colleague who possessed a network. Study 2 found that task-interdependence moderates the relationship between network use and perceived competence. In Study 3, we demonstrate that an observer’s perception of their colleague’s use of network was mediated by procedural fairness. Lastly, Study 4 examined the role of culture norms on the relationship between network use and procedural fairness, demonstrating that cultural norms indirectly influence the perception of those that use the network.

Track: ORG

Keywords: Networks; perception; procedural fairness; empirical