Gender and Persevering through Negative Emotions in Networking

Abstract: Despite progress toward achieving workplace equity, gender disparities in career trajectories persist. Mounting evidence points to the role of gender differences in professional networks, which impacts access to career-advancing resources. Our research examines the psychological antecedents that affect network building, activation, and mobilization. We theorize women are more likely to experience negative emotions when engaging in networking compared to men. We further hypothesize a behavioral intervention designed to facilitate a practice of persevering through rejection will help women overcome these negative emotions. In Study 1, (N = 427 professionals), women reported higher levels of awkwardness and fear of rejection in a networking scenario. Study 2, a diary study (N = 185 college students), women benefited markedly from a behavioral intervention, experiencing a rapid decline in negative emotions when networking compared to men. Our research uncovers why these gender differences in networking exist and offers practical solutions for reducing these disparities.

Keywords: gender, networks, inequality, negative experience, behavioral intervention