Professional Networking : Involvement and Identity

Abstract

Professional networking has been shown to benefit individuals' careers in many ways (Forret & Doughtery, 2004). However, little is known about the relationship between individual and employer motives for involvement in professional organizations, which may influence employees' attitudes toward their employer, their identification with their employing organization, and the source with which individuals most strongly identify. This study was driven by the Social Identity Theory which states people tend to classify themselves and others into various social categories (Ashforth & Mael, 1989). This study found associations between reasons that employees are motivated to be involved, employer encouragement of their involvement, and individual identification with their employer and career.