Crossing the bridge from network training to development: A guide to move trainees from classroom insights to effective networks
Cullen-Lester, KL; Maupin, CK; Floyd, TM; et al.Mahdon, M; Gerbasi, A; Carter, DR
Date: 8 December 2022
Article
Journal
Organizational Dynamics
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Professional networks help employees accomplish work tasks, progress in their careers, and
thrive personally. Decades of research suggest that achieving these outcomes requires more than
simply amassing 'more' network contacts. Instead, networks with certain characteristics (e.g.,
networks that are open, diverse, and deep) enhance ...
Professional networks help employees accomplish work tasks, progress in their careers, and
thrive personally. Decades of research suggest that achieving these outcomes requires more than
simply amassing 'more' network contacts. Instead, networks with certain characteristics (e.g.,
networks that are open, diverse, and deep) enhance effectiveness. Network training teaches
trainees about effective networks and helps trainees identify their network development needs by
providing feedback on their current network. Once back on the job, trainees are assumed to take
appropriate actions to develop their networks. However, our research and experience training
MBA students, executives, and employees at all levels suggest that trainees often struggle to
develop their networks after training. We studied 119 trainees engaged in network training and
development to understand why. Our investigation revealed that many trainees fail to set network
development goals that match their personalized feedback, identify strategies that match their
goals, and take actions to develop networks that match their strategies. These mismatches create
gaps in the bridge that trainees build to take themselves from network training to development.
Further, even after building strong bridges by aligning their feedback, goals, strategies, and
actions, many trainees encounter on-the-job barriers that prevent them from improving the
effectiveness of their network. We offer a guide to help address translational gaps and mitigate
on-the-job barriers, thereby enhancing the translation of network training insights into network
development.
Management
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0
Except where otherwise noted, this item's licence is described as © 2022 Elsevier Inc, This version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/