Networking Norms Shift to Transactional, Eroding Professional Connection
Event summary
- A recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey found 79% of hiring managers and 75% of job seekers view networking as transactional.
- 84% of job seekers cite networking primarily for identifying job opportunities, not relationship building.
- 78% of job seekers and 84% of hiring managers attribute the transactional nature of networking to online platforms.
- 85% of hiring managers now evaluate networking contacts based solely on influence or usefulness.
The big picture
The shift towards transactional networking highlights a broader erosion of trust and authenticity in professional interactions, accelerated by the proliferation of online platforms. This trend, particularly acute among younger workers, suggests a potential disconnect between the perceived value of networking and the actual experience, which could impact career progression and organizational culture. The data underscores a growing desire for more meaningful professional relationships, a need that, if unmet, could lead to decreased employee engagement and difficulty attracting talent.
What we're watching
- Authenticity
- The increasing discomfort with transactional networking may prompt a re-evaluation of professional development programs and a renewed emphasis on genuine relationship-building skills, potentially impacting employee retention and recruitment costs.
- Platform Evolution
- Online networking platforms will likely face pressure to redesign features and algorithms to foster more authentic interactions, or risk losing users, particularly among younger demographics.
- Generational Impact
- The pronounced dissatisfaction among Gen Z and millennials with current networking practices could lead to the emergence of alternative, more human-centric professional connection models.
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