'Who you know' really does matter if you want to get ahead in the workforce.
New research at the University of Windsor found that people who broaden their social network to include those not connected to their day-to-day activities or workplace were more likely to get a promotion or advance their career.
The research found those connections resulted in the person getting new or vital information to achieve their goals and that 'hard work alone' isn't enough to advance your career.
The study's lead author is Professor Catherine Shea, an assistant professor of management at the University of Windsor's Odette School of Business.
If you want a promotion, Shea says "you need to think about who can help you get ahead. Unfortunetly with the labour market being so competitive it's no longer working hard and having the skills and getting the job. You need to do that extra leg work to get the tips, learn about jobs before they get posted on the job board and things like that."
"Face-to-face interactions are also very important because people can ignore emails and text messages" says Shea. "I think when you're face-to-face with someone they're more acountable to you, they're more likely to help you. I think it's really important to talk to people in our social world and talk to people in the grocery line."
Shea adds in a more competitive economic environment, getting ahead in your career is no longer a straight-forward, linear process between working hard and advancing in your career. Individuals need to be savvy in how they seek out and connect with others in their social networks.
The research was published in this month's issue of Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision Process.