THE POWER OF WEAK TIES
The crowd unsettles me, particularly the unknown kind. It’s a peculiar
sentiment, especially coming from someone who’s devoted over two
and a half decades to navigating the complexities of HR. However, it’s a
personal preference. As they say, “Two’s company and three’s a crowd.”
Many of us can likely relate to this paradox. Different situations often
require us to adapt our styles. A naturally sociable disposition may thrive
on numerous connections and friends, whether at work or attending a
friend’s wedding. At the same time, a more introverted demeanor may
prefer a smaller, more intimate gathering. It all depends on the context
and an individual’s intent.
Human behavior remains one of the most intensely studied sciences.
What we have discovered about ourselves is still dwarfed by the mysteries
that continue to elude us. With the convergence of the real and digital
worlds, this paradox extends to our online personas, particularly evident
in our behavior on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
A comprehensive scientific study conducted jointly by researchers
from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT recently delved into this paradox. This
groundbreaking, large-scale study spanned over five years, analyzing the
behavior of more than 20 million global professionals on LinkedIn . Its
objective was to explore the correlation between job mobility and weak
professional ties within their social networks, including second and third degree
connections.
Weak ties, represented by these second and third-degree LinkedIn
connections, often do not know each other personally. They form the
extended connections of our first-degree contacts, possibly having met at
a social event or industry conference. These connections are likely to be a
familiar presence in your LinkedIn network.
The study aimed to scientifically validate a well-known social theory
introduced by the eminent social scientist Prof. Mark Granovetter of
Stanford University – “The Strength of Weak Ties” (1973). This theory
posited that job mobility, promotions, and salary increases are often more
favorably linked to the influence of individuals less familiar to us within
our network than those with whom we share stronger ties.
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Although cited over 60,000 times by researchers, this contrarian
theory has remained somewhat overlooked for nearly five decades. Prof.
Granovetter’s groundbreaking idea has resurfaced, been rigorously tested,
and conclusively substantiated by contemporary social scientists from
prestigious institutions.
The study unequivocally confirms that “weak ties” in an individual’s
social network can significantly aid their professional pursuits. These
extended connections offer additional opportunities to learn about
new jobs and professional openings within the network. Over the study
period, researchers observed the creation of 600,000 new jobs, most
of which correlated statistically with weak ties in individuals’ networks.
These insights hold the potential to assist policymakers and employers in
refining their strategies for hiring and policy-making.
This discovery could not have come at a more opportune moment.
Job markets worldwide are witnessing significant shifts, driven by factors
such as recessionary trends and the impending influence of artificial
intelligence in the workplace. Cultivating and engaging with “weak ties”
in your social network may distinguish the path to professional excellence
from the risk of job insecurity. The size and diversity of your social
network serve as a global noticeboard, presenting enhanced job and
professional opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden or out
of reach. Recognizing and harnessing this potential is prudent for career
growth and development.
Book trivia:
Author Profile: Writes about life. Authored the expert/academia-endorsed first-of-its-kind HR-Management hand-book "Future of Work - AI in HR" acclaimed for its research-backed insights and accessible writing style https://lnkd.in/gTP7u4Q5 . The book is available globally on Amazon (https://lnkd.in/gSmTWMsx ).
To buy the book, click on the cover below. Pls remember to access your country-specific Amazon website:
Upcoming sequel expected early 2025: