Differential Relationships of Internal and External Networking Behaviors with Turnover

Porter, Caitlin M. M.S., Purdue University, May 2013. Differential Relationships of Internal and External Networking Behaviors With Turnover. Major Professor: Sang Eun Woo. Although networking behaviors are proven to be beneficial for career success, less is known about how networking influences organizational outcomes such as turnover. Using a professional and an academic sample of “stayers” and “leavers”, the present study addresses how two types of networking behaviors, networking focused either internal or external to the organization, differentially influence the voluntary turnover process. Data gathered from “stayers” suggested that internal networking behaviors were positively associated with perceived desirability of movement (i.e., job satisfaction), whereas external networking behaviors were associated with perceived (i.e., perceived employment opportunity) and actual (i.e., job offers) ease of movement. For “leavers”, external networking positively related to attitude-driven turnover, whereas internal networking positively related to opportunity-driven turnover. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.