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Research

 

Research Focus

One focus of our research is on networking behavior in organizations, i.e., the establishment, maintenance, and utilization of social relationships in the professional environment. The focus is on the consequences of networking for both individuals and organizations. In the pursuit of a balanced perspective, we investigate both positive consequences, such as career success, and negative consequences, such as conflicts with non-professional roles ("Work-Life Balance"). Additionally, we explore determinants of networking in terms of facilitating or hindering aspects, such as personality traits. Our research is based on career, gender, and power theoretical perspectives.

Another focus is on investment decisions, particularly the commitment to goals signaled by decisions, known as commitment. On one hand, commitment promotes goal-oriented behavior and the likelihood of goal achievement. On the other hand, commitment can lead to persistence and subsequent investments, even when negative feedback suggests discontinuing the project. Our research focuses not only on psychological and situational determinants but also on underlying cognitive processes that allow, for example, the development of intervention measures and an assessment of the rationality of behavior. Moreover, the evolving dynamics of processes over repeated decisions play a central role in our research.

 

Current project

 

The goal is to identify various strategies in online networking and potential influencing factors such as gender, digital skills, and self-efficacy. In addition, recommendations will be formulated on how online networking can be successfully utilized. The aim is to support individuals in actively shaping their careers in a digitized work environment based on evidence.

Digi_Net I (2023–2025)
Acknowledging changing labor markets shaped by digitalization, increased flexibility, and individual responsibility to manage the career, networking is an important competency for professional success. The research project Digi_Net – Success Factors of Digital Networking for Career Development explores how online networking via platforms such as LinkedIn or Xing (PNS, Professional Networking Sites) can be used effectively. The aim is to identify different strategies and analyze influencing factors such as gender, digital competencies, and self-efficacy. The project highlights both opportunities and potential challenges of digital networking — in particular comparing it to traditional in-person networking. The research findings aim to contribute not only to academic scholarship but also to provide practical recommendations for institutions such as educational organizations and career services. The project is funded by the RheinEnergie Stiftung Jugend, Beruf, Wissenschaft and is shared with the public through publications, workshops, and an accompanying podcast.

Team members:
UzK: Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Wolff, Elian Hemes, Rosalie Weitzel
TH Köln: Prof. Dr. Ivonne Preusser, Nils Rottgardt

 

Digi_Net II (2025–2026)

Digi_Net II – “Entering the Workforce after Graduation: The Role of Digital Networks and Labor Market Inclusion” explores the role of professional social networking sites (PNS) in the transition from university to the labor market — with a specific focus on relatively vulnerable student groups. The project is closely aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth) and Goal 10 (reduced inequalities), and thus contributes to shaping inclusive and equitable digital labor markets. Relatively vulnerable groups include, for example, women, individuals with a migration background, first-generation students, and those with low socioeconomic status, as well as people who may experience discrimination or disadvantage based on religion, illness, or sexual orientation. In addition to such demographic characteristics, the project also takes psychological aspects into account—such as perceived stigmatization or limited resources. The main question is whether PNS reinforce existing inequalities in the labor market - for example, by stereotypical evaluations based on profile pictures — or whether they can help promote equal opportunities. Adopting an intersectional perspective, the project systematically analyzes multiple dimensions of disadvantage. The research is based on a longitudinal quantitative study that follows university graduates over several months during their transition into the workforce, collecting repeated survey data. This project is also funded by the RheinEnergie Stiftung Jugend, Beruf, Wissenschaft, and its findings are disseminated to the public through an advisory board, podcasts, and workshops.

  see also our Podcast

Further Projects

  • Corporate Social Responsibility and employer attractiveness
  • Workplace bullying, focusing on victim personality

 

 

Team