The influence of extraversion tendency, perceived stress and COVID-19 on online professional networking behavior preference

Abstract

As a response to COVID-19, governments around the world have prohibited physical gatherings, including physical networking events. Working from home has become the norm. This thesis aims to examine the impact of extraversion tendency, perceived stress and compliance to COVID-19 social distancing measures in relation to online professional networking behavior. The research question is as follows : “To what extent is extraversion tendency, perceived stress and compliance to the COVID-19 social distancing measures of the working population related to preference for online professional networking behavior preference?” It is expected that, in line with the Rich get Richer perspective, extraversion tendency is positively related to professional networking behavior. Perceived stress is expected to be negatively related to online professional networking behavior, in line with the Conservation of Resources perspective. Compliance to COVID-19 social distancing measures is expected to be positively related to online professional network behavior. 63 participants took part in the study. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire inquiring their extraversion tendency, perceived stress, compliance to COVID-19 social distancing measures and their preference for online professional networking behavior. It was found that extraversion tendency and compliance to social distancing measures were positively related to online professional networking behavior preference, but perceived stress was not. This thesis adds to the literature by finding additional evidence for the Rich Get Richer perspective and examining the Conservation of Resources in relation to online professional networking behavior. The findings of this thesis contribute to more understanding of online professional networking behavior.