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