The role of networks in the process of transition from college to the world of work.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of networks in the transition from college to the world of work. It draws on the network theory of employment. Data on 1012 baccalaureate graduates at a large midwestern research university in May, 1990 were used. The data were drawn from a graduation survey and combined with University files and ACT Student Profile data. From these primary data, two subdata sets were constructed--network and employment samples.; Analyses of the data revealed the following major results regarding baccalaureate graduates' job search and initial employment. Job search variables overall contributed to initial career success. Earlier search and use of proper methods were important for a smooth transition from college to employment. Networking was one of the popular job search methods, and its effectiveness ranked in the middle of the various techniques. However, the unique contribution of informal methods to initial employment success was not statistically significant. Heavy use of informal methods by students with low employability partially decreased their productivity. No significant interaction terms between networking and personal background variables were found. The "strength of weak ties" hypothesis was not supported. The advantage of weak ties relative to strong ties in finding a good job observed at the bivariate level was significantly diminished net of control variables. Recruitment methods were related to organizational characteristics in various ways. Larger firms used placement office and written procedures more and informal means less frequently than smaller firms. Service industry firms used direct hiring methods commonly, relative to manufacturing firms. Public organizations used written procedures and personal contacts (weak ties) more frequently and utilized more methods for hiring baccalaureate employees than private organizations.; To obtain a better understanding of the college to work transition, we need to develop standardized instruments to measure networks and other job search variables, and to examine the dynamic nature of job search and organizational hiring practices.