"Career-relevant networks are often limited to a specific focus or membership" (Inkson 2007). With a rise in the amount of networking occurring through social networking mediums, a new "career community" has arisen. Inkson explores this concept (as cited in Parker and Arthur 2000), " the term career communities is used to describe member-defined communities from which people draw career support" (Inkson, 2007, p. 184). The use of social networking sites have allowed Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and many other sites to become career communities.
Dutta and Fraser (2009) explore the phenomenon linking career networking to social networking sites through sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. In a previous posting we discuss the implications of using social networking sites for career networking purposes and advised social network site users on etiquette for career networking online. Dutta and Fraser (2009) address the implications of the usage of sites such as Facebook for career networking. "With so many people stampeding into Web-based social networks, the line between social and business networking is becoming increasingly blurred. An important question is whether the
values and codes of conduct specific to the virtual world will come into conflict with real-world
values and norms" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009 p.1).
While the transition of the use of values and code from the real world to the virtual world remains a question. The authors explore the economic trends behind the move to social networking sites.There are, of course, powerful economic reasons behind the trend. One of the primary reasons is social capital where "individuals engage in interactions and networking in order to produce profit" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009 p.2) "These profits are based upon information, influence, social credentials, and recognition. The accumulated social capital, meanwhile, helps individuals to gain competitive advantages in the labor market as a result of privileged access to “resources” located on the social networks" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009, p.2)
Through utilizing social networking sites as a medium for career networking individuals due to the plethora of weak ties that are available, I would argue that more opportunities to access jobs exist. Inkson (2007) delves into this concept (as cited in Granovetter (1974) of "the strength of weak ties". "Weak ties put people in touch with others who are socially distant, thereby creating new opportunities to progress..." (Inkson, 2007, p. 185). This concept creates a wide range of opportunities for those seeking career networking opportunities online.
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