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This insights video is based on the work of Tiziana Casciaro, professor of organizational behaviour and HR management and the Jim Fisher professor in leadership development.

“For most of us, networking can make us feel dirty or exploitative,” she says. “To correct that feeling, we need to change our mindset about networking. Instead of thinking of it as a necessary evil and a one-way flow of knowledge, we should see networking as an opportunity to learn and to contribute to others’ learning. That mindset will make our interactions with contacts more meaningful and energizing.”

Professor Casciaro is an authority when it comes to organizational networks. Through her research, she strives to better understand workplace interactions, the great agents of change, networking and power dynamics in corporate settings. Because her academic findings are rooted in data — including human resources and archival data, and information she’s collected through surveys and social experiments — she’s able to offer some robust theories on management best practices that are applicable across a range of settings.

“My research is not about quick fixes or tactical tips. It’s about getting at the root of problems so that we can arrive at meaningful solutions.”

You can read more about networking in this article entitled How to love networking, deal with competent jerks and inspire change on the Rotman website. Other articles featuring Tiziana Casciario on networking can be found on the Insights hub, Networking for Leaders and Leadership.