Female managers in professional service firms: Better networks, fewer benefits?

While network research has shown that certain network structures are beneficial for career progression we also find that women benefit much less from such advantageous network positions. The aim of this work is to tease out some of the underlying dynamics of these observed patterns. In a first phase an ANOVA analysis was conducted comparing the variables of the network survey to reveal any differences in network structures between male and female professionals' networks. The identified differences were the departure point to then investigate the root causes of the featured differences through interviews on networking behaviours and the company context. This study contributes to revealing some of the micro-dynamics at play that impede female managers' progression in professional service firms.

, 2018