Company Quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter
“if networks of women are formed, they should be job related and task related rather than female-concerns related. Personal networks for sociability in the context of a work organization would tend to promote the image of women contained in the temperamental model - that companies must compensate for women's deficiencies and bring them together for support because they could not make it on their own. But job-related task forces serve the social-psychological functions while reinforcing a more positive image of women.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Women and Networks in Organizations, 1978
Women should build professional networks focused on work tasks, not just gender issues, to avoid reinforcing stereotypes of dependency.
In simple terms: Professional networks boost competence and image.
Key Takeaway
Create task‑oriented networks.
Themes
gender equity
professional development
stereotypes
networking
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
advice
analytical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- project teams
- leadership development
- mentor programs
Key Concepts
social capital
role theory
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can task‑focused networks be inclusive?
- What barriers exist for women forming such networks?
A Different Perspective
May still overlook systemic bias in hiring and promotion.
