This research investigates the perceptual consequences of network use in the workplace. We argue that the possession and use of a network to accomplish a task or goal have different implications for perceptual outcomes and workplace relationships. Across 4 studies (N= 1,609), we demonstrate that individuals who use their network (versus their expertise) may incur perceptual penalties, challenging the existing assumption that networks provide benefits to individuals. In Study 1, participants who were asked to recall a colleague who used their network rated their colleague as less competent and were less willing to work with them compared to participants who were asked to recall a colleague who used their expertise or colleague who possessed a network. Study 2 tested the boundary condition of task-interdependence on the relationship between network use and perceptual outcomes, showing that task-interdependence moderates the relationship between network use and perceived competence. In Study 3, we demonstrate that an observer’s perception of their colleague’s use of network was mediated by procedural fairness. Lastly, Study 4 examined the role of culture norms on the relationship between network use and procedural fairness, demonstrating that cultural norms indirectly influence the perception of those that use the network.
