Network Congruence: The Effects of Role Congruity in Multiple Networks on Work-related Outcomes

We introduced the concept of network congruence, which refers to the role congruity or consistent network positions in different networks in organizations, to show how multiple networks jointly influence on individuals’ work-related outcomes: job attitudes and work behavior. Drawing on social consistence theory and role accumulation theory, we predicted the positive relationship between congruent network position (especially, centrality in both task-advice and friendship networks within groups) and work-related attitudes and behavior. Based on network data of 164 employees from 29 work groups in South Korea, we found that individuals with similar degrees of centralities both in task-advice and friendship networks displayed higher group commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and lower turnover intention. Furthermore, the effects of centrality in task-advice network on group commitment were moderated by formal status.