How Networking Competence and Personal Brand Impact Managers’ Employability

Abstract Book of the 12th International Conference on Business, Management and Economics

Year: 2026

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How Networking Competence and Personal Brand Impact Managers' Employability

Dr. Weronika Szymkiewicz

ABSTRACT:

Building networking competence and a personal brand is increasingly recognized as a way to enhance career resilience and security in a dynamically changing labor market. Managers, as individuals driving organizational change and establishing their own professional position in the labor market, are particularly interested in networking and self-promotion. The aim is to determine the impact of networking competence and personal brand on the employability of managers. A quantitative study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire (CAWI) among managers employed in enterprises located in Poland (N=396). Managers who report a greater ability to networking, are more likely to report higher level of employability. Networking competence, by providing access to market information and support in professional responsibilities, can positively impact a sense of professional security (H1). Managers with an attractive personal brand also demonstrate higher levels of employability. How managers are perceived by others plays a significant role in establishing their professional position (H2). Networking competence and personal brand together positively impact managerial employability. However, personal brand is more important for manager’s employability, while networking competence serves a complementary role (H3). The article points out the limitations resulting from carrying out the study on a homogeneous sample and limiting it to the territory of one country. Although networking competence and personal brand have attracted considerable research interest, their combined impact on employability remains a limited area of research. Research on these phenomena is conducted across various social and professional groups, but managers, despite their significant role in organizations, are often overlooked.

Keywords: Image; Labor Market; Network of Contacts; Professional Position; Self-Promotion