Networking can create feeling of 'moral impurity'

Despite the importance of networking in the business world, not many people are comfortable with it, finds a new study by University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. "Professional networking can create feelings of moral impurity. This can hold people back from networking more, reducing career opportunities and lowering job performance," says Tiziana Casciaro, co-author of the study and an associate professor at the university.

People who had more power in the office were less likely to report feeling dirty when it came to networking while those with less power feel more tainted by networking - even though they need it the most. The study says, those negative feelings can be overcome if people see themselves as having something to offer even if they're still junior in work.