Title: From personality to connection: the mediating role of tie strength in HEXACO traits and job networking behaviour

Authors: Son-Tung Le

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Le Chan District, Hai Phong City, 180000, Vietnam

Abstract: The HEXACO model and social network theory have been used to investigate the effect of personalities on level of the networking behaviour for finding employment, however, the mechanism explaining the relationships is unknown. The purpose of this research aims to examine the mediating role of tie strength in the relationships between HEXACO personalities and job search networking behaviour. The study applied the quantitative method with the sample of 773 university graduates collected at two points with a 3monthlagged time. Our findings indicate that Honesty-humility, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness influence positively individuals' tie strength. Our study provides evidence that an individual tends to spend more time networking for stronger ties. The findings also demonstrate that tie strength plays a mediating role in the relationships between Honesty-humility, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and job search networking behaviour. Implications for mentors, counsellors, and researchers are discussed.

Keywords: HEXACO traits; tie strength; networking behaviour; job search; individual difference theory; social network theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2025.149616

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2025 Vol.33 No.1, pp.39 - 66

Received: 28 Nov 2024
Accepted: 30 Jun 2025
Published online: 07 Nov 2025 *