In my research, I use my background as an economic sociologist to explain how social networks (i.e., who we know) contribute to inequality in career attainment, with the goal of creating solutions that can reduce these differences.
How does networking help to get a job, and are these benefits the same for all demographic groups? Is it harder for some groups to get a job referral, and if so, why?
In seeking to answer these questions, my research provides causally rigorous evidence for network-based mechanisms that link gender, race, social networks, and labor market inequality.
My current research with Sharon Koppman explores ethnic differences in referrals in Top Ten Tech firms. In another project with Felicia Tian, we study differences in referring between the U.S. and China.
Work-in-progress
Peer reviewed papers
2022 Obukhova, E. and A. M. Kleinbaum. Scouting and Schmoozing: A Gender Difference in Networking during Job Search. Academy of Management Discoveries. Journal link. Open access.
2022 Obukhova, E. and B. Rubineau. Market transition and network-based job matching in China: The referrer perspective. ILR Review 75(1): 200-224. Journal link. Open access.
2017 Obukhova, E. and L. Zhang. Social Capital and Job Search in Urban China: The Strength-of-Strong-Ties Hypothesis Revisited. Chinese Sociological Review 49(4): 340-361. Journal link. Open access.
2016 Zhang, J., E. Zuckerman and E. Obukhova. A Lack of Security or of Cultural Capital? Acculturative Conservatism in the Naming Choices of Early 20th-Century U.S. Jews. Social Forces 94(4): 1509-1538. Journal link. Open access.
2014 Obukhova, E., E. Zuckerman and J. Zhang. When Politics Froze Fashion: The Effect of the Cultural Revolution on Naming in Beijing. American Journal of Sociology 120(2): 555-583. Journal link. Open access.
2013 Obukhova, E. and G. Lan. Do Job-Seekers Benefit from Contacts? A Direct Test with Contemporaneous Searches. Management Science 59(10): 2204-2216. Journal link. Open access.
2012 Obukhova, E. Motivation vs. Relevance: Using Strong Ties to Find a Job in China. Social Science Research 41(3): 470-480. Journal link. Open access.
How does networking help to get a job, and are these benefits the same for all demographic groups? Is it harder for some groups to get a job referral, and if so, why?
In seeking to answer these questions, my research provides causally rigorous evidence for network-based mechanisms that link gender, race, social networks, and labor market inequality.
My current research with Sharon Koppman explores ethnic differences in referrals in Top Ten Tech firms. In another project with Felicia Tian, we study differences in referring between the U.S. and China.
Work-in-progress
- Obukhova, E. and F. Tian. Referral bonuses in global talent acquisition: The role of social networks in China and the US. Conditionally accepted at the Journal of International Business Studies.
- Obukhova, E., H-J Cho*, and L.T. Zhang. Title withheld. Manuscript under review (2nd round).
- Obukhova, E., and S.E. Koppman. Who gets a referral in Big Tech (working paper).
- H. Bui*, E. Obukhova and D. Demetry. Authenticity and strategic change during COVID-19 Pandemic (working paper).
- Ramesh, J.*, E. Obukhova and S.E. Koppman. Gender, networks and belonging in Big Tech (data analysis).
- Obukhova, E., B. Bond, J. Ramesh*. The effect of bonuses on pro-social motivations in referring (data analysis stage).
Peer reviewed papers
2022 Obukhova, E. and A. M. Kleinbaum. Scouting and Schmoozing: A Gender Difference in Networking during Job Search. Academy of Management Discoveries. Journal link. Open access.
2022 Obukhova, E. and B. Rubineau. Market transition and network-based job matching in China: The referrer perspective. ILR Review 75(1): 200-224. Journal link. Open access.
2017 Obukhova, E. and L. Zhang. Social Capital and Job Search in Urban China: The Strength-of-Strong-Ties Hypothesis Revisited. Chinese Sociological Review 49(4): 340-361. Journal link. Open access.
2016 Zhang, J., E. Zuckerman and E. Obukhova. A Lack of Security or of Cultural Capital? Acculturative Conservatism in the Naming Choices of Early 20th-Century U.S. Jews. Social Forces 94(4): 1509-1538. Journal link. Open access.
2014 Obukhova, E., E. Zuckerman and J. Zhang. When Politics Froze Fashion: The Effect of the Cultural Revolution on Naming in Beijing. American Journal of Sociology 120(2): 555-583. Journal link. Open access.
2013 Obukhova, E. and G. Lan. Do Job-Seekers Benefit from Contacts? A Direct Test with Contemporaneous Searches. Management Science 59(10): 2204-2216. Journal link. Open access.
2012 Obukhova, E. Motivation vs. Relevance: Using Strong Ties to Find a Job in China. Social Science Research 41(3): 470-480. Journal link. Open access.