Final answer:
It is most beneficial to cultivate relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including both those of high influence and peers. Regular contact and the building of trust are essential for a strong network. However, it is crucial to balance leveraging connections with maintaining professional and ethical standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Value of Building a Diverse Network
In considering whether to cultivate relationships only with persons of high influence or also with peers and those of lesser influence, the best approach is B) No, all contacts are worth cultivating. Cultivating a diverse network, including both highly influential individuals and peers, is important in the professional realm. The exchange of gifts and favfavoursn helps establish trust in business relationships, forming strong connections over time, as seen in the concept of guanxi.
Proximity is also an influential factor in forming relationships. Being in regular contact with a diverse range of individuals can provide opportunities to get to know them and their areas of expertise or influence. Importantly, you should not just connect with your contacts when needing something; maintaining a consistent connection is vital for a strong network.
Furthermore, employers tend to hire from their network, trusting recommendations over unknown applicants. Thus, building a broad network can increase your chances of securing a job. However, it's important to consider ethical implications, as relying too heavily on strategic social connections can lead to practices that prioritize relationships over competence, potentially bordering on corruption.