Both sexes believe these stereotypes. Networking may be defined as the trading of trade services, information, advice, political backing, moral support in career development. Networking is particularly difficult for women. The Old Boy network already set up, and favors masculine activities like golf, watching football, and drinking beer. These are often outdoor like golf or fishing and take place at a club.
Men discuss business and make deals in the locker room which are off limits to women.
Research shows that men's networks are informal and emerge spontaneously, whereas women have set up their own networks which are not so natural. From the women's perspective, mixed sex networks would be better, since men still control the bulk of the power. A Mentor is a friend in a high place who will shepherd a young employee in his or her career. Again women are at a disadvantage since mentoring is almost always by the same sex, and there are not enough women in high places. Moreover, men are chary because of controversies of sexual harassment and sex scandals in Washington.