UTRECH, The Netherlands, June 15 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The largest worldwide investigation into connection, carried out in 14 countries among 10,000 respondents, indicates that strongly connected people have more enjoyment in their life and work. They are not only happier, but also more successful. Strongly connected people know better what they want in life, and also how they can achieve it. The investigation, carried out by &intoconnection, proves that connection has an enormous positive influence on people's lives. &intoconnection is therefore starting a worldwide campaign on 21 June to inspire people to connect themselves with others.
China in the middle range for connection
&intoconnection carried out research into the question of what it means for people to be strongly or weakly connected. Because of the international character of the research it is not only possible to measure connection in each country, but also to compare countries with each other. The 14 countries investigated were China, Japan, the USA, Russia, Germany, Great Britain, France, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Israel, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands.
China scores exactly the average, placing it firmly in the middle bracket. The Japanese score the lowest for connection. The best connected are the Argentineans and South Africans.
Connection begins with yourself, but is dependent on others
The most important insight that the investigation has provided is that every relationship of connection can be strengthened by investing in "connection with yourself," meaning that you have a clear image of what you want and what you are capable of. The more and the better one's self-knowledge, the stronger one is connected with others, with the organisation where one works and with society. The theory of connection indicates that people can only increase their self-knowledge in relation to other people. People therefore need each other. Connection with others is characterised by openness, genuine interest and the courage to express criticism.
Research Results for China
The investigation shows that connection in China is exactly at the average level in comparison with other countries. Chinese people score the average for connection with themselves, but they have a better idea than others of what their social life will be like in five years time. They are better connected with other people but less connected with the organisations where they work in comparison with the other countries investigated. The Chinese are appreciative if people point out aspects where they could improve as individuals, and they show more openness to each other than people from other countries. They do not name a specific person who serves as an example of a connecting influence in China. Chinese people mainly see their family, parents and partner as the most important connecting influences in their lives.
Degree of connection has economic consequences
If people do not invest in the development of connection with themselves (knowing what they want and what they are capable of) this does not only have negative consequences for social cohesion, but also economic consequences. Strongly connected people experience more enjoyment in their work, perform better and are more successful within the organisation where they work.
Spreading the message of connection
With the slogan "Inspire to connect," &intoconnection is starting a campaign to raise people's awareness of the power of connection. "Together we'll build a brighter future," says initiator Salem Samhoud, "We need a better future, and connection between people is the starting point for this. I would advise anyone who thinks this sounds vague to read the research results at http://www.intoconnection.com . It is now indisputable that connected people are happier and more successful."
The theory of connection is described in detail in the book that will be launched in 14 world cities on June 21, with the campaign "&intoconnection Goes Glo-Ball," and is illustrated with reference to the results of the research into connection. People will be made aware of the power of connection through the distribution of 14,000 "blue balls of connection." The cities of Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Istanbul, Jerusalem, London, Madrid, Moscow, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Utrecht will be visited in the campaign.
&intoconnection presents Wintoconnection
&intoconnection still has three tickets available for the visit to the 14 world cities on 21 June 2009. Entrants who make out the best case for the city they want to visit, in terms of its power of connection, are invited to join the campaign there. Further information on the campaign can be found at http://www.intoconnection.com .
