last updated 10/6/2010

Entering a New Organization / Culture

  Socialization
 

§         The organization’s view -- You fit our role! (You're being socialized into the organization's role)

§         The employee view - Get a niche and meet personal needs, thus

·        Master new task skills.

·        Learn other’s expectations (boss, co-workers).

·        Plan how to get/stay motivated.

§         "Reality Shock"   The new job isn't what you expected entirely.

 

  Stages:

  Stage I.  Anticipation (1st few weeks)

1.        It's kind of like a new romance.

2.        Be prepared to manage unrealistic expectations! ("reality shock") - implied (and often inaccurate) contracts occur during the hiring process.

3.        Manage your self concept!

A.        your generalized self concept

(1)     competence level

(2)     need for autonomy

(3)     sense of self respect               versus

B.        Your organizational specific self concept (the role/persona you adopt at work)

(These two may be inconsistent)

New employees will receive messages confirming and denying self-concepts)

4.         Let go of past patterns of interaction and previous organizational cultures

 

  Stage II.  Encounter ("It feels odd here."  Ask questions!)

1.             Learn the culture - recognize it's a symbolic construction. (Story telling often gets at this). 

A.          Learn formal structure/expectations from your supervisor.

B.                       Learn informal expectations. etc. from colleagues

*  colleagues will "frame" culture for good or bad

2.             Assess behavioral expectations ("White shirt" rule example)  real vs explicit  Don't blow this!!

3.             Deal with emotion and communication

A.     note the morale curve - learning a new culture is hard work.

B.     get into the local informal cycles of communication to learn to fit in, build relations, get power.

C.     you need to find support because your self concept needs reinforcement - some people overdo it (bragging, etc.)

 

4.        Develop task skills

A.        Regardless of the lack (or extent) of training, it's your job to get skillful and valuable.

B.        Don't forget learning future skills.

 

  Stage III.  Metamorphosis -- Identification occurs leading to: 

1. Shared values, decision-rules, norms, interpretations - that is "culture.  These become "taken-for-granted."

2. You come to feel comfortable and connected to the organization.

3. Others see you as "an old hand."

 

Discussion Question for Friday:

What do you think are key elements in creating a positive image at work? (3 items representing things an employee can do - esp. a new employee)