Pathways through organizational socialization: a longitudinal qualitative study based on the psychological contract

Woodrow, C. and Guest, D. E. (2020) Pathways through organizational socialization: a longitudinal qualitative study based on the psychological contract. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 93 (1). pp. 110-133. ISSN 2044-8325 doi: 10.1111/joop.12285

Abstract/Summary

In this study, we explore different pathways during organizational socialization through the lens of the psychological contract using in-depth longitudinal qualitative methods. Analysis of 112 critical incident interviews with 27 newcomers across their first year of work reveals five distinct psychological contract pathways through socialization, within which fulfilment and breach influence adjustment by facilitating or restricting opportunities to learn and integrate, as well as influencing attitudes and behavior. The analysis reveals that whilst perceived psychological contract fulfilment facilitates newcomer adjustment, perceived breach can disrupt the process. We provide a detailed account of the way socialization and the psychological contract unfold for newcomers over time, and show that psychological contract events can significantly alter the course of adjustment.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/84691
Identification Number/DOI	10.1111/joop.12285
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Publisher	Wiley
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