The Investigation of the Formation of Newcomer-Co-worker Work Relationships during the Organisational Socialisation Process

Abstract

Upon joining a new organisation, new hires (newcomers) can struggle to fit in and adapt to a new work environment. This adjustment process, known as organisational socialisation (OS), can be made easier through social integration between the newcomers and the insider employees of the organisation (co-workers). Specifically, co-workers can offer newcomers valuable support and knowledge about the organisation and job responsibilities. This study aims to examine how newcomers and co-workers develop work relationships longitudinally during the OS process. By exploring past literature, the study investigates the varied nature of OS and emphasises the significance of strong newcomer-co-worker work relationships in enhancing newcomer outcomes. It also investigates how newcomers establish connections and how co-workers provide support. Additionally, it delves into factors that contribute to the success or failure of these relationships, ranging from examining the negative consequences of co-worker ostracism to assessing the impact of newcomer proactive behaviour, proactive activities, and psychological aspects on relationship development.

The study approaches the research questions from both the newcomers’ and co-workers’ perspectives, using the snowball sampling method to recruit participants. The initial plan was to recruit five co-worker participants and five newcomer participants. However, due to the difficulties in recruiting newcomer participants, with only one newcomer participant recruited, the study focused principally on co-workers, with ten co-worker participants recruited. This change in design allowed for a more in-depth analysis of the co-workers' roles in the OS process, particularly their contributions to newcomer integration. The study uses a qualitative, semi-structured interview method to gain an in-depth understanding of both parties’ perspectives with regard to newcomer-co-worker work relationships during OS (one, weekly longitudinal interview for three weeks in the case of the newcomer. While for co-workers, one interview to gain a broad perspective). Using thematic analysis techniques, the study analyses the interview data by identifying critical themes, sub-themes, and codes such as the essential role of experienced co-workers in supporting newcomer integration, newcomer self-reliance and preparedness in seeking support, newcomer strategies during integration, and the impact of co-worker interactions on newcomer well-being and organisational integration. Through an in-depth exploration of these themes, the study emphasises the need to establish supportive organisational cultures, promoting inclusive work environments, and developing positive work relationships in order to improve newcomer adjustment, commitment, and performance outcomes. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of OS processes and offer practical techniques for supporting successful socialisation experiences in organisational environments.