Date of Award

4-1-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. Robert Carlson

Second Advisor

Dr. Lynn Harland

Third Advisor

Dr. Randy Rose

Abstract

This thesis examines organizational socialization of new employees within a large, diversified business organization. Specifically, the study sought to determine if new employees in an organization that stresses structured socialization perceive that they are aided in becoming accepted, participating members of the organization and that they possess organizational commitment. In addition, the study sought to determine if there were differences in how employees perceived their position within the organization based on how they were socialized. Statistical analysis showed that a structured socialization program is associated with new employees' feelings of becoming accepted, participating members of the organization. Statistical analysis also showed that such a program was associated with increased organizational commitment for new employees. There were some differences in how employees perceived their position within the organization based on how they were socialized. A qualitative analysis of open-ended question responses yielded important views on organizational socialization. Demographic information about the employee group participating in the study also revealed some noteworthy perceptions of organizational socialization.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Communication and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright Caroline K. Gran April, 1997

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