Examining the Impact of Socialization Through Trust

Abstract

Past research on newcomer socialization practices has focused on how such practices influence employee attitudes through increased job knowledge and role clarity. However, to date, no research has examined organizational trust as a mechanism through which socialization influences employee attitudes. We suggest that socialization serves as a signal to new employees regarding the treatment they are likely to receive from the organization, thus leading to increased organizational trust and positive job attitudes. In this three-wave study, we examine the relations among institutionalized socialization, organizational trust, and job attitudes. Our results indicate that trust functions as a mediator between institutionalized socialization tactics and job satisfaction and affective commitment.