Memorable messages and newcomer socialization

Abstract

A discursive approach to socialization focuses our attention on the way discourse organizes the individual‐organizational relationship. The present study employs the concept of memorable messages as a way for exploring the discourse associated with organizational entry. Three results emerged from the data: (1) the discourse associated with the socialization of newcomers emphasizes simultaneously fitting into existing organizational patterns while developing individual abilities; (2) informal face‐to‐face communication is important when constructing individual‐organizational relationships; and (3) there is a positive bias in the socialization discourse associated with organizational entry. Implications for future research in organizational entry from a discursive approach are highlighted.