Newcomer Socialization: The Role of Job Standardization

Abstract

In an extension of knowledge on organizational socialization from a job perspective, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of job standardization on newcomer socialization. Questionnaires were completed by 205 newly hired nurses in 10 public hospitals, and hierarchical regression was utilized to analyze the data. The results indicated a positive correlation between a high degree of job standardization and task mastery, role clarity, acculturation and social integration. These findings suggest that a high degree of job standardization can facilitate quickly and efficiently the socialization process for new employees, it is recommended that organizations should establish a mechanism of “learning by doing” in bringing their newcomer up to speed.