The Contribution of Work Related Competencies to Proximal Organizational Socialization Outcomes: A Case in Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation

Abstract

In this study, 15 work-related competencies that might best relate to the successful proximal organizational socialization outcomes of new employees were identified from prior research. The test battery consisted of the Work-Related Competency Index, the Workplace Adaptation Questionnaire, a two item Demographic and Background Survey. Using this test instrument data was collected for the six zonal offices of ETC. The research question “Do work-related (technical and interpersonal) competencies significantly contribute to proximal organizational socialization outcomes?” was examined through correlations and hierarchical regressions. The reliability of the questionnaire was checked by the Cronbach’s alphas of each subscale. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to ascertain the validity of the instruments. After statistically controlling for the demographic and background variables, the regression analyses suggested a positive magnitude of effect between interpersonal and technical competencies and each measure of proximal organizational socialization outcome. The findings suggest the possibility that Human Resource professionals could influence the socialization of new employees and performance by using technical and interpersonal competencies for recruitment and selection of new employees as well as facilitating interpersonal and technical competency improvement through training and development activities.