Chapter 5: Onboarding new employees

Question 1

What is socialization?

Answer 1

refers to psychological process by which organizational newcomers are transformed into organizational insiders.

Question 2

What is onboarding?

Answer 2

describes organizational activities designed to support newcomers and facilitate their socialization.

Question 3

What is better? formal or informal onboarding?

Answer 3

Formal, structured onboarding program will allow the newcomers to develop more positive job attitudes.
Effective onboarding program can make big difference on employee retention.

Question 4

What are the two goals of onboarding?

Answer 4

1. Give new hires information needed to get started.
2. Help new hires establish relationships needed over long haul.
   Onboarding achieving both goals is associated with positive socialization outcomes.

Question 5

What are the two types of information given during onboarding?

Answer 5

1. Basic information needed regardless of job they are doing
2. Information that can’t be automated, and information that might need more customization. New hires have to understand the larger context in which they are working (company culture and subcultures within it).

Question 6

What are the goals of training programs?

Answer 6

Goals are to educate newcomers on knowledge and hard and soft skills for their particular job.

Question 7

What is front-end training?

Answer 7

crucial wen employees will be working independently; coworker should model how they should do the job.

Question 8

What are orientation programs?

Answer 8

type of onboarding that will occur on or near the new employee’s start date. Formal, well-organized affairs. New employees learn about company’s history, values etc. Will help reduce stress and boost commitment to organization.

Question 9

Why are relationships important?

Answer 9

1. They open information channels
2. Create a support system; social and emotional support from insiders will boost commitment and social integration
3. They have support after the initial excitement wears off

You want to lay foundations for high-quality relationships between newcomers and insiders during onboarding.

Question 9

What are the benefits and disadvantages of using technology in training employees?

Answer 9

Technology can help save costs and effort in onboarding through videos etc., but they let newcomers miss out on social elements contributing to successful socialization process.

Question 10

What can managers do to promote building high-quality relationships?

Answer 10

1. Team member introductions: they can’t build relationships with people they haven’t met
2. Cohort orientations: cohort orientations allow building a wider network within firm. Smaller (12 people) and stable cohorts are the best for this.
3. Peer mentors: make it somebody’s job to be on call for newcomers. Can provide safe haven.

Question 11

Why should companies allow employees to approach work in a personalized way that reflects their unique selves?

Answer 11

Makes job more meaningful for employee and organization more agile. Cultural fit AND encouraging employees to express personal identities and apply it on the job are most effective.

Question 11

Name two criteria for good peer mentors?

Answer 11

1. Select mentors who are familiar with the company culture
2. Centrally connected to other organizational members.

Question 12

Why should managers meet early with new employees?

Answer 12

1. Newcomers grew larger internal networks
2. Felt more connected with their teams
3. Had higher quality meetings
4. More involved in team collaborations.

Question 12

How should managers interact with new hires?

Answer 12

1. Meet early and often
2. Use one-on-ones to provide guidance and advice, and to identify others in organization new hires should get to know.
3. Allow newcomers to demonstrate proactivity (ask questions, test their knowledge etc.) during one-on-ones.
4. Make onboarding new hires continuous part of your job; socialization takes 2 full years; maintain momentum