The purpose of this study was to investigate student preferences for socialization tactics and their intentions to be proactive when they begin a new job. We examined the relationship between the Five Factor Model of personality and proactive personality with socialization tactics preferences and proactive behavior intentions in a sample of 243…

This study examined the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of proactive outcomes in the relationship between newcomer proactive behaviors and socialization outcomes. Based on a sample of 204 co-op university students who completed surveys at the end of their work term, the results indicated that newcomers who more frequently engaged in a…

Social cognitive theory was used to explain the relationships between career-relevant activities (environmental and self career exploration, career resources, and training), self-regulatory variables (job search self-efficacy and job search clarity), variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior (job search attitude, subjective norm, job search…

This study investigated the relationship between job search objectives (finding a new job/turnover, staying aware of job alternatives, developing a professional network, and obtaining leverage against an employer) and job search methods (looking at job ads, visiting job sites, networking, contacting employment agencies, contacting employers, and…

One of the most popular and often studied topics in the organizational socialization literature is Van Maanen and Schein's [Van Maanen, J., & Schein, E. H. (1979). Toward a theory of organizational socialization. In B. M. Staw (Ed.), "Research in organizational behavior" (Vol. 1), pp. 209-264. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.] theory of organizational…

The purpose of the study was to examine how socialization processes (socialization tactics and proactive behavior) jointly affect socialization content (i.e., what newcomers learn) and adjustment. Longitudinal survey data from 150 business and engineering graduates during their first 7 months of work indicate that: (1) institutionalized…

The present study examines the role of trait affect in job search. One hundred and twenty-three university students completed measures of positive and negative affectivity, conscientiousness, job search self-efficacy, job search clarity, and job search intensity during their last year of school while on the job market. At the end of the school…

The purpose of this study was to examine the combined and differential effects of five job search behaviors (informal sources, formal sources, preparatory search intensity, active search intensity, job search effort) on five criteria of job search success (job interviews, job offers, employment status, person-job fit, and person-organization fit)…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organizational socialization tactics, newcomers' self-efficacy, proactive behaviors, and socialization outcomes. Based on a sample of 140 co-op university students who completed surveys at the end of their work term, the results indicated that newcomers' self-efficacy and…

Job-search behaviors and employment outcomes of 121 recent college graduates were measured at and 4 months after graduation. Job seekers increased active searching and use of formal sources and decreased anxiety. Self-esteem and self-efficacy did not moderate changes in search behavior. Changes were related to number of job interviews and…

The employment status of 384 college graduates was measured at graduation and four months later. Job-search self-efficacy predicted preparatory and active job search and its intensity, as well as employment status at graduation. Preparatory job-search behavior predicted employment status after four months. (SK)

A literature review examined socialization theory and models; research on tactics, training, proactive socialization, learning, group socialization, and individual differences; methodology and measurement; and research needs. In the last five years, research has substantially contributed to knowledge of occupational socialization, which will…

College students (n=125) were asked to choose between jobs described by realistic job previews (RJP) and traditional job previews (TJP) under 4 conditions: (1) TJP high compensation; (2) both average compensation; (3) both high compensation; and (4) RJP high compensation. There was greater intent to accept the TJP job in all conditions except when…

Undergraduates (n=138) were placed in two groups: one received either Realistic Job Preview (RJP) or Traditional Job Preview (TJP); other group received both. Differences in job acceptance rates were found only in second, in which 71.4% picked TJP. Job previews affected self-selection, and expectancy theory was supported as model. Subjects with…