Getting newcomers engaged: the role of socialization tactics

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between socialization tactics and newcomer engagement and the mediating role of person-job (PJ) and person-organization (PO) fit perceptions, emotions, and self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach - A survey was completed by 140 co-op university students at the end of their work term. Findings - Institutionalized socialization tactics were positively related to PJ and PO fit perceptions, emotions and self-efficacy, but not newcomer engagement. Socialization tactics were indirectly related to newcomer engagement through PJ fit perceptions, emotions, and self-efficacy. Research limitations/implications - Socialization tactics might be too broad and general to predict newcomer engagement. Future research should measure more specific socialization practices and job resources. Practical implications - Organizations that want to engage new hires should use social socialization tactics to create positive emotions, develop higher PJ fit perceptions, and strengthen newcomers' self-efficacy beliefs. Social implications - Organizations can contribute to the well being of individuals and society by designing socialization programs that will engage new hires. Originality/value - This is the first study to examine relationships between socialization tactics and newcomer engagement and to study engagement as a socialization outcome.