Fitting into technical organizations: the socialization of newcomer engineers

Abstract

The socialization of newly hired engineers was investigated. Subjects described early, formative incidents they experienced as they learned about the new organization. Across 12 organizations, this study compares newcomer engineers' perceptions of behavioral norms with those of their engineering managers. Results indicate that engineering managers view their organizations as supporting norms of achievement and collaboration whereas newcomer engineers believed their organizations support norms of competition and defensive interpersonal relations. Critical incidents of socialization reported by newcomer engineers are presented to illustrate how newcomers learn relevant workplace norms. Examples of incidents reported are: supportiveness of the engineering manager, conflict between the engineer and the engineering manager, coworker cooperation, and participating in a substantive project team meeting. Implications for increasing the effectiveness of socialization and for engineering management development programs are discussed.>