On the Dimensionality of Jones' (1986) Measures of Organizational Socialization Tactics

Abstract

One of the most theoretically developed models of organizational socialization is Van Maanen and Schein's (1979) typology of six tactics. Jones' (1986) operationalization of these tactics has been used in most survey studies of the Van Maanen and Schein model. However, questions remain concerning the dimensionality of the operationalization. Self‐report data from business school graduates after 4 months ( n = 295) and 10 months ( n = 222) on the job indicate that: (1) a 6‐factor model better approximates the covariance matrix of the socialization items than do competing 1‐ and 3‐factor models, (2) the 6‐factor model better predicts certain work adjustment variables than the 3‐factor model, and the 3‐factor model better predicts certain variables than the 1‐factor model, and (3) the collective, formal, sequential, fixed, serial, and investiture tactics are positively interrelated, suggesting a structured program of early work experience.