SOCIALIZATION

Socialization

Socialization

Introduction

Socialization is a psychosocial process that occurs in the interactions between an organization and a new member or group, motivated and controlled by the former, which are explicitly designed to condition the behavior of the latter. The premise is that behavior can be predictable and aligned with the objectives and identity of a specific organization (Allaire & Firsirotu, 1992). It is a complex, dynamic process and cannot be completely controlled by the organization because of the interplay of cognitive, affective, social, and structural factors. Its importance lies in the diminution of levels of uncertainty, thus contributing toward stability and the achievement of effectiveness within organizations, in spite of the rotation of its members.

Socialization: A Discussion

The premise is that organizations can be conceived as if they were social microsystems, which create and perpetuate a culture constituted by values (Allaire & Firsirotu, 1992), norms, and guidelines of conduct specific and different from one organization to another. As in society, culture must be transmitted to new members to assure the stability and continuity of the organization. In any process of socialization, priority is given to the following contents: the fundamental goals of the organization, the usual or favored ways to reach them, the basic responsibilities of individuals in their roles, the necessary guidelines of conduct for an effective performance, and the norms and principles necessary to preserve the identity and integrity of the organization (Vega & Garrido, 1998). The expected effects of suitable socialization are, among others, the creation of member loyalty and commitment, increased productivity, diminished turnover, increased productivity and employees' satisfaction level, and diminution of the anxiety that new members experience at their initial stage of membership (Vega & Garrido, 1998).

The notion of socialization, applied to organizations, had its larger development in the area of applied social-psychological studies, known as the psychology of work. Within this area, diverse conceptions of socialization were covered, from the classic to contemporary positions, according to the passive or active role assigned to the subject within the process (Vega & Garrido, 1998). In the classic notion, the contribution of the individual and his or her personal capacity to modify the partner-structural context are ignored or relegated, and socialization is compared to the learning of specific requirements of the dominant culture. In the intermediate perspectives, it is recognized that the process is about social influence, and the personal changes caused by learning are considered; also the presence of ...