Work

The role of previous experience in the analysis of the psychological contract and its outcomes during the socialization process: a signalling theory perspective

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Psychological contract theory has largely neglected the role of previous experience. In this study, we examine how previous work experience influences outcomes of communication with organizational insiders during organizational socialization among healthcare staff. We develop a model based on signalling theory, within which information acquisition during socialization is associated with psychological contract fulfilment, which is in turn is related to better health, happiness, and social relationships. Moderated mediation analysis based on data collected at entry and three months later confirms indirect effects between three types of information acquisition and three employee outcomes via the mediating role of psychological contract fulfilment. Importantly, these indirect effects are present only for inexperienced newcomers. Our findings build on signalling theory and add to knowledge about how the psychological contract forms during early socialization. They also suggest that organizations should pay particular attention to inducting inexperienced newcomers.

Source: The International Journal of Human Resource Management

DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2024.2401582

Authors: Chris Woodrow, Ceren Erdem, David E. Guest

Institutions: University of Reading, University of West London, King's College London

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research