Newcomers in organisational entry coping with early job experiences

Abstract

In making sense of a new situation, individuals rely on a number of inputs. The present study investigates two such inputs: the role that past experience plays in helping the newcomer to cope with current situations, and the extent to which more general personal characteristics play a role in the sense-making process. The relationship between personality and situational variables and coping resources was studied in a large financial organisation. A group of new employees was studied during their first six months with the organisation. Theoretical material is presented which indicates that processes occur by which individuals detect and interpret surprises.

Opsomming
Om sin uit te maak in 'n nuwe situasie vertrou mense dikwels op 'n aantal insette. In die studie wat hier gerapporteer word, word twee suike insette ondersoek: die rol wat vorige ondervinding speel om die nuweling te help in die hantering van bestaande situasies, en die mate waartoe algemeen persoonlike eienskappe 'n rol speel in die sinmakende proses. Die verwantskap tussen persoonlikheid en situasieveranderlikes met aanpassingshulpbronne is in 'n groot finansiele organisasie ondersoek. 'n Groep nuwe werknemers is gedurende die eerste ses maande na hul diensaanvaarding waargeneem. Die resultate dui aan dat daar prosesse bestaan waarmee individuele verassings opgespoor en geinterpreteer word.