An experimental study of newcomers’ information seeking behaviors during organizational entry

Abstract

While earlier research highlights the importance of newcomers’ information seeking in their adjustment at work, these investigations are limited by a narrow conceptualization of information seeking behaviors. Using an experimental design, this study tests a broader conceptualization of information seeking tactics and examines factors affecting tactic use. Results indicate newcomers use five distinct information seeking tactics (overt, observe, third party, indirect, and testing) and that tactic use varies with the type of information sought, its source, the social costs associated with seeking the information, and newcomers’ departmental assignment. Implications for newcomers and their managers and for future research are discussed.