The Role of Initiation Activities in Socialization

Abstract

The research examines the use of initiation activities during socialization, examining both "initiation to the task, " which serves to increase the feelings of competence of employees, and "initiation to the group," which serves to increase the feelings of acceptance of employees. Using interview and questionnaire data from 118 hospital employees, the research presents empirical evidence which suggests that people who undergo identifiable, symbolic initiations do not feel either significantly more competent or accepted than those who do not. In the context of a broader contingency model of socialization the research also examines: (a) those variables that do influence how competent and accepted employees come to feel; (b) the outcomes of initiation activities; and (c) the relationship between initiation to the task and initiation to the group.