A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF NEWCOMER EXPECTATIONS, EARLY SOCIALIZATION OUTCOMES, AND THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF ROLE DEVELOPMENT FACTORS

This longitudinal study examined hypothesized moderating effects of ro le development on the link between unmet expectations and socializatio n outcomes. Data were collected from 248 new hires before organization al entry and at an average of 4 weeks after entry. Three role expectat ions-conflict, clarity, and acceptance-were measured at both data coll ections. Two role development constructs-leader-member exchange (LMX) and team-member exchange (TMX)-and three socialization outcomes-organi zational commitment, turnover intention, and job satisfaction-were mea sured after entry. Results showed that met expectations, LMX, and TMX were significant predictors of all outcomes. In addition, LMX and TMX significantly moderated several relationships, such that favorable rol e development relationships with supervisors or work groups ameliorate d the negative effects of unmet expectations. Research and applied imp lications are discussed.