GTAS AS ORGANIZATIONAL NEWCOMERS - THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SUPPORTIVECOMMUNICATION RELATIONSHIPS AND INFORMATION-SEEKING

This study explored the components of the assimilation stage of GTA so cialization, with a specific focus on the relationship between GTA inv olvement in supportive communication relationships and GTA use of info rmation-seeking strategies. Participants were 143 GTAs enrolled at a l arge midwestern university. Results indicate that (a) GTAs are involve d in both peer and mentoring supportive communication relationships, ( b) GTAs use the overt information-seeking strategy at a higher rate th an monitoring information-seeking strategies, and (c) a correlation ex ists between GTA involvement in supportive communication relationships and GTA use of information-seeking strategies.