INVESTIGATING NEWCOMER EXPECTATIONS AND JOB-RELATED OUTCOMES

The initial experiences of newcomers as they enter an organization can provide important information that substantially influences the subse quent relationship between the individual and the organization. For ex ample, the application of realistic job previews (RJPs) often results in desirable organizational outcomes (e.g., increased satisfaction and reduced turnover). RJPs are typically job specific and job-content la den and serve to reduce the expectations of organizational newcomers. The present study indicates that an expectation lowering procedure (EL P), which is not job specific and is relatively content free, may yiel d similar benefits (i.e., reduce expectations). Both the organizationa l implications of this research and suggestions for using ELPs in conj unction with RJPs in the newcomer socialization process are offered.