A COMPARISON OF THE COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORS OF TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES AND NEW HIRES

Most organizational research fails to examine the communication experi ences of temporary employees. Based on uncertainty reduction theory an d impression management, this study compares the information-seeking a nd information-giving behaviors of temporary employees and newly hired , regular employees. Results suggest that temporary employees are less concerned about impression management, seek appraisal information les s frequently, and practice less information giving than newly hired, r egular employees. The data indicate temporary employees are more commu nicatively isolated from organizational members than other newcomers. Results suggest organizations may improve organizational learning and innovation by increasing communication with temporary employees.