The role of dispositions, entry stressors, and behavioral plasticity theory in predicting newcomers' adjustment to work

This longitudinal field study examined the combined effects of dispositions , entry stressors, and behavioral plasticity theory in predicting newcomers ' adjustment to work after four and 10 months of organizational entry. Rece nt graduates completed a questionnaire prior to entry that measured two dis positions (negative affectivity and general self-efficacy), and a questionn aire four months after entry that measured four entry stressors (role confl ict, role ambiguity, role overload, and unmet expectations). Measures of wo rk adjustment were taken after four and 10 months. Based on behavioral plas ticity theory, it was expected that the effects of the entry stressors woul d be most negative for the adjustment of newcomers with low general self-ef ficacy. Limited support was found for behavioral plasticity theory. Those i nteractions that were significant indicated that increasing levels of role conflict were associated with lower organizational commitment and identific ation for newcomers with low general self-efficacy. The results also provid ed weak support for a dispositional theory of work adjustment. The disposit ions only predicted three of seven adjustment variables at four and 10 mont hs. However, the entry stressors significantly predicted all seven adjustme nt measures. The results are discussed in terms of the predominant role pla yed by the organizational setting in predicting newcomers' adjustment to wo rk. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.