Organizational socialization strategies and newcomers' identity development: A social identity perspective

Based on social identity theory, the current study investigated the effects of organizational socialization strategies on newcomers' team identity and organizational identity. The study also examined the mediating role of perceived social validation and the moderating role of person-group fit. Using a time-lagged (three-wave) field survey, data were collected from 350 newcomers working in numerous organizations. The findings suggested that organizational socialization of newcomers was positively related to their perceived social validation (2 months later), which in turn was positively related to team identity and organizational identity (4 months later). Moreover, person-group fit significantly moderated the relationship of social validation with team identity, such that the relationship was stronger when person-group fit was high. The findings indicate that team identity and organizational identity can be developed among newcomers through the use of effective socialization strategies and social validation.