The Role of Socialization Tactics and Information Seeking in Newcomers' Psychological Contracts

This study integrates research on socialization and psychological contracts by examining the role of socialization tactics and information seeking in how newcomers evaluate their psychological contract. Using a three wave longitudinal study of newcomers, this study examines the antecedents of newcomers' information seeking behavior and psychological contract fulfillment. The findings suggest that socialization tactics are positively related to newcomers' information seeking behaviors towards supervisor and colleagues. Proactive personality was also positively related to information seeking behaviors but no support was found for the effect of general self-efficacy. Information seeking behavior toward supervisor was positively related to newcomers' perceived employer fulfillment of obligations while information seeking behavior toward colleagues was positively related to newcomers' fulfillment of obligations to the employer. Socialization tactics was also found to positively effect perceived fulfillment of both employee and employer obligations. The findings and implications for the management of newcomers' psychological contracts are discussed.