Graduation Term

2023

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Communication

Committee Chair

Lance Lippert

Abstract

Many organizations are choosing to adopt some form of remote work teams long-term post-COVID 19 and are now tasked with addressing challenges around remote work such as newcomer engagement and newcomer onboarding (MacKenzie et al., 2022). This study attempts to explore how virtual onboarding impacts newcomer adjustment and the development of workplace friendships in fully remote teams due to their correlation with the desired outcomes of onboarding and socialization (Allen, 2006; Feeley et al., 2008; Hemphill & Begel, 2011; Jones, 1986; Korte & Lin, 2013; Mignerey et al., 1995; Morrison, 2004; Sias & Cahill, 1998). Organizational socialization tactics (Jones, 1986; Van Maanen & Schein, 1977) and media richness theory (Daft et al., 1987; Daft & Lengel, 1986) were used as frameworks to explore which existing virtual onboarding strategies are most influential in facilitating newcomer adjustment and workplace friendships. An analysis of the mixed-methods online survey found institutionalized socialization tactics were significantly related to positive newcomer adjustment and workplace friendships. However, contrary to previous literature, the social aspects socialization tactics were not the most influential in virtual onboarding for facilitating newcomer adjustment and workplace friendships. The results considering media richness in virtual onboarding on newcomer adjustment were not conclusive, and media richness was not significantly related to workplace friendships. And lastly, a thematic analysis of responses provided insight into what virtual onboarding strategies were implemented by organizations that were most effective for promoting newcomer adjustment and workplace friendships.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2023.20230711063201432605.999978

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