Effects of digital onboarding on newcomer proactivity behaviours and its impact on socialisation outcomes

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to firstly investigate whether digital onboarding impacts newcomer proactive behaviours. Secondly to investigate whether newcomer proactive behaviours remain positively related to socialisation outcomes despite the evolving workforce and work environment. The study aims to extend the literature on organisational socialisation through understanding the impact of digital onboarding. Design/methodology/approach – The paper used an exploratory study, based on interviews held with new employees, comprising both digitally onboarded and face to face onboarded employees. Findings – Based on a sample of 14 employees, the results indicated that digital onboarding has no notable effect on newcomer proactive behaviours, specifically information seeking, feedback seeking and general socialising. The study also found that newcomer proactivity remains positively related to socialisation outcomes. Specifically the findings show how information seeking, feedback seeking, and general socialising is related to role clarity, task mastery and social integration, respectively. Research limitations/implications – It may take time for proactive behaviours to become evident, therefore, researchers are encouraged to investigate the research questions by introducing a time lag between the behaviours and cognitions. Practical implications – The paper includes implication for organisational socialisation processes to test for newcomer proactivity during the recruitment process to ensure effective socialisation. Originality/value – This paper identifies an opportunity for organisations to leverage digital onboarding processes as part of their socialisation tactics and confirms that the change in workforce and environment has not displace existent knowledge of effectiveness of socialisation processes.