Socialization at the University: A Qualitative Investigation on the Role of Contextual Dynamics in the Socialization of Academics

Year 2019, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 272 - 301, 15.11.2019

Yaşar Kondakçı Çiğdem Haser

https://doi.org/10.30828/real/2019.2.3

Cited By: 2

Abstract

This
study investigates the role of content, context and process variables in the
socialization of new faculty members. The study was designed as a
phenomenological study and utilized interview as the data collection technique.
A total number of 40 new faculty members working in 12 different public
universities in Turkey participated in the study. The results of the study
suggest that culture, power dynamics, reward and remuneration systems, social
interaction, role models, organizational trust and trust in top management as
contextual factors; knowledge sharing, networking and participation as process
factors playing role in the socialization of the new faculty members. When the
institutions provide the conditions for context and process factors, the new faculty
members express positive statements about their adaptation to the new work
setting while negative statements are evident in the opposite case. It is
argued that the context and process dynamics are critical in reaching affective
outcomes, which are basic to ensure productive behaviors (e.g., positive
attitudes toward work, high level of motivation, and job involvement) and
eliminating unproductive behaviors(e.g., turnover intentions).

Keywords

Faculty members, socialization, recruitment, higher education, qualitative research

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