Induction training as socialization: Current practice and attitudes to evaluation in British organizations

The failure to integrate training and socialization research has represented a significant shortcoming in our understanding of the effectiveness of organizational practices within these two domains. A survey of major British organizations was therefore undertaken to evaluate current practices in induction training, programme evaluation, and personnel practitioners' attitudes to induction and socialization. A random sample of 300 companies was surveyed using a questionnaire of induction practices for newcomers recently graduated from college, to which 100 responded. Descriptive results indicate that over 90% of organizations conduct formalized induction programmes in the early stages of newcomer socialization. Evaluation methods - trainee questionnaires, supervisory feedback, self-reports, peer reviews, and pre- and post-programme tests - were found to be differentially popular. practitioners in organizations relying solely on questionnaires were found to be significantly more satisfied with the programme and the induction process generally than those using pre- and post-course tests in addition to trainee questionnaires. Results of hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that use of peer reviews and tests were related to company biographical variables and training attitudinal variables. Implications for graduate socialization, induction training practices, and training evaluation are discussed.