socialization

2. • Concept of Socialisation:
• In simple words, socialisation is the process of adaptation. Different thinkers have defined
socialisation differently. For example, Feldoman has defined socialisation as “Acquisition of work
skills and abilities, adoption of appropriate role behaviours and adjustment to the norms and values
of the work group”.
• In the opinion of Maanen and Schein, “Socialisation can be conceptualised as a process made up of
three stages: pre-arrival, encounter and metamorphosis”. Thus, socialisation can be defined as a
process of adaption that takes place as individuals attempt to learn the values and norms of work
roles.
• Phases of Socialization process:
• The socialisation process involves the following three phases:
• 1. Pre-arrival
• 2. Encounter
• 3. Metamorphosis
• It is interesting to note that these phases show striking similarity with phases of behavioural
modification theory propounded by Kurt Lewin, i.e., unfreezing, changing and refreezing.
• A brief description of the phases of socialisation follows:

3. • 1. Pre-arrival:
• The pre-arrival phase explicitly recognizes that all the new recruits arrives the organisation with a set of values,
attitudes, expectations and learning. In other words, pre-arrival refers to all the learning that occurs before a new
member joins the organisation.
• For example, an MBA graduate knows from the Professors what business is like, what to expect in a business
career and acquire the kind of attitudes that will help fit in the organisation. He also comes to know about the
organisation and the job during the selection process. Based on this pre-arrival knowledge, the individual forms
some expectations of organisation.
• 2. Encounter:
• Upon entry into organisation, the new member enters the encounter stage. The role playing starts here. The
member starts comparing expectations, the image of the organisation which he had formed during pre-arrival
phase with reality. If expectations and reality concur the encounter is smooth. But seldom has it concurred. When
the two differ, stress and frustration set in. What follows thereafter is a mental process of adjustment.
• In the process of adjustment, the individual tries to replace his/her own values and norms with those of the
organisation. At the other extreme, the member simply cannot reconcile to those values and norms of the
organisation and gets disillusioned and quits the job.
• 3. Metamorphosis:
• In this stage, the member masters the skills required to adjust with the organisation’s norms and values. This is a
stage going through changes. Hence, this is called metamorphosis stage. This is, of course, a voluntary process and
a conscious decision which enables the new member to become compatible with the organisation. This signals the
completion of socialisation process.
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