“Your Connection is Unstable”: Remote Socialization and Effects on Organizational Assimilation

Abstract

This study examined remote socialization of knowledge workers who began work remotely and the immediate and more distal effects on their organizational assimilation (OA) and other outcomes. We identify potential aftereffects as reported from interviews with 21 workers collected soon after entry and also approximately a year later to understand these longer-term effects. The data demonstrate their job competency and recognition were least affected, their ability to develop familiarity with others and role negotiation were moderately affected, and involvement and acculturation were significantly affected. Remote socialization reduced organizational identification when participants felt less connection, linked to turnover. Early-career (vs. mid-career) newcomers reported more disappointments, which led to breaches of their psychological contracts and premature turnover. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for remote socialization and the longer-term distal effects on their OA and connection to their organization.