Organizational Socialization Process of MBA Graduates

ABSTRACT Extant literature on organizational socialization has not focused on the relation of education and learning with adjusting to work. As a result, little is known about the contribution of an MBA learning experience towards the process of organizational socialization. The purpose of this study is to understand the organizational socialization process of MBA graduates in their first six months of work. This qualitative study involved interviews with MBA graduates who had been employed within a period of one to six months. This study found that MBA graduates utilized their communication and analytical skills that were enhanced during the MBA education in support of their socialization tactics of relationship building, information gathering and learning. Graduates’ skills and prior experiences were mobilized through the facilitation of immediate superiors and/or supported by mentorship and help by senior co-workers. Keywords: Organizational socialization; socialization process; MBA learning; experience; training ABSTRAK Kebanyakan literatur sedia ada mengenai sosialisasi organisasi tidak menumpukan kepada hubungan antara pendidikan dan pembelajaran dengan alam pekerjaan. Kesannya, pemahaman tentang sumbangan pengalaman pembelajaran program Sarjana Pentadbiran Perniagaan terhadap proses sosialisasi organisasi adalah masih di tahap yang rendah. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan untuk memahami proses sosialisasi organisasi dalam kalangan graduan MBA dalam tempoh enam bulan pertama mereka bekerja. Kajian kualitatif ini melibatkan temubual dengan graduan MBA yang telah bekerja bagi tempoh satu hingga enam bulan. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa graduan MBA menggunakan kemahiran komunikasi dan analitikal mereka yang telah diperkukuh semasa mereka mengikuti program Sarjana Pengurusan Perniagaan bagi menyokong taktik sosialisasi mereka termasuk dalam menjalin hubungan dengan rakan kerja, mengumpul maklumat dan pembelajaran. Kemahiran graduan dan pengalaman terdahulu digarapkan melalui pertolongan dari ketua jabatan dan/atau mentor dan pekerja senior. Kata kunci: Sosialisasi organisasi; proses sosialisasi; pembelajaran MBA; pengalaman, latihan