How New Hires Can Improve Chances for Success

We all want to be viewed in a positive light by our managers, especially when in a new role. What are the positive qualities we want to present to our bosses? Research conducted in the Journal of Applied Psychology attempted to answer this question by studying newcomer socialization—employees transitioning from organizational outsiders to organizational insiders. 

To explore this topic, the researchers surveyed 355 recent university graduates who were just starting the job search process. Participants were surveyed at three points in time: initial contact, after being on the job for two months, and after being on the job for four months. 

The results revealed that newcomers who engaged in ingratiation were more likely to receive their manager’s support in building social relationships. Ingratiation is behavior that people use to appear likeable—such as giving out favors or compliments. Increased support from one’s manager was related to newcomers having increased emotional attachment to their organization. 

Results also revealed that new employees who engaged in self-promotion were also more likely to receive their manager’s help in functioning at their new jobs. Self-promotion refers to behavior that people use to appear competent such as highlighting personal strengths or talents. This increased effort from managers was associated with increased job performance ratings and promotability. One interesting exception was that ingratiation and self-promotion were not helpful for those who were previously skilled at rapport building. Further, self-promotion was not particularly helpful for those who had jobs with clear expectations. 

Gross, C., Debus, M. E., Liu, Y., Wang, M., & Kleinmann, M. (2020). I am nice and capable! How and when newcomers’ self-presentation to their supervisors affects socialization outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology, advance online publication.