Informal socialization in public organizations: Exploring the impact of informal socialization on enforcement behaviour of Dutch veterinary inspectors. (26th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Kleef, Daphne; Steen, Trui; Schott, Carina
• Other Names: Steen Trui guestEditor.; Schott Carina guestEditor.; van Kleef Daphne guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Public administration. Volume 97:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2017-10-26
• Subjects: Public administration -- Periodicals; Civil service -- Periodicals; 350
• DOI: 10.1111/padm.12375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3298

Abstract

Abstract : Organizations try to socialize employees' behaviour through formal practices such as training programmes and selection procedures. This article focuses on how times of informal socialization, outside the organization's direct sphere of influence, impact the behaviour of employees. The research is based on data from 67 semi‐structured interviews with Dutch veterinary inspectors in a cross‐sectional and a longitudinal panel. Their work is characterized by intensive and at times adverse contact with inspectees, yet limited interaction with their colleagues. The results show that informal socialization has an important impact on the organizational socialization of inspectors, and provides further insights into the dynamic interplay between formal socialization practices and informal socialization. In addition, the research provides empirical evidence for the role of emotional processes in organizational socialization.