Understanding newcomer role orientation in the workplace: A self-determination theory perspective

Chen, Jenny; Cooper-Thomas, Helena

Abstract

Newcomers can be a source of innovation for organisations, bringing fresh perspectives and novel solutions. Thus, in many organisations, it is desirable for newcomers to adopt an innovative (versus custodial) role orientation. Using self-determination theory (SDT), this study investigated how competence (investiture socialisation tactics), autonomy (job autonomy) and relatedness (perceived insider status) predict newcomers’ motivation (work engagement) to adopt an innovative role orientation. Specifically, in line with SDT, we propose that autonomy and competence will predominantly predict work engagement, whereas perceived insider status is proposed to have a more distal, moderating role on the relationship of work engagement with innovative role orientation.

Citation

Chen, J., & Cooper-Thomas, H. (2019, May). Understanding newcomer role orientation in the workplace: A self-determination theory perspective. Presented at 2019 European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology Congress, Turin, Italy

• Presentation Conference Type: Speech
• Conference Name: 2019 European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology Congress
• Conference Location: Turin, Italy
• Start Date: May 29, 2019
• End Date: Jun 1, 2019
• Acceptance Date: May 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: Mar 11, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/846509
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 2019 EAWOP Congress