Alternative pathways by which newcomer proactive behaviours enable resource acquisition and adjustment

Chen, Jenny; Cooper-Thomas, Helena

Abstract

This study investigated newcomer proactive behaviour across two cultural settings, one Western (UK) and one non-Western (China). A two-path research model was developed on the basis of conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 2001). The fundamental idea underlying COR theory is that a stressful environment leads to resource losses, but favourable events lead to resource gains. In a recent review of socialization studies, Ellis, Bauer, Mansfield, Erdogan, Truxillo, and Simon (2015) drew on COR as well as the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to argue that newcomers who lack sufficient resources to cope with uncertainty and stress are less likely to protect themselves from future resource loss, leading to disengagement and emotional exhaustion. In contrast, newcomers who have adequate resources are more likely to perceive challenging situations positively, develop positive affect and flourish. We also draw on the notion that diversity will influence newcomer adjustment, although findings to date have been limited (Kammeyer-Mueller et al., 2011), and that context may also place boundaries on what behaviours and consequent resource acquisition are possible (Harris et al., 2014).

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: EAWOP group meeting
• Acceptance Date: May 15, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/887751
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : EAWOP group meeting