Through the process of socialisation new people into an organisation tend to inculcate themselves and adopt cultural norms. Socialisation into the culture of the organisation is an important aspect of organisational behaviour. Working in small groups, you are required to undertake a detailed review of the socialisation of new members into the culture of your own university. Comment critically, with supporting examples where possible, on the extent to which the socialisation process successfully addresses such topics as, for example:

✱ Design and nature of the induction programme

✱ Introduction to top management and key members of staff

✱ Expected patterns of behaviour

✱ Unwritten codes of behaviour, including dress codes

✱ Attempts to build cohesiveness among close working colleagues

✱ Mentoring relationships

✱ Responsibilities for human resource management

✱ Nature of discipline and grievance procedures

✱ Social facilities and activities

✱ Housekeeping arrangements such as canteen and refreshment facilities, car parking

✱ Opportunities for further studies, training and development, career progression Discussion

✱ How successfully did the socialisation process indoctrinate new members into the ways of the university and its cultural norms? What changes would you recommend?

✱ How much did you learn about the informal organisation or how things really work?

✱ To what extent did the socialisation process help generate an initial feeling of engagement with the university or did you detect an element of management control and manipulation?