You Being New Can Be Hard on Me Too: Considering the Veteran Employee during Newcomer Socialization
Abstract: The extant research on organizational socialization has primarily focused on newcomer perceptions of the socialization process, neglecting the perspective of insiders (veteran employees) who socialize newcomers. The veteran perspective is important to consider, as veterans take on additional work responsibilities to help newcomers assimilate to the organization. The current study examines how veterans’ perceptions of their personal resources (e.g., assimilation, job demands) may influence their own well-being during the socialization process, as well as newcomer outcomes (i.e., role clarity, job performance). Data from 108 matched veteran-newcomer pairs across a variety of occupations were analyzed using path analysis. Results suggest veteran assimilation and job demands during socialization are related to both veteran and newcomer outcomes, including veteran emotional exhaustion and newcomer role clarity. In addition, veteran assimilation was significantly related to newcomer performance. Implications of these findings for organizations are discussed.
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.