Final answer:
The final step in the hiring process is employee orientation, where new hires are introduced to company policies, culture, and administrative practices, with the goal of improving their job performance and retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The final step in the hiring process is typically (a) employee orientation. This is because by the time orientation takes place, the employer has already conducted interviews, determined the employee's duties, and decided whether the employee will be hired on a permanent or temporary basis. Employee orientation is crucial as it involves training that introduces the new employee to company policies, administrative practices, and the organizational culture. Companies often invest in comprehensive onboarding programs to ensure that employees feel welcome and understand the values, visions, norms, and operational protocols of the organization.
It is important to note that while a trial or probationary period may follow the hiring process, it is officially part of the employment phase, not the hiring process itself. During this time, the employer can dismiss the worker for nearly any reason, and sometimes the employee may receive lower pay. Orientation serves to integrate the new hire fully into the company environment, aiming for long-term satisfaction, improved job performance, and retention.