Final answer:
Organizational traditions are beliefs or stories from the past that are widely accepted within the company. These traditions are a part of the organizational culture, and employees learn about them during their onboarding process.Overall, the answer to the student's question is D. Beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of workplace settings, traditions within an organization most often refer to the beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted among its members. These traditions are part of the larger organizational culture, which includes the values, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization and influence how employees interact within it. Through the onboarding and orientation process, new employees like Michelle are introduced to these cultural elements, which may include the company's history, values, and operational practices. Employees are also often made aware of unwritten rules and workplace expectations through both formal training and observational learning. Organizations with robust onboarding programs aim to align new hires with the company's cultural norms to foster job satisfaction and retention.
Tracy's concern about the organization's culture emphasizes the importance of being integrated into the workplace culture for success. The onboarding process, including orientation, is a key moment for acquainting new hires with the company culture, which will shape their experience dramatically. It's important for individuals to observe and emulate behaviors rewarded in the new environment, understanding ethical considerations, and the overarching mission that guides the organization.