Final answer:
Newcomers primarily rely on observation to learn about workplace expectations, culture, and behaviors, although co-workers, supervisors, and written documents can also contribute to their understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
When newcomers start a new job, they primarily rely on observation to acquire information. This is because observation allows them to understand the values, beliefs, and unspoken norms of the organization.
New employees should give themselves time to observe and uncover workplace expectations, such as behaviors rewarded, co-worker interactions, and the overall atmosphere. In the process, they can also learn from co-workers, supervisors, and through any provided written documents, although these are not the primary method of initial learning.
Observation is reinforced through social interactions with peers and leaders, which can often provide guidance beyond formal, structured training. Additionally, the impact of observation is echoed by the Hawthorne effect, which suggests that employees perform better when they know they are being observed.