Question

After beginning a new job following graduation, you are surprised to learn that there are so many experienced members of the organization who were once in your situation and are always willing and able to help you. What is this called?

A) informal socialization
B) proactive socialization
C) mentoring
D) serial socialization
E) collective socialization

Answer 1

Mentoring refers to the support and guidance provided by experienced employees to new ones, helping them integrate into a new job and develop professionally. It is an essential component of workplace socialization, contributing to employee satisfaction and retention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you start a new job and find that there are experienced members of the organization willing to provide guidance, this is often referred to as mentoring. Mentoring can either be a formal program within an organization or an informal process that develops naturally. This form of socialization is crucial in learning the ropes of a new workplace, understanding the organizational culture, and acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to perform one's job effectively.

Mentoring involves more experienced employees, or mentors, offering support, knowledge, and advice to newer employees, known as mentees. The goal is to help the mentee integrate into the workplace and develop professionally. This relationship not only benefits the new employee but can also enhance the mentor's leadership skills and strengthen the overall organizational culture.

Given the contemporary trend of frequently changing jobs, mentoring has become an essential aspect of workplace socialization. It is recognized as a highly valuable and necessary method for onboarding new employees and contributes significantly to their long-term satisfaction, job performance, and retention.