Final answer:
The encounter phase is the socialization stage where a new employee learns the realities of the organization after signing an employment contract and experiencing both its formal and informal aspects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organizational socialization stage that begins when an individual signs an employment contract and learns more about what the organization is really like is the encounter phase. This phase involves the transition from being an outsider to becoming an integrated member of the organization. During the encounter phase, new employees encounter the reality of their new workplace and compare their expectations to the actual environment. This is when they start learning the ropes, including the formal procedures, informal norms, and culture that embody the organization's work environment.
During this phase, new employees are exposed to the actual work environment and start to understand the company's policies, practices, and culture. It is a critical stage where employees interact with their new colleagues, supervisors, and organizational systems, allowing them to assimilate into the organization.