Affective commitment in new hires’ onboarding? The role of organizational socialization in the fashion retail industry

Abstract

Fashion retail companies often lack a well-structured onboarding program which consequently result in lower staff commitment and a higher turnover rate. Organizational socialization plays an important role to acculture new hires learn about their work, organizational value, and adjust to the workplace. This study examined the content dimensions of organizational socialization and investigated new hires’ attitudes towards such areas. The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed seven dimensions of organizational socialization in the domain of the fashion retail industry. Regression analysis suggested a 4-factor model for improving new hires’ affective commitment to the organization. These factors are permeation with organizational goals and values, sense of group goal achievement, alignment with brand and heritage, and solidarity of co-worker relationships. Implications for a strategic onboarding training program to enhance new hires’ experience was discussed.