In what phase do employees begin to accept the organization’s norms?

The phase during which employees begin to accept the organization’s norms is known as the Understanding and Adaptation phase. This is characterized by individuals actively engaging with the organizational culture and starting to internalize the shared values, beliefs, and practices of the organization. At this stage, employees begin to develop a sense of belonging and alignment with the expectations of their role within the organization.

Understanding and Adaptation involves a deeper commitment to the organization's goals and norms. Employees may adjust their behaviors to fit the cultural context of their workplace, fostering stronger relationships with colleagues and improving team dynamics. This phase is crucial for long-term job satisfaction and motivation, as employees who adapt successfully to the norms are more likely to thrive and contribute to the organization’s success.

In contrast, during the Encounter phase, individuals are primarily focused on experiencing the reality of the workplace after their initial expectations, without necessarily accepting the norms yet. The Anticipatory phase occurs before joining the organization, where potential employees form expectations based on prior experiences and external information, which do not involve actual adaptation to norms. Attrition refers to the process of employees leaving the organization, which is unrelated to the acceptance of norms.