What occurs when there is a mismatch between an employee's expectations and the reality of the organization?

When there is a mismatch between an employee's expectations and the reality of the organization, it leads to what is commonly referred to as reality shock. This phenomenon occurs when the actual experiences within the workplace differ significantly from what an employee anticipated based on their pre-employment assumptions or beliefs.

Reality shock can cause various emotional responses, including frustration, disappointment, or confusion, as the employee grapples with the differences between their expectations and their new environment. It is a critical concept in organizational behavior because it highlights the importance of aligning expectations during the recruitment and onboarding processes. Employers can mitigate reality shock by providing clear and honest job previews, thereby ensuring that employees have a more accurate understanding of their roles and the organization's culture.

In contrast, socialization refers to the process by which employees learn the norms and values of the organization, attraction relates to the initial interest in joining the organization, and understanding and adaptation describe the ongoing adjustments employees make as they integrate into the workplace. However, these concepts do not directly address the specific experience of grappling with mismatched expectations, making reality shock the most fitting choice in this context.