Which term best describes the initial expectations of an employee before joining an organization?

The term that best describes the initial expectations of an employee before joining an organization is "anticipatory." This concept refers to the beliefs, perceptions, and expectations that potential employees form about an organization based on various sources, such as job previews, company reviews, and personal networks. These anticipatory expectations help shape how a new hire views their future role and their integration into the organization once they officially start.

Having clear anticipatory expectations is critical because they can influence a new employee's job satisfaction, engagement, and performance. When an employee's anticipatory views align with the organization’s actual environment and culture, they are more likely to experience a smoother transition and a greater sense of belonging. Conversely, misalignment can lead to challenges once they begin working, potentially resulting in dissatisfaction and turnover.

The other options capture different aspects of the employment experience. Understanding is broader and does not specifically relate to initial expectations. Attraction refers to the interest a potential employee feels toward an organization, influenced by its employer branding but does not encompass the specific expectations that employees hold before starting work. Reality shock describes the gap between what new employees expected versus the actual experience once they begin working, which pertains more to the aftermath of joining rather than the pre-employment expectations.