The Effects of Organizational Socialization Tactics, Adaptivity, and Proactivity on the Adjustment Outcomes in Generation Z Newcomers in Vietnam

Abstract

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Generation Z, or Gen Z, who were thought to be inheriting the fruit of a strong economy and technology evolution, now face an uncertain future due to the impact of the pandemic. Vietnamese Gen Z, who make up approximately 25% of Vietnam's labor force in 2021, are experiencing high rates of job instability. This unique experience will and has shaped their behaviors in the workplace differently from previous generations. Therefore, it's important to understand how Gen Z adjusts when they join an organization during the pandemic. Yet, there have been few studies on how Gen Z responds to organizational socialization tactics, which can affect their adjustment outcomes. This study investigated the relationships between organizational socialization tactics, Gen Z newcomers' proactivity, and adaptivity. The objective of this study was to examine how these factors influence each other and eventually contribute to the newcomers' role clarity and task mastery. The study utilized a quantitative-method approach, including a survey of 121 young employees ranging from 22 to 26 years old regardless of their industry. Based on the findings of the study, it was suggested that organizational socialization tactics have a significant positive influence on newcomers' role clarity, while proactivity positively influences their task mastery. The study also identified adaptivity as a mediating factor contributing to the relationship between organizational socialization tactics and newcomers' proactivity. The results had implications for organizations as well as newcomers during the probationary period. Additionally, the study enriched the current literature by empirically demonstrating the role of adaptivity, proactivity, and organizational socialization for new employees' adjustment outcomes.