A multi‐method study of accounts of personal change by graduates starting work: Self‐ratings, categories and women's discourses

摘要: The extent and kind of personal change experienced by newcomers during organizational socialization has not been thoroughly addressed. Studies have concentrated on increases in knowledge adjustment neglected the influence starting work sense self. Multiple methods are used to explore graduates’ accounts early career. Questionnaires were sent graduates eight different organizations two occasions one year apart (Time 1 N = 906; Time 2 936). Graduates rated amount they highest competence (median: Quite a lot), followed career A little), personality moderate amount/A values Not at all/A little) lowest attitudes all). Content analysis open-ended comments showed that changes generally positive or neutral rather than negative. Discourses explored interviews with nine who selected as most likely change. criteria women sex atypical occupations high self-ratings Accounts demonstrated complexity contradictions defining discussing dilemma both describing maintaining continuity. Narratives presented response adversity involving emotional control, increased self-knowledge confidence. further theme was inherent balance between contested identities self outside. This research contributes our understanding newcomers’ experiences emphasizing importance multiple understand ambiguity ambivalence complex developmental processes. It highlights elusive nature negotiations establishing contexts.