Reality Shock: The Link Between Socialisation and Organisational Commitment

Reality shock occurs when a new employee's expectations, established prior to joining an organisation, differ significantly from what is experienced upon entering the organisation. This paper examines the organisational commitment and organisational entry literatures, and develops a model that links these two bodies of theory. It is hypothesised that reality shock has a negative impact on the degree to which an individual is committed to the organisation. Three strategies are suggested for reducing reality shock and building commitment.