Practicing induction: a generative dance between newcomers and organizations

Abstract

Research on induction of newcomers is primarily focused on individual processes, such as acquisition of knowledge and socialization in order to create a smooth and frictionless entry period. The interest of our research, however, is the processes that happen on the organizational level. We claim that induction potentially triggers both individual and organizational learning and by drawing on practice-based theory we discuss how the interplay between individual and the organization, what we call a generative dance, ignites both kinds of learning. We focus on and describe the interplay that takes place in particular induction events and analyze the ''dance'' through the lens of learning. The article concludes with a brief discussion about the implications for practitioners and the challenges and future research prospects we have encountered. We draw on an empirical enquiry in two organizational settings, a Danish management consulting company and a German retail bank.

Induction – organizational renewal and the maintenance of status quo

“…When rethinking induction, metaphors can be useful, as with the rhythm metaphor. Another metaphorical way of seeing induction, is as a generative dance (Sprogoe and Rohde, 2009). Building on the understanding proposed by Cook and Brown a generative dance within the doing of work "[.…”

“…When rethinking induction, metaphors can be useful, as with the rhythm metaphor. Another metaphorical way of seeing induction, is as a generative dance (Sprogoe and Rohde, 2009). Building on the understanding proposed by Cook and Brown a generative dance within the doing of work “[…] constitutes the ability to generate new knowledge and new ways of using knowledge – which knowledge alone cannot do” (Cook and Brown, 1999, p. 394).…”