A1 Journal article (refereed)
Membership negotiation in the first workplace : newcomers' experiences (2021)
Rajamäki, S., & Mikkola, L. (2021). Membership negotiation in the first workplace : newcomers' experiences. Journal of Communication Management, 25(1), 18-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/jcom-12-2019-0162
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Rajamäki, Sari; Mikkola, Leena
Journal or series: Journal of Communication Management
ISSN: 1363-254X
eISSN: 1478-0852
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 14/08/2020
Volume: 25
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 18-33
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jcom-12-2019-0162
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71452
Abstract
communication processes in membership negotiation in their first workplace after graduation.
Design/methodology/approach – Instead of a one-time interview, the participants were contacted five to
ten times during the three to ten months, beginning when they entered the workplace. The data were analyzed
using a constant comparative method.
Findings – Three communication processes during membership negotiation were identified: developing
reciprocity, seeking and perceiving acceptance and becoming an active member. To experience membership,
newcomers need to achieve acceptance and engage in reciprocal communication in early interaction situations
with managers and coworkers.
Research limitations/implications – Only the experiences of newly graduated newcomers were studied.
This study illustrates the communication processes and social interaction evolving in membership negotiation
during newcomers’ entry.
Practical implications – Organizations need to re-evaluate their short orientation programs to support
membership negotiations in workplace communication.
Social implications – By recognizing the communication processes during membership negotiation, the
practices of newcomers’ entry can be developed to support the membership development.
Originality/value – This study contributes to membership negotiation by showing how newcomers join the
flow of membership negotiation through the processes of developing reciprocity, seeking and perceiving
acceptance and becoming an active member.
Keywords: organisational communication and public relations; internal communication; employees; young employees; social interaction; work communities
Free keywords: employee communication; organizational communication; organizational identification; communication management
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
