Content area
Abstract
This study investigated the viability and appropriateness of a proposed model of initial uncertainty reduction strategies of new employees. In particular, it focused on the manner in which communication strategies (e.g., passive, active, and interactive) were used by new employees in the early stages of the relationship to gain knowledge of their supervisors, thereby reducing uncertainty.
Participants for the study included 109 full-time employees from various organizations in the midwest, including an electronics manufacturing company, several retirement centers, a university, and a variety of small businesses within the community. In addition to the survey, 26 respondents were selected to be interviewed.
A two-part instrument was utilized for the study. Part I included measurements on relational satisfaction, uncertainty levels, communication frequency, and general demographic information. Part II contained information on the new employee's knowledge-gaining strategies. The survey was administered in two waves (week 1 and week 5). For the interviews, a semi-standardized format was utilized.
The results indicated that the initial model did not fall within the acceptable statistical levels of fit, and was rejected as an explanation of the variance in the new employee population data. Attempts to refine the model by respecifying the causal structures only yielded limited success in attaining residual reduction. Despite earlier claims from researchers suggesting the generalizability of uncertainty reduction across relationships and cultures, it appears that broader boundary stipulations of the model are needed. Nonetheless, various components of the model performed as expected while others did not.
Uncertainty in new employees did predict a positive relationship between initial Uncertainty-Wave 1 and subsequent Reduction Strategies-Wave 2. However, the subsequent relationship between the Reduction Strategies-Wave 2 and Uncertainty-Wave 2 levels in new employees was not supported. In addition, a positive relationship between uncertainty (Wave 1) and communication frequency was supported. The dissertation concluded with implications and future direction for uncertainty research.
