Abstracts Category : Other

Theorganizational socialization process of nonprofitworkers

by Emily Roth

A commonly held belief in higher education is that astudents educational program paves the way towards a specificcareer choice, forcing students to intentionally choose courses inpreparation for a particular line of work (Lair & Wieland,2012). Recognizing the influential role of education (Jablin, 2001)and the increasing numbers of nonprofit education programs(Mirabella & McDonald, 2012), it is important to understand theeducational expectations created by university programs and howthese expectations are enacted as students become nonprofitemployees. To better understand communication practices that shapethe expectations, experiences, and worker identities, this studyapplies organizational assimilation theory to nonprofit educationand work through interviews of nonprofit employees experiencesafter completing a nonprofit education program. Qualitativeanalysis of the interview transcripts indicates thatnonprofit-focused educational programs socialize students to workfor a cause that they find personally meaningful. However, not allstudents are able to meet this expectation, creating two paths, astraight path and a winding path in search of meaningful work.Those on the straight path who found personally meaningful workattributed their experience to an internal locus of control basedon an intentional job search and workplace opportunities.Participants who did not find the personally meaningful work theyexpected used external control attributions by blaming the jobmarket, the way their generation approaches work, and how theireducational program created unrealistic expectations. Findingsdeepen understandings of organizational assimilation theory interms of education, while bridging educational practices andorganizational assimilation theory to contribute practicalimplications. Practical implications include encouraging educationprograms to facilitate volunteering and networking opportunitiesfor their students, prospective nonprofit workers to seek outvolunteer and job shadowing opportunities, and nonprofitorganizations to focus on the assimilation process of newemployees.Advisors/Committee Members: Sarah E. Riforgiate.