Mapping the organizational socialization and onboarding literature: a bibliometric analysis of the field

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of the intellectual structure and current dynamics of onboarding and socialization research. Using the Web of Science (WoS) database, we found 452 research articles that met the inclusion criteria. Biblioshiny R-package and VOSviewer were used for the bibliometric analysis. We lay out the most prolific authors, journals, institutions and articles in this rapidly growing field. We find that current research is scattered all over different topics and disciplines. We identify five research fronts that authors have pursued in the last 5 years. Researchers have focused on: psychological contracts; the role of networks and relationship building; the changing work contexts in which organizational socialization takes place; the effects of newcomer proactivity and interactions with supervisors; onboarding in distinct areas like software engineering. Promising research avenues in this field can be distinguished in: different groups of newcomers; examining interactive effects between newcomers and socialization agents; and analyzing the evolving area of digital and virtual onboarding and organizational socialization.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Efficient onboarding practices and processes not only expedite the productivity of new hires but also increase retention, satisfaction, and engagement. Using bibliometric methods, we analyze 452 research articles, unveiling key contributors and pivotal works in the evolving field of onboarding and organizational socialization. We carve out five research areas that hold potential for future research endeavors. By offering insights into the dynamics of successful organizational socialization, our work holds profound implications for cultivating welcoming and efficient workplaces for managers and HR departments.

Keywords:

• Bibliometric analysis
• onboarding
• organizational socialization
• newcomer
• adjustment

Reviewing Editor:

• Huifen (Helen) Cai, Middlesex University Business School, United Kingdom

Subjects:

• Human Resource Development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

No new data were generated in this work. The dataset from which the results of this article were analyzed and delineated are available on www.webofscience.com.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eva Didion

Eva Didion is a PhD student at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), specializing in virtual and hybrid onboarding and organizational socialization. Eva Didion is currently engaged in academic talent management, implementing innovative onboarding tools.

Maria Rosario Perello-Marin

M Rosario Perello-Marin is a professor at UPV. Her research spans innovation management, eHRM, AI in HRM, sustainable entrepreneurship, and active learning in higher education. She has published over 30 papers and contributed to various international research projects.

Daniel Catala-Perez

Daniel Catalá-Pérez is a professor at UPV. His research interests are mainly public-private collaboration and evaluation of public services and policies. His participatory approach to public-private collaboration and policy evaluation has led to research collaborations in Europe and beyond.

Ute Ambrosius

Ute Ambrosius, a professor at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences (Germany), focuses on talent management and leadership in SMEs. Her research emphasizes practical applications, and she leads projects fostering young scientists.