This presentation introduces a Perception–Response Model of Organisational Socialisation (Vu et al., 2023) and discusses its applicability to research and practice in promoting workplace learning and adaptation among newcomers, such as students on placement. Workplace learning and adaptation often pose significant challenges for students on placement, particularly international students (Vu et al., 2022). However, little was known about how international students develop perceptions of their workplace context and how these perceptions affect their learning and adaptation strategies. This crucial research gap informed the qualitative study reported in this presentation. The study employed a grounded approach, with data gathered through 27 in-depth interviews with nine international undergraduate engineering students from an Australian university (three interviews with each student). Findings reveal two types of contexts perceived by participating students: preconceived and reconfirmed contexts; and two corresponding learning and adaptation strategies: initial and adjusted strategies. Significant insights were synthesised into a Perception–Response Model of Organisational Socialisation. The Model provides a useful framework for educational institutions and employers to empower students and equip them with the capabilities for enhancing workplace learning and adaptation.

Authors:
Thai Vu, Curtin University, Australia
Subra Ananthram, Curtin University, Australia
Dawn Bennett, Curtin University, Australia
Sonia Ferns, Curtin University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Thai Vu is a recent PhD graduate from Curtin University, Australia. Before PhD studies, Thai worked as a lecturer at USSH–HCM, Vietnam National University and as a dean at Vietnamese-American Vocational Training College. Thai’s key research includes work-integrated learning, organisational behaviour, employability, study-to-work transition, and international students.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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