Pourquoi n'est-il pas resté ? Comprendre le processus et les résultats de l'intégration des nouvelles recrues dans les PME

The entry of newcomers in organizations is a central issue addressed by a large literature dedicated to organizational socialization. Many authors have developed an extended knowledge on various aspects of organizational socialization. Yet, socialization processes and dynamics remain unexplored. This article addresses the process aspect of organizational socialization through a contextualist approach, using a sample of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Based on multiple and longitudinal case studies in six SMEs, we highlight different results. First, we identify four categories of socialization practices of SMEs and propose a model of their sequences and interactions. Second, we identify the variability and the regularities of this process. Finally, we explain the variability of the socialization process in SMEs by showing that its content is closely linked to the intra-organizational environment and to the political and cultural processes of the organization. To conclude, the analysis of relationships between the socialization process, its context and results, enable us to formulate managerial recommendations.