Workplace As A Socialization Agent

3 Pages 818 Words

WORKPLACE AS A SOCIALIZATION AGENT


Norms and values in the workplace are powerful influences that I have benefited greatly from. My socialization in the workplace began about twenty years ago and is an ongoing learning experience. Some norms and values that I feel influenced me the most are appearance, the proper use of the chain of command, the need for education, the personality I exhibit and honesty.
The dress code within the workplace is a norm whether formal or informal will generate many negative responses if not adhered too. Past experiences made me learn on how to dress appropriately. At my first office job I was informed the dress code was “business casual”. When I arrived at work on several different occasions with skirts 5 inches above my knees and tight fitting shirts I experienced some hostility from co-workers. This then caused me to feel some negative emotional consequences such as embarrassment and self-consciousness. These negative sanctions caused me to obtain better clarification of the term “business casual” from my parents.
The military had strict formal norms in regards to the pathway of communication within the workplace. This process is referred to as the chain of command, if not followed correctly will lead to negative sanctions. I joined the military immediately after completing high school. Upon arrival everyone was given all the names, ranks and pictures of the individuals in our chain of command. With the above information we were also instructed on the process and the negative sanctions that would occur if not adhered too properly. Since this experience I have had jobs that may not have had a formal norm in regards to the process of communication, but informal ones. The regulations were not written down but were adopted behaviors over time. Using what I had learned in the military had brought me positive sanctions in jobs that had followed. I had experienced sexual harassment ...