Compare organizational assimilation theory and organizational information and control (OIC) theory. Specifically, how might the two theories overlap to explain a newcomer’s socialization and progress within the organization?

What will be an ideal response?

Response should focus on the last stage in organizational assimilation (metamorphosis) and the first stage in organizational identification and control theory. Specifically, OIC begins with an employee “identifying with” or feeling a sense of belonging to an organization. When individuals experience identification, they define themselves in relation to the organization. For example, “We landed a new client today!” This identification seems to overlap with the metamorphosis stage of organizational assimilation, where a newcomer internalizes the values and behaviors in order to fulfill organizational expectations (socialization) while simultaneously seeking to have an impact on his or her role and work environment (individualization). Thus, the two theories overlap in that where organizational assimilation ends (the employee becoming socialized), OIC is just beginning.