Understanding how organizational socialization shapes organizational commitment: A qualitative study in the aviation industry

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between organizational socialization and organizational commitment within the aviation industry. Focus group interviews were conducted with mid-level and senior aviation professionals as part of the research. Data was obtained from participants who provided written consent. Written documents were reviewed to identify usable content. Conceptual coding was then performed by the lead author of the study using the MAXQDA program. Theme analysis was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 30 managers in middle and upper management in the aviation field, whose demographic variables were recorded. The findings reveal that an effective organizational socialization process positively affects employee motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. In particular, it was determined that the strong relationship between job satisfaction and motivation reinforces employees' intention to remain in the organization. As a result of the analyses, a conceptual model explaining how organizational socialization contributes to organizational commitment in the aviation sector was proposed.