Date of Award

Spring 2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Second Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Third Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Abstract

Framed through evaluation of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT), Constructive-Development Theory (CDT), and the Rational-World Paradigm philosophy, this research focused on existing, or veteran, anxieties when a new employee joins an organization‟s group or team. This research surveyed United States Navy federal civil servants employed at two, geographically dispersed, Navy science and technology laboratories and discovered these employees do in fact experience anxieties, and seek various means to manage or reduce the emotion associated with a newly-hired employee by either avoiding, talking about, observing the new person, working with the person or taking a blended approach and incorporating one or more of these examples. The data suggests communication gaps exist within the workplace based on supervisor and non-supervisor roles. Recommended future research should focus on veteran employee anxiety levels, anxiety measurement tools, lost revenue associated when a new employee leaves a new job if associated with poor anxiety reduction by the veteran employee.

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