Testing the effects of a coping orientation program in reducing newcomers' psychological contract breach: A field experiment

The present study investigated the effects of a coping-focused orientation program called “Realistic Orientation Program for Entry Stress” (ROPES; Wanous & Reichers, 2000) in reducing newcomers' experience of psychological contract breach. Based on previous socialization research, we identified two unique routes through which the ROPES program may exert its influence on the perception of psychological contract breach: (a) reducing newcomer work stress and (b) boosting perceived organizational support (POS). Further, drawing on the interactionist perspective of socialization, we posited that newcomers' adjustment self-efficacy should strengthen the treatment–newcomer work stress link, and that newcomers' sense of abundance should accentuate the treatment – POS link. Seventy-three newly hired nurses from a large hospital in a northern city in China were randomly assigned to either a ROPES condition ( n = 36) or a control condition ( n = 37). Follow-up surveys occurred at 6- and 12-months post-entry. The results indicated that: (a) POS (but not newcomer work stress) at Month 6 mediated the treatment effect on psychological contract breach at Month 12; (b) the treatment – POS link was stronger for newcomers with high (vs. low) sense of abundance; and (c) the treatment – perceived work stress link was non-significant for newcomers with high adjustment self-efficacy but positive and significant for newcomers with low adjustment self-efficacy. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed. • POS mediated the effect of ROPES on reducing newcomers' psychological contract breach. • Newcomers' sense of abundance accentuated the ROPES treatment – POS link. • A field experimental design with two follow-up surveys increased the internal and external validity of our findings.