ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book proposes that a critical task for organizational newcomers is to learn the shared mental models held by current members. It explains the socialization that occurs at the work group level has a greater impact on the development of shared mental models than does organizational socialization. The book shows that communicators spontaneously tune their messages to suit what they know about their audience's knowledge and evaluation of the message topic. It examines the impact of minority information on group process and outcomes. The book suggests that when unique information counters an emerging group consensus groups tend to ignore it because it interferes with what members experience as progress toward a group goal. It also examines the ways groups affect what individuals say and believe. The book aims to distinguish between two kinds of social norms: descriptive and injunctive.
