ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the purpose and goals of a new employee orientation programme and elements of an effective orientation programme. In addition to providing the basic framework for the programme, the training department can be very helpful by conducting orientation training sessions for managers and supervisors. Ideally, the orientation should provide an opportunity for the new employee to learn important information about the organization, and it should be conducted in a manner that incorporates adult learning principles and active training practices. Clearly defined objectives serve as the basis for the design and development of the programme, that is, the instructional plan. Content flows naturally from the learning objectives or outcomes. Content driven by the objectives should determine the length of the programme. Orientating a new employee goes beyond the company’s formal orientation programme. The new employee’s comfort should be a primary consideration, and it is the manager’s or supervisor’s responsibility to aid the employee’s adaptation to the work environment.
