Induction Training

Definition: The Induction Training is also called as an orientation programme, wherein the new employees are introduced to the rules and regulation of an organization with the objective of making them accustomed to the working environment, where they will be working.

The new hires are generally provided with the following information about the organization:

• General information about the daily work routine.
• Foundation, history, objectives, mission, vision, products, services, etc. of the organization.
• How workers are required to perform their jobs, that will contribute to the organization’s objectives.
• Detailed presentation of company’s policies, work rules and employee benefits.

Before designing the induction training programme the firm needs to decide on the following parameters:

1. Whether the induction training will be Formal or Informal. In the Informal training, the new joinees are put directly on their jobs and are required to adjust themselves to the working environment.

   Whereas, in the formal orientation, the new hire undergoes the structured programme designed by the management, that helps them to familiarize with the organization.

2. Whether the Induction training will be Individual or collective. This means whether the new joinees will be inducted individually or in groups.
3. Whether the training programme will be Serial or Disjunctive. An induction training is said to be a serial training when an experienced employee inducts the new hire, where he acts as a mentor to him.

   Whereas, training is said to be disjunctive when no predecessor is there to induct the new joinee.

4. Whether the training programme will follow an Investiture or Divestiture strategy. In the Investiture orientation, the formal consent is given to the characteristics that an individual brings to the organization, especially the high-level appointments.

   Whereas, in the divestiture orientation, the minor modifications are made in the characteristics of a new joinee, with respect to what is acceptable in the organization. Generally, the person is selected on the basis of his potential for performance.

The purpose of the induction training programme is to make the new joinees feel “at home” and work comfortably and efficiently in the organization. Normally, when a new worker enters into the organization, he suffers from an intense anxiety about the work he would be handling. Thus, this training programme is conducted to calm him and make him relaxed.