Organizational socialization allows new hires to
learn about the organization, gain knowledge on job expectations and how to
navigate career opportunities. Organizations typically use the same
socialization process for all employees regardless of their racial background.
Black employees have a high attrition rate especially within the first two
years of hire which falls within the socialization period of most new hires.
The purpose of this study is to understand the socialization tactics that lead
to increased retention of newly hired black employees through the lens of
critical race theory (CRT). Using rapid evidence assessment, this study
synthesized 17 high quality, peer reviewed articles published after 1970 that
were written in English. The studies focused on socialization experience of
newly hired Black employees. The findings provided evidence that incorporating
DEI transparency and investiture into the socialization process increased the
retention of black employees. This study underscored the limitation of a one
size fits all approach to socialization. Increased retention of black employees
will lead to increased productivity, creativity, profitability, innovation, and competitiveness of the organization.
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