Date of Conferral

10-28-2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Mark Gordon

Abstract

Employee onboarding and socialization experienced by local government information technology (IT) employees is an industry issue among those without prior public sector employment. This study entailed an evaluation of the onboarding process by gathering perspectives from a local government IT department to help an organization understand onboarding and socialization needs and desires of new employees. The purpose was to address public IT employees’ experiences and what they thought needed to change about their experiences. Surveys of employees and personal individual interviews with thirty-one managers and subject matter experts from across the organization were used to provide data about transitioning to political environments. Interviews involved social justice outcomes and what participants believed was necessary for new employees to know when considering employment. Significant findings and themes related to these three frameworks Inform-Guide-Welcome, 4 C’s, and the comprehensive conceptual framework by Ibrahim, Yusof, and Ibrahim were used for this study. Findings included new employee challenges with accessing and understanding compliance documents; difficulty connecting and engaging with organizations; impact of navigating cultures; and a desire for clarified roles, responsibilities, and organizational goals. Local government IT employees contribute to positive social change through effectiveness of technology in county service delivery if they understand their valuable role in helping organizations achieve their missions.

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