Upon entry into a new job or new organization, all employees initially need to " learn the ropes." Socialization has the major objective of teaching employees about the organization's history, culture, and management practices. Through socialization, or"investing," new employees learn How things are done in the new environment, including things that are not written down in any policy or procedures manual. Intensions effects to socialize employees usually occur near the time of initial hiring, But merger and acquisition activity in the firm or other major changes may stimulate socialization efforts at other times as well.