Difference Between Induction and Orientation
Table of Contents
Human resource is a familiar term for those who have dived into the endeavour of getting a new job. People who work in human resource management have various responsibilities and duties. They are accountable for the recruitment of new employees. Further, they have to carry out processes including induction and orientation.
Induction vs Orientation
The main difference between induction and orientation is that induction refers to the process in which a newcomer is introduced or welcomed into an organization whereas orientation refers to the process in which a new employee is debriefed with information about the company and its working, for him to settle into the new working environment.
When a person joins a company, it is essential to introduce him to the rest of the staff. This allows him to socialize and get comfortable with co-workers. It also allows the person to make a good first impression. The process is generally well-planned and systematic. It makes the admission of the employee official.
Meanwhile, orientation is the process of helping a new employee get a practical overview of the company and its working methods. This allows the employee to have confidence and be able to perform well in the coming days. The process can go on for several weeks or sometimes even months.
Comparison Table Between Induction and Orientation
| Parameters of Comparison | Induction | Orientation |
| Meaning | It refers to the process in which a newcomer is introduced or welcomed into an organization. | It refers to the process in which a new employee is debriefed with information about the company and its work. |
| Aim | It aims at helping a newcomer socialize with co-workers. | It aims at helping a newcomer settle into the new working environment. |
| Process | It involves introducing the employee to co-workers, organizational hierarchy, etc. | It involves giving the employee information about the rules, policies, benefits, etc. |
| Nature | It may or may not be systematic. | It is always systematic. |
| Time Span | It is short-term. | It is long-term. |
| Order | It is carried out before orientation. | It is carried out after induction. |
What is Induction?
Induction is a process that falls under the category of human resource development. It is a form of training in which new employees are introduced to the organization. They are helped in socializing with other employees and are given information about the organizational hierarchy. Such a process also allows the newcomer to make a good first impression.
The method of carrying out this process may or may not be systematic. Sometimes, the newcomer is only casually introduced to the present staff. At other times, the process is systematic and involves training strategies, employee development, natural learning, and other inventions. All of these are carried out while keeping organizational objectives in mind.
This sort of training is given to the employee as soon as he enters the organization. It allows his admission to become official. Since it is the first thing done for a recruit, it is not a very long process.
The aim of induction is to create a smooth and positive work atmosphere, make the newcomer comfortable, debrief him about organizational values, and much more. It is carried out by managers, supervisors, and other people working in human resources. Sometimes, the process may even be computer-based, making it faster and efficient.
What is Orientation?
Like induction, orientation is a process in human resource development. It is carried out after induction. The process involves giving a new employee information about the company and how it works. This allows the employee to acquire new skills and knowledge, and also adapt to the behaviours and values required to be followed in the company.
The method for carrying out an orientation is always systematic. It may involve giving presentations, lectures, or printed materials to the newcomer. Sometimes, the new employees have to go through meetings, videos, and even computer-based orientation processes. All of this facilitates proper and efficient training.
There are several tactics that can be used for orientation. However, each of them is performed with a certain aim. This includes the facilitation of role clarity, social acceptance, knowledge of organizational culture and worth ethics, and even self-efficiency for the employee. Overall, it aims at helping the employee perform well, without confusion, in the future.
However, the process is quite lengthy. It can take up to weeks, and sometimes even months to carry out the orientation of an employee properly. Due to this, there have been certain criticisms of the process often becoming unpleasant, tormenting, and straight-up boring.
Main Differences Between Induction and Orientation
Conclusion
Induction and orientation are two processes that are compulsory in most organizations. Each of them is related to human resource management for new employees. However, induction is the first step, and orientation is carried out after it. A major difference between the two is that induction is carried out with the aim of helping a newcomer socialize. On the other hand, orientation is carried out with the aim of helping a newcomer perform well.
Another notable difference between the two is that induction may or may not be systematic. Many companies often carry out the process in a casual and quick manner. However, orientation is always planned and systematic. Due to this, it may take weeks and sometimes even months to complete it.
References
ncG1vNJzZmiZo6Cur8XDop2fnaKau6SxjZympmeUnrOnsdGepZydXZeytcPEnqVmoZ6ZwqTAyKilZpmemXqwvsiepa2ZpJ68r3nWoquhZaSWr62xjg%3D%3D