Exit Ripple Effects: Understanding the Disruption of Socialization Networks Following Employee Departures

David Gamba, Yulin Yu, Yuan Yuan, Grant Schoenebeck, Daniel Romero

Keywords: Communication Networks, Social Networks, Socialization, Organizations, Employee Departures

TL;DR: Using communications data from a large company, we find evidence for a breakdown of communication of the socialization patterns between members surrounding the departing employee.

Abstract: Amidst growing uncertainty and frequent restructurings, the impacts of employee exits are becoming a central concern for organizations. This study delves into the effects on socialization patterns between the remaining coworkers connected to departing employees. Using rich communication data from a large holding company, we track the longitudinal evolution of network metrics within communication subgroups of neighbors associated with exiting employees, contrasting these with the networks of neighbors of employees who stayed. We additionally compare these effects across two periods with varying degrees of organizational stress. We find evidence for a breakdown of communication of the socialization patterns of the remaining employees. These neighbors become more disconnected, less talkative, and their communication network more inefficient. The size of this reaction seems to be moderated by both external (periods of high organizational stress) and internal factors (characteristics of the departing employee). At the group level, periods of high stress correspond to greater communication breakdown. At the individual level, however, we find patterns suggesting individuals end up better positioned in their networks after a departure. This research provides critical insights into managing workforce changes and preserving communication dynamics in the face of employee exits.

Track: COI (submissions co-authored by SAC)

Submission Guidelines Scope: Yes

Submission Guidelines Blind: Yes

Submission Guidelines Format: Yes

Submission Guidelines Limit: Yes

Submission Guidelines Authorship: Yes

Student Author: Yes

Submission Number: 1919