Which stage of socialization involves getting comfortable and integrated after initial training?

• A. Encounter stage
• B. Metamorphosis stage
• C. Onboarding stage
• D. Separation stage

Answer: (B)

In organizational socialization, after the initial training has been completed, the stage where you truly feel at home and act as a full member is the metamorphosis stage. This phase is about internalizing the organization’s norms, routines, and expectations, so you start to perform with confidence and independence. You build relationships, adopt the role more naturally, and identify with the team and its culture. It marks the shift from being new and learning to being comfortable, integrated, and functioning as a regular member rather than a trainee.

The encounter stage is about facing the new reality and coping with the initial adjustments, which happens before this deeper integration. Onboarding focuses on the early orientation and introductions rather than sustained integration. Separation is the phase when someone disengages or leaves the organization.