Publisher's Synopsis
This paper describes the design and field testing of an orientation program for new employees of NASA Lewis Research Center's Engineering Directorate. A group of new employees designed the program using a series of TQM analysis techniques. The program objectives were: provide consistent treatment for new employees; assist management and clerical staff with their responsibility for orientation; introduce the employee to as many facets of the organization as possible; allow the employee to feel like a member of the organization as early as possible; maximize the use of existing services; and use up-to-date information. The major aspects of the program included: training of management and clerical staff; lab tours and briefings describing the organization; shepherding, using senior employees as shepherds; a handbook of information about the center and the directorate; a package of information about northeast Ohio; and social activities involving the new employees and shepherds. The program was tested on a pilot group of six new employees over a four month period and was considered to be highly successful by both the employees and management. Aspects of the program have subsequently been adopted for center-wide use. Graham, Ronald E. and Furnas, Randall B. and Babula, Maria Glenn Research Center NASA-TM-105907, E-7687, NAS 1.15:105907 ...
