Looking within: a grounded theory study of the internal socialization of recently promoted leaders

Abstract

This grounded theory study investigates the vastly unexplored context of internal socialization and reveals the transition experience of recently promoted leaders. The research results led to the development of a model of internal socialization, which is presented and discussed. Looking within the individual experience of internal socialization brings deeper insight into the emotional, physical, and cognitive effects of both the challenges and mistakes leaders encounter while providing a better understanding of what and who facilitates learning amidst this critical transition.