We used multiple regression analysis to examine the joint and separate effects of pre-entry expectations and post-entry experiences on direct measures of met expectations for 259 organizational newcomers during the first year of employment. Results suggested that concerns about the use of direct measures of met expectations are warranted. Post-entry experiences had considerably more influence than pre-entry expectations on the way that individuals respond to met expectations measures. Furthermore, the amount of variance in measures of job satisfaction and turnover intentions accounted for by direct measures of met expectations was reduced considerably when controlling for perceptions of post-entry experiences.
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