Help-seeking behaviors of people with disabilities in the workplace

Abstract

Drawing upon in-depth interviews with forty-one respondents, the present study explores how different types of pre-entry relationships influence post-entry help-seeking of people with disabilities during the socialization period. Findings indicate that help-seeking is influenced by pre-entry relationships that persist post organizational entry and by coworkers who can trigger a self-perpetuating cycle of relational acceptance by the broader group of colleagues. Findings imply that pre-entry relationships with coworkers can offer newcomers relational benefits that are similar to those afforded to longer tenured employees. The study raises questions about optimal balance in workplace relationships and about social boundaries created by fairness considerations.