title: Reality shock: experiences of Indian Information Technology (IT) professionals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study is to analyze the relationship between the work expectations and experiences of employees who have joined a new organization and have experienced a reality shock as a result of the portrayal of a hyped image of the organization or work/position. It explores discrepancies in the employees' expectations of the world of work and the reality of the organization and work they experience, giving them a reality shock.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen IT professionals from two different organizations participated in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with sixteen participants employed with twodifferent organizations in western India.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Discussion with the participants led to the emergence of five different types of shocks experienced by them. They are phony designation, the salary difference, accessibility of benefits, decisive culture and limited scope for career growth. All these shocks lead to the development of the final theme i.e. intentions to leave.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the study findings, there is an imperative that the human resource department and organizational forerunners understand the importance of portraying a realistic image of the organization, nature of the job and future career prospects and counseling to new entrants of the organization.
authors.affiliation: Kunj Vihar, Chira Chas, P.O.- Bharah (Chas), Dist. Bokaro, Jharkhand, India. Tel.: +91 098 2211 1618; E-mail: rajiblochandhar2000@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Rajib Lochan
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Dhar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002322:Career Mobility; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D048088:Informatics; D008297:Male; D015279:Organizational Culture; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult