Understanding the relational and network dynamics among newcomer networks
is important to devising appropriate strategies that will maximize the
productivity of the incoming workforce. Nevertheless, there are limited empirical
contributions on newcomer networks with few studies examining
newcomer networks in international environments. This study focuses on national
homophily and examines whether ethnic identity salience, self-efficacy,
individualism and ethnocentrism are associated with the occurrence of national
homophily in newcomers networks. Using a multicultural student
sample drawn from newly formed networks, the study found that ethnic
identity salience and academic self-efficacy are associated with national homophily
positively and negatively, respectively. Individualism is not found to
be related to homophily while, contrary to our hypothesis, ethnocentrism is
found to be negatively related to homophily. Through its examination of the
effect of attitudinal variables on homophily, this study contributes to the
broader literature on homophily and provides implications for managers and
researchers.
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