Date of Award

8-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Department

School of Business

First Advisor

Dr. Craig Johnson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Dr. Kathy Milhauser, DBA

Third Advisor

Dr. Dirk Barram, Ph.D.

Abstract

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population experiences high unemployment, underemployment, and job turnover. Many people with autism have exceptional skills in areas, such as science, mathematics, and art. Companies in the technology industry are interested in tapping into the ASD talent pool because the industry cannot find enough qualified job applicants to meet the hiring demand. Few studies have focused on understanding how to help onboard ASD employees. Understanding the onboarding process can help technology firms retain ASD employees. In return, retaining this talent pool in the technology industry can continue to bring innovation. This research examined how a workplace circle of support for new ASD employees increases the success of their job onboarding. It attempts to answer the research question: “How can technology companies successfully onboard new ASD employees?”

This study used the qualitative case study method to investigate how a hi-tech manufacturing factory onboarded their ASD employees successfully. It identified a blueprint of the onboarding practice for ASD employees: (1) collaborating with an external agency with expertise, (2) encouraging self-disclosure through an official autism hiring program, (3) monitoring the performance of ASD employees closely, (4) connecting management with a personal circle of support, (5) paying special attention on the career development of ASD employees. The finding of this research contributes to the body of knowledge on the onboarding process for neurodiversity employees.

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