Which of the following is NOT one of the tactics used by newcomers to learn about an organization?

The correct answer is that participating in formal training is not typically considered one of the tactics used by newcomers to learn about an organization in the informal sense. When newcomers join an organization, they often rely on informal methods to assimilate into their new environment.

Disguising conversation allows newcomers to engage in discussions without overtly revealing their intentions, helping them gather information discreetly. Third-party questioning involves asking others about the organization, using intermediary sources to glean insights about workplace culture and practices. Testing limits refers to newcomers exploring the organization's boundaries—both in terms of policies and social dynamics—to understand how things operate.

Formal training, while essential for onboarding, provides structured information and is not a tactic used to gather insights about the organization's culture in a subtle way. It is typically more about established protocols and systems rather than the informal learning newcomers engage in as they acclimate to their new workplace.