PsyBlog had a fascinating post the other day about the dynamics of group psychology: 10 Rules that Govern Groups. You should read it. All 10 rules are interesting but #2 really made me think... The test is a bit weird, but the result are interesting:
#2. Initiation Rites Improve Group Evaluations
Existing groups don't let others join for free: the cost is
sometimes monetary, sometimes intellectual, sometimes physical—but
usually there is an initiation rite, even if it's well disguised.
Aronson and Mills (1959) tested the effect of initiation rites by
making one group of women read passages from sexually explicit novels.
Afterwards they rated the group they had joined much more positively
than those who hadn't had to undergo the humiliating initiation. So,
not only do groups want to test you, but they want you to value your
membership.
Makes sense.
Is it not true that some of the tightest groups around have an initiation of some kind??
College: Fraternities and Sororities are very tight groups. They have initiation through tests, milestones, and achievements that everyone must do before they're a member. (I'm only referring to constructive achievements by the way, not the childish/dangerous things... those don't help anyone.)
Careers: Joining a big league investment firm is valued membership. But getting into one of them only comes after running a rigorous gauntlet. (Watch The Pursuit of Happyness.)
Brands: American Express membership is a sought-after achievement. They have their own "initiation" through strict qualifying terms that everyone must pass in order to join.
Think for a bit... you can make a nice list of examples...
But one thing sure is true: the strongest company cultures most often exist at places that have the toughest standards. Because only through collective achievement of tough standards do group members form tight, mutually-respected bonds.
So if organizations really want to build a strong group culture, perhaps they should have some sort of initiation for all new employees, versus just showing them where the coffee is on the first day and then rushing them into a meeting.