Hazing: Uncovering One Of The Best-Kept Secrets Of The Work

Practical jokes, intentionally meaningless or humiliating tasks, and unnecessary assignments are all types of hazing. Hazing involves rites of passage from outsider to insider. Newcomers are hazed to test them for potential membership, to see if they will fit in and be loyal to the group. Newcomers arouse anxiety until the members of an established group are sure that the social order of their group will not be threatened. Rites of passage are thus a necessary practice that eases the transition from newcomer to group member. If hazing is mild and neither slows integration of new employees nor causes undue pain, the manager should leave well enough alone. When it creates unreasonable stress, causes delays in the job by hindering training, and leads to unnecessary turnover, absenteeism, tardiness, or even depression, it should not be tolerated. When the hazing is harmless, the manager should explain to the newcomer that it is typical, that it can be endured, and that membership will eventually follow. Being forewarned will make hazing bearable, perhaps even fun.