Letter of the day: Hazing all about power

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

Let's call hazing what it is -- an intimidating reinforcement of the established power relationships within an organization. The 15-year-old player posed a potential risk to the veteran players, since he would be taking someone's position on the team.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/10/2011 (5381 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Let’s call hazing what it is — an intimidating reinforcement of the established power relationships within an organization. The 15-year-old player posed a potential risk to the veteran players, since he would be taking someone’s position on the team.

Now let’s play out the same type of behaviour in the workplace. The company hires a new hotshot sales guy. When the CEO (coach) is away, the acting supervisor (assistant coach) and his veteran sales team (established players) reinforce the organization’s accepted power relationships and structure in a physical and sexualized ritual.

Do you think those involved would get suspended for a few days, or would they lose their jobs and face criminal charges for assault or possibly sexual assault?