What Organizations Can Do
Alternatives to Hazing
Why Look for Alternatives?
Some students who haze contend that hazing results in positive outcomes for the
group (e.g., increased closeness), the individuals who are hazed (e.g., personal
growth from overcoming challenges), and the persons who do the hazing (e.g., pride
in continuing traditions). But these positive outcomes can be achieved through
non-hazing activities that avoid the negative effects that often result from hazing.
Positive Strategies for Achieving Group Unity
Strong group unity and a sense of individual accomplishment are important for
groups throughout society to achieve. Many businesses, for example, invest considerable
resources to foster effective group processes and enhance individual motivation.
And they generally do so through positive, encouraging strategies that build people
up rather than tearing them down.
Carrying Constructive Strategies Forward in Life
Let's say you are a proponent of hazing. Now imagine that you have graduated
and are in your first job as a sales representative for a major corporation. At
a staff meeting your boss asks for suggestions on how to strengthen the functioning
of the sales team. You recommend that he blindfold the team members, make them
form a line, and then scream insults and threats at each of them. Would you argue
that such an exercise would lead to increased sales? Wouldn't it be better if
you could recommend a set of constructive, group-building strategies that you
learned as a member of a group while in school?
Is Failure to Change a Failure of Imagination?
Some members of groups that haze say that one of the biggest barriers to changing
their practices is that they don't know what else to do that would accomplish
their goals. On one hand, if the desired goals include making others endure the
pain and degradation you went through, then there are no real alternatives. On
the other hand, if the goals are to increase group unity, promote individual growth,
instill positive values, and foster an identity with the group, then there are
options. Employing alternatives to hazing doesn't mean holding hands in a circle
singing Kumbaya. A program of activities aimed at replacing hazing will likely
need to incorporate some level of challenge or intensity. It may also need to
incorporate non-hazing mechanisms of self-governance for holding new members accountable
to the expectations of the group.
Ideas to help your group find alternatives to hazing (LINK)