Abstract

The article focuses on systematic means by which firms bring new members into their culture. The common thread of these examples is the systematic means by which firms bring new members into their culture. The technical term is "socialization." It encompasses the process of being made a member of a group, learning the ropes and being taught how one must communicate and interact to get things done. Mention the term "socialization" and a variety of unsavory images come to mind. Some equate it to the teaching of socialism-an incorrect interpretation-but even when correctly under- stood as the imposition of social conformity, the concept makes most of us cringe. Americans, dedicated by constitution and conviction to the full expression of individuality, regard "socialization" as alien and vaguely sinister. This taboo causes one to undermanage the forces for cohesion in organizations. The debate between "individuality" and "socialization," like politics or religion, evokes a strong emotional response. Due perhaps to hypersensitivity to the topic, most corporations avoid the issue.