Question

Is the concept of a team bonding through the subjugation and humiliation of some of its junior members valid, or do these behaviors exist primarily for the amusement of the more senior members of the group? what does this behavior say about organizational values?

Answer 1

Team bonding through the subjugation of junior members is not valid. Junior members should be encouraged by the senior members to strive for the team, not belittled or humiliated in the process. Different people assume comradery in different ways, some through degradation or laughter, and others through positivity and cohesiveness, but subjugation and humiliation should never be a factor when building teams, especially in today’s society since we live in such a diverse culture in this country. If an organization relied on humiliating banter in order to form a collective unit, then it shows that the organization is less cohesive and reflects poor management and leadership skills within the organization.