Through hell and high water: the effect of initiation processes on group commitment among members of fraternities and sororities

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of initiations and its effect on the level of commitment among fraternity and sorority members from the University of the Philippines. Specifically, it sought to determine the perceived purpose, relevance, and implications of initiations, as well as reasons for pursuance and persistence of commitment to their organization. One hundred and five (105) male and female university students who were members of fraternities and sororities participated in the survey. Moreover, selected respondents were chosen for in-depth interviews to gain deeper insights on their knowledge and lived experiences of initiations and as fraternity and sorority members. Results showed that a majority of the respondents’ perceptions of initiations were positive. They also had moderately traditional experiences of initiations. About 73.3 percent of the respondents reported to have a high level of commitment to their organization. Positive Initiation Perceptions were moderately correlated with the overall Commitment score of the respondents, indicating that positive understanding and realization of the relevance and function of initiations fostered a better atmosphere for commitment to thrive among the members. Initiation Experience scores had a weak negative correlation with the overall Commitment score, meaning that the more traditional approach to initiations which featured more physical and violent activities may cause a decrease in the level and stability of commitment among the members of the organization. Connections and genuine brotherhood/sisterhood was the common reason for pursuing membership. Generally, initiations provided a point of connection among members, instilling in them the goals and ideals of the fraternity or sorority, which was found to contribute to the individuals’ self-identity, as well their overall commitment to the organization. The results of this study may help reduce the stigma against fraternities and sororities by providing knowledge regarding the relevance and purpose of their organization. Furthermore, the findings presented in this study may provide further insight that may be used for further studies as a in the creation of laws and policies to help reduce initiation and hazing-related violence.