“The Rule Was the Rule”: new member socialization in rigidly structured totalistic organizations

ABSTRACT

This study examined member encounter in two organizations with rigid rule structures and great reach into members’ lives: the U.S. military and the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. Interviews conducted with members allowed emergence of the lived experience of organizational entry in the words of participants in thematic categories. Findings challenge current views of encounter as a negotiation between currently held beliefs and organizational role and suggest a more nuanced view of organizational encounter that is tied to the reach of the organization into the member’s life. Findings also suggest that in totalistic organizations, encounter is designed to quickly manufacture enacted organizational identities that maintain and reproduce organizational rule systems.

Notes

¹ The researchers removed names for both individuals and particular churches throughout this study to protect participant confidentiality.

² The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the official symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps and can be used only after passing boot camp.

³ The army and air force call the entry process basic training, whereas the navy and marine corps use the term boot camp.

⁴ Churchings is a term in the IFBC that refers to members being called up in front of the church to publicly confess their sins to the congregation and agree to turn from these sins.

⁵ Soulwinning is a term used by the IFBC for going door to door, attempting to convert members by convincing them that their current life will lead to eternal damnation but that being saved through the Church can ensure heavenly salvation.