The Ropes to Skip and the Ropes to Know - #17

Chapter 17 "Rite of Passage"

Lesson to be learned

In this "rope" we learn that there are those in power who have the ability to grant intangible rewards in a discretionary manner to both motivate the recipient(s) of the reward and reinforce the power or perceived power of the grantor. With the reward simply being the use of a door in much closer proximity to the work area, we could describe this particular case as: you know you are "in" by the method in which you are permitted to get in.

Observed theory

The dominant theory seems to be that of reward power which is based on the ability of a person to control resources and reward others. However, unlike other forms of hierarchical power (such as legitimate power) where the one in power has control based on title or position, reward power (monetary or nonmonetary) provides "psychological income" and is dependent on the intrinsic value of the reward as perceived by the recipient (Luthans, 2011, p. 314). Stanley, who has to park "all the way around the building" like everyone else, has to also walk back around the building (typically in the rain), enter through the front door and then walk all the way back through the plant to reach his office; reversing the process at the end of the day. As Stanley observes, his method of entering and exiting the building is not like that of others who are "on the list" and are allowed to enter and exit through the back door which is closer to the work area. We are also told that there are two kinds of people in the shop: Ben Franklyn's people and other people. It's the psychological correlation of being on "the list" and being considered one of Franklyn's people that gives credence to the theory of reward power. Being on the list not only provides the desirable benefit of having a shorter walk to the work area, but also shows one's inclusion in a privileged group and the acknowledgement that only at Franklyn's discretion is the reward granted.

Much can also be gleaned from the very title of this chapter. Rite of passage has existed in all historically known societies and is defined as a ceremonial event marking the passage from one status to another (Alexander & Norbeck, 2006). Stanley's rite of passage - having his name placed on the list - has changed his status from outsider to insider and, with his feelings of being "pleased and grateful" we further see that both criteria for reward power have been met. Stanley is pleased intrinsically and extrinsically through inclusion in the group and the ability to use the back door, respectively, and, his being grateful shows that he is cognizant of Franklyn's power to discreetly grant the benefit.

References

Alexander,