Hazing, Black Sororities, and Organizational Dynamics

Hazing is a legal problem that is seemingly intractable. In this article, the authors consider this problem in the context of black sororities. We explore the ways in which a set of organizational dynamics help perpetuate hazing within these groups. Specifically, we explore three things. First, we investigate why leaders matter to organizations and what a certain type of leader could offer black sororities as they seek to address hazing. Second, we explore why black sororities, by way of example, may fail to elect leaders who can move the needle on organizational hazing. Third, we investigate the factors that undermine black sorority leaders' ability to make the most rational and informed decisions about how to address hazing. We hope that the insights in this article provide food for thought for other organizations that are grappling with hazing.