PAGSUYOIN, Joanna Marie, Y.

SEMINAR 4: Reflection Paper no. 1

CHAPTER 1: The Rule of Common Interest

My former University recognized the existence of various types of student organizations, ranging
from provincial organizations, academic organizations, cause-oriented organizations, dormitory
organizations, as well as fraternities/sororities. All of these organizations require some sort of
initiation before a student is accepted as a member. However, one thing that sets
fraternities/sororities apart from other student organizations is how they accept members. You do
not choose them. They choose you. Those that are allowed to join their ranks are the chosen few.

Indeed, this concept of exclusivity may be one reason why so many are enticed to join fraternities.
After all, one wants what one cannot have. If others cannot have them, one would want it more,
because that must mean that you are special if you have it. This is the concept of velvet rope
marketing often used by corporations and marketers. Membership in such an organization is akin
to being on the other side of the velvet rope; it’s the VVIP ticket as opposed to a General Admission
ticket. Consequently, the idea that everyone wants to join would empower the organization, and
increase the perceived value of membership in such organization.

According to the author, Benedictine organizations are elite fraternities. Individuals with the same
interest may opt to join, but whether or not he gets accepted is another matter. Benedict highlights
the importance of the concurrence of a common interest and exclusivity for an organization’s
continued success. Superior organizations are not easy to join. Thus, an organization must set clear
and distinct barriers to entry into the organization, and through every stage in the process, the
mission statement must always be made explicit.

Applying this concept in a corporate setting, the lack of barrier to entry might be a reason why
most call center companies, which are so prevalent in the country today, have such high turnover
rates. Most call centers, in a bid to attract more applicants would advertise a one-day hiring
process. Job seekers in turn would flock to pass their resumes, but would just as easily leave once
a better opportunity comes. These high turnover rates would often prove to be detrimental to a
company since, as Benedict believes, an organization is only as good as its membership.

Thus, just as the concept of eliteness would serve to intensify fraternal ties in successful
organizations, perhaps a concept of eliteness would serve to intensify the ties an employee has
towards a company – that and a good employee benefits package.