Crucibles : how formidable rites of passage shape the world's most elite organizations / James R. McNeal, J. Eric Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McNeal, James R., author.

Smith, J. Eric, 1965- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Rites and ceremonies.

Initiation rites.

Organizational commitment.

rites of passage.

Physical Description:

277 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicago : B2 Books, an imprint of Agate Publishing, [2025]

Summary:

"An exploration of the initiation rituals of fourteen elite groups, both historical and contemporary, providing a roadmap for modern organizations to better themselves by implementing and managing their own rigorous portal processes."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Prologue: On Being a Plebe (Part 1), Annapolis, Maryland, Summer 1982

Introduction: Trials by Fire: The Roles of Crucibles in Defining Elite Groups and Cultures

We Make Marines: Boot Camp at MCRD Parris Island

Kung Fu and Koans: The Shaolin Monks

Space Is the Place: The U.S. Astronaut Program

Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ: The Knights Templar

Knives in the Mountains: The Gurkhas

Our Mothers: The Dahomey Amazons

Honor and Fidelity: The French Foreign Legion

Crouching Dragons and Divine Wind: Japan's Special Attack Units

An Offer You Can't Refuse: Mafia Made Men

Great Tiger Sharks Swimming on Land: The Hawaiian Koa

Fiercely and Faithfully: The Swiss Guard

Doctor, Doctor: The White Coat Ceremony and Beyond

The Poor Widow's Sons: American Freemasonry

Conclusion: Elites Everywhere: Crucibles in Context

Epilogue: On Being a Plebe (Part 2), Annapolis, Maryland, Autumn 1982 through Spring 1983.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: McNeal, James R. Crucibles

ISBN:

9781572843523

1572843527

OCLC:

1449546260

Publisher Number:

90102144010