Living in Your Letters: Assessing Congruence Between Espoused and Enacted Values of One Fraternity/Sorority Community

Authors

Heather Matthews, Indiana University, BloomingtonFollow
Leigh Featherstone, Lewis & Clark College in OregonFollow
Lisa Blunder, Indiana University, BloomingtonFollow
Allison J. Gerling, Indiana University, BloomingtonFollow
Sarah Lodge, Spring Hill College in AlabamaFollow
Rachel B. Messenger, College of Wooster in OhioFollow

Publication Date

January 2009

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25774/0kaj-w609

First Page

29

Last Page

41

Abstract

Fraternity and sorority members have long been charged with fulfilling the espoused values of their organizations. Although several studies have explored the gap between the actions and values of undergraduate fraternal members and their institutions, few have examined the degree to which the publicly stated values of fraternal organizations are enacted by members. Using qualitative methodology, researchers compared the creeds and mission statements of undergraduate fraternal organizations to member actions observed on the campus transit system. Results indicated that while there is some congruence between organizational and institutional values and member actions, there are also areas of disconnect for members related to their values.

Recommended Citation

Matthews, Heather; Featherstone, Leigh; Blunder, Lisa; Gerling, Allison J.; Lodge, Sarah; and Messenger, Rachel B. (2009) "Living in Your Letters: Assessing Congruence Between Espoused and Enacted Values of One Fraternity/Sorority Community," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/0kaj-w609
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol4/iss1/5