at unify clan members and define social relationships amongst members are less obvious. In a socio-linguistic analysis of teamwork, Kamoche (1995: 384) found that 'the concept of the team emerges as a totemic unifying device and a subtle way to achieve the integration of all the members of the organization'. The high symbolic value attributable to MTD in general, and IPI in particular, appears to possess a totemic quality. Here, we focus mainly on IPI. The perceived high calibre of the IPI courses and their instrumental role in career advancement have led to IPI being routinely described as 'IP University'. The association with famous universities provides a psychological seal of approval and quality ass urance.The name itself is not as important as the connotations it has spawned. For example, the emphasis was clearly not so much on technical expertise as on the symbolic act of attending 'IP University'. Symbolism has been shown to be essentially expressive (e.g. Beattie 1964); and as Durkheim (1915) asserted, the expressive quality of symbolism is encapsulated in the society's attachment to its totems. At IP, the attachment to the totem of MTD for the clan of high-fliers on 'fast-stream development' accords them a coveted identity that unites them in the unique status they enjoy within IP. It is this sense of identity and status that they are expressing. The experience of having gone to 'P University' is, according to one IP graduate, 'wom like a badge'. The sense of a shared identity is reinforced further through culture transmission, socialization and networking. A heightened sense of identity within the 'inclusionary borders' is achievable by those who are mentored by 'Senators' who can be said to be dispensing symbolic as well as tangible rewards. 'Going to IP University is something you look forward to from the time you join the management ranks. Once you get there, it reinforces your sense of belonging, and it's like you're assu...
