of passage define transitions into social roles and status. Thus, we interpret liminality in terms of the social consequences it has for the neophytes: socialization and culture transmission prepare them socio-psychologically for a distinguished career. The reported consequences of the rites of passage can be summarized as follows: behave differently; set an example for subordinates and other managers; acquire the authority to preach the gospel of IP culture; strengthen one's membership of the club of high-fliers; acquire privileged corporate knowledge from the oracle of IPI. The idea that managers should 'behave differently' due to their increased visibility, and that the visit signalled a highl y symbolic shift in their personal circumstances was particularly marked in the case of those from less-developed countries where opportunities for international travel and training are more limited. Some specific quotes illustrate this:'People have a strong urge to come to London. It's something you want from the time you become a manager. It's kind of inculcated in you by your superiors ... If you don't do it you feel ordinary, non-unique. If you do it you're a completely new person.' (Kenyan training manager)'Coming here changes you. You know everyone's looking up at you. To them you're special, you've joined an exclusive club. So you basically serve as an example. But to make it real to them, you have to teach them how you did it, tell them what it's like, do seminars, write-ups ... It's like you're coming back with some special knowledge.' (Indian general manager)'I would say many people think of IPI as a Mecca. It's like going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Something you have to do once in your career. It sets you out against the rest. Once you get there, this whole feeling about being on a pilgrimage is reinforced by everyone, including the independent instructors -- the professors. It's like you leave the place feeling kind of holy. It's a ...
