Working at Lifetime Fitness would be the most obvious discourse community. As far as beliefs go, we are all required to memorize the mission and vision of the company. Lifetime is known as the "healthy way of life company" and we are all expected to be on board with it and promote it. We provide healthier choices in the cafe and during our camps we give the children healthy snacks. There is also a set language among team members, members and guests. People need to be able to reference classes, equipment and scheduling. Within each department provides additional layers to the language. In my department, kids activities, we deal with children which involves a certain demeanor.
The people who are in charge are the rule enforcers. The higher up you go, the more power equals the stricter they are with the rules. The club even has audits to make sure we are on top of our game. The leaders have "huddles" everyday to make sure the club is running smoothly. The balance of power has a trickle down effect. If the person at the top is unhappy, it works its way to the bottom to resolve the issue. If rules are broken, they are automatically corrected. People aren't just thrown aside if they break a rule, the company tries to correct behavior to maintain good employees. However, people can be taken out of this community. Not only can team members be fired, but paying members can be asked to leave if they are not following the rules. Lifetime wants everyone to be happy and if someone is disturbing that balance they will be kicked out.
In order to gain power, you have to be an advocate of the rules. Lifetime loves to promote from within. And they want people who want to be a part of the company. If you work hard and follow the rules you are bound to move up. The more you can demonstrate enforcement of the rules, the more they can see you are a team player and "a part of the company."
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