Norms

Definition

Norms are the unwritten rules, guidelines, and expectations that govern the behavior and interactions within a work group or organization. They help establish a shared understanding of acceptable and unacceptable conduct, shaping the group's culture and influencing how members think, feel, and act.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Norms can be either formal (written policies and procedures) or informal (unspoken expectations).
2. Norms help create a sense of stability, predictability, and order within a work group, allowing members to anticipate and coordinate their behavior.
3. Norms are often developed through a process of socialization, where new members learn and internalize the group's values, beliefs, and acceptable behaviors.
4. Violation of norms can lead to sanctions, such as social disapproval, ostracism, or even formal disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the infraction.
5. Strong, well-established norms can enhance group cohesion and performance, but they can also inhibit innovation and flexibility if they become too rigid.

Review Questions

• Explain how norms influence the structure and dynamics of a work group.
  • Norms play a crucial role in shaping the structure and dynamics of a work group. They establish the expected behaviors, roles, and interactions among group members, creating a shared understanding of acceptable conduct. Norms help define the group's hierarchy, decision-making processes, and communication patterns, ultimately influencing the group's overall cohesion, productivity, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Strong, well-defined norms can foster a sense of stability and predictability within the group, but they can also limit flexibility and innovation if they become too rigid or resistant to change.
• Analyze the relationship between norms, conformity, and deviance within a work group.
  • Norms and conformity are closely intertwined within a work group. Conformity refers to the act of aligning one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with the prevailing norms and expectations of the group. When group members conform to the established norms, it reinforces the group's cohesion and stability. However, conformity can also lead to the suppression of individual differences and the stifling of creative thinking. Conversely, deviance, or behavior that deviates from the group's norms, can disrupt the group's dynamics and lead to sanctions or exclusion. The balance between conformity and deviance is a delicate one, as groups must maintain a certain level of cohesion while also allowing for some degree of individual expression and innovation.
• Evaluate the role of norms in shaping the organizational culture and influencing employee behavior and performance.
  • Norms are a fundamental aspect of organizational culture, as they shape the shared beliefs, values, and expectations that guide employee behavior and performance. Organizational norms can influence everything from communication styles and decision-making processes to dress codes and work-life balance. Strong, well-defined norms can foster a sense of stability and shared purpose, enhancing group cohesion and productivity. However, if norms become too rigid or resistant to change, they can also inhibit innovation, creativity, and adaptability. Organizational leaders must carefully consider the role of norms in shaping the company's culture and ensure that they align with the desired strategic objectives and values. By striking the right balance between stability and flexibility, organizations can leverage the power of norms to create a thriving, high-performing work environment.

Related terms

Group Cohesion: The degree to which members of a group are attracted to each other and motivated to remain part of the group.

Conformity: The act of aligning one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with the prevailing norms and expectations of a group.

Deviance: Behavior that deviates from the established norms and expectations within a group or organization.