Group Norms

Definition

Group norms are the unwritten rules, expectations, and standards of behavior that guide and regulate the actions of members within a group. They help establish a shared understanding of acceptable and unacceptable conduct, fostering cohesion and cooperation among group members.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Group norms can be either explicit (formally stated) or implicit (unspoken and understood).
2. Norms help groups maintain order, promote cooperation, and ensure the group's survival and success.
3. Conformity to group norms is often reinforced through social pressure, rewards, and punishments within the group.
4. Strong group norms can lead to groupthink, where members uncritically accept the group's decisions and suppress dissenting views.
5. The size and structure of a group can influence the development and enforcement of group norms.

Review Questions

• Explain how group norms relate to the types of groups (e.g., primary, secondary, formal, informal) and their characteristics.
  • Group norms are closely tied to the types of groups and their characteristics. In primary groups, such as families or close-knit friend circles, norms tend to be more informal and based on shared values and emotional connections. In secondary groups, like work teams or professional organizations, norms are often more formal and explicit, focusing on task-oriented behaviors and procedures. The size and structure of a group can also influence the development and enforcement of norms, with smaller, more cohesive groups typically having stronger and more uniform norms compared to larger, more diverse groups.
• Analyze how the size and structure of a group can impact the development and enforcement of group norms.
  • The size and structure of a group can significantly influence the development and enforcement of group norms. Smaller, more intimate groups, such as families or close-knit friend circles, tend to have stronger and more uniform norms that are often implicit and based on shared values and emotional connections. In contrast, larger, more formal groups, like organizations or communities, may have more explicit and diverse norms that are necessary to maintain order and coordination. The structure of the group, whether it is hierarchical or decentralized, can also shape the way norms are established and enforced, with more hierarchical groups often having more top-down enforcement of norms, while decentralized groups may rely more on peer pressure and self-regulation.
• Evaluate the potential positive and negative consequences of strong group norms on group dynamics and individual behavior.
  • Strong group norms can have both positive and negative consequences on group dynamics and individual behavior. On the positive side, well-established norms can promote cohesion, cooperation, and the achievement of group goals by providing a shared understanding of acceptable conduct and reinforcing desired behaviors. This can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and a sense of belonging among group members. However, overly strong norms can also have negative consequences, such as the emergence of groupthink, where members uncritically accept the group's decisions and suppress dissenting views. This can stifle creativity, innovation, and the consideration of alternative perspectives, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes. Additionally, strong norms can create pressure to conform, which may limit individual autonomy and the expression of diverse opinions, potentially hindering personal growth and the group's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Related terms

Group Cohesion:

The degree to which members of a group are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.

Conformity:

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

Deviance:

Behavior that violates the established norms or expectations of a group, which can lead to sanctions or exclusion.