When discussing how people interact within groups, we often talk about "norms" - expectations for appropriate behavior that are shared by group members. These norms can be explicit (written down) or implicit (understood through observation), and they may vary widely depending on the situation.
Some workplaces have strict dress codes, while others allow employees to wear whatever they want. Some families follow religious traditions, while others do not. Some online communities have very specific rules about what is acceptable speech, while others allow for more freedom. In this article, we will explore how different units construct their internal norms and enforce them, and what happens when someone violates those norms.
Let's look at how norms are constructed. Often, norms come from top-down leadership within an organization, such as a CEO setting company policies or a religious leader establishing rules for worship. Sometimes, norms are negotiated among group members, such as when a team agrees to set standards for communication and decision-making. Norms can also arise organically, without anyone actively creating them, simply through repeated patterns of behavior and feedback from other group members.
If everyone on a sports team always cheers after every successful play, it becomes an expected behavior.
Let's consider how norms are enforced. This can happen in many ways, from formal sanctions like suspension or termination to informal social pressure. Someone who consistently breaks the norms may be ostracized or shunned by other members of the group. They may also face consequences like loss of status or privileges. Depending on the severity of the violation, the punishment may range from a verbal warning to physical violence.
We'll examine what happens when someone violates these norms. This can cause significant disruption to the group, both socially and practically. It can lead to distrust and resentment among members, and make it difficult for the group to function effectively. The person who violated the norm may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or even fearful of retaliation. In some cases, they may be asked to leave the group altogether.
Understanding how different units construct, enforce, and modify their internal norms is essential to understanding how groups work together. By adhering to these shared expectations, we can build strong relationships within our communities and create a sense of belonging and solidarity. But when norms are broken, it can have serious consequences that affect all involved.
How do different units construct, enforce, or modify their internal norms, and what social penalties arise when someone violates them?
Different units may have different ways of constructing, enforcing, or modifying their internal norms. The construction stage involves identifying the acceptable behaviors within a given community, whereas the modification stage entails updating these rules as new issues arise. Enforcement can be achieved through various means such as punishments, sanctions, or rewards. When someone violates the established norms, they might experience social penalties ranging from verbal scolding to exclusion from the group.