What are norms? What purpose do they serve for group members? How can you recognize norms when you ...

Norms are the standards that determine what are appropriate and inappropriate behaviors in a group. Norms help group members understand what behavior is appropriate, so they can fit in and work well within their group. For example, how does the group deal with lateness, profane language, dress, or how members are addressed? Norms can be productive or unproductive and should be monitored, so they do not keep the group from operating effectively. You can recognize norms by observing a group to see how members interact. It is also possible to recognize norms when they are broken. The response to a member who violates a norm will correspond in severity with the importance of the norm.