Norms can be positive or negative to a group’s efficiency. Differentiate among which norms would be positive for a group to adopt and what some negative ones would be.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The reason norms are important is because they have such a strong impact on how the group functions and whether the group is successful or not. For example, a classroom setting with an established norm that students do not raise their hands or offer comments to the discussion can be very boring. A weekly staff meeting where people are allowed to constantly whisper with the person next to them will create an atmosphere that lacks cohesiveness and most likely be very unproductive. On the positive side, when a norm of helping others with their work develops in a small business setting, it can be very helpful and inspiring. Leaders need to be aware that norms always exist, and even when they are subtle or not verbally expressed, they do impact the productivity of the group.