Group Norms
Norms are the rules of conduct (typically unwritten) that are established by group members to influence or control behavior within a group. Group norms are an important part of the socialization process because they indi- cate the behaviors that insiders agree are appropriate. Newcomers generally must learn to behave in ways that are consistent with group norms if they are to be accepted as an insider.
Groups do not develop or enforce norms for all possible behaviors and situa- tions, but only for significant behaviors. Schein suggests that organizations distin- guish employee behaviors in terms of three levels of importance: pivotal (behaviors essential to organizational membership), relevant (behaviors that are desirable but not essential), and peripheral (unimportant behaviors).Organizations are more likely to focus on pivotal and relevant behaviors during socialization and less likely to teach peripheral behaviors to the employee or pay attention to them. Similarly, Daniel Feldman observes that groups will enforce norms that facilitate group sur- vival, express central values, make expected behaviors simpler or more predictable, or help members avoid interpersonal embarrassment.
Learning a group’s norms is not always easy. Norms are usually informal and unwritten—and also varied!26 Clear, positive group norms should be fostered throughout an organization, as norms can differ from group to group within the same organization. Organizations can facilitate the socialization process by providing ways to help newcomers learn organization and group norms, such as in realistic job previews and orientation programs.
