| . |
Norms develop in a
number of ways: |
| . |
PRIMACY
the first behavior pattern to
emerge in a group
EXAMPLE: Groups adopt norms to ensure
consistency of behavior, to minimize ambiguity, and to reduce the amount of
decision-making required over routine matters. Therefore, students entering a classroom
(or employees in a lunchroom) frequently adopt seating norms. Once these seating norms
have been established (very early in the life of the group) students no longer need to
consider where they will sit when they enter a classroom.
|
| . |
EXPLICIT STATEMENTS
statements or directives made by a
group member (most often a formal or informal leader)
EXAMPLE: Once a group leadership role has
been established (after the Storming Phase of group development), the group's
member look to the leader to provide them with the direction needed to accomplish
group objectives. To this end, the members accept some leader directives as rules.
These rules may become internalized as group norms. A group leader may state that
the group must meet at 8:30 AM every Monday to discuss the coming week's agenda and work
plan. This becomes accepted as the norm.
|
| . |
CRITICAL EVENTS
Norms may evolve over a period of
time. There may be critical events in a group's history which cause group members to
reassess their existing rules, procedures, processes, or relationships.
EXAMPLE: Prior to the beginning of hockey
games, the team norm has been for players to go for a slow skate around the rink while
three forwards warmed up the goalie. As this skate was "non-contact", part of
the norm was to skate without helmets. On one occasion, however, (the critical incident) a
skating player was hit on the head and cut for twenty stitches by a deflected puck. This
critical incident caused a re-evaluation of the norm. The new norm requires all players to
wear a helmet once they leave the dressing-room.
|
| . |
CARRY-OVER BEHAVIORS
Some norms carry over the group
members' experiences in other groups. There exist common norms across occupational,
ethnic, athletic or social groups.
EXAMPLE: Students new to a particular
academic institution carry with them some norms regarding the types of behavior expected
from students. These norms were acquired during their times in other academic
institutions. Similarly, a millwright, new to a Canfor pulpmill in British Columbia will
(particularly if he has worked in other Canfor pulpmills), be familiar with some of the
workplace norms at his new place of work.
|
