OBNotes.htm Organizational Behavior Notes by Wilf Ratzburg: GROUPS AND WHY NORMS ARE ESTABLISHED

.	WHY ARE NORMS ESTABLISHED?
.	1.	Norms facilitate group survival. Critical events which threaten the goal achievement of the group cause its members to re-evaluate their norms and to make appropriate adjustments. It must be remembered that people join groups for a reason. Therefore, they wish to see the group succeed. These group members will establish, adhere to, and enforce those norms which help the group survive.
.	2.	Norms increase the predictability of members' behaviors. In general, predictability of behavior also means greater efficiency. Greater efficiency leads to greater chances of success.
.	3.	Norms allow members to express the central values of the group (to clarify and reinforce reasons for belonging). One reason for joining a group is the distinctiveness of that group. People join groups because they perceive the group to be special. Therefore, group members will wish to see those behaviors which express the distinctiveness of the group encouraged. Similarly, members who diminish, discount, or ignore the norms which express the distinctiveness will be punished.
.	4.	Norms help reduce embarrassing interpersonal problems for members. As such, norms govern members' behaviors toward one another. If some members feel sensitive or defensive about certain issues, then norms can govern others' behaviors by prohibiting discussion of these issues.