Team Norms

A norm is a  team shared concept and exists as a behavior expectation that the members of a team have regarding the other team members. A norm is created as a reflection of the need for security manifested through a sense of predictability and regularity in a work environment.

When a new team is created, people share their beliefs and values which lead to attitudes that reflect the opinions of the majority.

When a new member enters a team, he goes through an induction process which could include communication of norms. In most cases, the new employee will ask around or observe what the others are doing.

Various norms classifications:

1. Prescriptive – define the behavior that should be performed
2. Proscriptive – define the behavior that should be avoided

or

1. Appearance norms – what you were becomes what you are
2. Informal social arrangements norms – the informal groups
3. Allocation of resources norms – who gets what
4. Reward allocation norms – the rewards are granted according to different principles:
   • Equity – you get what you deserve
   • Equality – everybody gets the same
   • Reciprocity – you give me, I will give you
   • Social responsibility – you get something because you need it
5. Performance norms – you do what the others do in order to be perceived as a high performer or “one of us”

Why are norms useful?

1. They ensure the team existence – the members will support the norms as a way to survive
2. They increase predictability which can lead to increased efficiency
3. They satisfy the need of belonging to a group. The norms are a differentiation factor next to other teams.