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:
- Prescriptive – define the behavior that should be performed
- Proscriptive – define the behavior that should be avoided
or
- Appearance norms – what you were becomes what you are
- Informal social arrangements norms – the informal groups
- Allocation of resources norms – who gets what
- 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
- 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?
- They ensure the team existence – the members will support the norms as a way to survive
- They increase predictability which can lead to increased efficiency
- They satisfy the need of belonging to a group. The norms are a differentiation factor next to other teams.
