Norms happen to be the standardized generalizations regarding expected behavior

Norms happen to be the standardized generalizations regarding expected behavior

Initial Post

To fit well into a group, one has to master the various social forces, including roles and norms. As far as this is concerned, it becomes imperative to realize that a role refers to a set of expected behavior that is attached to a position or post in a social unit. In any company, a worker’s role is illustrated by a position title and also specified by what can best be identified as a job description. Group roles are highly considered when it comes to making division among employees and assigning the responsibility. On the other hand, norms refer to the rule of conduct that has been put in place by group members. This is to imply that group members have accepted these norms as general expectations (Dignum, Vázquez-Salceda, & Dignum, 2004). In simple terms, norms happen to be the standardized generalizations regarding expected behavior when it comes to matters that are of some significance to the group. It is worth noting that rules dictate what ought to be done by another, whereas norms focus a lot on what should be done. Group norms are identified as standards of behavior that, to a great extent identify the standards against which behavior of all members of the group will be examined hence playing a tremendous role in helping the group members to know what they should not do.

It is essential to note that roles and norms are significant within an organization primarily because they aid to generate order and also makes it possible for the group to operate more efficiently. In this case, roles act as the mechanism of moving individuals to pursue a common purpose and perform functions, something that ends up influencing the group’s dynamics hence determining its success or failure. Norms are useful as they serve as a script to guide the entire group in the development process (Korte, 2009). Where these norms are lacking, an organization becomes more likely to fall off track or even feel divided. It is also proper to remember that with well-outlined roles and norms, it becomes easy to make improvements and emerge effective.

There are a couple of norms that I have experienced in my own organization. One excellent norm we have embraced in the company revolves around avoiding office politics. This norm has benefited the organization in a great way. As far as this is concerned, it is important to remember that office politics, in most cases, tend to obscure the real reason to be productive (Goldstein, & Read, 2009). It has made all of us focus on what matters most. The other norm is based on embracing the ‘two pizza rule.’ The company has worked on ensuring that everyone understands that no meeting should have more individuals than two pizzas would feed. Such an approach has seen most of us meet in specific departments hence giving everybody that ample room as well as time to speak their minds.

In conclusion, it is significant to remember that for an organization to emerge successful, it requires to have well-outlined roles and norms. Roles play a tremendous role in a company as they serve as the mechanism of moving individuals to pursue a common goal and perform functions. On the other hand, norms are necessary as they act as a script to guide the entire group in the development process.

Response #1 (Discussion 1)

I firmly concur with this student that both roles and norms are social constructs and are powerful within a company as they are social forces that, to a great extent, integrate a person into a group. It is worth noting that roles are specific to a job, project or situation, and tend to be an integral part of all relationships, including interactions. As the student argues, roles serve as the mechanism of moving individuals to pursue what is described as a common purpose and perform functions. Norms are identified as more comprehensive to the group, especially when it comes to their impact, whereas roles are applied individually. It is important to realize that having a proper understanding of the interaction of roles and norms on group dynamics in a company is something that cannot be taken lightly as doing so will have lasting benefits.

Response #2 (Discussion 2)

According to this peer, a role refers to a set of expected behavior for a particular position, and this can be task or maintenance based. On the other hand, a norm is identified as an attitude, opinion, feeling or action that highly guides behavior. I agree with this student that norms are shared and also applied to a group, whereas roles appear to be at an individual level. It is worth realizing that roles and norms are significant within an organization primarily because they aid to create order and makes it possible for groups to function more efficiently. It is to say that lack of well-defined roles and norms makes it tough to improve or emerge effective.

Response #3 (Discussion 3)

As this student states, social roles and norms are very significant within an organization as they keep things running smoothly and ensures that individuals develop a comfort level with repetitive norms. In this case, a role has been identified as the expected behavior for a specific position; hence one’s job description happens to be an excellent example. Norms which refer to an attitude, belief, feeling or action shared by two or more individuals, guide interactions and generate an orderly flow for things that take place repeatedly. It is proper to state that norms develop over time, something that implies that a norm that was in place ten years ago may be altered as staff leave and others come to the company.