Group norms
Group norms are shared expectations about acceptable behaviour within a group. They can develop informally or be made explicit and influence matters such as effort, punctuality, cooperation and willingness to challenge. Norms may support organisational objectives or conflict with them, so managers need to understand the behaviour actually encouraged by the group rather than rely only on formal policy.
Worked example
A team informally discourages anyone from reporting errors because mistakes are seen as embarrassing. A new reporting policy will have limited effect unless leaders also change the group expectation and respond constructively when people raise problems.
Common mistake
Informal norms can be powerful even when unwritten. Do not assume every norm is helpful or that a formal rule automatically changes it.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |