Chapter 3, Problem 1SGB

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The norms that you believe to be operating in the following places:

1. In most of your courses.
2. In formal social groups such as fraternities and sororities.
3. In student clubs or school-sponsored organizations.

Each group should share with the group the norms identified for each of the assigned places. Make a list of norms for each place and brainstorm with fellow group members to come up with additional norms.

Try to group the norms by common themes and give each group a norm a title. Decide as a group which norms are most important for regulating student behavior in each location.

Analyze the source or origin of each of the more important norms. Does the norm originate in the environment, from a leader, or elsewhere? Can you find any examples of norms that are expressed but not followed, which means that people do not "walk the talk" of the norms?

What did you learn about cultural norms that exist in organizations and social groups? How is it helpful to make explicit those aspects of organization culture that are typically implicit? Who should be responsible for setting norms in your courses or in student social groups and organizations?