Social norm

Etymology: the word norm comes from the latin word norma which means "angle measure" or (lawlike) "rule".

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In sociology, a norm is an expected pattern of behavior in a given situation, the custom. In matters of the mind, one who has common sense is following the norm, is normal. In matters of behavior one who follows the norms of society is a regular guy or a right guy. One who does not is considered eccentric. Important norms are called mores. Violations of mores are punished with severe sanctions.

In social situations (e.g. meetings), norms are unwritten (and often unstated) operating rules that govern people's behavior resulting in a smooth interpersonal meshing. Norms are most evident when they are not followed or are broken. This is often experienced when an individual finds him/herself in a foreign country, dealing with a strange culture where the norms are different. By the same token, import of cultural products in a culture may confront its people with different norms than they take for granted. Cultural import may then be seen as a threat to cultural identity.

In some groups, norms are consciously prescribed as a set of ground rules.

Persons skilled in facilitation assist groups in recognizing norms, as well as establishing norms to promote greater group (or team) effectiveness.

See also: normative