Question

What are team norms, and what role do they play in behavior and cohesiveness of the group? How does the diversity of a group affect its performance?

Answer 1

Team norms can be defined as a set of rules and regulations that need to be followed while being the member of a team. Team norms create positive behavior which increases the cohesiveness of the group. For example - A simple team norm would require every member to be punctual and report on time for the meeting. Anybody reporting late won't be allowed in the meeting. Such standards help in reducing friction since everyone will be on time respecting the other members time and the meetings would generally end on time.

Team norms are guides for members and help them guide their behaviours with other members. Team norms look to remove behaviours that are disruptive or impact the team's performance negatively. For example - As a team norm guideline, you cannot shout or pass personal remarks on other team members. Also, in a meeting, you need to hold your thoughts till the other member is finished speaking his/her point.

The diversity of group can impact the group's performance in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, a diverse group can come up with different solutions to a problem and work cohesively to resolve it. The negative side arises when the team doesn't follow the team norms and treats a member's opinion or work in relation to their background. For example - A member may have a conception that Women are not good at calculations and he may continuously question the work of a female team member. In all such situations of interpersonal conflict due to diversity, a member must remember the team norm of respecting the other team members irrespective of their gender, race, color etc.