This document discusses norms, conformity, and cohesiveness in groups. It defines norms as standards of expected behavior in a group. Conformity is modifying individual behavior due to group influences. Cohesiveness refers to the unity and consistency within a group. The document states that groups benefit from shared norms as they regulate relationships. It also explains that while conformity has a negative connotation of following the majority, studies show conforming to group norms can improve group functioning and individual well-being. Finally, it describes cohesiveness as the level at which a group stays together and is motivated, noting that highly cohesive groups interact and influence members more effectively.

1. Norms, conformity and
cohesiveness

2. Add to glossary
Term Definition
Roles Obligations expected of individuals in a group, or position that defines
appropriate behaviour.
Norms Standards of behaviour expected of group members; prescribed modes
of conduct.
Conformity Modification of individual behaviour resulting from group influences;
action in accordance with specified standards or authority.
Cohesiveness Unity; state of sticking together or having consistency

3. Norms
Norms dictate the action of group members. Groups benefit from having mutually
acceptable norms as they bring regularity and control to relationships.
Examples:
• A group of students who party together often will have shared ideas about
acceptable behaviour.
• In a classroom there will be norms that govern both the teacher’s and the students’
behaviour, while other norms will be relevant to the teacher or only to the student.
• Add one of your own that relates to a group you are part of or have been part of.

4. Conformity
In our society, conformity has a negative meaning. Many think of it as
following the demands of the majority or of authority figures, often at the
expense of an individual's own beliefs and opinions. However, studies show
that conforming to group norms frequently improves the group’s functioning,
as well as having a positive impact on individual wellbeing.
Example
When students conform to a class norm that they should provide assistance to
other students, both the group and the individual student’s benefit.

5. YouTube clip
• Watch:

6. YouTube clip
Watch:
• Dangerous Conformity (8.23 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjP22DpYYh8
• Conformity experiment (5.47 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDDyT1lDhA

7. Cohesiveness
The more conformity there is in a group, the greater the cohesiveness of the
group.A cohesive group stays together, attracts members and motivates
them. In highly cohesive groups the members interact and influence each
other more effectively than in less cohesive groups.The group usually
performs better and achieves its goals, which in turn leads to great cohesion.

8. If a group is not cohesive, you can implement
the following strategies:
• Examine alternatives and consider other possibilities
• Appoint a devil's advocate
• Increase the group size and diversity of its members
• Eliminate competition with other groups
• Rewarding, assertive group members
• Rotating the leader’s role and occasionally working without a leader.

9. YouTube clips
Watch:
• Team cohesiveness before and after (.54sec)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WURgIMeouw&list=RD3WURgIMeouw
• Team work 1 (33 sec)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qzzYrCTKuk&index=2&list=RD3WURgIMeouw
• Team work 2 (30 sec)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Psl0nFEzw
• For the birds (3.25mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIVoW9jAOs