5.3: Group Norms and Expectations - Assignment

Assignment: Group Norms, Social Justice, and Inclusive Team Effectiveness

Collaborative Group Project
Group Size: 4–5 students
Length: 6–8 pages plus presentation
Value: (Instructor determines)

Assignment Overview

Effective groups develop norms that influence communication, participation, accountability, decision-making, and overall effectiveness. In this project, your group will examine how group norms either promote or hinder equity, inclusion, and social justice within teams. Drawing upon course concepts and research, your group will analyze a real or hypothetical group and develop an inclusive set of group norms that foster psychological safety, collaboration, and equitable participation.

Assignment Instructions

Part 1: Understanding Group Norms (20%)

Explain:

• What are group norms?
• Why do groups develop norms?
• What is the difference between formal and informal norms?
• How do norms influence communication, trust, and collaboration?
• How do inclusive norms contribute to equitable participation?

Support your discussion with course readings and at least three scholarly sources.

Part 2: Group Analysis Through a Social Justice Lens (35%)

Select one of the following:

• a student project team
• workplace team
• nonprofit organization
• sports team
• community organization
• fictional group from film or television
• historical or contemporary social movement

Analyze:

• existing norms
• spoken and unspoken expectations
• who holds influence
• whose voices are centered
• whose voices may be excluded
• barriers to participation
• effects on communication
• decision-making
• accountability
• conflict
• overall effectiveness

Include discussion of:

• equity
• inclusion
• privilege
• bias
• power
• belonging
• accessibility

Part 3: Develop an Inclusive Group Norms Charter (30%)

Create a group norms document containing approximately 8–10 norms.

Examples include:

• Respect differing perspectives.
• Share airtime during discussions.
• Address conflict respectfully.
• Rotate leadership roles.
• Use inclusive language.
• Honor deadlines.
• Practice active listening.
• Seek consensus while valuing dissent.
• Provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure accessibility in meetings.

For each norm explain:

• Why it matters
• Which group challenge it addresses
• How it promotes equity and inclusion
• How accountability will be maintained

Part 4: Reflection (15%)

As a group, reflect on:

• Which norm was most important?
• Which norm would be hardest to maintain?
• What social justice issues emerged during your discussion?
• How can groups intentionally create inclusive environments?
• What did your group learn about working together?

Social Justice Emphasis

Throughout the assignment consider:

• Equity versus equality
• Inclusive leadership
• Accessibility
• Psychological safety
• Bias
• Power and privilege
• Cultural humility
• Respect for diverse identities
• Shared decision-making
• Accountability

Deliverables

• Group paper (6–8 pages)
• Group Norms Charter (1 page)
• 10–12 minute class presentation
• Reference page MLA format

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