5.1: Group Norms and Expectations- Readings and Videos

Readings

The readings and videos explore how group norms and expectations develop and influence member behavior, communication, accountability, and overall team effectiveness. Together, they provide strategies for creating productive team standards that strengthen collaboration, trust, cohesion, and long-term group success.

Reading 1

Forsyth examines how group norms emerge as shared expectations that guide member behavior, communication, and decision-making. The text explains how norms influence conformity, participation, cohesion, and performance while highlighting the importance of understanding both productive and dysfunctional group behaviors. This reading supports students’ ability to analyze how group expectations shape interactions and evaluate strategies for developing effective team norms.

Forsyth, D. R. (2021). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
https://www.cengage.com/c/group-dynamics-7e-forsyth/

Reading 2

Hackman explores the conditions necessary for creating and maintaining effective teams, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations, supportive structures, and shared accountability. The book highlights how successful teams establish productive norms related to communication, collaboration, decision-making, and performance standards. This reading helps students understand how leaders and team members can intentionally create norms that improve trust, commitment, and group outcomes.

Hackman, J. R. (2002). Leading teams: Setting the stage for great performances. Harvard Business School Press.
https://store.hbr.org/product/leadin...formances/1952

Videos

Video 1

This video explains the importance of establishing team norms and shared expectations to guide group behavior and improve collaboration. It demonstrates how teams can create agreements around communication, decision-making, accountability, and conflict management to build trust and improve performance.

MindToolsVideos. (2018). Team norms: Creating effective team agreements [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gX9Q2fJZ0Q

Video 2

This video examines how group norms develop over time and how they shape member behaviors, participation, and team relationships. It highlights the role of leaders and team members in creating positive expectations that support accountability, inclusion, and group cohesion.

Communication Coach Alex Lyon. (2020). Group norms and team development [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLQ2j6vR7M

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