our group NORMS pov
- As a subtle yet highly influential force affecting behavior, norms are an essential component to understanding motive and action in a group or society. By recognizing and focusing on the norms of a group for the influence that they carry, we, as OD practitioners can more effectively address change at a long term and sustainable level. I believe my understanding of norms will play a large role in my work in the MSOD program and well beyond. - Sarah Rowe
- I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to research Norms within group dynamics. One key takeaway for me was the intentionality of making Norms visible, to discuss them and review them on a regular basis. To that end, I took the opportunity at our most recent Microsoft's team offsite to do this. We reflected on what norms were showing up and leading to effective results (e.g. sending out agendas and pre-reading ahead of time) and which ones were getting in our way (always starting 5-10 mins late). We agreed to some operating norms moving forward and have posted them to our team sharepoint site as a means to keep them visible for our company. - Paula Lee
- Group norms can play a significant role in decision making, goal setting, and overall effectiveness of a group or team. Since norms co-exist with values and beliefs just below the cultural surface, OD practitioners must demonstrate skill and courage at diagnosing and giving voice to both, supportive and counterproductive norms as needed to facililate resolution. As a result of working on this project, I have acquired a deeper understanding of how active listening, self-awareness, and curiosity impact group norms. This new awareness will contribute significantly to ongoing cultural transformation efforts in my current role. I also believe that our group’s creativity, project management, research, and collaboration skills were enhanced as a result of working together. - Luis Morejon
- Norms can vary drastically in different cultures and societies. Who and what you surround yourself with in a group setting plays a huge part on what norms impact and influence your subconscious actions and decisions. Also, realizing that norms can be challenged and changed by deviating from them was very interesting. This has helped provide clarity for us as MSOD students on how we might approach trying to make impactful change in our practices in the future. - Linda Gardner
- The biggest lesson I took away on norms was integration. We have to be able to look at the big picture in perspective in how various organizational elements and dynamics connect and correlate with each other. Looking at the operation of how something is done or achieved is so very vital to the success of any project. And establishing the norms of the game in advance during that process stage provides the important links to addressing conflict, challenges, as well as bringing out the needed creativity and collaboration -- by integrating everyone's voice to design something unique, meaningful and valuable. - Irena Yordanova
Site created December 2013 | Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business
Masters of Science, Organization Development (MSOD) program | Pi Prime Cohort
Masters of Science, Organization Development (MSOD) program | Pi Prime Cohort