Group norms are a range of behaviour deemed as acceptable when undertaking a task as a group. According to Shaw (1981), it is thought that group norms are only established if it is of the benefit of the group (i.e. if it is crucial to the success of the task). It is also thought that it is more effective to change an individual's behaviour using group norms (Lewin, 1951). This may be because group norms outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in regards to the entire group and provide boundaries that one cannot cross (Dentler & Erikson, 1959).
Why are group norms beneficial to a group?
Group norms can be beneficial to group as it makes deviance to the group lower (Erikson, 1966), as one