Conformity and Norms

Many factors influence how groups conform to their norms

A group is a collection of people who share the same environment and are united by the same vision and mission. The growth of groups is heavily influenced by the group members’ diverse norms, which become consistent and, in turn, influence comparable behaviour. Then, of course, there’s the reality that you’re dealing with a lot of people (Thompson & Carter, 2012).

Conformity as a result of individuals accepting influence

Individuals are highly influenced to join groups that are in line with their personal beliefs and are significant to improving their expectations and aspects of life. According to Losh (2011), conformity to groups comes as a result of individuals accepting influence because of the need to and not because they are coerced to change. Furthermore, performance can also influence conformation to group norms since each member is involved in the success of the group mission.

Another factor for conformity: social arrangement and personal beliefs

Another factor for conformity involves social arrangement in which differences are created based on ranks. However, individuals at some point do not follow conformity to the group norms and may act based on personal basis and agenda. The primary factors that will determine when members remain independent include personal beliefs and integrity issues. Therefore, when the group norms violate any of the personal beliefs and the integrity of the individual members they can decide to act independently (Losh, 2011). Furthermore, an individual’s quest for power can also influence their independent reasoning to exploit the loopholes in the group and rise to the highest level of authority in the group. The desire to be in control of the outcomes of other members in the group and stop any form of unwanted behavior in groups can influence an individual to act independently (Losh, 2011).

Factors influencing individual influence in a group

The influence placed by an individual on the rest of the group is highly dependent on various factors. Hence, the individual influence may or may not achieve any influence to the rest of the members without conforming to the group norms. Influence highly depends on the followers an individual can bring to their side and philosophical ideology. Therefore, when an individual has the appropriate leadership skills to influence a good number of followers in the group they will succeed even without conforming to the group norms. Additionally, the factors of accountability and responsibility also play a crucial role in making individuals influential in groups (Thompson & Carter, 2012). The individuals who do not conform to the group norms can succeed in influencing the other members of the group to follow their ideology through establishing their practical norms that uphold accountability and responsibility in the group. Without influencing followers in the group, the individuals who do not conform to the group norms cannot make the substantial difference and succeed in their beliefs. Group influence is powerful than individuals influence but with appropriate approach and philosophical ideology, individuals can become very influential.

References

Losh, S. (2011). Group behavior in organizations. Retrieved from http:content.ashfird.edu/

Thompson, C. E., & Carter, R. T. (Eds.). (2013). Racial identity theory: Applications to individual, group, and organizational interventions. London: Routledge.