behavioral norms
Expected conduct guidelines
Behavioral norms are the unwritten rules governing how people act in a group or society—what's considered acceptable, expected, or appropriate in a given context.
They vary by culture, setting, and era: Office behavioral norms have shifted with remote work.
Unlike formal rules, behavioral norms are enforced through social pressure rather than explicit penalties.
- moresBinding social standards
- policiesAdopted courses of action
- conformityAdherence to norms
- going along to get alongConforming to maintain relationships
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
good manners · customs · socialization · social roles · traditions · social contract · reciprocity · taboos · calling out · rituals · community standards · integrity · professional conduct · groupthink · accountability · peer pressure · ostracism · sanctions
behavioral normslaws
Enforceable societal rules
legislation · legal codes · instincts · legal statutes · constitutional provisions
behavioral normsinstincts
Innate behavioral tendencies
genetic predispositions · reflexes · inherited traits · animal instincts · biological imperatives
behavioral normstransgression
Violation of law or code
nonconformity · rule-breaking · antisocial behavior · deviant behavior · deviance