informal rules

Informal rules are the unwritten expectations and social norms that guide behavior within a group, organization, or culture.

Unlike formal rules, which are explicitly stated in documents like laws or employee handbooks, informal rules are learned through observation and experience.

They govern things like how to dress for an office that has no dress code, when it's acceptable to interrupt in conversation, or how newcomers should defer to veterans.

Breaking informal rules rarely brings official punishment but often results in social consequences like disapproval or exclusion.