ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the important role of group cultural norms on individuals' behavior. The illustration also hints at the idea that there are two kinds of norms that are particularly powerful in determining behavior. The research demonstrated that individuals are persuaded by descriptive and injunctive norms. In technical terms, norms are considered cultural artifacts. Artifacts are the visible and observable part of culture. Professor Joann Keyton, an expert on organizational culture, explains that the vast majority of what makes up an organization's culture can be traced back to the communication norms that thrive among organizational members. Clearly, the connection between communication norms and culture is profound. As described above, organizational communication calls organizational cultures into being. Cultures are made up of communication. According to Teamsterville's communication norms of masculinity during the early 1970s, a male of superior organizational status was not supposed to dialogue with male status-inferiors when the inferiors were causing trouble.
