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Group standards may be defined as the level of performance acceptable to the group itself. Certain groups may be known for their high standards in relation to qualifications required to become a member. They may also set high standards of member conduct participation in group activities, democratic decision making, and successful work completion. Other groups may be known for their sloppy meeting procedure, inept discussion, and jobs poorly or only partially done.

Group standards may be either implied or clearly stated.

Nevertheless every group has its standards which, when enforced by social control, become important factors in determining the performance level of each member as well as the group as a whole. These standards become the group’s expectations of its members and also determine the member’s expectations of his group. Certain levels of expectations of other groups often then are judged in terms of the standards associated with the group.

Standards must be realistic – within the level of attainment of the group. They should be understood by all group members. Deviation from these expected performance standards, either above or below, is frowned on by the members, and the group sets up ways of securing conformance. If a member does not conform he is rejected. In most cases group members are more clearly in agreement on what the group norms or standards are than their observable behavior would indicate. Behavior is seldom in strict conformance to the ideal standard, but the limits of toleration are fairly well understood.

Some groups have found it advantageous to make both their expectations and their violations more explicit. For example, they might levy a small fine on a member for being late to meetings to make explicit the standard of prompt attendance. A frank discussion of what the chairman of a committee has a right to expect of his committeemen, or vice versa, may lead to more clearly understood standards of committee operation.

In some cases failure to live up to group standards results from poor definition of the standards themselves. More frequently it is due to individuals not being aware of the standards or not understanding them.

Group standards can be made more explicit and in many cases raised by looking objectively at either past performance or contemplated action and asking the group members if it is an acceptable level of performance.

In most cases, higher group standards are set when the entire group is involved in setting the standards as compared with standards being SEC by a small clique or an individual. Members have greater motivation to conduct themselves in keeping with those standards – to maintain their own conduct and to see that other group members maintain their conduct.

In terms of individual frustration or satisfaction, it is important that the standards are consistent – not rigidly enforced at one meeting and loosely at the next. This seems more important than the actual level at which the standards are set.

In general, the closer the individual comes to living up to all group standards or norms, the higher will be the group status of that individual, and his sense of satisfaction with his relationship.

What About Your Group?

1. Is there group involvement in setting your group standards?
2. Are the group standards well understood by all members?
3. As new group standard-setting situations arise, does the group attempt to make those standards explicit?
4. Are group discussion, human relations, participation, techniques, and progress evaluated against group standards?
5. Do your group members make known their expectations of the group – the standards expected from the group as a whole?
6. Are your group standards realistic?
7. Are your group standards evaluated periodically?
8. Is your group attempting to up-grade group standards realistically as it becomes more mature?
9. Does your group consider the expectations of the parent organization or community in setting its own group standards?
10. What sort of an example in living up to group standards is set by formal leaders and other key people in your group?