norms and expectations
The terms norm and expectation can be used more or less synonymously. There is a distinction, however, and the two can be in tension with one another. If we have a habit of standing by the computer when we talk about our budget, but there is no norm that we should do so, it will be unexpected if we talk about the budget elsewhere, but this will not be inappropriate. If, on the other hand, there is a norm that budget talk should be done at the computer, then, supposing that we hardly ever do talk about the budget there, it will be inappropriate, though not unusual, that we talk budget elsewhere. Indeed it may even be expected that the action will be done at a normatively inappropriate location. Such a combination adds to the complexity of the place, since trajectories of action have to weigh different directives.
Explicit norms may be established or changed by public debate. Other norms are accepted and continued without much awareness. Expectations can get established by repetition; patterns can develop without our noticing, and begin to structure our expectations and actions.
(c) David Kolb, 1 August 2001