Formal Norms: These are explicitly written and codified rules. Violations typically result in specific, defined consequences.
* Laws: Speed limits, tax laws, murder laws. These are enforced by the government with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
* Company Policies: Dress codes, attendance policies, workplace safety regulations. These are enforced by employers, with consequences like warnings, suspension, or termination.
* University Regulations: Academic honesty policies, student conduct codes, registration deadlines. These are enforced by the university with consequences like failing grades, suspension, or expulsion.
* Religious Commandments: The Ten Commandments in Christianity, or similar codes in other religions. Consequences for violation can vary widely, depending on the religion and individual belief.
* Rules of a Game: Rules in sports (like baseball or soccer), board games, or video games. Consequences often include penalties within the game itself (e.g., a foul in basketball).
Informal Norms: These are unwritten and unspoken rules of behavior. Violations lead to less formalized sanctions, often social disapproval.
* Table Manners: Using utensils correctly, chewing with your mouth closed, not talking with your mouth full. Violations might result in disapproving glances or social awkwardness.
* Greetings: Shaking hands, hugging, waving, or bowing—the appropriate greeting varies by culture. Improper greetings might be perceived as rude or disrespectful.
* Fashion Norms: Wearing appropriate clothing for different occasions (e.g., a suit to a job interview). Violating these norms might lead to being judged as inappropriately dressed.
* Conversational Norms: Taking turns talking, listening attentively, avoiding interrupting. Violating these norms might make you seem impolite or uninterested.
* Queueing (lining up): Waiting your turn in line. Cutting in line might result in angry stares or verbal reprimands.
* Social Distancing (in certain contexts): Maintaining a respectful personal space. Violating this can be perceived as invasive or uncomfortable.
It's important to note that the line between formal and informal norms can sometimes be blurry. For instance, a company might have an unwritten policy (informal) about appropriate workplace attire, even though they haven't explicitly written it down (formal). Similarly, public opinion and social pressure can sometimes be as powerful as formal laws in shaping behavior.