Respond positively, specifically and substantially with a minimum of 200 words. No paraphrasing. Demonstrate effectively developed paragraphs Show evidence of active engagement in the discussion (e.g., asking questions, answering questions posed by peers, and making further connections to course readings) Advance the discussion Demonstrate active engagement in the discussion and familiarity with the unit concepts Go beyond agreement or praise Students are also encouraged to respond to instructor follow up posts and questions and to respond to the questions their classmates have posted in their responses A social norm is an acceptable type of behavior that an individual is expected to adhere to in any group, organization or community setting. These norms or behaviors are useful and create a foundation for all to follow. When it comes to social norms in my organizational context, two that are very common include: addressing your Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) of a higher rank at parade rest and follow orders that are given to you. When speaking to any NCO, Soldiers have to ensure that they are at parade rest, unless they are told otherwise. Some individuals do, but others give a blind eye to it. Also, when direct orders are given from the higher echelons, we have to follow. You cannot go ahead and do as you please. The military is set up in a way where all orders or commands that are given have to be obeyed or else disciplinary action can and will be taken against the individual. All of these norms were learned formally and are instilled in you from the time you attend Basic Combat Training (BCT). The type of social norms that guide communication at work are eye contact and respecting someone else’s opinion. Communication is a two way process. Effective communication is an important part of any organization. When speaking to other individuals, I want them to know that I am listening to whatever information that they’re trying to put out. You don’t want them to feel like you have no interest in what they’re saying. Also, when making decisions, it’s always good to respect other people’s opinions before trying to throw them out the window. That is how collective decisions are made and no one feels left out. At home, the social norms that guide communication choices differ greatly. It’s an environment where everyone is relaxed, and don’t have that formal setting. You will be speaking to your kids while in the kitchen and they’re all the way in their bedroom. Eye contact might be minimal, and would not be the same. Also, at home, parents always seem to be in charge and not allow children to assist in making important decisions. Two guidelines that can be applied to avoid cultural biases: age and race. According to the reading: Language that includes age bias can be directed toward older or younger people. Descriptions of younger people often presume recklessness or inexperience, while those of older people presume frailty or disconnection. The term elderly generally refers to people over sixty-five, but it has connotations of weakness, which isn’t accurate because there are plenty of people over sixty-five who are stronger and more athletic than people in their twenties and thirties. Even though it’s generic, older people doesn’t really have negative implications. More specific words that describe groups of older people include grandmothers/grandfathers. People sometimes use euphemisms for race that illustrate bias because the terms are usually implicitly compared to the dominant group. Biased language also reduces the diversity within certain racial groups—for example, referring to anyone who looks like they are of Asian descent as Chinese or everyone who “looks” Latino/a as Mexicans. References: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies. https://doi.org/10.24926/8668.0401