Conformity is a part of our culture in many ways. Starting school as a young child introduces us to the world in a way that makes us aware of an overall expression of self. Expectations by peers and educators give us some of our first glimpses into what our future in the workforce will be like. Although we are often taught to be an individual and develop our unique talents, many rules are put in place to connect us as a group.
Conformity may seem like a mundane and restricted way to progress through our workday necessities, but it does add some comfort to our lives in many ways.
The most common way that conformity is expressed in a workplace is through a dress code. This is mainly geared towards accomplishing a professional looking environment. However, comfort levels are heightened when the majority of employees are wearing similar attire. Most work place do not want a group of clones, yet a sweatpants clad employee might give the wrong impression to clients and fellow employees. Certain attire is simply assumed professional by long standing cultural norms and brings a serious workday attitude to the environment.
Rules of dress also help to avoid any inappropriate dress that may be more effective for a night out rather than a workplace. Most work environments employee a variety of individuals with various backgrounds. A dress code may limit any offense to cultural or religious backgrounds. Conservative dress also erases a large amount of inappropriate workplace social activity. It gives employees that are different from each other and common ground, and helps them to present as a unified group.
Schedules may be something we all take for granted, but they really attribute to conformity of all places of business. Most business are open the same time of day. All workplaces offer a lunch break. These societal norms help everyone stay on track and help everyone know what to expect from their day. Paydays, holidays, and business hours all contribute to the smooth execution of employee responsibilities. It also draws people together in common bond.
Common book keeping, computer programs and human relations are all examples of where conformity may enter into the mix. Personnel that specializes in book keeping can expect to find common organizational methods in most workplaces. Computer programs are usually common across the board and can even help to relay information in a familiar form internationally. Interview tactics and workplace etiquette is similar in most professional environments and leaves little variation as to how to behave properly. Greetings and other personal interactions usually have a certain conformity to them in many business situations as well.
Conformity, at first glance, may seem like a limiting power over self-expression. In most business environments, however, it adds to the unification of the group towards a common goal. Common goals and expectations help to alleviate the stress of unfamiliar environments and add to the productivity of the workplace. So the next time you put on your tie and dress shoes, remember you are adding to the success of your business.
