Introduction
According to the sociological perspective, deviance means behaviors against social rules and norms. Deviance may vary from culture to culture. There are factors contributing to societal deviancy, such as contextual factors such as friendship networks and organizational culture, which play a significant role in shaping behavior. Therefore, one needs to understand the dynamics of societal deviance to manage and influence group behavior effectively.
Promotion of Deviance
Contextual factors promote deviance in several ways. For instance
Friendship Networks
Peer groups can significantly promote deviance. According to Zhang & Gao (2020), a teenager surrounded by friends who engage in deviant activities is more likely to conform to the pressure around him. This may happen since he may want to gain identity within the setup, or the deviant behavior seems normalized within the group. Peer pressure is a key contributing factor to this.
Role Modeling
Deviant behavior may also arise from role models who are public figures or influential individuals among peers (Smith & Stevens, 2021). For instance, some influential group members, mostly those on the public face, who engage in deviant behavior can serve as role models for others. The members will, however, depict the behaviors of the leaders as acceptable, and upon coping with the behavior, a culture of deviance is promoted.
Organizational Culture
Some organizations exhibit a culture that promotes deviance. Much priority is given to outcomes over ethical processes, eventually exposing the members to engage in rule-bending behaviors. In such organizations, the end determines the means (Kish-Gephart et al., 2019). Likewise, in other organizations with weak enforcement of rules, room for deviance is created, which may be subject to the manager’s character. Similarly, in other departments, there is pressure to meet unrealistic performance targets; for example, when a manager wants his firm to win a certain favor from the government or some material rewards from a donor, employees may compromise their ethical standards. The ethical work environment is, therefore, prohibited.
Ambiguity in Rules and Norms
Normalization of social norms in certain environments leads to deviant behaviors among the members. In such environments, rules and norms are ambiguous; no relaxed regulations exist. Boundaries are unclear, and the members consistently behave in a way that suggests deviant behavior (Smith & Stevens, 2021). In communities with such ambiguous norms, there is a possibility of teenagers becoming irresponsible adults.
Inhibition of Deviance
Strong Ethical Leadership and Culture
An ethical organizational culture is crucial to positive growth for any thriving entity. Morales-Sánchez et al. (2021) state that for a company to thrive positively, there must be a strong ethical climate portrayed by ethical leadership. Such a company has a clear way of communicating values and norms to the employees. Likewise, deviance is less likely to flourish in such a culture since ethical behavior is modeled by the leaders and is copied by the members. Such a culture’s rules and regulations indicate the consequences of unethical behavior. Therefore, fewer instances of employee deviance are experienced when the company exhibits an ethical organizational culture.
Positive Role Modeling and Social Bonds
A community with respected leaders or peers portraying integrity and ethical behavior can inhibit deviance. When peers grow up while the societal norms are stabilized, unethical habits are discouraged. This form of leadership promotes a positive culture among the members by enhancing social cohesion through positive and ethical behaviors (Smith & Stevens, 2021). The members, however, develop strong social bonds and mutual respect. A good social Environment, like scheduled study hours and playing hours for children, and regulation on the usage of gadgets, is also an important factor in inhibiting deviance.
Open Communication Mechanisms and clear Sanctions
Cultures that encourage open communication about concerns and unethical behavior positively inhibit deviance. When rules are set to clear, safe, and anonymous ways to report cases of deviance are followed, then deviance is greatly reduced to a minimum. When the members of a society are free to report cases of deviance and formal disciplinary actions are taken, there is reduced tolerance for deviance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, contextual factors have a profound impact on deviance. These factors shape individuals’ norms, behaviors, and values within groups and organizations. They promote or inhibit deviance based on the dynamics of social cohesion, leadership, communication, and enforcement of norms. Therefore, it calls for understanding how these factors influence behavior, promote ethical conduct in organizations, and prevent deviant behavior in individuals.
References
Kish-Gephart, J.J., Harrison, D.A., & Treviño, L.K. (2019). Aggressive incentive systems and unethical behavior: The mediating role of moral disengagement. Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(1), 123-145.
Morales-Sánchez, R., & Cabello-Medina, C. (2021). The role of four universal moral competencies in ethical decision-making. Journal of Business Ethics, 160(3), 835-850.
Smith, L., & Stevens, E. (2021). The impact of peer affiliations on adolescent deviant behavior: A review of the literature. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(4), 663-678.
Zhang, Y., & Gao, G. (2020). Peer influence on adolescent deviant behavior: The role of friendship networks. Journal of Adolescence, 81, 67-77.
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