Understanding Normalization of Deviance in Workplace Cultures
By
tyleo
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The article explores the concept of 'normalization of deviance' in workplace cultures, where practices that would be considered problematic or abnormal in other contexts become accepted as normal within specific organizations. The author shares personal experiences of describing workplace practices that seem completely normal to them but shock outsiders, using examples from tech companies where positive aspects like freedom and amazing colleagues coexist with high turnover rates and other cultural issues that employees have normalized over time.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledHave you ever mentioned something that seems totally normal to you only to be greeted by surprise?
my conversation partner's face morphs from pleasant smile to rictus of horror
they lose perhaps half of new hires as a side effect of the culture
combining the best parts of Valve and Netflix
you're given near total freedom to do whatever you want
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