Cultural Conformity

Cultural conformity means people in society tend to conform to the prevailing cultural norms. Every individual in the society has certain role. When a person conforms to the obligations of his/her role, there is cultural conformity. For example, a student is expected to come to the school in the specified dress, abide by the rules of the school, and do the homework properly. An employee who is punctual, hardworking, obedient and loyal is fulfilling his role obligations. In order to fulfill one’s role obligations, a person has to internalize the knowledge and skills required for the fulfillment of his/her role. When such internalization is lacking people deviate from the cultural norms and there is lack of cultural conformity

While taking business decisions, managers should know the nature and extent of cultural conformity. It would be very difficult to market new products and techniques when the society is characterized by blind conformity. Special efforts are needed to change the attitudes of people in such a society. For example, unconventional ideas and products have not become popular in many tribal areas in India despite advertising efforts.