Which concept denotes the officially written regulations that govern behavior within institutions?

• A. Formal Norms
• B. Informal Norms
• C. Sanctions
• D. Language

Answer: (A)

Formal norms are the officially written rules that govern behavior within institutions. These are codified in policies, codes of conduct, bylaws, and regulations, specifying what is allowed or forbidden in organized settings like schools, workplaces, or government bodies. Because they are formal, they are backed by authority and enforcement mechanisms, with clear consequences for violations. This distinguishes them from informal norms, which are unwritten expectations learned through social interaction. Sanctions are the penalties or rewards used to enforce norms, not the rules themselves, and language is a means of communication that can reflect norms but is not the set of governing rules.