Implicit and Explicit Rules

Let's Go Over some examples!

• Explicit rules leave nothing open to interpretation. They should be clearly written or expressed. Some examples include:
• Laws - The Constitution of the United States, State Legislature
• School Rules - Uniforms, cell phone usage policies
• Institutional Policies (Rules in the work place) - My job does not allow us to have any electronics on our person while we are working

Cultural Differences:

Although implicit rules are never clearly written or expressed, they are known and followed by most people of a common culture or co-culture.

Let's Get Thinking!

Examples of these implied rules include:

• What are some implicit and explicit rules that you have noticed in your everyday life?
• Think about your culture and try to think of some differences.

• An implicit rule in Mexican cultures, is to greet everyone in a setting before sitting down.
• Some households take off their shoes as soon as they enter a home, while others do not.
• While some families might say it is okay for a friend to call them by their first name, other families might appreciate the Mrs. or Mr. title over any familiarity of using their first name.

• Forming a line at the grocery store
• Being quiet in a study room
• Not getting into an elevator that is already full
• Not talking badly about your friends
• Walking on the right side

Implicit

and

Explicit

Rules

Examples of Implicit Rules:

What are Implicit + Explicit Rules?

• Forming a line at the store to pay.
• Being quiet in a study room.
• Not getting into an elevator that is already full.
• Not talking badly about your friends.
• Walking on the right side.

PLAY

Gender Differences:

• Explicit and implicit rules serve to govern communication amongst people.
• There are explicit rules, meaning that someone has clearly expressed what those rules are.
• Explicit Rules: “a rule about behavior that has been clearly articulated”. (Page 16)
• Implicit rules however, are rules that almost everyone in a certain social group knows and follows, even though no one has formally articulated and expressed them.
• Implicit Rules: “a rule about behavior that has not been clearly articulated but is nonetheless understood” (Page 17)

• It is common for women to go to the restrooms in groups when in public places.
• It is also common for younger women (teenagers/late-teens) to share their location with others when using Uber or going on a date so that someone always knows where you are in case anything happens.

Generation Z

The majority of my college peers tend to follow a

different set of rules from other generations. This is

because we are a part of what is known as a co-culture.

Co-cultures share values, interest, and other norms beyond

that.

The majority of my college peers tend to follow a

different set of rules from other generations. This is

because we are a part of what is known as a co-culture.

Co-cultures share values, interest, and other norms beyond

this. Here are a few implicit rules we follow in my generation:

• Communicating over text before calling.
• It is okay to frequently use your cellular device
• To be more accepting of people’s lifestyles/ nonjudgmental (at least to not verbally judge)

When are Implicit + Explicit rules ineffective?

Relation to Communication:

• When the rules are implicit, if they are not always followed this can cause conflict due to miscommunication. For example, not following an implied rule such as speaking/acknowledging those in the room when you enter, you make unintentionally offend someone.

• When explicit rules are not followed, there can be many consequences that depend on the rule you broke...
• A fine, a write up, expulsion, etc.

Implicit and Explicit rules are one of the basic characteristics of communication. They serve to govern the way we communicate by telling us what is allowed and what is not allowed, what behavior is acceptable, and what is implied. They tell us (either explicitly or implicitly) what the do’s and don'ts are when we interact with other people. Without these rules there would be no order or foundation on how to communicate effectively whether that is knowing text etiquette (which is implicit) or forming a line to show respect of the person or people in front of you.

in Cultures and Co-Cultures

Group 6: Kesandra Coutain, Sofia Gomez, Aidenn Kolar, Keila Quezada, Kristen Silerio