Violating a group norm

I think that the majority of people have felt the cold sting of violating a group norm at some point in their lives. Depending upon the scenario, violating a norm can be rather easy, and may pass unnoticed to you. This is the type that I typically end up violating. To me, norms in groups establish a structure. Having a structure to a group, allowing for the modeling of how things are, or should be done, is typically essential for the group to function cohesively. These can come in the most common forms, like the acting out of different relationships in workplaces. Because, although it is sometimes established externally, how we are supposed to interact with coworkers or bosses is something of a norm. In a stricter, more supervised environment, having the utmost respect for your boss, and understanding your "place" at work may be the norm. But norms in a workplace can vary from environment to environment. The norms of a laid back, smaller business may be different from a larger, more professional, corporate environment. Understanding how norms in groups can fluctuate is important in these types of situations, as you wouldn't want to show up to your bank job in shorts and flip flops, something you might of done at a surf shop. Jobs could be just one area where norms dedicated to how you look, act, and talk are an important part of a traditional, established system of doing things that that can be a snapshot of the norms for a larger system.How would throwing a wrench into these norms disrute the system, or affect you? Wheres another place where the norms might be different from the one's we're used to? How about family? Has anyone ever tried introducing a new friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, or whatever into your family? It can be an awkward time for the friend as they learn to adjust to new group norms. Cultural differences can also play a huge part in this awkwardness, imagine bringing your urban girlfriend to meet your rural family. What kinds of norms between the two would clash?
Like I said earlier, I usually find myself violating the more concealed group norms that I happen to find established around me. Sometimes though, I do this on purpose, especially if i find the norm to be archaic or illogical. Ive found that exposing these oft ridiculous norms we carry around is a good way to bring them up for discussion and interpretation. I like to know why we do the things we do, the reasoning behind the "that's just the way it is" mentality. This gets me in trouble sometimes, but that's OK, trouble's just part of the norm.