What describes a set of expected behavior patterns in a social unit?

A set of expected behavior patterns in a social unit is best described by the concept of a role. In organizational behavior, a role defines how individuals are expected to behave in specific contexts based on their position within a group or organization. Each role comes with particular responsibilities, behaviors, and relationships that members are expected to uphold. This framework provides structure within a social unit by clarifying how individuals should interact and function together, facilitating cohesive group dynamics and collaboration.

In contrast, while a work team, work group, and problem-solving team may incorporate roles as part of their structure, they represent broader concepts or configurations of people working together. A work team generally refers to a group organized to achieve a specific outcome, a work group focuses on achieving individual goals in a shared context, and a problem-solving team is specifically designed to address and solve particular challenges. However, none of these terms specifically denote the detailed expectations for behavior that define the interaction between individuals, which is fundamentally what a role signifies.