Final answer:
Informal elements such as cultural practices and social norms, like dress code and communication styles, significantly affect employee behavior and workplace performance. These elements are learned through observation, imitation, and daily socialization within the organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The informal elements of an organization that most affect behavior and performance involve the cultural practices and social norms existing within the company. These practices encompass a variety of aspects, including dress code, communication styles, and the unwritten rules of workplace conduct. Understanding and adapting to these norms is crucial for job success. Organizational culture greatly influences how employees interact with each other and approach their work.
For instance, an organization with a casual dress code and a norm of calling superiors by their first names creates a different work environment compared to a company with a formal dress code and strict hierarchy. Observational learning is key, as individuals adapt to a corporate culture by watching and imitating others, as well as through socialization.