What is meant by the term "collective conscience"?

Collective conscience refers to a set of shared beliefs and attitudes within a larger group, such as a society or nation. The term "collective" signifies the larger whole. Conscience refers to the beliefs and morals that serve as a template for behavior within a society. The collective is made up of individuals with beliefs and values that may differ. However, in order to function within the larger unit, individuals are willing to give in or alter their beliefs slightly, to conform to the beliefs and views of others, so that the larger group is represented as a whole.
What individuals within the larger group come to adopt as their own views and beliefs are influenced by forces from within the collective. Some examples of collectives include political parties, labor and professional unions, and nonprofit organizations. The collective conscience of a political party is the set of values and beliefs supporters and voters hold to be the core of successful living within society. The collective conscience of of labor unions values fairness for workers and believes in upholding processes that support fairness.
http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/collectiveconsciousness.htm