Stages of Group Development:

Stages of Group Development:

• Group generally pass through a standardize sequence in their evaluation.
• Five stage model of group development
• Alternative model for temporary groups (task-specific) with deadlines.
• The Five-Stage Model:
• Forming
• Storming
• Norming
• Performing
• Adjourning

Forming:

• Characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the group’s purpose, structure and leadership.
• What types of behavior are acceptable from members?
• Stage completes when members have begun think of themselves as part of a group.

Storming:

• Intragroup conflict stage
• Members accept the existence of the group but there is resistance to the constraints (restrictions, controls) that the group imposes on individually.
• Conflict over who will control the group?
• Stage completes, when there will be a relatively clear hierarchy of leadership within the group.

Norming:

• Close relationship developed, group demonstrates cohesiveness (interconnected, organized).
• Strong sense of group identity and friendship
• Stage completes, when group structure solidities (determination, strengths), and group has absorbed a common set of expectations of what defines correct member behavior.

Performing:

• When group in fully functional and accepted.
• Group energy moved towards performing task on hand.
• Note: for permanent group (work group), performing is the last stage in their development.
• But for temporary committees, teams, task forces, and similar groups that have a limited task to perform, there is an adjourning stage.

Adjourning:

• the group prepares for disbandment (dismissal , discharge, breakup)
• Wrapping up activities.
• some are cheerful, relax about accomplishment
• others may be depressed, Lost of friendship

 
(Ref: Organization Behavior- S.P.Robbins)