Question

Four friends are working together to develop a plan for their new start-up. After some initial conflict, the group started to work together and became unified. Now the group is very productive and the group goal is in the process of being achieved. Identify the stage of group formation that the group has presently reached. Explain the stages that the group has passed through to reach the present stage.

Answer 1

The group is in the performing stage of group formation. The group has passed through Tuckman's developmental sequences. These are forming, storming, norming, performing and if the group disbands then adjourning.

1. Forming - When group members first meet, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the group, the goal, and how it is to be achieved. People try to know each other and assess whether they will fit in. There is excitement as well as apprehension. This stage is called the forming stage.
2. Storming - There is a stage of intragroup conflict which is referred to as storming. In this stage, there is conflict among members about how the target of the group is to be achieved, who is to control the group and its resources, and who is to perform what task. When this stage is complete, some sort of hierarchy of leadership in the group develops and a clear vision as to how to achieve the group goal.
3. Norming - The storming stage is followed by another stage known as norming. Group members by this time develop norms related to group behaviour. This leads to development of a positive group identity.
4. Performing - By this time, the structure of the group has evolved and is accepted by group members. The group moves towards achieving the group goal. For some groups, this may be the last stage of group development.
5. Adjourning - For some groups, for example, in the case of an organising committee for a school function, there may be another stage known as adjourning stage. In this stage, once the function is over, the group may be disbanded.