Stages of Group Development

Most groups are in a continual state of change. Research shows that groups pass through a standard sequence of five stages. The first stage, forming, in which people join the group and then define the group's purpose, structure, and leadership. The storming stage is characterized by intragroup conflict. The norming stage is characterized by close relationships and cohesiveness. The fourth stage is performing when the group is fully functional. Temporary groups have a fifth stage, adjourning, during which group members are concerned with wrapping up activities rather than task performance. We experienced each of these stages in working on a class group project.

References

Robbins, S P and Coulter, M (1996) Management, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

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