Describe the group development process, listing the stages in order and discussing what goes on in each. Now, think of a team to which you belonged that did not function effectively. Where in the development process did things break down? What happened? How could it have been fixed?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Groups and teams go through a maturation process. Bruce Tuckman formulated the most popular group development process with five stages-forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. 

Stage 1: Forming. During this ice-breaking stage, group members tend to be uncertain and anxious about such things as their roles, the people in charge, and the group's goals. 
Stage 2: Storming is a time of testing. Individuals test the leader's policies and assumptions as they try to determine how they fit into the power structure. Subgroups take shape, and subtle forms of rebellion, such as procrastination, occur. 
Stage 3: Norming. The group resolves its power struggles. A feeling of team spirit is sometimes experienced during this stage because members believe they have found their proper roles. Group cohesiveness, defined as the "we feeling" that binds members of a group together is the principal by-product of Stage 3. 
Stage 4: Performing. Activity during this vital stage is focused on solving task problems. This stage is often characterized by a climate of open communication, strong cooperation, and lots of helping behavior. 
Stage 5: Adjourning. The work is done; it is time to move on to other things. The return to independence can be eased by rituals celebrating "the end" and "new beginnings." 

Understanding this process will enable you to more effectively manage individual- and group-level outcomes in the Integrative Framework, and perform more successfully in work and school groups.