4 - Stages of Group Development

Groups

_____ are not static - they evolve over time as members, interact, adjust, and mature.

developmental stages

Forsyth (2019) explains that every group passes through predictable _________ _____, each marked by different emotional climates, member behaviors, and structural patterns.

• Forming

• Storming

• Norming

• Performing

• Adjourning

5 Stages of Group Development:

Bruce Tuckman

These stages were originally proposed by _______ (1965)

Tuckman & Jensen

refined by ____&_____ (1977) 一 widely adopted in group dynamics

Forming

This is the beginning stage where members come together, learn about each other, and try to understand their roles in the group.

Forming

Uncertainty is high, and members are polite, cautious, and dependent on leadership for direction.

• introduce themselves

• leader or instructor

• unclear

• first impressions

Key Behaviors in Forming:

• Members _______ ________, explore similarities, and seek belonging.

• They rely heavily on the _____ or _____ for structure.

• Goals and norms are _____; members test boundaries and expectations.

• Cohesion begins to develop through _____ _______ and surface-level trust.

Forming

A new class group meets for a research project. Everyone is friendly but reserved, waiting for someone to suggest how to begin.

Storming

As members grow comfortable, differences emerge in opinion, leadership style, priorities, or personality.

Storming

This stage is often marked by conflict, competition, and power struggles.

Storming

Despite tension, _______ is necessary一it allows members to clarify expectations and establish real trust through honesty.

• roles

• authority

• goals

Key Behaviors in Storming:

• Members challenge ____, ____ & ____

Norming

After conflict is addressed, the group begins to stabilize. Members develop shared norms, trust, and mutual understanding. The group starts to feel like a team.

• rules, roles, & decision-making processes

• open & constructive

• Cohesion

Key Behaviors in Norming:

• Members agree on ________

• Communication becomes more ____ and ________.

• ______ deepens — members value collaboration and belonging.

• Emotional bonds and social support strengthen

Norming

After debating responsibilities, a project team finaly agrees on roles and deadlines. They start encouraging each other and working smoothly.

Performing

The group reaches its peak functioning– roles are clear, trust is high, and members focus on achieving shared goals.

Performing

Energy shifts from “getting along” to getting things done.

Performing

This stage represents true teamwork, where each member contributes their best for the collective success.

Performing

• Members are autonomous, motivated, and efficient.

• Conflicts are handled constructively

• Leadership becomes shared or distributed

Adjourning

Members review outcomes and celebrate success.

Adjourning

Roles are relinquished; structure dissolves.

• They reflect on what they learned about teamwork and themselves.

Adjourning

Farewells and emotional goodbyes occur.

Adjourning

After finishing their thesis, a student research group holds a small celebration, sharing memories and saying goodbye.

Forsyth's Perspective on Group Development

• linear

• strengthens

• progress

• Development is not always _____ - groups may revisit earlier stages when new challenges arise.

• Cohesion ______ over time, but may fluctuate during conflict.

• Leadership, task demands, and member turnover can affect ______.

• Shared Success

• Mutual Trust

• Interpersonal Attraction

• Norms & Leadership

• External challenges

How COHESION develops? (5)

• positive outcomes

• negative

Cohesion is a double-edged factor - it can lead to ____________ such as unity, motivation, and performance, but may also produce ______ effects like groupthink or resistance to outsiders.

• High Member Satisfaction

• Increased Commitment & Retention

• Better Communication & Cooperation

• Improved Group Performance

• Emotional & Social Support

Positive Consequences: (5)

Higher Member Satisfaction

when groups are cohesive, members feel valued, supported, and emotionally connected.

Increased Commitment and Retention

cohesive groups inspire loyalty. Members are less likely to leave because they feel personally invested in the group's success.

Better Communication & Cooperation

high cohesion fosters open, trusting communication. Members listen, share feedback, and coordinate efectively 一reducing misunderstandings.

Improved Group Performance (when goals align)

cohesive teams often perform better- but only if their goals support excellence.

• When cohesion is paired with high performance norms, it boosts motivation and coordination.

Cohesion + Strong Norms

____+_____ = High Performance

Cohesion + Weak Norms

_____+_____ = Low Performance

Emotional & Social Support

cohesive groups provide psychological safety - members feel free to express opinions, admit mistakes, and seek help

• Groupthink & Pressure to Conform

• Exclusion of Outsiders

• Resistance to Change

• Overemphasis of Social Bonds over Tasks

Negative Consequences of Cohesion: (4)

Groupthink & Pressure to Conform

In overly cohesive groups, members may avoid disagreement to keep harmony.

• This leads to poor decision-making and lack of critical evaluation.

Exclusion of Outsiders

Cohesive groups sometimes form in-groups that exclude or intimidate newcomers

• This reduces diversity and innovation.

Resistance to Change

When members grow too attached to routines or traditions, they may resist improvement or new leadership.

Overemphasis on Social Bonds over Tasks

In some groups, members prioritize friendship over productivity. This leads to social loafing, lack of accountability, and reduced output

Initiations

are methods by which groups increase commitment and cohesion among members who go through them.

Initiations

Forsyth discusses how _______ (even severe ones) can increase liking, commitment, sometimes through cognitive dissonance mechanisms.

Hazing

is a more extreme form of initiation.

mixed

The chapter examines its psychological effects, the trade-offs, the ethics, and whether more severe initiations always lead to more cohesion (the evidence is ______)