The first stage is forming, which is the “ice breaking” stage. Here the introductions are done as
each member tries to evaluate others. The second stage is storming. In this stage individuals
start to compare their views to the views of others. It is at this stage where conflict and power
struggles may occur. The third stage is norming, where group roles and rules are established.
The fourth stage is performing. In this stage roles and rules are followed in order to obtain the
overall group goals. The last stage is adjourning, which allows the individual group members to
evaluate their progress toward meeting their group goals. These stages of group development
applies specifically to groups within a workplace. Employers can have several different groups
team was charged with presenting management with a prioritized list of employee concerns.
The first step was an introduction phase and we played a game where we were partnered and
had to tell the group something we learned about our partner. During this phase (forming),
things were going well. There was very little conflict. The second phase (storming), began by
the facilitator having everyone explain why they volunteered for the committee. During this
phase, it became evident that individuals had different motivations for joining the group. Some
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benefits were. Still others, such as myself, valued job autonomy more than others. Soon
different subgroups formed, based on their stances. The third stage (norming). began when an
elder employee stood before the members in response to the bickering. He expressed that the
fighting was just what management wanted. He also advised that employees will not get any
benefits if they continued this way. He established himself as the unofficial leader. He then
solicited others to perform such roles as time keeper, recorder, and scheduler. The next stage
(performing), lead to a compiled list of employee concerns ranked by importance of the entire
group. The last stage (adjourning), was not attained because the group was ongoing at the time
These 5 stages of group development are essential to success with group goals.
Forming is essential to group cohesion. Storming is necessary for conflict resolution. Norming
is used to define group goals. Performing leads to meeting actual group goals. Adjourning
evaluates the process and the results of the group. It is essential to follow these steps in the
correct order. Failure to do so may impede group progress, as the group would have to go
back and address the step that was not thoroughly performed.
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