Question

Describe in detail the five stages of team/group development. Give specific examples for each stage. Explain how and why teams and groups may or may not proceed through these stages. ( orgainizational behaviour )

Answer 1

STAGES OF A TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Forming stage

It involves a period of orientation and getting acquainted. Uncertainty is very high during this stage, and people are looking for leadership and authority. A member who asserts authority or is knowledgeable may be looked to take control.

Example: A new team of some members are formed after proper orientation and getting acquainted with it.

How and why teams and groups may or may not proceed through these stages:

Understanding leadership roles and getting acquainted with other team members facilitate development.

• Storming stage

It is the most difficult and critical stage to pass through. It is a period indicated by conflict and competition as individual personalities emerge. Team performance is drastically reduced during this stage because energy is put into unproductive activities. Members may disagree on team objectives, and subgroups and cliques may form around strong personalities or areas of agreement.

Example: Team members clarifying questions surrounding leadership, authority, rules, responsibilities, structure, evaluation criteria and reward systems etc.

How and why teams and groups may or may not proceed through these stages:

Everyone works differently and has their own style, but this can sometimes cause personalities to clash and affect how a team works.

• Norming stage

If teams get through the storming stage, conflict is resolved and some degree of unity is emerged . During this stage, consensus may develops around who is the leader or and individual member’s roles. Interpersonal differences begin to be resolved, and a sense of cohesion and unity emerges. Performance of the team might increases during this stage as members began cooperating and focusing on team goals.

Example: nominating the group leader and assigning task for group members.

How and why teams and groups may or may not proceed through these stages:

Here, the team members become increasingly positive about the team as a whole, the other members as individuals and what the team is doing. Morale is high as group members actively acknowledge each other’s talents, skills and experience.

• Performing stage

Here, consensus and cooperation have been very well-established and the team is mature, organized, and well-functioning. There is a clear and stable structure, and members are committed to the team’s mission. Problems and conflicts still emerge, but they are dealt with constructively.

Example: The newly formed group begins its performance and completes its objectives.

How and why teams and groups may or may not proceed through these stages:

The team is more strategically aware; the team knows clearly the purpose and why they are doing what they’re doing.

• Adjourning stage

During this stage, most of the team’s goals have been accomplished. The major emphasis is on wrapping up final tasks and documenting the effort and results.

Example: project teams exist for a short fixed time period, and even permanent teams may be disbanded through organisational restructuring. This entails the termination of roles, the completion of tasks and reduction  in terms of dependency. Following the completion of the task, everyone can move on to new projects.

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