Page 254 - DMGT402_MANAGEMENT_PRACTICES_AND_ORGANIZATIONAL_BEHAVIOUR

Unit 12: Group Behaviour and Team Work

group's well being and would enjoy the benefits arising from the group members' Notes
friendship.

Task Evaluate the type of group you are at workplace most often. Did you have to be
a part of a group you did not want? What was the type of that group?

12.1.2 Stages of Group Development

In interpreting behaviour of a particular group, it is important to recognize not only a broad
pattern of development but also the unique characteristics of the particular group and the
circumstances that contribute to (or detract from) its development. The way in which a particular
group develops, depends in part on such variables as the frequency with which group members
interact and personal characteristics of group members. However, it is generally believed that
groups pass through a standard sequence of five stages.
1. Forming: When a group is initially formed, its members cannot accomplish much until
they agree on what their purpose is, how they will work together and so on. Answering
such questions brings group members face to face with the first obstacle to maturity:
uncertainty, anxiety, and disagreement over power and authority. In this stage, the focus
is on the interpersonal relations among the members. Members assess one another with
regard to trustworthiness, emotional comfort, and evaluative acceptance. Thus, the forming
stage is characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the group's purpose, structure
and leadership. Members are testing the waters to determine the type of behaviour that is
acceptable. This stage is complete when members have begun to think of themselves as
part of a group.
2. Storming: The storming stage is one of inter-group conflict. Members accept the existence
of the group, but resist the constraints the group imposes on individuality. Further, there
is conflict over who will control the group. After a group leader has emerged, the remaining
group members must sort out where they fit in the group. Even if all the group members
accept the leader, the group enters a phase of conflict and challenge. One or more followers
may test the leader. The group may split into factions supporting and opposing the leader.
If the group gets stuck in this phase of development, group members may engage in
battles over turf and expend their energies on a variety of political tactics. When this stage
is complete, a relatively clear hierarchy of leadership exists within the group.
3. Norming: In this stage, close relationships develop and the group demonstrates
cohesiveness. Entering and conducting the cohesion phase requires intervention by a
group member who is emotionally unaffected by power and authority issues. Typically,
such a person encourages group members to confront these issues openly. If the group
engages in this process, the cohesion phase usually passes quickly. Group members
recognize where they fit in, and the group agrees on how it will operate. A new leader
may emerge, or the existing leader may become more aware of how much others in the
group contribute. The norming stage is complete when the group structure solidifies and
the group has assimilated a common set of expectations of what defines correct member
behaviour.
4. Performing: The fourth stage is performing. The structure at this point is fully functional
and accepted. Group energy has moved from getting to know and understand each other
to performing the task at hand. Members' attention is directed to self-motivation and the
motivation of other group members for task accomplishment. Some members focus on

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 249