New groups are constantly being formed in all walks of life .These may be formal units, committees working parties, project teams e.t.c. To deal with the new development or innovations or arising from a reorganization of existing work patterns. They may also be informal group based around new friendships and interest.
Stage 1: Forming
The first stage of group development is concerned with finding out the nature of situation with which the group is faced and what forms of behavior and interaction are appropriate. Members will test out attitude and behavior to establish their acceptability as ground rules for accomplishing the task and getting along with other members. Competing powerful personalities can lend to problems in early development explorations of what is acceptable within the group.
Stage 2: Storming
Leading on from the forming stage in which certain ground rules are explored , it is likely that there will be a stage of conflict and disagreement as methods of operations and patterns of behavior start to be firmed up .This where different opinions and styles emerge with competing sub-groups, challenges for leadership , rebellions against control and resistance to the demands of meeting task requirements. A degree of compromise is necessary here in order to allow consensus to emerge.
Stage 3: Norming
As resistance is overcome and conflicts patched up, groups move into the norming stage whereby they establish norms of attitudes and behavior which the mutually accepted for the task performance and interaction .Individual members begin the process of internalizing those norms and identifying with group ,building group cohesion.
Members roles start to be clarified and accepted at this stage .The role of leader should be clearly established. the establishment of consensus brings recognition of the value and different potential contributions of individuals and this results to cooperation and mutual support from group work.
Stage 4: Performing
This is the final stage in development and it represents the position where the group energy is now available for effective work, completing task and maintaining the group. The established norms now support the goals of the group and roles becomes functional ,thus allowing constructive work in relation to tasks
