Group Development Week 4: Group Influence Duediscussion

Group Developmentwk 4 Group Influence Duediscussiondue Thursdayresp

Locate an article in the University Library that describes the stages of group development. Then, describe the model of group development, providing an example of how a member of a group member can impede or accelerate the growth of the group at one of the stages. For this discussion, you can use a committee, a task group, or a club as an example.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the stages of group development is essential for fostering effective teamwork and improving group dynamics. One prominent model used to describe these stages is Tuckman's "Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning" model (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977). This model provides a framework for understanding how groups evolve over time, highlighting the typical challenges and milestones encountered at each stage.

The initial stage, "Forming," involves members coming together, establishing basic boundaries, and getting acquainted with each other. During this phase, members often experience uncertainty about roles and expectations. As the group transitions into the "Storming" phase, conflicts may arise as members vie for positions of influence, voice differing opinions, and challenge leadership. Successful navigation through this phase requires effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

The "Norming" stage marks the development of cohesion and trust, where roles become clearer, and members agree on shared goals and standards. Subsequently, in the "Performing" stage, the group operates efficiently, leveraging individual strengths to achieve objectives effectively. The final "Adjourning" stage involves the disbanding of the group, often accompanied by feelings of accomplishment or loss.

An illustrative example can be drawn from a university-based student committee responsible for organizing campus events. During the "Storming" stage, a member who is overly dominant and resistant to others' suggestions may impede progress by causing conflicts or delaying decisions. Conversely, a member who actively fosters open communication and mediates disagreements can expedite movement to the "Norming" phase, promoting collaboration and clarity of roles.

In conclusion, understanding the stages of group development enables leaders and members to identify and address challenges proactively. Encouraging positive behaviors that promote trust and collaboration can facilitate smoother transitions across stages, ultimately leading to successful group performance.

References

Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427.