Five Stages of Group Development
There are five stages in forming a group. They are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Each stage also affects the formation of relationships within the group. The first stage of group development is often uncomfortable as many members feel anxiety towards the unknown. During this time the structure, leadership and purpose are often unknown. Members begin to think of themselves as a group, and the group works towards the determination of a hierarchy during the storming stage. Conflict is a part of the storming stage. As the group flows into the norming stage, the group will begin to become solid and work together. This is also the time when individual relationships begin to develop within the group. People are more comfortable with their position within the group and interpersonal relationships begin to form between people. Once a solid group has formed, it will continue on to the performing stage. During this stage, the group is functional and works toward completing the task at hand. The final stage is called the adjourning stage. When the group has completed the task at hand and is preparing to go their separate ways. This stage includes basking in the outcome of the task as well as some depression about the loss of friendships built during the group (Robbins & Judge, 2011).
Relationships form during the development of a group. Once the uncertainty of forming and the conflict of norming have passed, relationships will begin to develop within the group. During the norming and performing stages, interpersonal relationships develop and grow. The adjourning stage may see sadness and depression relating to the loss of the relationships developed during the group.
Group communication plays a very important part in the department. In this company we value our employees. It is important that managers keep the