Chapter 4: Four phases of group development; forming, storming, norming, performing

4 steps of the performing phase

1-Defining the problem, 2-Generating possible solutions, 3-evaluating solutions, 4-creating an action plan.

Formal group

A group that has been sanctioned or mandated by some organization. The social structure is relatively well established, norms and roles are explicit, and group members are aware of the relationships within the group.

Conflict

A serious disagreement or argument. Often erupt over issues of authority, power, and competition in the group.

Secondary tension

Conflicts and issues that arise after the forming phases. Suppressing these can lead to increased conflict and damage group cohesion, affect group decision making and problem solving.

Task dynamics

Deal with a group's purpose, structure, rules, procedures, and individual task oriented assignments. Affects the group's progression through the phase model. Major concern is the output, accomplishment, and productivity.

Social dynamics

Describes the ability of individuals to work together as a group. Affects the group's progression through the phase model. Need openness to motivate group members.

Communication concerns in the storming phase

Disruptive behaviour, Interpersonal conflict, lack if interpersonal skills in listening, inadequate feedback, lack of support.

Termination or adjourning

Distinct ending point in the group phase model. Depending on the amount of bonding, this phase can be awkward and stressful. This phase needs to be acknowledged for group closure.

Informal group

Emerges and forms itself because of the interests of the members. Develop their own rules and procedures as the need arises. Often fulfill social needs. Can disband spontaneously. Example: co-workers organizing a party.

Key elements to facilitate good communication during Forming

Establish : 1. group norms 2. rules 3. roles 4. Structure of the group 5. realistic, attainable, and clear goals

Emergence

Group members may feel the need to revisit issues that were in conflict during the storming phase because some aspect of the analysis appears incomplete. Feel like they have not represented their position adequately and wish to restate it.

Primary tension

Initial uneasiness and and uncertainty encountered during the forming phase. Evidenced in in the small talk, awkward silence, and search for friendly faces. If it lasts too long it will become detrimental to the group process.

Phase model

Is an approach to understanding group process that suggests the importance of waiting to solve a problem until all the issues surrounding it have been discussed.

norming

Member relationships are becoming more open and trusting, and the group begins to feel more cohesive. While the interaction remains tentative, cooperation is on the rise. New issues raise primary tensions, and proposed solutions raise secondary tensions.

Organizational teams

Teams that are put together to get everything into order. A leader is assigned. Leader's are more likely to emerge in this team (not formal groups).

Forming

The first stage for any group. Deciding who we are as a group, what our purpose is, whether or not we want to be a member of the group, who the other members are, and what our place or role will be in the group. Member's are uncertain about the other members and how the actual group process will unfold and are often hesitant. There is an initial uneasiness and tension.

Storming

The most complex phase in a group's process. The areas of disagreement are discovered through open communication. Important to work through disagreements to build synergy and cohesiveness.

Tuckman and Fisher

The phase model describing the common stages in group development from forming to performing. Identified by _____ and _____

Performing

The phase where the group makes decisions and solves problems. The real work phase of the group; there is an increase in task orientation and by open exchange and feedback.

Social loafing

The tendency to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. May be a consequence of looking out for themselves, might be lazy, preoccupied, do not care.

Factors affecting small group phase process

Wether or not the group is formal/informal, the task and social dynamics, and how the primary and secondary tensions affect the group dynamics.