WORKING IN GROUPS AND TEAMS

Working in Groups and Teams

[Name of Student]

Working in Groups and Teams

Stages of Group Development

As a member of a group, it is essential to discuss the fundamentals of groups. There are different stages of group development that were identified by Tuckman. These stages represent the series of events in which group development is encountered. The stages of group development can be categorized as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. The occurrence and effective acknowledgement of each stage facilitating group development is essential (Brannick, Salas, Prince, 1997, 67-75). The process of group development represents a sophisticated procedure through which diverse individuals align themselves in order to accomplish mutually agreed objectives.

Forming

The group comes together for the first time. The group members start to know one another, and the members start to think and work as a group instead of as individuals (Ephross, Vassil, 2005, 87-94). Because the group is just forming, a great deal of uncertainty may exist among the group members, especially if the individuals have not worked in a group setting previously.

Storming

Storming is process of group development in which the members of group interact with diversified ideas and frame of mind. In this stage, there might be several concerns acknowledged by individuals comprising the group as these individuals contribute towards group development as per their psyche, ideology and perception. In this stage, members begin to jockey for the roles of leaders or followers (Johnson, 2009, 114-123). Conflict is common in this stage. During this stage, the group's hierarchy forms.

Norming

In this stage, there is an agreement on how the group operates. This is also the stage when group members will form relationships with one another, and hopefully, all members will now be more comfortable with the group setting (Ephross, Vassil, 2005, 87-94).

Performing

The group now can work as one effectively to achieve the group's objectives. The group members now work together and have a sense of belonging. They also feel a sense of identity in the group and a sense of comfort with their place within the group.

Adjourning

The phase of adjourning represents the process of group development in which the individuals comprising the group are no longer needed and the group disbands. The members move on to other endeavours. In the above five stages, the group must have effective communication. Communication can flow vertically (downward or upward) or laterally. Lateral communication usually takes place between members of the same group. When one works in a group, he/she must build connections with his/her group peers (Johnson, 2009, 114-123).

In a group, when one sends a message, the sender must make sure that all group members receive the communication. Effective and clear communication is essential. According to different sources, there are three basic methods of group communication: oral, written, and non-verbal communication. The type of preferred communication is dependent on what the group needs. Each form of communication can be effective in certain specific scenarios. When communication is thought of within a group, the first type of communication that comes to mind is ...