In this course, we will describe each of the group development stages that task groups may go through. However, not all groups progress through all the stages, or they get stuck in one stage and never reach the group’s full potential. So it’s your job to help the team develop.

Orientation, the forming stage, is characterized by low development level, high commitment, and low competence. When people first form a group, they tend to come to the group with a moderate to high commitment to the group. However, because they have not worked together, they do not have the competence to achieve the task. Members tend to have anxiety over how they will fit in, what will be required of them, and what the group will be like.

The second stage, dissatisfaction, is characterized by moderate development level, lower commitment, and some competence. As members work together for some time, they tend to become dissatisfied with the group. Members start to question: Why am I a member? Is the group going to accomplish anything? Why don’t other group members do what is expected? and so forth. However, the group does develop some competence to perform the task.

Resolution, the norming stage, is characterized by high development level, variable commitment, and high competence. As members develop competence, they often become more satisfied with the group and committed to it. Relationships develop that satisfy group members’ affiliation needs. They learn to work together as they develop a group structure with acceptable norms and cohesiveness.

Production, the performing stage, is characterized by outstanding development level, high commitment, and high competence. This high commitment enhances productivity and performance, as does the high competence skill level. The group works as a team and there is a high level of satisfaction of members’ affiliation needs. The group maintains a positive group structure and dynamics.

In functional groups, the adjourning stage, termination, is not reached unless there is some drastic reorganization; however, it does occur in task groups. During this stage, members experience feelings about leaving the group.