Tuckman Group Development

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses group development through the lens of stage theory, highlighting its importance in understanding group dynamics. Using Tuckman's model of group development, the video explores the five stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. A neighborhood park planning group is used as an example to illustrate how groups evolve through these stages, from initial introductions to the eventual dissolution of the group after achieving their goals. The speaker also emphasizes the challenges and emotional resistance groups may face in the final Adjourning stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stage Theory is a framework used to understand how groups develop through predictable stages.
• 😀 Stage Theory helps break down complex phenomena, like group development, into phases that make it easier to understand and predict.
• 😀 Tuckman is the most famous person associated with group development stage theory, known for naming the stages Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.
• 😀 Forming is the first stage, where group members are introduced to each other and the task at hand.
• 😀 Storming is the second stage, where group members work through disagreements and figure out roles, decision-making processes, and how the group will operate.
• 😀 In the Norming stage, the group starts to establish how they will function, accept roles, and agree on methods for decision-making and communication.
• 😀 Performing is the stage where the group works effectively together to accomplish the task, in this case, planning a neighborhood park.
• 😀 Adjourning is the final stage, where the group disbands after completing their task, but it can be difficult due to the emotional and social ties that form during the group process.
• 😀 Groups often resist the Adjourning stage because members can become attached to their roles and the social interaction they experience within the group.
• 😀 Even highly experienced groups can struggle with the Adjourning stage, as it involves letting go of a sense of importance and social connection.
• 😀 The example of the 1987 U.S. Bicentennial celebration highlights how a group can persist long after its task has been completed, staying together for years even after their initial goal is achieved.

Q & A

What is stage theory and how is it used in group development?

Stage theory is a framework used to understand phenomena like group development by breaking them down into predictable stages. It helps identify the current stage of a group, providing insights into how they reached that stage and allowing for better predictions about their future progress.

How does stage theory relate to other academic disciplines?

Stage theory is used across many disciplines. For instance, in biology, it helps explain processes like mitosis by breaking them down into phases. Similarly, in communication, it is applied to understand group development, making it easier to follow the group’s progression through various stages.

Who is Tuckman and what is his contribution to group development theory?

Tuckman is a researcher who developed one of the most well-known group development stage theories. His model identifies four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing. He later added a fifth stage, adjourning, to complete the theory.

What happens during the 'forming' stage of group development?

In the forming stage, group members are introduced to each other and the task at hand. They get to know each other and learn about the goals, roles, and responsibilities within the group.

What is the main challenge faced by groups in the 'storming' stage?

In the storming stage, the group experiences conflict as members vie for roles and responsibilities. Disagreements about how the group should operate and decisions about leadership can arise, making this phase one of negotiation and adjustment.

How does a group move from the 'storming' stage to the 'norming' stage?

A group moves from storming to norming when members begin to settle into their roles and establish clear procedures for decision-making and group operations. They normalize their methods of interaction, like agreeing on rules for communication and conflict resolution.

What occurs in the 'performing' stage of group development?

In the performing stage, the group becomes fully functional. With roles and procedures in place, members work effectively together to accomplish the group’s task, such as planning the neighborhood park in the example provided.

Why is the 'adjourning' stage often the most difficult for groups?

The adjourning stage can be difficult because group members may have formed strong social bonds and a sense of importance. Letting go of these connections and responsibilities can be emotionally challenging, leading to resistance to disbanding the group.

Can experienced groups still face challenges during the 'adjourning' stage?

Yes, even experienced groups can struggle with the adjourning stage. The emotional attachment to the group and the sense of importance within it can make it hard for members to accept the dissolution of the group, as seen in the example of the bicentennial celebration planning group.

How do group development stages apply to real-life scenarios like planning a neighborhood park?

The stages of group development, such as forming, storming, norming, and performing, can be observed in real-life scenarios. In the example of planning a neighborhood park, the group goes through these stages as they meet, establish roles, resolve conflicts, and work together to accomplish the task.