STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT

As groups form and work together, they go through natural stages in their growth as a group. Part of our role as educators, facilitators, or leaders, is to provide group members with experiences and activities that will help them to move through each of these stages successfully. The way in which we structure group work greatly affects the chances of success. If we structure groupwork carefully, we can lessen the chance of groups getting stuck or ending in conflict, and we can increase the chance of higher levels of cohesiveness and productivity. ORIENTATION STAGE This is the initial stage of group development, when the group first forms, and when group members are unsure as to what or how things might take place. Group members are often wondering about what the group experience will be like, who will be there, how will they fit in, how will they be treated. For some its a time of excitement, for others its a time of apprehension or anxiety for many, its a mixture of both. ESTABLISHING NORMS n this stage, group members are sharing expectations of behaviour how members should act in the group. !ho is responsible for what" #ow will we treat each other" s this a competitive environment, or a cooperative one" #ow will we make decisions" #ow will we solve problems" $!orking successfully through the stages of %rientation and &stablishing 'orms sets the stage for the rest of the groups time together. (issing these steps in any long) or short)term group activity can *eopardi+e the overall productivity and positive feelings of the group.,

COPING WITH CONFLICT %nce a group has begun working together, it is -uite common for personal conflicts to occur differing opinions in all aspects of the task. t is important to remember that conflict within a group is a normal stage of group development, and therefore we need to help members learn positive ways to resolve conflict. The way in which the leader of the group reacts and responds to the conflict is essential to how the group will proceed. t is important not to get .stuck/ at this stage.

PRODUCTIVITY 0uring this stage, the group identity emerges. The group becomes cohesive and effective in dealing with the task and the emotional needs of its members. Group members are able to support each other in a positive way, and still get the task done. 1pecific roles have emerged in order to facilitate the group. 'ot all groups reach this stage of development. 2roviding activities to help groups through the earlier stages of group development will increase the chance of a group being productive.

CONCLUSION This is the final stage, in which all groups must come to an end. n this stage, members must deal with the issues of separating, leaving this group experience behind them, and moving on to new group experiences. f a particular group has remained a collection of individuals, the conclusion may be seen with relief of indifference. 3ut if the group has worked effectively together and formed some bonds, then leaving the group situation may be upsetting. 4losure activities designed to help the group through this stage will help finali+e a task, reinforce learning that took place, allow members to reflect on their role within the group, celebrate successes, or set goals for further growth and development.

(aeve 3uckley 6eadership 0evelopment 4entral %kanagan 1chool 0istrict

5dapted from 6ions)7uest 2rograms 8esearch on 4ooperative 6earning