The document discusses the stages of group development based on Bruce Tuckman's model, which includes five phases: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. It highlights the characteristics and dynamics of each stage, from initial dependence and conflict to cohesion and productivity, leading to a sense of closure. The importance of group interactions and the sociological perspectives on group identity are also emphasized.

1. STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
Presented by: Sundarchand B. Sharma
Master of Social Work, II Sem
Department of Social Work
Dr. Harisingh Gour University,
Sagar, Madhya Pradesh- 470003

2. THE GROUP FORMATION STAGES WHICH WE WILL BE
DISCUSSING IS THE MODEL GIVEN BY BRUCE
TUCKMAN.
 Everyday we interact with group in one form or other. We
are born to dwell in groups, we learn in groups, we work in
groups, we interact with friends, and we also spend much
in leisure groups
 We learn, work and play in groups
 We are moulded in the way which we are perceived and
treated by members of our group

3. GROUP
 Oxford Dictionary defines group as ‘a number of
persons or things regarded as forming a unit, on
account of any kind of mutual or common relation, or
classified together on account of a common degree of
similarity’
 From a sociological point of view a group can be define
as two or more humans that interact with one another,
accept expectations and obligations as members of the
group, as well as the common identity.
Going by the definition a society can be perceived at the
macro-level as a large group, while a social group (for
instances family, club and team) which is considerably
small may be viewed as small at the micro-level.

4.  According to Muzafer Sherif (1916-1982) a group has to
be ‘social unit consisting of a number of individuals
interacting with each other based on certain elements:
a. Common motives and goals:
b. An accepted division of labour, i.e., roles,
c. Established status relationships;
d. Accepted norms and values with reference to matters
relevant to the group
e. Development of accepted sanctions (praise and
punishment) if and when norms were respected or
violated

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP
 Interpersonal Interaction
 Perception of membership
 Interdependency
 Goals
 Motivation
 Structured relationships
 Mutual influences

6. STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
 This model describes the phases through which a
group tend to go through their inception to the
successful completion of the project and highlights
the areas which may cause the group which may
lead to failure.
 There are five stages of group development
according to Dr. Tuckman, through which a group
can be formed, developed or could be moulded

7. FIVE (5) STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
BY TUCKMAN
 Forming
 Storming
 Norming
 Performing
 Adjourning
Now, let’s look into these process of group
development comprehensively

8. FORMING
 In the Forming stage, personal relations are
characterized by dependence.
 Group members rely on safe, patterned behaviour
and look to the group leader for guidance and
direction
 Tend to keep the things simple and avoid
controversy.
 Serious topics and feelings are avoided.
 Members try to be oriented to the tasks as well as
to one another

9. STORMING
 The next stage of Tuckman’s is Storming, which is
characterized by conflict and competition in the
personal- relations dimension and organisation in
the task-function dimension.
 Here members are more concerned with the
impression they are making than the project in
hand; wanting to be respected, battling with feelings
of inadequacy, wondering who will support or
undermine them and above all they provide their
value to the leader.

10. NORMING
 In the stage Norming, interpersonal relations are
characterized by cohesion.
 Group members are engaged in active
acknowledgement of all members’ contributions,
community building and maintenance, and solving of
group issues.
 Members are willing to change their preconceived
notions or opinions on the basis of facts presented by
other members and they keep interacting with one
another.
 Leadership is shared and cliques are being dissolved.
It is the stage of development that people begin to
experience a sense of group belonging and a feeling of
relief as a result of resolving interpersonal conflicts.

11. PERFORMING
 Generally if we had to talk about, this stage is not
reached by all groups.
 If members are able to reach to this stage, their
capacity, range and depth of personal relation expand to
true interdependence.
 Their role and authorities dynamically adjust to the
changing needs of the group and individuals.
 This stage is mark as the most productive.
The members at this stage is highly task and people
oriented; there is unity among the group, group identity
is complete, the morals are at the peak and the loyalty
of the group members are intense.
Overall, the goal is productivity which is achieved
through problem solving and work.

12. ADJOURNING
 This is the final stage of Tuckman’s Group Development
Process, Adjourning, involves the termination of task
behaviours and disengagement form relationships.
 A planned conclusion usually includes recognition for
participation and achievement an opportunity for
members to say personal goodbyes.
 This is the stage which is about bringing a sense of
closure.
 It is a time for appreciations and reflection on how far
they have come. The high and lows, the turning points
and what the members can take from the group to their
future.

13. REFERENCES
 Indira Gandhi National Open University, Introduction to
Social Group Work, 1, 5-7
 BRUCE TUCKMAN’S FORMING, STORMING,
NORMING & PERFORMING TEAM DEVELOPMENT
MODEL,
http://sst7.org/media/BruceTuckman_Team_Developme
nt_Model.pdf, accessed on 22.03.2018, 2346 IST
 5 Stages of Group Development,
https://www.med.fsu.edu/uploads/files/FacultyDevelopm
ent_GroupDevelopment.pdf, accessed on 22.03.2018,
1145 IST
 Tuckman’s, B. (1965), Developmental Sequence in
Small Groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63, 384-399
 Tuckman, B. & Jensen, M. (1977), Stages of Small
Group Development, Group and Organizational Studies,
2, 419-427

14. THANK YOU