Groups tend to develop in five different stages. While working with members of a class or any group of people who are working together to accomplish an objective, you will begin to notice the progression. Knowing what to look for and how to manage the challenges that a group may encounter can have a considerable impact on how your group progresses. As with many things, group progression is not always as neat and tidy as it should be. Often time's groups will deteriorate in its early stages if it faces a serve change. For example if a group member were to leave or if additional member were to be added. .
The orientation stage referred to as the forming stage is the first step in-group development. Throughout this stage group members are learning what to do, how the group will operate, what is expected, and what is acceptable. The second stage in-group development is the power struggle stage, also referred to as the storming stage. As development continues to progress power struggles may emerge. As members of group become more comfortable, they many challenge each other. By doing so the might attempt to form cliques to exclude other students. Uncooperative members are ostracized. The cooperation and integration stage also known, as the norming stage is the stage of group development where groups become fun and enjoyable. Interaction by member of the group becomes easier, more cooperative and productive. Roles are solidified in this stage of the development process. Reoccurring patterns of behavior and thinking become the usual way of doing things. The fourth stage called the synergy stage known as the performing stage is a stage, which not every group reaches. Synergy arises when groups shift or evolve into another level. During this stage members work together to achieve goals and overcome hurdles that they did not think were possible at the start. Members are both motivated and competent. The fifth and final step of group development is the adjourning stage.
