Group Development - The Tuckman Model

Revision as of 23:23, 19 February 2021

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The Tuckman model

In his article, ‘Developmental Sequence in Small Groups’ from 1965, Bruce Tuckman introduced the phrase ‘forming, storming, norming and performing’ to describe how groups are developed [1: link]. These four stages of group development were based on Tuckman’s analysis of empirical research studies [1: link]. In his research, Tuckman explains how as the group progresses through the four stages, it changes from being a collection of random individuals to a high performing group - i.e. a group that effectively works together to fulfil its full potential [link]. The group development progress is visualised in Figure [X].

Bruce Tuckman’s Group Development Stages - 1965[link]

Forming

At this first stage, group members start to get acquainted with one another and try to get an understanding of the group’s intended purpose and what they would be expected to do to reach the group’s common goals [2 p. 376]. Because of the level of uncertainty, the forming stage is also “characterized by the emergence of leadership” [link, p. 74], where group members rely on a group leader “to define the directions the group will pursue” [link, p. 74].

Storming

The storming stage is an important stage to pass through. “The lack of unity is an outstanding feature”[link, p. 69] and it can make or break the group’s development. As the members start to feel confident in expressing themselves within the group, an intergroup conflict starts to emerge due to the different personalities and working styles [link, p. 114]. The group leader must ensure that the conflict does not get out of hand [link, p. 376]. Group members must use their varying opinions to the group’s advantage to achieve the group’s tasks and goals [link].

Norming

In the norming stage, the group becomes “a cohesive unit and develop[s] a sense of being as a group” (link, p. 72). In fact, Tuckman further stated that “task conflicts are avoided to insure harmony” in the group (link, p. 70). In other words, the group is able to resolve their differences, appreciate each other’s strengths and share a stronger determination to achieve the group’s goals ([3], p. 376).

Storming

A lot of nice words

Performing

A lot of nice words

The Tuckman model

The Tuckman model

The Tuckman model

Annotated bibliography

The following list provides resources for further research and study on the Tuckman Model for group development.