Stages of Group Development

Stages of Group
Development
Dr. Boban Joseph
Guest Lecturer
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU
Introduction
• The group structure or the developmental stages goes through

different process.
• Bruce Wayne Tuckman reviewed more than 50 studies, primarily of
limited-duration therapy and sensitivity groups, and concluded that
these groups go through the five predictable stages.
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Stages of Group Development.
Tuckman(1965) model divides this process into 4 easily remembered stages.
1.Forming
2.Storming.
3.Norming
4.Performing and
5.Adjourning/Mourning.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 3
Forming-[Uncertainty]
• This stage is characterized by anxiety and dependency on the worker

with most comments being directed towards the worker as well as
members testing to ascertain the group norms.
• Members becomes oriented toward each other, work on being
accepted, and learn more about the group.
• This stage is marked by a period of uncertainty in which members try
to determine there places in the group.
• Learn the group’s rules and procedures.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 4
Storming-[Conflict]
• Conflicts begin to arise as members resist the influence of the group

and rebel against accomplishing their tasks. Members confront their
various differences, and the management of conflict becomes the
focus of attention.
• Disagreements between members, resistance to group control and

rebellion against the worker.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 5
Norming-[Cohesiveness & Commitment]
• The group establishes cohesiveness and commitment.
• In the process, the members discover new ways to work together.
• Norms are also set for appropriate behavior.
• Development of mutual support.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 6
Performing-[Achieve goals]
• Indicated by flexible and functional roles within the group.
• The group works a s unit to achieve group goals.
• Members develop proficiency in achieving goals.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 7
Adjourning/Mourning-[Disperse the group]
• The group disbands.
• The feelings that members experience are similar to those in the
“separation Stage”.
• Group Achieved its goals.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 8
Adjourning-[Disperse] continued…
• Some writers say this stage as “mourning stage”
• Group Show reactions such as denial that the group is finishing.
• Regression to former behavior patterns.
• Rejection of the group and worker.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 9
Steps Involved
• The steps involved in planning and implementing educational,
treatment and socialization groups are similar to the procedures
followed by social workers who deal with individual clients:
Groups
• Intake
• Selection of members
• Assessment and Planning.
• Group Development & Intervention.
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Individuals
• Intake
• Assessment and Planning
• Intervention
• Evaluation and termination
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Intake
• During intake the presenting concerns and needs of prospective
members are identified.
• Judgements that some or all of these people could benefit from a
group approach are made.
• An agreement is often formulated between the members of the group
and the group leader about tentative group goals.
• This stage may also be referred to as the contract stage.
• The leader and members make a commitment to pursue the situation
to the next step.
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Selection of members.
• Individuals most likely to benefit from a group should be selected as
members.
• Selecting a group requires attention to both descriptive and
behavioral factors.
• A decision needs to be made whether to seek homogeneity or diverse
in these factors.
• Age, sex and level of education are descriptive factors that may create
homogeneity or foster diversity within the group.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 13
• Behavioral attributes also needs to consider while selecting the
members(e.g., ADHD) has a major role in attaining goals.
• As a general rule, the best judgement regarding a members potential
contribution to the group is obtained by looking at past behavioral
attributes.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 14
Assessment and Planning
• A more in-depth assessment and statement of goals and plans for

action occur during this phase.
• Goals should be time limited with a reasonable chance for
attainment.
• The leader should ensure that all goals are clearly stated to aid in later
evaluations.
• Clarification of goals also eliminates hidden agendas.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 15
Group Development & Intervention
• Group Development can be observed (e.g., Tuckman Model).

• Group leader has to identify and observe the stages of group.
• The stages of the group development are cyclical not linear.
• Entrance of new member/s to the group throws the whole group back
to the earlier stages.
• Various interventions can be designed depends on the needs of the
group.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 16
Evaluation & Termination
• To think of evaluation as a specific point in the life of a group is
perhaps not realistic since evaluation must be an ongoing process.
The decision to terminate a group may be based on:-

• The accomplishment of group or individual goals.
• The expiration of a predetermined period of time.
• The failure of the group to achieve desired ends.
• The relocation of the leader of the group.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 17
Size of the Group
• The size of the group determined by the nature of the interaction
desired.
• The smaller the group the greater the potential and demand for close
relationships.
• The higher the rate of membership participation, the stronger the
group pressures on each members.
• The greater the flexibility of the group to modify its goals to meet
changing needs.
• Too small group, however, mean you may have no group if members
are absent or drop out.
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Other Notable models of group Work
(explaining stages)
• Garland, Jones, and Kolodny Model.
• Northen and Kurland Model.
• Bales Model.
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Conclusion
• The intellectual, emotional, and social development of individuals

may be furthered through group activities.
• Group work is not primarily therapeutic (except group therapy).
• Different purposes for groups-Socialization, Information Exchange,
Curbing delinquency, Recreation, Changing Socially unacceptable
values.
• The stages and its smooth transitions will be one of the focus of a
efficient group worker.
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 20
References
Zastrow, C.H. (2012) Social Work with Groups-A comprehensive

Worktext. Brooks/Cole Engage Learning, Belmont, USA.
Tej, S. (2010) Lectures on Social Work, Jubilee H Foundation
Publication, Lucknow, Utter Pradesh, ISBN: 978-80-906238-2-7.
Garwin, C.D., Gutierrez, L.M.,Galinsky, M.J.(2004) Handbook of Social
Work with groups, Guilford Press. New York, USA.
http://www.uop.edu.pk/ocontents/5%20(b)%20Social%20Structure
%20of%20the%20Group%20(pg%2028-36).pdf
MA-DSW-SBS-MGU 21

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Stages of Group

• The group structure or the developmental stages goes through

• This stage is characterized by anxiety and dependency on the worker

• Conflicts begin to arise as members resist the influence of the group

• Disagreements between members, resistance to group control and

• The group establishes cohesiveness and commitment.

• In the process, the members discover new ways to work together.

• Norms are also set for appropriate behavior.

• Development of mutual support.

• Indicated by flexible and functional roles within the group.

• The group works a s unit to achieve group goals.

• Members develop proficiency in achieving goals.

• The group disbands.

• The feelings that members experience are similar to those in the

• Group Achieved its goals.

• Some writers say this stage as “mourning stage”

• Group Show reactions such as denial that the group is finishing.

• Regression to former behavior patterns.

• Rejection of the group and worker.

• Assessment and Planning

• Evaluation and termination

• A more in-depth assessment and statement of goals and plans for

• Group Development can be observed (e.g., Tuckman Model).

The decision to terminate a group may be based on:-

• Garland, Jones, and Kolodny Model.

• Northen and Kurland Model.

• The intellectual, emotional, and social development of individuals

Zastrow, C.H. (2012) Social Work with Groups-A comprehensive

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