How groups function and, ultimately, their effectiveness hinge on group characteristics and processes known collectively as group dynamics. There are five key elements of group dynamics, group size and roles, group leadership, group development, group norms, and group cohesiveness. In this exercise, you will analyze and apply one particular element of group dynamics: the growth stages of groups over time. A strong understanding of this phenomenon is important because what a group is capable of achieving depends in part on its stage of development. Knowing that it takes considerable time for work teams to get up and running helps managers have realistic expectations for new teams. It also reminds them that they need to give new team members considerable training and guidance.

Read the descriptions and select the appropriate phase of group development process during which the activity would occur.

1. Cyrus calls a group meeting specifically to tell each team member why he or she was chosen for this team and why each is important to the achievement of the team goals. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

2. Neo and Trinity both want to be team leader, and each disagrees strongly with the other as to the direction to the team should take the processes it should use. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

3. Nick and Nora argue vehemently with the other team members against a three-times-a-week meeting schedule. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

4. Devlin has a get-together at his home where everyone discusses their backgrounds, skills, work commitments other than those to this group, and personal goals. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

5. The entire team often meets for drinks and dinner, and socialize with each other even on weekends. They have become good friends. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

6. Glenna hosts a dinner to thank the team members for all their hard work on the project. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

7. Nola is pleased that the team now makes decisions as frequently as possible by consensus rather than majority rule. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

8. Tripp is the leader of a command group and now must ensure that the group members continue to be motivated. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

9. Elisha is the leader of a self-managing work team. She makes sure team members are empowered and have enough responsibility and autonomy. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

10. Duncan submits the final report prepared by his task force with recommendations for improving emergency response procedures. (Click to select) Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning