Tuckman's 'Stages of Team Development

Question 1

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development

Answer 1

• Forming
• Norming
• Storming
• Performing
• Adjourning

Question 2

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development’ - Forming

Answer 2

At this stage, the set of individuals has not yet become a group. Individuals explore each other’s attitudes and background. Members are also keen to establish their individual identities and make a personal impression on others.

Question 3

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development’ - Storming

Answer 3

This is a conflict stage in the team’s life, and it can easily become uncomfortable. Members bargain with one another as they attempt to sort out what each of them wants individually, compared to what the collective group wants. It is likely that interpersonal hostility may be generated as differences in individual goals are revealed and the early relationships established in the forming stage may be disrupted.

Question 4

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development - Norming

Answer 4

The team usually develops a way of achieving its objectives together. The questions of who will do what, and how, are addressed. Working rules are established in terms of norms of behaviour and role allocation.
A framework is therefore created through which each member can relate to the others.

Question 5

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development - Performing

Answer 5

The penultimate stage is concerned with actually getting the job done. A fully mature team has been created, which can now get on with its prescribed work. Not all teams develop to this stage with some becoming stalled in an earlier stage.

Question 6

Tuckman’s ‘Stages of Team Development - Adjourning

Answer 6

Tuckman later revisited his original work and described another stage. Adjourning involves dissolution. It has to do with the termination of roles, the completion of tasks and reduction of dependency. There may be a sense of loss and anxiety at this break-up. The process can be stressful, particularly where the dissolution is unplanned.