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Objective

Module 7

Stages of Group Process

To understand the various stages of group developmentfrom formation to maturityand recognize group dynamics associated with these stages and how they apply to CARE Act planning bodies. To identify ways in which PLWH can assist planning bodies to work more cohesively toward their goals.

Suggested Content
Introduce the topic by explaining that a planning body (or a committee) is most effective when it operates as a work team. Emphasize that before a group becomes effective in decision making, it typically must go through several stages of development as well as through some cycles of high/ low performance. Having members understand these stages and cycles can help prevent them from getting discouraged when performance is low or when disagreement and bickering seem to overwhelm the work of the planning body. Discuss group process through models of group development.

Importance of Developing an Effective Team

It may seem unrealistic to view a planning body as a team, but certain committees or task forces will need to operate as a team to complete such tasks as needs assessment, developing the comprehensive plan, development of a continuum of care, or setting up quality improvement procedures. Developing an effective team from a diverse group of planning body members requires an understanding of group process.

Models of Group Development

One way of understanding group process is through looking at models of group development. Two such models are described below.* A four-stage model of group development that can lead to high-performance teams: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.
* The models presented here are used by McDonalds Corporation in its Hamburger University training on high-performance teams.

Training Module: 7
Topic 1: Stages of Group Process

Forming. In the forming stage, a group attempts to dene the task and decide how it will be accomplished. Members may feel excitement, anticipation, and optimism or suspicion, fear, and anxiety about the work ahead. The group also attempts to determine acceptable group behavior and how to deal with group problems, and begins to develop group identity. Storming. In this stage, members may resist the tasks at hand or may resist approaches different from those each individual is comfortable using. Common group behavior during this stage includes establishment of unrealistic goals, concern about excessive work, defensiveness and competition among the memberswho may argue even when they agree on the real issuesand questioning of suggested approaches. Some groups fail to get beyond this stage, and remain in conict. Norming. In this stage, groups begin to develop a sense of team closeness, and are more willing to discuss the teams dynamics and to express criticism constructively. The group attempts to reach harmony or avoid personal conict by establishing groundrules. Group members might begin to feel a sense of relief that things are going to work out. Planning bodies often use the development or revision of bylaws and policies as a way to document the norming stage. Performing. In this stage, group members have a better understanding of each others strengths and weaknesses, and are able to work through group problems. They often feel close to the team and satisfaction with the teams progress. Effective committees, and in some cases whole planning bodies, can become high-performing teams, in spite of disagreements over priorities and other decisions. They have learned to work together effectively and to disagree without losing mutual respect. Another model for looking at the development of effective work groups is the Cogs Ladder Model, which identies additional stages of group development: The politeness stagemembers are getting acquainted with each other, sharing only some information and being careful in their interactions. The why are we here stagethe group begins to clarify purpose, share values, and form cliques or subgroups. The bid for power stagethere is competition among some members for control of the group. The constructive stagecollaboration and consensus building occurs among members, as well as shared leadership, and a group identity develops. The esprit stagegroup interaction reects creativity, trust, caring, openness, respect, and acceptance. Planning bodies continuously go through various aspects of these group-building stages, because membership and leadership change over time. Each new member must nd his/her way into the group, and the entire group must adapt to and involve new members.

Training Aid
Attachment 1: Models of Group Development