In 1965, educational psychologist Bruce Wayne Tuckman, Ph.D., was charged by his boss at the Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda MD with a review of 50 articles about team behavior.
From this body of work, Dr. Tuckman conceived his theory of group developmental processes:
The Forming Stage:
Groups initially concern themselves with orientation accomplished primarily through testing. Such testing serves to identify the boundaries of both interpersonal and task behaviors. At this stage, individuals will be uncertain how they fit in to the team, they may feel anxious; they will be looking for direction. Coincident with testing in the interpersonal realm is the establishment of dependency relationships with leaders, other group members, or pre‑existing standards. It may be said that orientation, testing, and dependence constitute the group process of forming.
The Storming Stage:
The second point in the sequence is characterized by conflict and polarization around interpersonal issues. As an individual begins to define their preferred way of working, they may challenge other’s work habits. These behaviors serve as resistance to group influence and task requirements and may be labeled as storming.
The Norming Stage:
Resistance is overcome in the third stage in which in-group feeling and cohesiveness develop, new standards evolve, and new roles are adopted. Differences are resolved; appreciation and respect replace uncertainty. In the task realm, intimate, personal opinions are expressed.
The Performing Stage:
Finally, the group attains the fourth and final stage in which interpersonal structure becomes the tool of task activities. Roles become flexible and functional, and group energy is channeled into the task. Structural issues have been resolved. The work flows in a structured process; the team is likely to achieve its goals.
In 1977 Dr. Tuckman, collaborating with Mary Ann Jensen, proposed an update to the model, termed Adjourning. It describes the process for terminating group roles, task completion, and the reduction of dependencies. This stage has also been called “mourning”, especially if the team’s dissolution is unplanned. The first four stages are the most commonly used parts of the process.
* Smith, M. K. (2005) ‘Bruce W. Tuckman – forming, storming, norming and performing in groups, the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/thinkers/tuckman.htm. © Mark K. Smith 2005
