List the stages in Tuckman’s model of group development including the phase added later in his work. Briefly describe the nature of each stage.

A _________ ____________ is a temporary team that is created to address a specific problem or issue until it is resolved.

(task force)

145. __________ teams are those where members are not located in the same physical place.

(Virtual)

146. Empowered teams have the ___________ as well as the __________ to achieve their goals.

(responsibility, authority)

147. _______________________ teams make all decisions internally about leadership and how work is done and have the potential for high autonomy.

(Self-directed)

148. Shared expectations of how things operate with a group or team are _________.

(norms.)

149. _______ ___________ include agreements on established ground rules, goals and roles.

(Team contracts)

SHORT ANSWERS

150. List the stages in Tuckman’s model of group development including the phase added later in his work. Briefly describe the nature of each stage.

The stages are forming, storming, norming and performing with adjourning added later.

Forming is the initial stage where the group comes together for the first time.

Storming is the second stage where group members keep up their guard but become more argumentative. Also, during this phase, group members explore their power and influence and stake out their territory by differentiating themselves from others.

Norming is the phase where group members establish their own ground rules and define operating procedures and goals.

Performing is the phase where participants are getting the work done and paying attention to how they are doing it.

Adjourning is the phase added later which is focused on how a group ends. Endings are often accompanied by emotions that can range from relief to grief.

151. Briefly discuss the punctuated equilibrium model.

The punctuated equilibrium model was developed by Connie Gersick. The model suggests that groups remain fairly static for long periods of time where change is largely incremental. At some point, however, revolutionary change occurs in a brief, punctuated burst that shakes the very essence of the organization and poses a real opportunity for innovation and creativity to take root.

152. List and describe three factors which affect group cohesion.

Any of these factors impact group cohesion:

Similarity: The more similar group members are with regard to gender, age, education, skills, attitudes and values, the more likely the group will bond.

Stability: The longer a group stays together, the more cohesive it becomes.

Size: The smaller the group, the more cohesive the group.