Communication Science

QUESTION 1

1.1 STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Formation: In the first stages of any team building, the members normally experience tension as each one is trying to establish their position in the group. The individual's behavior is driven by a desire to be accepted by the others, and avoid controversy or conflict. Serious issues and feelings are avoided as individuals are busy trying to impress each other.

This is a comfortable stage to be in, but the avoidance of conflict and threat means that people are hesitant to participate in a group. The members of the group tend to behave quite independently in an attempt to make a good impression of themselves.

The formation stage of any group is important because, in this stage, the members of the team get to know one another, exchange some personal information, and make new friends. This is also a good opportunity to see how each member of the team works as an individual and how they respond to pressure.

Storming: The group will next enter the storming stage in which there is a high level of hostility and criticism. The team addresses issues such as what procedures they need to follow, how they will function independently and together and what leadership model they will accept. Some team members will focus on petty things to evade real issues.

The storming stage is necessary to the growth of the team. It can be contentious, unpleasant and even painful to members of the team who are averse to conflict. Tolerance of each group member and their differences should be emphasized as fluctuating relationships and feelings could lead to conflict and outbursts. Without tolerance and patience the team will fail.

Members tend to use the group to achieve their personal objectives. They fail to exercise professionalism and tend to show respect for certain members of the group and aggression towards others.

Normative: In this stage, conflict is replaced by cohesion. The group manages to have one goal and come to a mutual understanding. Some may have to give up their own ideas and agree with others in order to make the team function. In this stage, all group members take the responsibility and have the ambition to work for the success of the team's goals. The high number of absenteeism decreases as the members start to enjoy being in a group. There is a sense of unity amongst the members of the group as they become more sensitive to other team member's opinions.

Performing: The performing stage means that the team works together towards a vision and goal. Each and every members ability and potential are recognised and acknowledged. This is a high-performing stage as teams are able to function as a unit as they find ways to get the job done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict or the need for external supervision. By this time, they are motivated and knowledgeable.