Mgmt 591

Week 3 Case Study: The Forgotten Group Member

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MGMT591 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Professor Your Professor

May 25, 2013

Group Development

According to our text, there are five stages of team development. These stages are the forming stage, the storming stage, the norming stage, the performing stage, and finally, the adjourning stage (Schermerhorn, 2001, p.156). Forming occurs when the group members are at the stage of getting to know each other. Storming takes place when each of the group member’s tasks are defined and when tensions are dealt with. Norming follows when relationships are built and when the group members already work together. Performing ensues when the relationships in the group and the performance of tasks have matured. This stage is when the group is pretty much stable on all aspects. Finally, adjourning takes place when the group’s purpose has ended and the group celebrates their accomplishments.

In the case of Christine Spencer’s group, the group is already at the norming stage, which they are building their relationship. The team members are already working together at this stage. However, this does not mean that problems are no longer encountered; rather, this stage requires more effort in trying to maintain the group’s balance.

At this stage, Christine’s group is already starting to work together. They meet regularly and each member has an assigned task. However, the main problem that the group is experiencing at this stage is the lack of cooperation from Mike. He is unable to attend most of the meetings and is unable to deliver his assigned tasks. Adding to the problem is the fact that Christine and the rest of the members seem to be indifferent to Mike’s plight and don’t make much of an effort to involve him. As a result, Mike feels left out, which results in social loafing. Mike then is uncooperative and distant.

By understanding the different stages of group...