Analysis of Tuckman's Theory of Group Development

Analysis of Tuckman’s Theory of Group Development

Abstract

In the workplace it is often necessary to form groups to complete intricate projects, or solve complex problems. The cohesion of a group into a functional unit is difficult when bringing together individuals with differing values, and ideas of how to accomplish objectives. When people are required to work in groups there are developmental stages the group will traverse before becoming an effective unit. This essay will analyze one such theory, Tuckman’s five stage model for group development. The safety committee at my organization is a group of managers, supervisors and union personnel who meet on an ongoing basis to address safety concerns in our organization. This essay will describe my observations of the progression of the safety committee through the five stages of development in Tuckman’s model.

Analysis of Tuckman’s Theory of Group Development

In business, as well as in life, sometimes to achieve a goal or complete a task you need the help of others. A person, no matter how capable, most often will need the talents and insights of other skilled individuals to effectively make decisions and complete tasks to achieve the desired goals. According to Kreitner and Kenicki (2013), when you bring people together into a group it is difficult to quickly form a highly functioning unit. It takes time for the group to become acquainted and to decide who will fill what role. During this process, from the formation of the group to its maturation into a fully functional unit, there are identifiable stages of development that it will go through. These stages can take different amounts of time to complete or may not occur at all do to an inability to agree or personality conflicts. (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2013) This essay will concentrate on one particular model of group development and how it is applied to the safety committee at my organization....