Group Formation and Communication

MEMORANDUM

TO: New Manager

Accountant

FROM: Team C

DATE: September 12, 2011

RE: Group Formation and Communication

We hereby welcome you as the newly assigned Manager of our team. As you assume my former position as team leader, I have provided some historical data outlining the steps in the original formulation of this organization. Hopefully this information will acquaint you with the team’s communicational hierarchy

The five stages of group development

A group is defined of two or more individuals, interacting, and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives (Robbins & Judge, 2011, p 276). It goes to a series of evolution called the five-stage model of group development. Some groups might not necessarily follow that process but it is a useful tool to better understand the development of the group. The five-stage group development model describes a group as “forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning” (Robbins & Judge, 2011, p 279).

The forming stage also called “ice-breaking” stage has a great deal of uncertainty about purpose, role, structure, and leadership; some of the members have a tendency to observe others’ behavior and hold back since mutual trust is low. The storming stage also called the “test stage” (Kiniki & Kreitner, 2006, p 255); the group will experience conflict such as who will take the lead but will eventually come to a consensus. The third stage is the norming where strong relationship begins to develop and trust is being established. Members experience a team spirit, a sense of group identity, friendship, and solidarity because they have found their proper roles. The fourth stage is performing; the group is fully functional and accepted. The structure at this point is well designed, functional, and accepted. The group phases have been from getting to know one another to perform the tasks. Adjourning is the last stage of a group development where the work product is either done...