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socialsci.libretexts.org socialsci.libretexts.org
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During the adjourning stage, a group dissolves because its purpose has been met, because membership has declined or the group has lost support, or due to some other internal or external cause. It is important that groups reflect on the life of the group to learn any relevant lessons and celebrate accomplishments.
The covid-19 pandemic brought many adjournments to the forefront of public consiousness. We have moved into the mourning phase of what is no more, but once was.
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During the performing stage, group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or the achievement of their purpose, ideally capitalizing on the synergy that comes from the diverse experiences group members bring to the decision-making process.
During the performing stage, you will find most of the high conflict individuals not set to group purpose have either backed away from the group entirely or have set themselves in opposition to the group. It is not unusual for sub-groups or group splits occur to give broader definition of purpose. This is evidence of group growth and factions and splits are not atypical.
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During the norming stage, the practices and expectations (norms and rules) of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group.
If the high conflict individuals fail to find purpose in step 2, the storming stage, they may attempt to make combative styles of communication the new normal in this norming phase. It's important to group cohesion and direction of purpose to avoid high conflict individuals holding leadership positions.
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During the storming stage, conflict emerges as group members begin to perform their various roles, have their ideas heard, and negotiate where they fit in the group’s structure. Conflict is inevitable and important as a part of group development and can be productive if it is managed properly.
It's during this stage that group members are typically acting out their roles, often without comprehension that they have stepped into a formative role.
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During the forming stage, group members engage in socially polite exchanges to help reduce uncertainty and gain familiarity with new members. Even though their early interactions may seem unproductive, they lay the groundwork for cohesion and other group dynamics that will play out more prominently in later stages.
The essential building block to group formation is definition of group goals,combined purpose and objectives that the group sets to achieve cohesively. This step requires agreement in it's broadest form.
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The five stages of group development include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
I feel the sixth stage is where people are actively mourning the group. Where phrases such as "the good ole days" and "back in my day." It wasn't so much the day as it was the cohesive groups they formed and maintained that lived their natural life to conclusion.
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