What is the purpose of group development stage models, and what are the stages?

• A. To measure individual performance; stages: starting, growing, maturing.
• B. To describe how groups form and work together; forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning.
• C. To evaluate program budgets; stages: input, process, output.
• D. To determine staff qualifications; stages: recruit, train, deploy.

Answer: (B)

Group development stage models describe how groups come together, establish working patterns, handle conflicts, and ultimately accomplish tasks. The most widely taught framework identifies five stages: forming, where members meet and orient themselves; storming, where disagreements and power dynamics surface; norming, where norms, roles, and collaboration solidify; performing, where the group effectively works on tasks; and adjourning, where the group concludes and reflects on outcomes. This model helps facilitators plan activities, set expectations, and intervene to support cohesion and productivity as the group evolves. The other options focus on measuring individuals, budgets, or staffing—not on how a group develops and functions.