The nature of any group can change quite dramatically over time.  There are a wide range of theories relating to group development and most assume that groups go through a number of stages – a life-cycle.

Perhaps the most influential model of group development has been that of Bruce Tuckman who created his group model in 1965. Many academics and practitioners working with groups have adopted versions of his model.

Given time, many groups will pass through at least some of the Tuckman’s stages of group development.  However, not all groups will go through every stage – this will depend on a number of factors and variables, how long the group will be together, how the group is structured, the aims and objectives of the group and the style of leadership and behaviour of others within the group.

Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development

• Stage One – Group bonding (Forming).
• Stage Two – Group conflict and fragmentation (Storming).
• Stage Three – Group maintenance and the development of norms (Norming).
• Stage Four – Group working and achieving its aims (Performing).
• Stage Five – Group disbanding (Adjourning, sometimes referred to as Mourning).