In the forming stage, a group attempts to define the task and decide how it will be accomplished. Members may feel excitement, anticipation, and optimism or suspicion, fear, and anxiety about the work ahead. The group also attempts to determine acceptable group behavior and how to deal with group problems, and begins to develop group identity.

In this stage, members may resist the tasks at hand or may resist approaches different from those each individual is comfortable using. Common group behavior during this stage includes establishment of unrealistic goals, concern about excessive work, defensiveness and competition among the members—who may argue even when they agree on the real issues—and questioning of suggested approaches. Some groups fail to get beyond this stage, and remain in conflict.

In this stage, groups begin to develop a sense of team closeness, and are more willing to discuss the team’s dynamics and to express criticism constructively. The group attempts to reach harmony or avoid personal conflict by establishing ground rules. Group members might begin to feel a sense of relief that things are going to “work out.”

In this stage, group members have a better understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and are able to work through group problems. They often feel close to the team and satisfaction with the team’s progress. Effective committees, and in some cases whole planning bodies, can become high-performing teams, in spite of disagreements over priorities and other decisions.

Why is understanding Group Process Important

Group Dynamics is the study of forces operating within a group in social interaction. It can be viewed in terms of the internal nature of groups, their information, structure and process, the way they affect individual members, other groups, and the organization.

Group influences the behavior of individuals in different ways in the form of conformity to group norms, group cohesiveness, group participation, group competition and group problem solving which are found in both in formal and informal groups. It is behavior of individuals which make a big difference in an organization.

Understanding group process can be very beneficial when working in a group setting. Having this basic information allows you to know what to expect when working a group. You will eventually see the pattern if you look close enough.