In group development, which stage follows Forming and is often marked by conflict and testing boundaries?

In group development, which stage follows Forming and is often marked by conflict and testing boundaries?

• A. Forming
• B. Storming
• C. Performing
• D. Norming

Answer: (B)

After teams are formed, the next phase involves members testing boundaries and working through power dynamics as they clarify roles and how decisions will be made. This is the Storming stage. It’s marked by disagreements, competition for influence, and probing how the group will function together. These conflicts are a natural part of shaping structure and norms, and they set the stage for the group to establish clearer roles and expectations. As the storming period gives way to Norming, the team begins to align around shared norms and stronger cohesion, and eventually to Performing, when the group works smoothly toward its goals. The hallmark of Storming is that combination of conflict and boundary testing, which is why it’s the best fit here.

After teams are formed, the next phase involves members testing boundaries and working through power dynamics as they clarify roles and how decisions will be made. This is the Storming stage. It’s marked by disagreements, competition for influence, and probing how the group will function together. These conflicts are a natural part of shaping structure and norms, and they set the stage for the group to establish clearer roles and expectations.

As the storming period gives way to Norming, the team begins to align around shared norms and stronger cohesion, and eventually to Performing, when the group works smoothly toward its goals. The hallmark of Storming is that combination of conflict and boundary testing, which is why it’s the best fit here.