Stages of Group Formation, Curative Factors, and Conflict
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Stages of Group Formation, Curative Factors, and Conflict
Stage developments and transformations are vital for constructive conflict resolution and team-building processes in organizational groups. The stages of group development were in 1965, developed by Bruce Tuckman, a renowned American psychologist. The four distinct stages, forming, storming, norming, and performing, started, and by 1977, the fifth stage, adjourning, was added. The dynamics and challenges of starting a new group are obvious because of individual differences. Therefore, it remains imperative to build cohesion and trust while forming new groups.
The stages
The first is the forming stage (Melton, 2011). In this stage, members interact and familiarize and acquaint themselves with one another on common expectations and mechanisms on how to run the group. Again, familiarity is bred in this stage because everyone expects to be liked by the other. On the contrary, they may fail to productively engage with one another due to the undefined objectives of the group. Notably, the group may also remain distant when projects begin to accumulate.
Second is the storming stage. At this moment, members of the group know each other and this can lead to personality clashes and sympathies (Kumar, Deshmukh, & Adhish, 2014). Furthermore, there starts to emerge a particular pecking order since members will compete for positions within the group. Conflict in this stage is inevitable because of minor or major differences. However, quick resolutions are easily made.
The third stage is the norming stage, a stage where group identity emerges. Roles and responsibilities, coupled with clearly defined communication channels, are clearly defined. At the same time, conflicts can arise only that there are clear mechanisms for addressing them. As such, the group becomes more of a team that is full of respect and is dedicated to achieving its objectives. Performing is the fourth stage. Here, the group is optimally functioning, highly productive, and effective (Kumar, Deshmukh, & Adhish, 2014). Many leaders would love to have their teams operate at this stage. However, the major challenge during this stage is achieving perfect balance. It is improper to interfere with the activities of the group if it executes its objectives optimally. Finally, the group can be dissolved if it achieves its goals. It is the adjourning stage.
Curative factors and how they can impact client progress in the group
Curative factors align groups to their objectives because they signify why groups work in a specific way. One curative factor is imparting information. Information that is valuable is important for the functioning of a group. It enables members to learn and share their group engagements. Clients struggling with issues of drug abuse can be helped through shared information (Lilliengren & Werbart, 2005). Additionally, altruism is the other important curative factor. It is the desire to help others whenever they experience troubles. Clients facing difficulties with drug abuse are always preoccupied with individual challenges (Forsyth, 2010). However, they can interact and share with others on the problems to come up with better solutions.
Intragroup conflicts and strategies of managing the conflict
Conflicts are bound to occur in every group because members never see eye to eye in every matter. With such misunderstanding, tensions can occur and brew an atmosphere of tension and disagreements. Additionally, diversified opinion can lead to disagreements, and if not properly managed, it can destroy the group (Hanif et al., 2016). At the same time, conflict management is important for group survival. This can be achieved through dialogue. Similarly, third party intervention can help with conflict management.
References
Hanif, F., Mohsin, M., Adeel, M., & Shah, S. M. (2016). Impact of intra-group conflict on group performance-moderating role of cultural diversity. Universal Journal of Management, 4(2), 72-78.
Kumar, S., Deshmukh, V., & Adhish, V. S. (2014). Building and leading teams. Indian journal of community medicine: official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 39(4), 208.doi:10.4103/0970-0218.143020
Lilliengren, P., & Werbart, A. (2005). A Model of Therapeutic Action Grounded in the Patients’ View of Curative and Hindering Factors in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(3), 324
Melton, A. (2011). Group Psychotherapy. Flashcards. Retrieved from https://www.cram.com/flashcards/group-psychotherapy-yalom-ch-9-15-17-1932284
Forsyth, D. R. (2010). Group processes and group psychotherapy: Social psychological foundations of change in therapeutic groups.