Initial Stage of a Group, Research Paper Example

Introduction

There are normally five recognised stages of Group Development. This paper focuses upon Stage 1 the Forming stage of group development. (Schneider, M , 2010).

Group Process

Group process is an important part of psychotherapy, “groups are an excellent treatment choice for numerous interpersonal issues” (Schneider , M. 2010).  The leadership element of the group is an important part of the process – “ you need to believe in what you are doing and trust the therapeutic process in groups” (Schneider, M. 2010).

Stage 1 | Forming

In the forming stage the individual relations of the group are characterised.  In the first instance the group looks towards safe behaviour patterns and the determination of a group leader thast will both guide and direct them.  The group start learning about the strengths and weaknesses of other individuals within the group and start to define preferences for those team members they feel comfortable working with in sub groups.  The emphasis is building a safe working environment where they will be accepted and know the group is safe.  The early objectives are based upon keeping everything relatively simple and avoidance of controversy. (5 Stages of Group Development, 2012)

The group also becomes concerned with the concept of orientation . This examines task allocation and how well the group interacts and works with one another.  This often centred around defining scope of the work and identification of boundaries.  In order to move into Stage 2 Storming the team has to let go of the ‘non-threatening’ environment and be prepared to deal with issues of conflict.  (Tuckman, B. 1965)

Works Cited

5 Stages of Group Development. (2012, 7 18). Retrieved from Creating Excellent Organizations: www.drexel.edu/oca/leadership

Marianne Schneider Corey, G. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice. Belmont CA: Cengage Learning.

Marianne Schneider Corey, G. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice. In G. C. Marianne Schneider Corey, Groups: Process and Practice (p. 4). Belmont CA: Cengage Learning.

Marianne Schneider Corey, G. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice. In G. C. Marianne Schneider Corey, Groups: Process and Practice (p. 32). Belmont CA: Cengage Learning.

Tuckman, B. (1965). Developmental Sequence in Small Groups. Psychological Bulletinf (63), 384-399.