The Forgotten Group Member
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Group Development
In “The Forgotten Group Member” case study, the organizational behavior group developed using some of these five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Forming is characterized by the groups desire to be accepted. This is the orientation part of the group development and a leader is chosen. In the storming stage, group members often discuss and debate about which tasks and duties are assigned to whom. The key factor in the successful transition from this stage is the ability to listen. While in the norming phase, cohesion is evident through the groups interpersonal relationships. Each member is opened to new ideas based on the facts presented by other members. An understanding of each other leads to a higher trust level which leads to a better working team. Performing, while not reached by every group, is an evolution of independence within the group, where there is trust that everyone will perform as desired and there are no interpersonal issues amongst the members. The final stage is adjourning, which includes the close of tasks, relationships, goodbyes and the recognition of performances and participation in the group.
According to this case study, the organizational behavior group, led by Christine, is in the storming stage. Assuming Christine was unaware of the storming stage of group development, she could have made a more aggressive attempt to speak with Mike before the fifth week. There were issues with Mike that needed attention early on. Some would argue that the group would be in the norming stage, but these conflicts were never resolved which puts them still in the storming stage. Everyone in the group was getting along and they understand their role, all but Mike. From the beginning Mike was categorized as the clown of the team, and he contributed to have given that name. During the process, he has not shown much cooperation and/or effort in term meetings and tasks assigned to the team. Therefore Christine, Diane, Janet and Steve have shared more and developed teamwork in which each has a function. Misinterpretations and some incidents occurred during those five weeks that made Mike feel rejected by his team. All these events have created an atmosphere of tension where the team has been not able to completely create a team work. Christine as “Team leader” was worried and even tried to understand where Mike was coming from, but on the other hand the group was still being affected by his performance. By knowing the different stages that the team passes through, Christine could have prevented certain situations, for example in the formation stage is when the group is known and defined the goal of them as a team and what is expected of them as individuals. It is important to remember what the “team” will produce at the end of the class (a good grade). Another important point is the behavior and attitudes of individuals within the team and establishes rules.
Problem Identification
The primary problem is Christines lack of experience as a leader. Christine saw herself as a meticulous and well organized person, but noticeably has never been put in a