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The paper is a follow up study to Tuchman’s approach of using various studies to isolate common concepts that produce generalizable models of changes in group life. The paper uses studies that reference Tuchman’s approach. It attempts to isolate common concepts that produce a generalizable model of changes in group life over time. It uses studies of human relations training, therapy groups and natural groups. The manner in which the members of the group related to one another was considered as the group structure while interactions that relate to tasks was referred to as task activity realm. The two concepts are important because individuals in a group complete tasks while relating …show more content…
The conclusion from these reviews is that there was support for Tuckmans four stage model, but these results might not be reliable due to the methodology employed by the researchers. Most of the literature used is theoretical in nature and any other articles that described the approach were concerned with existing models. Two studies identified the termination phase that was overlooked by Tuckman. A model developed by one author of the reviewed articles also introduced the concept of the life cycle. This concept recognizes the importance of separation of concerns in group development. Unlike Tuckman who saw performing as the final stage of a group, the proponents of the life cycle model consider separation as an important aspect throughout -the life of the group and as a distinct and separate stage (Runkel, Lawrence, Oldfield, Rider, & Clark, …show more content…
Although most authors write from a theoretical framework, they call for further research to test their hypothesis. A field that has not been explored is the empirical testing of existing group development models. The current review shows that recent research provides the presence of a final and significant phase of group development. This phase is termination. Because the model posited by Tuckman was based on a concept developed from literature, it is reasonable to modify the model in view of recent literature. Therefore, the model now comprises of forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning (Tuckman & Jensen. 2011).
References
Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen. (2011). Stages of Group Development. In Walter Natemeyer and Paul Hersey. Classics of organizational behavior. Waveland press.
Runkel, P. J., Lawrence, M., Oldfield, S., Rider, M., & Clark, C. (1971). Stages of group development: An empirical test of Tuckman's hypothesis. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 7(2),