Which sequence correctly lists the conventional five stages of group development?

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

Answer: (A)

Groups grow through a predictable progression as members move from initial contact to effective teamwork and eventual dissolution. The five stages unfold as follows: Forming is the exploration phase where members get acquainted and clarify goals and roles, often with polite and tentative interactions. Storming follows, bringing in conflicts and power struggles as individuals test boundaries and assert their ideas. In Norming, the team settles on shared norms, clarifies roles, and builds cohesion. Performing marks a high level of functioning where the group collaborates smoothly to achieve goals. Finally, Adjourning involves wrapping up tasks and dissolving the group when work is complete.

The sequence that starts with Forming, moves through Storming, then Norming, progresses to Performing, and ends with Adjourning matches this established progression. The other orders disrupt the logical flow—for example, placing norms before conflicts would imply norms exist before issues are resolved, or placing performing before norms suggests high productivity without established group processes, which is unlikely. Ending before performing would cut off the work prematurely.