Naturally, groups take a considerable time to develop. It is often quite difficult to specify the period when and where a group may emerge. Thus, group formation relies on size, structural features as well as frequency of interaction. For example, one of the most notable approach and analysis of groups is Tuckman and Jensen model regarding group development.
The model offers four critical stages of group development namely: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Each of these stages plays a central role in regard to group formation. In essence, two core streams of research as well as theory exist in regard to group development. The principal stream touches on group dynamics while the subsequent stream explores the group problem solving mechanism.
However, Tuckman and Jensen have harmonized these two streams to a synchronized model of group development. Their approach can be said to have established the scope of group development as a unitary sequence. Hence, it has become the standard of examining group development today.
According to the article Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited co-authored by Tuckman and Jensen, it is apparent that other features of group development explored by scholars revolves around a four point tier; orientation, production, dissatisfaction and termination. These four aspects considerably differ from what Tuckman and Jensen offers as the core pillars of group development.
Countless reviews on the subject indicate that Tuckman and Jensen models provide a critical understanding of group development. This can be allied to the fact that no group can progress from bottom to the top.
They all follow a similar progression model as identified by Tuckman. Though, different scholars have over the time argued against this model, neither iterative approach nor linear orders have been proved to be the definite route employed in the course of group development.
However, despite the growing dispute in regard to the apposite group development model, Tuckman and Jensen continue to be the most cited researchers on the subject. It is on such an approach that Tuckmans classic has become the core standard of identifying the underlying aspects of group development.
The way Tuckman and Jensen explores and explains the stages encountered in the process of team development offers a critical insight into group model. It is apparent that their argument is etched on simple truth that a group development is a sequential-stage theory.
Hence, the massive usage of this observation in attaining positive responses is evident in all major studies ever carried. Though, what Tuckman and Jensen propose is not supported by total elucidation of how groups evolves or change over the time but the model remains relevant and useful.
The model as is presented offers a solid starting point for undertaking other extreme studies on matters pertaining to team or group development. Looking at the tenets of arguments posed by Tuckman and Jensen, so far no theory whether based on empirical or quantitative approach has disapproved the four aspects identified as the core paths of group development.
From managerial approach to parental observation, Tuckman and Jensen model stands as the most viable model that supports favorably linear progression (Tuckman 1965). Hence, on a similar approach the model equally shows that some groups have the tendency to progress through one stage than the others.
In regard to other propositions suggested by other scholars it is evident that the addition of such scope as adjourning stage is becoming irrelevant. This is being allied to the manner diverse group’s progresses differently through the identified stages.
Also on a similar approach Gersick has noted in his article Time and Transition in Work Teams: Toward a New Model of Group Development that groups are fundamental managerial tools (1988). Translating each organization employs groups or teams to handle both simple and complex issues. Thus, the model explained by Tuckman and Jensen provides significant aspects of group development.
This is illustrated in the manner they have tackled the dynamics revolving within group development mechanism. Unlike traditional models which provide no substantial light on the group development.
Tuckman and Jensen can be said to have critically explained the dynamics of group formation in regard to unique effective mechanisms which triggers the said developments. Thus, according to the given argument this established the apposite ground for the model to progress.
Tuckman and Jensen model is equally echoed by Hill and Lineback in their article A Good Boss Or a Great One? The authors observe that in group or organization development is propelled by individual growth. Thus exploring the model presented we find that individual management, team management and network management are crucial in regard to group progression (Hill, et al 2011).
On both academic and civil scope the model stipulated by Tuckman and Jensen has proved to be both applicable in almost all circumstances. As proved by diverse scholars who have undertaken to examine this model.
The scope surrounding the arguments rests with broad scope of understanding the concept and dynamics surrounding group development. The progression of group development rests with the manner the given teams approaches the four models highlighted by Tuckman and Jensen model.
However, though the model has since its inception been embraced in all fronts it is not everyone, some social psychologists have come out strongly opposing it. This development can be correlated to the similar treatment any given stage-theory or equally lifespan model faces. The core weakness of the model is cited to be its general approach of generalization.
It ought to be noted that in essence no group or team is ever static or straightforward. As is typical with human procedures, any given group has the tendency to move away from the conventional dynamisms allied to stage theories. More so, what the said model doesn’t address is the fact that in some instances the different developing groups may overlap in the course of zeroing in the identified stages.
Also the stages identified are not either orderly or linear and this raises a critical question whether the model is useful or valid in regard to group development. In addition the models labels have been misused where they don’t deserve by trainers as well as facilitators. However, the model can be said to be adequately useful and essential for exploring the nature and development of small groups.
All in all, the entire model has demonstrated that groups need cohesion in order to move profoundly among the stages identified. Though, a number of dissimilar challenges may arise but Tuckman and Jensen have shown that group development is a gradual procedure that is set and defined by natural time frames.
More so, individual involvement makes group development to be more profound. Thus, the various stages the group undergoes are not in nature simultaneous but gradual as is testified by Tuckman and Jensen model.
References
Gersick, Connie J. G.(1988) Time and Transition in Work Teams: Toward a New Model of Group Development. Academy of Management journal, 31(1), pp.9-41
Hill, A Linda & Lineback, Kent (2011)A Good Boss Or a Great One? Harvard Business Review
Tuckman, W Bruce (1965) Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6),pp.385.
Tuckman, W Bruce & Jensen, M Ann (1986)Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited.ABI/INFORM Global.