Table 1 Descriptions of stages in small group relationships
Stage | Group structure | Task orientation |
|---|---|---|
Forming | Testing and dependence | Orientation to the task |
 - Establishing interpersonal relationships |  - Identification of task | |
 - Determining acceptable behaviours |  - Establishing approach to task | |
 - Looking to leaders for guidance |  - Identifying boundaries | |
 - Orientation |  - Orientation | |
Storming | Intragroup conflict | Emotional response to task demands |
 - Lack of unity |  - Resistance to task demands | |
 - Tension and conflict |  - Emotional response to discrepancy between task demands and personal needs | |
 - Control and competition between parties |  | |
 - Sense of threat to independence and identity |  | |
Norming | Development of group cohesion | Open exchange of relevant interpretations |
 - Difficulties overcome |  - Exchange of ideas | |
 - Developing new group norms |  - Openness to other group members | |
 - Desire to maintain group |  - Increased cooperation in working toward group tasks and goals | |
 - Cohesion and harmony |  | |
Performing | Functional role-relatedness |  - Emergence of solutions |
 - Maturity |  - Interpersonal structure becomes tool for task activities | |
 - Group focus on tasks |  - Focus on collective performance | |
 - Adopt roles which promote group activities |  - Effective and efficient functioning |