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Identifying Three Theories of Group Development

The document discusses three theories of group development: 1. Linear theory which proposes groups progress through distinct stages such as forming, storming, norming, and performing. 2. Cyclical theory which views group development as similar to a life cycle with birth, growth, and death. 3. Pendular theory which emphasizes the shifts in interpersonal relationships that occur as groups develop, rather than linear progression through stages.

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192 views7 pages

Identifying Three Theories of Group Development

The document discusses three theories of group development: 1. Linear theory which proposes groups progress through distinct stages such as forming, storming, norming, and performing. 2. Cyclical theory which views group development as similar to a life cycle with birth, growth, and death. 3. Pendular theory which emphasizes the shifts in interpersonal relationships that occur as groups develop, rather than linear progression through stages.

Uploaded by

rosemarie rioferio
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Identifying Three Theories of

Group Development
• A team is any group of people who must
interact with each other to accomplish
shared objectives (Carron & Hausenblas,
1998).
In an effort to study team development, people have
put forth different theories. These theories fall into
three categories:

• Linear Theory

• Cyclical Theory

• Pendular Theory
Teamwork Is Important for Individual and
Team Success in Sport
The following quotes offer testimony to the importance of
teamwork in successful groups:
“The success of the Celtics is based on a philosophy wholly opposed to
individualism. The basic Auerbach commandment is that to win, the individual
must fit in; he must subordinate his desires and skills to those of the team. He
must sacrifice himself, in his life on the court, to the working of the team”.
—Red Auerbach, former coach and general manager of the Boston Celtics (cited
in Greenfield, 1976, p. 205)

“I wanted my players to adopt a shared perspective, rather than an individual


one. Personal expectations, attitudes, and motives had to become team
expectations, team attitudes, and team motives”.
—Frank Selke, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens (cited in Goyens &
Turowetz, 1986, p. 112)
Linear Perspective
• Forming- In this first stage of team development, forming, team
members familiarize themselves with other team members. Members of
a team engage in social comparisons, assessing one another’s strengths
and weaknesses.

• Storming- The second stage of team formation, storming, it is


characterized by resistance to the leader, resistance to control by the
group, and interpersonal conflict.

• Norming- During norming, the third stage, hostility is replaced by


solidarity and cooperation

• Performing- In the final stage, performing, team members band


together to channel their energies for team success.
Cyclical (Life Cycle) Perspective
• Life cycle models have in common the assumption
that groups develop in a manner similar to the life
cycle of individuals—experiencing birth, growth,
and death.

• Life cycle models are distinguished from linear


models in their emphasis on the terminal phase
before group dissolution.
Pendular Perspective
• The pendular models emphasize the shifts that
occur in interpersonal relationships during the
growth and development of groups. The
assumption is that a group does not move
progressively through stages in a linear fashion
from the instant it forms.

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