Group Development

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If you’ve ever become wrapped up in a reality TV show, such as Survivor, The Biggest Loser, or Top Chef, you know how fascinating and dramatic group interactions can be. In each of these shows, a season typically opens with the formation of a group: cast members start off as strangers but are quickly thrust into a group situation—sharing a living space and working together to accomplish certain tasks. As the season progresses, the group members bond, conflicts erupt, and alliances are forged. In fact, much of the drama in reality television stems from the tensions that arise between cast members as they struggle to work with—or against—one another. Of course, these “reality” shows are often manipulated—contestants are selected at least in part for their TV “presence,” and scenes are edited to heighten the drama. But the shows do reflect some basic truths about how groups develop (Wheelan, 1994). Research shows that as a group progresses it goes through five specific stages, memorably called forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (Tuckman, 1965). Using Survivor as an extended example, let’s take a look at each stage.

Forming. When a group first comes together, its members are unsure how to act around one another, nervous about how others perceive them, and unclear on their roles. In this forming stage, group members try to negotiate who will be in charge and what the group’s goals will be. The primary purpose of this stage is for group members to make friends, come to a point where they feel that they “fit in,” and learn more about one another and the group’s objectives. Once individuals feel accepted, they can begin to identify with the group (Moreland & Levine, 1994). On Survivor, contestants are initially divided into two groups, or “tribes.” Contestants don’t usually have much say regarding which tribe they’ll become a part of: they might be randomly selected or assigned to a tribe based on factors like gender (seasons 6 and 9), age (season 21), or even race (season 13). Almost immediately, tribe members begin sizing up their competition—making judgments about one another’s strengths, weaknesses, trustworthiness, and likability.

Storming. After forming, group members move into the storming stage, in which they inevitably begin experiencing conflicts over issues such as who will lead the group and what roles members will play. On Survivor, a tribe member who shows prowess in gathering food or making fires, for example, will become more valued than other members. This process is shown in harsh relief as tribe members continually assess each of their fellow contestants during periodic “tribal councils.” Group members who are detrimental to the groups’ goals—or who pose a threat to individual goals—are voted off.

Norming. During the norming stage, norms emerge among members that govern expected behavior. Norms are recurring patterns of behavior or thinking that come to be accepted in a group as the “usual” way of doing things (Scheerhorn & Geist, 1997). During this stage, group roles also solidify, and a leader emerges. On Survivor, some tribe members take on leadership roles or present themselves as likable heroes or ambitious villains; other contestants draw on specific strengths (such as physical prowess or fishing expertise) to make themselves invaluable to their fellow tribe members. In addition, group identity grows stronger as members begin to realize the importance of their roles within the group and the need to cooperate to accomplish goals.

Performing. Once the group has established norms, the action shifts to accomplishing tasks. During the performing stage, members combine their skills and knowledge to work toward the group’s goals and overcome hurdles. On Survivor, tribemates work together on group challenges, such as building a shelter for the tribe. They might also endeavor to work together on physical challenges to earn rewards for the tribe.

Adjourning. Many groups—though clearly not all—eventually disband. For groups whose project or task has come to an end, there is an adjourning stage. The group members reflect on their accomplishments and failures as well as determine whether the group will disassemble or take on another project. Members may also opt to maintain friendships even if they will no longer be working together. On reality shows like Survivor, some or all contestants typically return for a reunion episode of the season, where they discuss the game. Some contestants’ friendships endure long past the end of the show; others profess their dislike or use the reunion as an opportunity to make amends with tribemates with whom they had a conflict.