Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited

The purpose of this review was to examine published research on small-group development done in the last ten years that would constitute an empirical test of Tuckman’s (1965) hypothesis that groups go through these stages of “forming,” “storming,” “norming,” and “performing.” Of the twenty-two studies reviewed, only one set out to directly test this hypothesis, although many of the others could be related to it. Following a review of these studies, a fifth stage, “adjourning.” was added to the hypothesis, and more empirical work was recommended.