Which sequence correctly lists the five stages of team development in order?

Which sequence correctly lists the five stages of team development in order?

• A. forming, norming, storming, performing, adjourning
• B. forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning
• C. storming, forming, norming, performing, adjourning
• D. forming, storming, performing, norming, adjourning

Answer: (B)

In team development, the sequence moves from how the group first comes together to how the work ends. The first stage is forming, when members meet, share goals, and begin to understand each other’s roles. Next comes storming, where disagreements, power dynamics, and questions about leadership surface as people test how the team will function. After that, norming develops, with established norms, clearer roles, and improved collaboration. Then performing follows, with the team operating smoothly, coordinating effectively to achieve objectives. Finally adjourning occurs, as the project wraps up and the team disbands or transitions. This order is the best fit because each later stage builds on the foundations set by the earlier ones: a formed team must resolve conflicts before norms can solidify, norms must exist before high-level performance can be sustained, and the work concludes with formal closure.

In team development, the sequence moves from how the group first comes together to how the work ends. The first stage is forming, when members meet, share goals, and begin to understand each other’s roles. Next comes storming, where disagreements, power dynamics, and questions about leadership surface as people test how the team will function. After that, norming develops, with established norms, clearer roles, and improved collaboration. Then performing follows, with the team operating smoothly, coordinating effectively to achieve objectives. Finally adjourning occurs, as the project wraps up and the team disbands or transitions.

This order is the best fit because each later stage builds on the foundations set by the earlier ones: a formed team must resolve conflicts before norms can solidify, norms must exist before high-level performance can be sustained, and the work concludes with formal closure.