In which stage of group development are clear expectations of the team and its members established?

In the Forming stage of group development, team members come together and start building relationships. During this initial phase, individuals are often polite and tentative as they get to know one another and begin to understand the group's purpose. Clear expectations are set during this stage as members discuss roles, responsibilities, and the objectives of the team. This helps to create a foundation for effective teamwork and provides a framework within which the group can operate as they move into subsequent stages of group development.

Leaders often play a crucial role during the Forming stage by facilitating discussions that lead to the establishment of goals and protocols, thereby ensuring everyone is on the same page and reducing ambiguity about individual contributions. The clarity around expectations sets the tone for collaboration, making it crucial for team success as they evolve into the next stages.

In contrast, the Storming stage is characterized by conflict and competition as team members assert their ideas and jockey for position, which can lead to misunderstandings and clarification of roles. The Norming stage focuses on developing norms, cohesion, and collaboration based on the established expectations, while the Performing stage is where the team works seamlessly towards its goals as a high-functioning unit. The formation of expectations is primarily rooted in the Forming stage, ensuring a solid groundwork for