In which stage of group development do team members collaborate as a total unit?

The correct stage of group development where team members collaborate as a total unit is the Performing stage. During this phase, the team has reached an optimal level of maturity, well-established roles, and effective communication patterns.

In the Performing stage, members demonstrate a high degree of interdependence and work seamlessly together towards common objectives. They focus on completing tasks efficiently and are often characterized by mutual trust, support, and appreciation of each member's contributions. The collaborative spirit is strong, enabling the team to tackle complex tasks and solve problems creatively.

Other stages like Storming, Norming, and Forming describe earlier phases in team dynamics, where team members may be still navigating conflicts, establishing roles, or getting to know each other, respectively. In contrast, the Performing stage represents the culmination of those developmental challenges, leading to a phase where the team operates at its highest functionality. Hence, this stage is vital for achieving the team's goals and fostering a positive team environment.