Organizational Development
Over 100 theories of organizational development exist. Tuckman’s (1965, 1977) four-stage model is representative. In the “forming” stage, individuals settle leadership, membership, organization, and vision and establish initial relationships and roles.
Organizations then enter the “storming” stage in which conflicts may occur over purpose, leadership, and norms. Hidden agendas and interpersonal hostility may emerge. Successfully handled, storming leads to more realistic objectives, procedures, and working relationships. If not, personnel may change or the organization may disband. In the “norming” stage, the organization now has an agreed purpose and identity, and members pursue the purpose within the established structure. With successful completion of the three preliminary stages, the organization will reach the fourth, “performing,” stage in which members understand and accept the structure, norms, and behavior, and handle disagreements and misunderstandings effectively. Every organization goes through the stages at its own pace. Differences in cohesion, conformity, and sources of individual satisfaction at each stage require handling conflicts differently. Tuckman omits stagnation and dissolution as possible additional stages.More on the topic Organizational Development:
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