In the predictable progression of group development, which stage comes after Orientation?

In the predictable progression of group development, which stage comes after Orientation?

• A. Orientation
• B. Conflict
• C. Cohesiveness
• D. Reforming

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that groups move from getting acquainted to sorting out how to work together. After the orientation phase, conflicts tend to surface as members voice different ideas, challenge approaches, and test boundaries. This is the Conflict stage, a natural and necessary step where roles, responsibilities, and norms are clarified through debate and negotiation. Working through these tensions helps the group establish a functioning structure and trust, which then leads toward greater cohesiveness and effective collaboration. Cohesiveness is a later development, while Reforming isn’t part of the standard sequence.

The main idea here is that groups move from getting acquainted to sorting out how to work together. After the orientation phase, conflicts tend to surface as members voice different ideas, challenge approaches, and test boundaries. This is the Conflict stage, a natural and necessary step where roles, responsibilities, and norms are clarified through debate and negotiation. Working through these tensions helps the group establish a functioning structure and trust, which then leads toward greater cohesiveness and effective collaboration. Cohesiveness is a later development, while Reforming isn’t part of the standard sequence.