CS: The Forgotten Group Member

1) Identify the five group development stages (forming, storming, norming, performing,

adjourning) in the case.

A)Forming- In the first stages of team building, the forming of the team takes place. The individual's behavior is driven by a desire to be accepted by the others, and avoid controversy or conflict.

In the case, the group was formed and Christina was elected as the "team coordinator" with the rest of her 4 other members to analyze a seven-page case and to come up with a written analysis.

B)Storming- The team addresses issues such as what problems they are really supposed to solve, how they will function independently and together and what leadership model they will accept.

Diane was quiet and never volunteered suggestions, but when directly asked, she would come up with high quality ideas. Mike was the clown. Christine remembered that she had suggested that the group should get together before every class to discuss the day’s case. Mike had balked, saying “No way!! This is an 8:30 class, and I barely make it on time anyway! Besides, I’ll miss my Happy Harry show on television!” The group couldn’t help but laugh at his indignation. Steve was the business-like individual, always wanting to ensure that group meetings were guided by an agenda and noting the tangible results achieved or not achieved at the end of every meeting. Janet was the reliable one who would always have more for the group than was expected of her.

C)Norming- The team manages to have one goal and come to a mutual plan for the team at this stage. Some may have to give up their own ideas and agree with others in order to make the team function. In this stage, all team members take the responsibility and have the ambition to work for the success of the team's goals.

In my own opinion, I personally think Christine's group did not achieve the norming process because of Mike. He has been missing all the group meetings and yet, not having the responsibilities to attend the OB group meetings. In this case, someone in the group has to fill in the blanks for his work in order to make the team rolling again.

D)Performing- It is possible for some teams to reach the performing stage. These high-performing teams are able to function as a unit as they find ways to get the job done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict or the need for external supervision. By this time, they are motivated and knowledgeable. 

When Christine had rushed to her accounting class and had skipped breakfast. When she got her club sandwich and headed to the tables, she saw her OB group and joined them. The discussion was light and enjoyable as it always was when they met informally. 

E)Adjourning- Involves completing the task and breaking up the team.

Since is a peer evaluation, Mike's marks might be the lowest among all because he has no responsibility at all to at least be disciplined enough to complete his part in the assignment. But  if there is another side of the story, the team is lenient and kind-hearted enough, they might evaluate Mike as a team, not the clown.

2) Identify and describe the causes of conflicts in the case.

-Christine should lay out what the whole team suppose to do before everything turns haywire.

-Since Mike is the one having good ideas, the rest of the group member should take advantage of his idea and make good use of it.

-Since Mike is the one having problem attending the meeting, maybe the group can suggest him to set a time to organize a video chat within themselves and discuss as a team. If he still unable to do so, Christine as the group leader should bring this matter up to Sandra (lecturer).

3) Suggest the approach to leadership best suitable for the case.
Situational approaches - leadership theories that explore how leaders interact with followers and the requirements of a particular environment.