Phases of group development: Systems-centered hypotheses and their implications for research and practice.

Abstract

This article conceptualizes the phases of group development using Y. M. Agazarian's theory of living human systems (1997) and K. Lewin's field theory (1951). Linking these theories to operational models builds a bridge to research by making it possible to generate specific hypotheses. The basic systems-centered hypothesis can then be tested empirically: that weakening the restraining forces at the boundary between each subphase of system development releases the driving forces inherent in all living human systems, so that the system moves toward the next phase of development-in the direction of the inherent system goals of survival, development, and transformation. The discussion focuses on the implications for group leaders in organizations and therapeutic practice.

Be Careful What You Wish For! Desired and Actual Behavior Inconsistency in Frustrating and Provoking Situations as Predictors of Depression

“…This analytic theory is consistent with more current models, such as psychosocial development first described by Erickson and colleagues (e.g., Erickson et al, 1985;Rosenthal, Gurney, & Moore, 1981). Dependency seems to be strongly related to the earlier stage of human development, and the depressive position resonates more with guilt and criticism (Agazarian & Gantt, 2003). Moreover, being able to deal with guilt and criticism is positively related to self-clarity, because the greater the self-clarity, the lower the sensitivity to frustration (Lawrence, 2006).…”

Emotional intelligence provides indicators for team performance in an engineering course

“…Additionally, a recent pursuit with the US Air Force proved that millions of dollars could be saved if using EI as an indicator of completing a rigorous, 2-year training programme (Bar-On, 2010). When examining phases of group development and their implications, EI was found to be a prominent factor between leaders and their subordinates (Agazarian and Gantt, 2003). Collaborative and communication skills are vital to the success of an organization, and Butler and colleagues provided evidence that EI and these transformational leadership skills can help keep a company competitive (Butler and Chinowsky, 2006).…”

Influence of Intragroup Dynamics and Intergroup Relations on Authenticity in Organizational and Social Contexts: A Review of Conceptual Framework and Research Evidence

“…Where a group is in its stage of development can systematically affect the degree and nature of intergroup bias and inauthentic personal experiences and behaviors of group members. For instance, Agazarian and Gantt (2003) propose that group members communication in the first phase of group development, in which they strive to bond with the group and its members, often leads to members "externalizing conflicts onto 'them'" (p. 241). In the second phase, in which the goal is to develop intimacy within the group, group members emphasize similarities to other members of the group.…”

“…Building on the classic work on stages of group development by Bennis and Shepard (1956), Agazarian and Gantt (2003) developed a comprehensive framework that can be applied to groups ranging size, task, and complexity. The first phase involves the development of group authority.…”