Tuckman’s stage model explains that groups do not form instantly but develop through five distinct developmental sequences: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. This model helps in understanding that group formation is a systematic process involving uncertainty, conflict, stabilization, performance, and eventual dismissal.

In the forming stage, group members first meet and experience a great deal of uncertainty about the group, its goal, and how to achieve it. People try to know each other, assess if they will fit in, and experience both excitement and apprehensions.

This is followed by the storming stage, characterized by intragroup conflict. Members clash about how to achieve the target, who will control the group and its resources, and who will perform which tasks. Once resolved, a hierarchy of leadership and a clear vision for achieving the group goal develops.

Next is the norming stage, where members develop norms related to group behaviour, leading to a positive group identity. In the fourth stage, performing, the group structure has evolved and is accepted by members, allowing the group to move towards achieving its goal. For some groups, this is the final stage.

However, for certain groups like an organising committee for a school function, there is a fifth stage called adjourning. Here, once the goal or function is over, the group is disbanded. It is important to note that all groups do not always proceed systematically; stages may occur simultaneously, go back and forth, or some stages may be skipped entirely.