Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What is the correct sequence of Tuckman's stages of team development?

1. Performing, storming, norming, forming

2. Forming, storming, performing, norming

3. Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

4. Norming, forming, storming, performing

The correct answer is: Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

The correct sequence of Tuckman's stages of team development is defined as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. In the forming stage, team members get acquainted, establish ground rules, and begin to understand the group's objectives. During this phase, there is often a high degree of uncertainty as individuals are figuring out how they will fit into the team dynamics. The storming stage follows, where conflicts may arise as members assert their opinions and challenge one another. This is a critical phase for development, as it leads to the resolution of differences and the establishment of stronger working relationships. Next is the norming stage, where the team starts to develop a sense of cohesion. Members begin to work more collaboratively, establish norms, and share responsibilities, leading to a more productive environment. Following norming is the performing stage, where the team operates effectively towards achieving its goals. Team members are now comfortable with each other and utilize their individual strengths to maximize performance. Finally, the adjourning stage is added in later models to address the completion of a team’s task and the dissolution of the team itself. This stage is about reflecting on achievements and recognizing contributions before moving on. Understanding this sequence is crucial in both academic settings and