Which one of the following is not associated with the stages of group…

Which one of the following is not associated with the stages of group formation?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Alarming

Tuckman suggested that groups pass through five developmental sequences: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.

Option (1) Forming — A stage of group formation. It is the first stage: members first meet with a great deal of uncertainty about the group, its goal and how to reach it, and try to know each other.

Option (2) Alarming — Not a stage of group formation. ‘Alarm reaction’ is the first stage of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, the body’s response to a stressor; it has nothing to do with how groups develop.

Option (3) Storming — A stage of group formation. It is the second stage, of intragroup conflict over how the goal is to be achieved, who controls the group and who does what task.

Option (4) Performing — A stage of group formation. It is the fourth stage: the structure of the group has evolved and is accepted, and the group moves towards achieving its goal.

NCERT (2025-26): “Stages of Group Formation … Tuckman suggested that groups pass through five developmental sequences. These are: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.

When group members first meet, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the group, the goal, and how it is to be achieved. People try to know each other and assess whether they will fit in. There is excitement as well as apprehensions. This stage is called the forming stage.
Often, after this stage, there is a stage of intragroup conflict which is referred to as storming. In this stage, there is conflict among members about how the target of the group is to be achieved, who is to control the group and its resources, and who is to perform what task. When this stage is complete, some sort of hierarchy of leadership in the group develops and a clear vision as to how to achieve the group goal.
The storming stage is followed by another stage known as norming. Group members by this time develop norms related to group behaviour. This leads to development of a positive group identity.
The fourth stage is performing. By this time, the structure of the group has evolved and is accepted by group members. The group moves towards achieving the group goal.…”