Which statement best describes the order of the four stages in the standard model?

Which statement best describes the order of the four stages in the standard model?

• A. Forming → Storming → Norming → Performing
• B. Forming → Norming → Storming → Performing
• C. Storming → Forming → Norming → Performing
• D. Forming → Performing → Storming → Norming

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is how a team typically develops over time. In the forming stage, people come together, get to know each other, and figure out goals but are cautious and may not yet know how they’ll work together. In the storming stage, disagreements, tension, and questions about roles surface as members assert themselves and challenge ideas. In the norming stage, the group starts to establish norms, build trust, clarify responsibilities, and coordinate more smoothly. In the performing stage, the team works efficiently toward shared objectives with established processes. This sequence—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing—best fits the natural progression from initial orientation to high performance. Other orders place conflict or productive work in illogical spots (for example, norming before storming would imply cohesion before conflict, and performing before norms are set suggests effectiveness without established teamwork).

The idea tested is how a team typically develops over time. In the forming stage, people come together, get to know each other, and figure out goals but are cautious and may not yet know how they’ll work together. In the storming stage, disagreements, tension, and questions about roles surface as members assert themselves and challenge ideas. In the norming stage, the group starts to establish norms, build trust, clarify responsibilities, and coordinate more smoothly. In the performing stage, the team works efficiently toward shared objectives with established processes.

This sequence—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing—best fits the natural progression from initial orientation to high performance. Other orders place conflict or productive work in illogical spots (for example, norming before storming would imply cohesion before conflict, and performing before norms are set suggests effectiveness without established teamwork).