Training 001 | Page 13

Tuckman and Jensen’s Four-Phase Model
 The Performing Stage: Finally, the group attains
the fourth and final stage in which interpersonal
structure becomes the tool of task activities. Roles
become flexible and functional, and group energy
is channeled into the task. Structural issues have

been resolved, and structure can now become
supportive of task performance. This stage can be
labeled as performing.

 In 1977 Dr. Tuckman, collaborating with Mary Ann
Jensen, proposed an update to the model, termed
Adjourning. It describes the process for
terminating group roles, task completion, and the

reduction of dependencies. This stage has also
been called “mourning”, especially if the team’s
dissolution is unplanned. The first four stages are
the most commonly used parts of the process.*

* Smith, M. K. (2005) 'Bruce W. Tuckman - forming, storming, norming and performing in groups, the
encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/thinkers/tuckman.htm. © Mark K. Smith 2005