92 ● Patrick Vakaoti
can be categorized under Garrett’s three phases, so that Garrett’s beginning
phase comprises forming, the middle phase comprises storming, norming,
and performing, and the final phase consists of adjourning or termination.
In group work texts, the identification of different phases or stages in the
evolution of groups is typically accompanied by suggested sequential prac-
tice guidelines for group facilitators and group members (see, for example,
Healy 2012).
Practice guidelines for working in groups are well documented. For
example, the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups,
Inc. (2013) recently released a second edition of its standards for social work
practice with groups. The standards suggest general core knowledge and skills
for consideration at the different stages of group work. Healy (2012) described
a preforming phase that precedes the actual formation of a group (Healy 2012;
Kurland 1978). The preforming phase incorporates preparatory tasks, includ-
ing consideration of the group’s purpose, goals, membership, processes, and
logistical arrangements. According to Healy (2012), groups may form organi-
cally from existing networks or connections; in these cases, group members are
more likely to be familiar and involved with the group’s formation.
Following the preforming/pregroup planning stage, group members engage
in the forming stage. With new groups, the group facilitator is expected to
take a lead role in ensuring that the parameters and processes for the group’s
functioning are established and understood. Facilitators must be alert to the
reality that this stage can be challenging because of group members’ “tentative-
ness, ambivalence, low commitment to the group and superficial discussion”
(Garrett 2004, 77). During this critical stage, group members, with the guid-
ance of the group facilitator, have the opportunity to agree on the group’s
purpose, goals, and processes and to consider whether they are comfortable
in the group. According to Healy (2012, 144–145), these agreements can be
achieved through “the development of ground rules, the use of icebreakers and
facilitating group involvement.” Similar tasks, in the form of “establishing a
beginning contract... cultivating group cohesion... [and] shaping norms of
participation,” are suggested by the Association for the Advancement of Social
Work with Groups, Inc. (2013, 276–277).
Following the completion of the tasks of the beginning phase, the group
embarks on the middle phase. The middle phase of a group’s development—
incorporating the storming, norming, and performing stages—is initially
characterized by conflicts, when group members establish roles and status
(Garrett 2004), adjust to group relationships, and claim their dominance
(Healy 2012). Conflicts, though uncomfortable, can be beneficial, leading
to coherence as the group moves into the norming and performing stages. In
these complementary stages, group members work toward meeting the goals