Two major dimensions of behavior influence any situation in which people must work together to accomplish a project: task behaviors and process (or interpersonal) behaviors. These two dimensions can develop at different rates as the group matures. In order to achieve a high level of cooperation and effective functioning, group members must be able to engage simultaneously in consistently high levels of both types of behaviors.

The Group Development Assessment (GDA) gives groups the opportunity to evaluate how they are currently functioning in both of these dimensions. By combining each member’s inventory scores into a group profile, members get a clear, comprehensive picture of their development — and of what it will take to become a team.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate how the group is currently functioning
• Learn about the phases of task and process behaviors
• Discover the 4 group developmental stages and the characteristics of groups in off-diagonal stages
• Recognize what it takes to reach synergy
• Create and discuss a group profile to get a perspective on development
• Identify areas in need of improvement and develop a group action plan

Theory

The assessment is based on a theory originally published by John E. Jones PhD. The model of group development suggests that groups tend to go through predictable stages of growth as a result of the interaction of the two behavioral dimensions: task behaviors and process behaviors.

How it Works

Individuals respond to 40 statements relating to the conditions within the group. Results are transferred to the group profile in order to create an overall picture of the perception of group development. Through discussion group members determine what is needed to achieve improvement and develop an action plan.

Uses for the Group Development Assessment

The GDA is designed for application with groups that have specific tasks to perform. It is intended for use as a diagnostic system to help managers, leaders, consultants, and group facilitators determine how to improve group functioning.

The assessment has a variety of uses including:

• A tool for assessing how group members perceive the functioning of the group
• An action planning system to improve group productivity
• A learning exercise for group leaders
• A guide for appropriate group leadership behavior
• A diagnostic system for use in team building

What to Order/Product Contents
 
Order one Facilitator Guide per facilitator and one Participant Guide per participant.
  
   Facilitator Guide includes:

• Background information
• Theoretical model (including descriptions of phases and stages)
• Group Leadership Demands in the 4 Stages and Off-Diagonal Situations
• Assessment scales
• How to Use the Group Development Assessment
• Sample 1 ½ - 2-hour team-building intervention
• Tips for creating a 1 ½ -2-hour management/leadership-development module
• Technical information including reliability, validity and normative data
• Overhead transparency masters

   Participant Guide includes:

• 40-item inventory
• Pressure-sensitive response form
• Theoretical model (including descriptions of phases and stages)
• Charts for recording scores
• Discussion questions
• Action planning