In the forming stage of group development, which tasks are typically addressed?

• A. Devising sanctions for rule violations
• B. Conducting performance appraisals
• C. Forming social bonds and clarifying roles
• D. Resolving conflicts and power struggles

Answer: (C)

In forming groups, the key tasks revolve around getting to know one another and establishing how the team will operate. Members are building trust, forming social bonds, and clarifying who will do what. This foundation—who is who, who reports to whom, and what the group expects from each member—lets people feel safe enough to participate and coordinate. Establishing these relationships and roles early reduces ambiguity and sets the stage for effective collaboration and subsequent task work.

Sanctions for rule violations belong to a later step once norms and acceptable behaviors are in place; conducting performance appraisals is something that happens when the group is actively producing work and assessing outcomes; resolving conflicts and power struggles is typical of the storming phase, when disagreements and competition emerge.