GROUP DEVELOPMENT IN A SHARE HOUSE
This information supports all housemates to understand how groups develop. It is useful for long term housemates to support new housemates to integrate them into the household more smoothly.
The 5 stages of group development was created by Bruce Tuckman: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning and another stage was added by Timothy Biggs which is Reforming and then back to the Storming and so on. In discussion with a friend these titles have been changed.
About Me
I’m Karen Batten. With experience living in share houses since 1993 and in a rental since 2003, I have come to recognize the significance of group development in a shared living environment. Reflecting on this, understanding household group dynamics has helped me change the way I share a home.
Summary
Emerging is when a group first comes together and aims to be accepted by the group.
Re-emerging is when a new member joins and needs to be actively included in the group.
Expressing is when housemates contribute their opinions and address important issues through productive conflict.
Satisfaction is when the group settles into common ground and works cohesively.
Performing is when the group works well as a team and is highly productive.
Home making is what housemates do for the home and each other to create a sense of home.
Wrap-up is when housemates move out or the sharehouse closes, and members move on.
Emerging (beginning of household)
This is when the group first comes together and a new household group emerges. Housemates may avoid conflict as they strive for acceptance.
Focus during this time is to:
- Get to know each other
- Establish a group purpose
Outcomes include:
- Defining group purpose
- Assigning responsibilities
- Clarifying group guidelines
Re-emerging (New members joining household)
In share houses, when a housemate leaves and a new one joins, the group needs to reform. It is crucial to actively include the new member into the group.
Actions long-term housemates can take to foster reforming:
- Regular social interaction and organization
- Valuing everyone’s contribution
- Engaging in healthy task-related debates
- Discussing relationship dynamics openly
Expressing (Productive conflict)
In this stage, housemates start sharing opinions and addressing important issues through productive conflict.
Activities at this stage:
- Establish a common purpose
- Foster commitment to household success
- Build trust
- Resolve conflicts
- Support task-related debates
- Acknowledge hierarchies and responsibilities
Satisfaction (Household cohesion)
Once settled, the group focuses on established common ground. Morale is high, and the household works cohesively.
Housemates:
- Acknowledge each other’s strengths
- Trust and support one another
- Share leadership
- Respect diverse opinions
- Experience connection
- Focus on common purpose
Team building ideas:
- Personality-based team building
- Activity-based team building
- Skills-based team building
Performing (Effective teamwork)
In this stage, housemates work well as a team, being unified, supportive, and achieving their mission.
Housemates:
- Value contributions
- Experiment and test solutions
- Recognize and create solutions
- Improve systems
- Add personal skills and knowledge
- Take on responsibilities
Home making
Housemates do things that make a house feel like a home, improving well-being.
Actions include:
- Making treats
- Organizing activities
- Attending events together
- Bringing fruits or flowers
- Cooking meals for housemates
- Welcoming each other
- Celebrating occasions
Wrap-up (Closure of share house group)
When a housemate moves out, it’s time to wrap up household activities, reflect on contributions, and celebrate achievements.
This can be a challenging time, but also a time for growth and change.