Equilibrium model of group development

The equilibrium model of group development (equilibrium model) is a sociological theory on how people behave in groups.

The model theorizes that group members will work to maintain a balance, or equilibrium, between task-oriented (instrumental) and socio-emotional (expressive) needs.^[1][2] A group can be successful if it maintains this equilibrium.

Description

The equilibrium model was created by Robert Bales, who conducted early empirical studies on group development.^{[3] [4]} His model was the first extensive and systematic description of group development borne out of group observation.^[5]

The equilibrium model is a progressive model as it explains group maturity and performance over a given period of time.^[6] Bales proposed the model as a means to study the manifestation and incidence of task-oriented and socio-emotional behaviours.^[7]

There are three main stages of group development within the equilibrium model.^[6]

Stages

• The first stage is orientation. Group members meet, ask questions and exchange information. Task-oriented behaviours are prevalent.
• The second stage is evaluation. Group members express their opinions and attitudes. Socio-emotional behaviours increase.
• The third stage is control. Group members exert pressure to influence group actions and activities.

Overall, as a group moves throughout the three stages, task-oriented behaviours decline while socio-emotional behaviours increase^[6]

Equilibrium

Successful group performance and cohesiveness is achieved once a group has matured and the members are able to maintain equilibrium between how well they can solve the task or problem facing the group (task-oriented behaviours) with how well they deal with interpersonal relationships and member satisfaction (socio-emotional behaviours).

Equilibrium may be temporary. For example, as the group encounters a new situation or takes on new members, the group may need to move through the three main stages again.^[7]

Application

The equilibrium model has been applied to research in a number of areas including computer-mediated communication (CMC)^[8] and educational psychology.^[9]