Fights between subgroups and rebellion against the leader generally occur in which stage?

• A. The second stage known as the control stage or the transition stage.
• B. The first stage known as the orientation stage or formation stage.
• C. The separation stage.
• D. The intimacy stage.

Answer: (A)

Conflicts and challenges to leadership tend to surface when a group is trying to establish its structure and authority. This happens in the Storming phase, the second stage, where members test boundaries, voice different goals, and vie for influence. Subgroups often form as people align with others who share similar views, and there can be rebellion or pushback against the leader as roles and power dynamics are negotiated. This phase is a normal, transitional part of group development that signals the group is moving toward clearer norms and cohesion.

In contrast, the initial formation (orientation) phase is about getting to know one another and figuring out goals with relatively less conflict. The separation or termination phase is about ending the group's work. An intimacy stage isn’t a standard label in this model and would describe closeness rather than the conflict that characterizes storming.