Gersick's Punctuated Equilibrium Model
Group Development
- The PEM Basis- not all groups develop in a sequential manner. It is base on time and changes due to internal or external factors of the group.
- Uniqueness- It was built upon the evolutionary theory of a punctuated equilibrium. (Hurt & Trombley, n.d)
- Groups remain fairly static, maintaining certain equilibrium/ balance for long periods of time. (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012)
- Changes occur in brief, punctuated bursts, generally catalyzed by a crisis or problem that breaks through the systemic inertia (inactivity). (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012)
Tuckman's Stages of Group Development Model
- Group development is the process in which groups move through from the inception of a project to its conclusion. (Gersick, 1988)
- Many models of group development have been proposed, most models fall into one of two categories (Chang, Bordia, and Duck 2003):
- Stage models, exemplified by Tuckman's Stages Model (1965)
- Punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) of Gersick (1988)
How it works...
The PEM suggests that groups go through three phases as they progress toward the accomplishment of a task. Each phase is marked by an increased level of task performance as time runs short and deadlines approach. (Hurt & Trombley, n.d)
Thank you...
Punctuated Equilibrium Model
Phase I of PEM
Phase II of PEM
Transition Point (Midpoint)
- A group is formed and the first meeting sets the direction of the group.
- The group will define their goals and make assumptions towards the task that’s given and of the group members.
- This phase is described with high levels of socialization and relaxation. Therefore, groups show little progress and there are high levels of inertia.
- The second phase is also considered to be an increased focus on the task and performance.
- The group also makes the changes as planned in the transition phase. Much more work is accomplished, but no panic to finish yet.
- After phase II, the group has reached completion of the task.
- This point is often referred to as the mid-life crisis. It stands at the halfway point of the completion date of a task.
- A transition that initiates major changes and questioning.
- It may lead to a shift in goals and/or the way they worked together. The group members put in more effort towards the completion of the task.
- Other triggers- strong external shock, a change in members of the group, or poor performance