Group Dynamics and Politics within Organizations Individuals have their own personalities that can influence their enthusiasm and productivity within an organization. Furthermore, individuals also form groups and are part of teams that work together to achieve a common goal within the organization. According to Gibson, Ivancevich, Donnelly, and Konopaske (2009) dedicated and cohesive teams can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of organizations and the global market. However, all of this occurs as part of office politics and can hinder or enhance the effectiveness of the organization. Therefore, it is important to understand not only individuals, but also groups, teams and business policies within the organization. This will help leaders plan, organize and motivate individuals and groups to achieve the best possible outcome for the organization. Five-Stage Group Development Model One model for understanding group development is the Five-Stage Group Development Model which states that groups go through five stages of forming, storming, norming, executing, and updating ( Gibson, el at., 2009). Furthermore, the model suggests that groups can be in multiple phases at the same time and do not have to move through phases in a linear fashion (Gibson, el at., 2009). Although this model has been widely used by individuals, in the study of group dynamics, there is no imperial evidence that this model accurately describes group development (Tuckman & Jensen, 2010). Furthermore, there is some concern that the model is static and unrealistic in its explanation of group formation (Gibson, el at., 2009). Another model for group development is the punctuated equilibrium model which suggests that there are only three stages (Gibson, el a...... middle of paper ......or succeed. Bibliography Donovan, J.H. (1998). heads in the placement., Quality Progress, 31(5), 33-35 Retrieved April 3, 2011 from ABI/INFORM Global.Epstein, M. (2008 Making Sustainable Work). J.H. and Konopaske, R. (2009: Organizations: Behaviors, Structure, Processes (13th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Gilley, J W. (2006). Manager as politician. Westport, CN: Praeger Publishers.Robbins, S. & Coulter, M. (2007 Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.Robbins, S.P. & Judge, TA (2009). Behavior. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Tuckman, B., & Jensen, M. (2010 Stages of small group development revisited, (10), 43-48. 2011, by ABI/INFORM Global.