International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

During which stage of team development is the team fully functional?

1. Forming

2. Storming

3. Norming

4. Performing

The correct answer is: Performing

In the context of team development, the stage where the team becomes fully functional is known as the Performing stage. During this phase, team members have developed a strong sense of cohesion and collaboration. They are not only comfortable with their roles but also recognize each other’s capabilities and strengths, allowing them to work effectively towards their common goals. At this point, the team operates smoothly and efficiently, with a high level of trust and open communication. Team members focus on achieving their objectives and are able to engage in constructive problem-solving and decision-making processes. This readiness and ability to function effectively contribute significantly to the team's productivity and performance. In contrast, in the earlier stages such as Forming and Storming, the team goes through foundational processes and challenges. Forming involves initial interactions and orientation, while Storming centers around conflicts and differing opinions as members start to assert their ideas. The Norming stage follows, where the team develops norms and stronger relationships, but they may still be solidifying their group dynamics. It is only in the Performing stage that the team reaches its full potential and productivity.