In the norming stage of team development, what is the main dynamic?

• A. High Conformity and Cohesion
• B. Increasing Conflict and Testing Boundaries
• C. Formalization of Roles and Processes
• D. Deteriorating Motivation

Answer: (A)

In this stage, the team increasingly acts as a unified unit by embracing shared standards and ways of working. Members start to internalize group norms, conform to agreed behaviors, and support one another, which builds real cohesion. The shift from “getting along and pushing back” to collaborating smoothly is the defining dynamic, as trust grows and people accept each other’s roles and contributions.

That’s why high conformity and cohesion fits best. Conflicts and boundary testing happen earlier in the storming stage, not at norming. While roles and processes may become more formalized as the team settles in, the core movement here is toward unified, cooperative functioning, not deteriorating motivation.