Using zero-history LGDs, researchers have mapped stages in the life of a group. C. Fisher found four phases. In the conflict phase, members experience secondary tension as they disagree about task and struggle to define leadership roles. Communication is noisy and argumentative. Secondary tension dissipates and leadership issues are resolved in the emergence phase.
Ambiguity is used to back down from previous positions.
In the reinforcement phase, members bolster their decision through use of favorable comments and self-congratulation. D. Poole offers an alternative multiple sequence model. E. Leader emergence also follows a temporal sequence. At first all members are in contention for leadership. The first to be eliminated are nonparticipators or those who are rigid and closed-minded.