What is the main focus during the differentiation stage of group development?

The differentiation stage of group development is primarily about dividing work and tasks among group members. At this point, team members begin to understand their individual roles and how these roles contribute to the overall objectives of the group. During differentiation, members clarify responsibilities, establish how to work together effectively, and start to develop a more structured approach to addressing the group's goals.

This stage follows the earlier forming and storming stages, where relationships are initially built and conflicts may arise. The focus here shifts to the practical aspects of collaboration, identifying how each member can best contribute according to their strengths and skills. By clearly delineating tasks, the group can work more efficiently towards achieving their common goals, preventing confusion and overlaps that could result in conflict or redundancy in efforts.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of group development. Forming relationships is crucial in the initial stages, as it helps to build trust but does not focus on task division. Resolving conflicts might come into play during the storming phase rather than differentiation. Establishing group norms typically happens towards the beginning of group development, as teams define their expectations and behaviors. Thus, the central focus of the differentiation stage is indeed about organization and delineation of work amongst the group members.