Which stage is characterized by initial development and alignment of group objectives?

The stage characterized by initial development and alignment of group objectives is the orientation stage. In this phase, team members come together to understand the group's purpose, establish initial communication, and outline the objectives that they aim to achieve collectively. This stage is critical as it sets the foundation for team dynamics, clarifies roles, and ensures that all members are on the same page regarding the group's goals.

During orientation, members are typically in a phase of forming relationships and establishing norms, which encourages open discussion about expectations and responsibilities. The focus on aligning objectives helps to foster a sense of shared vision and commitment among team members, making it easier to move into subsequent stages of group development.