Recognizing that observing group development only from the perspective
of a linear, sequential progression may be limiting, other theories emerged that
attempted to recognize more dynamic views of group development (Yoon &
Johnson, 2008). These views addressed issues such as the potential for cyclical
development, processes associated with reaching equilibrium, and the notion of
the adaptive nature of groups. Three commonly cited nonlinear theories are
Gersick’s Punctuated Equilibrium model (1988), McGrath’s Time, Interaction,
and Performance (TIP) model (1991) and Poole’s Contingency model (1983).