Another consideration within the conceptual frame of group development
theory is the impact of group longevity on interactions among group members;
members in newly formed groups – such as can be found in the classroom setting – interact differently than members in mature groups (Birmingham & McCord,
2004). Members in newly formed groups have a lower level of trust, are more
motivated by self-interest than by group goals, make decisions about other
members based on stereotypes, conduct more social (rather than task)
communication, are less apt to disagree with bad decisions, focus on saving face
rather than having open discussions, and have greater difficulty completing more
difficult intellectual tasks.