INTRODUCTORY FUNCTIONAL STAGE In Stage III, the son or daughter begins to function as a part-time employee, often during vacations or after school. At this stage, the son or daughter develops an acquaintance with some of the key individuals employed in the firm. Such work often begins in the warehouse, office, or production department and may involve assignments in various functional areas as time goes on. The introductory functional stage includes the child's formal education as well as experience gained in other organizations.