Detailed Explanation:

The correct answer is C. Norming.

This question refers to the classic stages of team development:

Forming

Storming

Norming

Performing

The norming stage occurs when team members begin to establish working relationships, shared expectations, cooperation, and practical ways to prevent or manage conflict. At this stage, the team starts functioning more smoothly because members understand each other better and are actively working together.

Why C is correct:

In the norming stage, team members:

recognize potential sources of conflict,

build better collaboration,

establish informal and formal norms,

and improve coordination.

The wording “identify potential conflicts and work together to avoid them” fits norming very well.

Why the other options are not correct:

A. Forming

Forming is the early stage where members are just getting acquainted and learning the team’s purpose. Conflict is usually still beneath the surface.

B. Storming

Storming is the stage where conflicts and disagreements are more likely to emerge. The team is not yet consistently managing them well.

D. Performing

Performing is the high-functioning stage where the team is already working effectively toward goals. While conflict management still exists, the description in the question more directly matches norming.

Quality Management Excellence interpretation:

Requirement: No exact clause from the uploaded files was identified on team-development models.

Interpretation: Effective quality teams evolve through stages, and norming is the stage where collaboration and conflict prevention become established.

Best practice: Support teams by clarifying purpose, roles, expectations, and communication methods so they can move successfully into norming and then performing.

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