Evidence-Based Principles and Strategies for Optimizing Team Functioning and Performance in Science Teams

Abstract

The functioning and effectiveness of small groups and work teams have been a focus of research in psychology, management, and organizational science for well over 60 years. There is a wealth of actionable knowledge that can be distilled from this literature and applied to improve science team effectiveness. The chapter defines the nature of work teams in general and considers specific characteristics of science teams. An integrative theoretical heuristic is synthesized and used to organize the review. The review provides evidence-based recommendations for application and identifies those topics which should be targets for research for improving science team effectiveness. The chapter closes with specific recommendations for application and research relevant to advancing the science of team effectiveness to science teams.