Exploring the characteristics of effective teams using a cots team task

Abstract

In this study we examined the relationship between individual and group factors in the development of team performance in a distributed synthetic task. Individual characteristics included interaction anxiety, learning style, age, and video game experience. Group factors included cohesion, communication, and cooperation. We matched participants on video game experience and divided them into two teams. Teams ranged in size from 5-9 teammates. Over the course of four days of experimentation, participants in both groups learned a complex distributed team task called Microsoft Allegiance. First, participants trained as individuals, then as teams in noncompetitive tasks, and finally as teams in head-to-head competition. Results indicated that teams winning the head-to-head competitions showed no difference on the individual factors. However, winning teams showed higher group cohesion and communication. These results are discussed in terms of learning and performance support for military application of command and control.