Adaptation and cognition of high-risk environment teams in an input-mediator-outcome framework

Abstract

The aim of this article is to introduce a conceptual, integrative model of the adaptation of teams in high risk environments. The model is a combination of previous theoretical frameworks of adaptation and task execution, with the aim of providing a comprehensive model for understanding team adaptation specific to high risk environments. We give equal importance to adaptation as an input, a mediator, and an outcome by putting it in an Input-Mediator-Outcome model, although we further wish to emphasize the relevance of team cognition in team adaptation. In addition, we aim to highlight that, depending on the trigger and the already existing characteristics of the team, adaptation might either follow an algorithm-based or a knowledge-based pattern.