AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE TO ENHANCE TEAMBUILDING: THE IMPACT OF IMAGE THEATRE.

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative training intervention using a part of the "Image Theatre" methodology originated by Augusto Boal, an internationally acclaimed Brazilian stage director and author. Though it was originally developed to help achieve political social ends, the paper author has used it to enhance teambuilding in industry. One such teambuilding intervention with a leading software and business solution company in the paper distribution industry is presented here. The team consisted of all members of the organization, including the CEO/owner--between 20 and 23 individuals over time. At the start of training, team members created tableaus in the break room--non-verbal, static poses in which they physically attempted to represent a model of their real relationships with each other. Tableaus were adjusted and ultimately agreed to by members, then photographed using a Polaroid camera. Additional tableaus in which team members depicted their ideal relationships as well as a transitional stage were also photographed. The various possible meanings of the tableaus were later discussed and tableaus subsequently served as part of a blueprint for the teambuilding intervention. Photographs were posted prominently within the work area during the training period. Various interactions within the organization were processed with reference to the tableaus during the eighteen months of teambuilding. Team member feedback with respect to the technique was also collected. Pre and post-test assessments using the Team Effectiveness Profile, with special reference to "Group Organization" and "Group Operating Processes," showed statistically significant progress in virtually every item at p