The Evolution of Teamwork Skills: An Empirical Assessment with Implications for Training

Abstract

The findings reported here represent the results of the first phase of a three-year program of research designed to examine factors that influence the development of teamwork during training. The current study was conducted at the Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) Department, Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Virginia. It represents one component of a research effort seeking to document the processes involved in Team Evolution and Maturation (TEAM). The primary objectives of this research are to: (1) delineate the process variables that comprise 'teamwork'; (2) develop a set of instruments to measure these variables; (3) study how teamwork develops (i.e. how teams evolve and mature) over the course of training; and (4) develop means to diagnose, correct, and enhance team performance in training. A model of team evolution and maturation was developed based on existing models and methodologies in the team performance/team training literature. This model hypothesizes that a team progresses through several different stages of development during the course of training, and that the speed and sequence of these stages is affected by the efficacy of the training program. In addition, the model postulates two separate developmental tracks--a 'taskwork' track and a 'teamwork' track. In order for training to be successful and for the group of individuals to function as a cohesive team, these two tracks must be separately developed and ultimately converged.

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