Better Late than Never? Communication Media and Adaptive Team Performance

Abstract

Research results on the relation among communication media, performance processes and outcomes have been mixed. This paper reports an initial exploratory study examining these factors by looking at adaptive team processes. We empirically examine this topic using military teams in simulated settings. In order to gain operational momentum in modern warfare, successfully striking and neutralizing time sensitive targets (TST) is critical. TST cells are used to process information and direct such operations, and can be either co-located, or communicate through distributed channels. Using a mixed-methods, quasi experimental design, we tested two different team settings, co-located vs. distributed, to evaluate different levels of proactive information sharing (self- synchronization), and situational awareness (SA), leading to attack decisions. We found that co-located communications media settings led to better performance, and to better level-3 situational awareness (SA) for projecting future events, but did not relate directly to proactive information sharing. Communication media (co- located=1, and distributed=0), positively moderated positive effects of proactive information sharing on level-3 SA, and team performance accuracy, through process performance. Implications for theory and research are discussed.