Investigating Performance of Command Team Structures in the NATO Problem-Approach Space

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the NATO Problem-Approach Space could be mapped to optimal performance of different team structures. The results show that the five team communication structures (chain, Y, circle, wheel, and all-connected) did not generally perform as predicted based on findings in the literature. The team structures all performed most optimally in the same Problem Space conditions: static rate of change, strong information position, and familiarity with the task. Moreover, contrary to predictions, the all-connected team structure did not perform particularly well at all. Instead, the Y team structure produced the highest levels of performance and was, therefore, judged to be the most successful team structure overall. The Y team structure can be seen as a simplified form of typical military command structures including staff officers and subordinate units. Therefore, the findings of the study serve as a reinforcement of the effectiveness of the classic command and control structure.