Staffing work teams: Development and validation of a selection test for teamwork settings

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop a selection test for staffing work teams. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for effective teamwork (Stevens & Campion, 1994) were used to develop a paper-and-pencil test of teamwork situations. KSAs reflected conflict resolution, collaborative problem solving, communication, goal setting and performance management, and planning and task coordination. Standard test construction techniques were used, and the test contained 35 multiple-choice items on hypothetical teamwork situations. Two validation studies were conducted involving production employees in a pulp mill ( n = 70) and box plant ( n = 72). Results showed criterion-related validity with supervisory and peer ratings of teamwork and overall job performance. However, a key unexpected finding was the large correlation with employment aptitude tests, suggesting that the Teamwork Test has a significant general mental ability component. The study also has secondary implications for the literatures on both contextual performance and situational tests. It was concluded that a consideration of individual level KSAs can have both conceptual and practical value in the staffing of work teams.