Team Building Intervention for a College Ice Hockey Team: Focused on Interpersonal Relationship and Role Clarification

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was designed to improve interpersonal relationships between team members and to clarify team members' roles for the enhancement of team processes and functions in a college ice hockey team through the team building intervention. Methods: Twenty five ice hockey players participated in the team building intervention program. The program consisted of ten sessions which were based on previous research and was conducted once a week at the athlete’s dormitory for ten weeks. The questionnaires (Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire, Role Perception Questionnaire), the experience report, and the in-depth interview were used as measures to verify the effects of the team building intervention. The paired t-test and the inductive analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The level of the interpersonal relationships tended to increase. However, only two factors, satisfaction and sensibility, were statistically significant. In general, the level of the role clarification was statistically non-significant. Only the role conflict factor tended to decrease whereas two factors (role ambiguity, role over load) tended to increase. Intriguingly, the role overload factor was significantly increased. Moreover, the formation of a climate of positive interactions within the team, the establishment of positive interpersonal relationships among teammates, the enhancement of team coordination, and the clarification of the team members' roles were revealed through the experience-report and the in-depth interview. Conclusion: In conclusion, the team building intervention helped team members establish positive interpersonal relationships among teammates, especially seniors and juniors, and clarify team members' roles in the team. Ultimately, it could enhance team processes and functions as well as optimal team performance.