Team personality characteristics and performance in a simulated largeaircraft instrument control task

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between personality characteristics and performance on a simulated large-aircraft instrument control task. The sample comprised 155 undergraduates in China, who completed the Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire to assess personality characteristics, and were randomly allocated to one of 31 teams of five people. We used multiple regression analysis to establish a predictive model of team performance based on team personality elevation and team personality diversity integration models. The results showed that when the team personality elevation integration was used as the independent variable, an increase in rule consciousness led to improvement in team performance, whereas an increase in vigilance, dominance, and social boldness led to a deterioration in team performance. When team personality diversity integration was used as the independent variable, an increase in warmth and openness to change led to improvement in team performance, and an increase in sensitivity led to deterioration in team performance. The simulation task designed in this study provides a specific tool for research involving flight crews on large aircraft. The findings provide a theoretical reference for optimum allocation of flight crews.