The Measurement and Evaluation of Collective Unit Training and Performance

Abstract

Recent reviews of team training and team performance have drawn at least one common conclusion: Much more research needs to be conducted on the process of and methods for measuring and evaluating teamwork. The current absence of reliable, valid, and robust measures of teamwork hinders not only the development of optimal collective training strategies, but also team-oriented research, human resource management efforts, and organizational and systems development programs. The objectives of this symposium are to (a) present an overview of some key theoretical and methodological issues which confront researchers and practitioners concerned with teamwork, and (b) introduce several innovative concepts, methods, and procedures which can aid in solving some of the problems associated with the measurement and evaluation of teamwork. These objectives will be met, in part, through presentations which describe and discuss (a) a conceptual framework for analyzing and interpreting measures of collective behavior, (b) the application of complexity theory-based measures to team and organizational performance, (c) a measure of teamwork based on the confidence team members have in their individual and collective capabilities, and (d) a system which supports the measurement and evaluation of unit collective performance in a simulation network environment. (The essence of these presentations are captured in the four papers which follow this abstract.) The discussant will provide his summary of the key issues addressed, as well as some that were not addresses. Finally, inputs and active participation of the audience will be solicited. The desired impact of this symposium is a heightened awareness and appreciation of the need for more research on teamwork measurement methods and procedures. The long-term goal of the symposium is to stimulate that research.