ABSTRACT
Training a workforce to work efficiently and effectively has always been the primary objective of training program designers, developers, and coordinators. Currently, a variety of training methodologies exist that focus on improving a multitude of characteristics related to both individual and team performance. Although such training methodologies generally improve individual and team performance, not all types of training are adequate and beneficial in every instance. Specifically, in high stress environments (such as military command and control or emergency response in hospitals), it is important that each team member understands the expectations of other teammates without overt communication, and implicitly coordinates his/ her activities with other teammates to help maintain sustained team performance. Therefore, simply training individuals in their taskwork skills may be insufficient and lead to diminished performance. Additionally, appropriate team training (such as cross training or team coordination training) may be required in such situations to improve coordination and interaction between individual and team functions that yield better performance. Some existing team training methodologies that are popular (Cannon-Bowers and Salas, 1998) include cross training, team adaptation and coordination training (TACT), team dimensional training (based on guided team self correction), assertiveness training, and team leader training. These team-training methodologies are the outcome of the research performed by the U.S. Navy as part of its TADMUS (Tactical Decision Making under Stress) program (Cannon-Bowers and Salas, 1997). These methodologies emphasize various aspects of a team and are based on factors, such as team composition, task demands, organizational context, individual roles, and responsibilities that adversely affect the team structure and functioning.
