ABSTRACT
Most functions in socio-technical environments require groups to work together effectively to accomplish their mission safely. The record of disasters in the air, at sea, and on the rails is evidence of the catastrophic effects of failed teamwork. NASA research in the late 1970s demonstrated that more than two-thirds of all air crashes involve human error, especially failures in communication and team coordination (Helmreich & Foushee, 1993; Helmreich & Merritt, 1998). Examination of training practices in aviation revealed that the technical aspects of flying were addressed effectively, but little attention was paid to developing, assessing, and reinforcing the interpersonal skills that are central in most accidents.
