Effects of Workload and Structure on Team Processes and Performance: Implications for Complex Team Decision Making

Abstract

Because the naturalistic team decision-making environment is highly complex, there is a need to investigate the performance and process effects of variables that characterize such operational environments. We investigated the effects of team structure and two components of workload (time pressure and resource demand) on team performance and communication over time. Results of the study indicated that time pressure significantly degraded performance relative to resource demand and baseline workload conditions. Although teams exposed to resource demand did not exhibit degraded performance, these teams engaged in fewer statements concerning the availability of team resources than did teams in the other two workload conditions. Results regarding performance and communication changes over time indicated that training interventions might be most effective when imposed during the initial stages of a team's development. We discuss the results in the context of implications for complex decision-making teams.

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