A methodology for evaluating shared leadership in a game simulation kit

How often do virtual team members who are unknown to one another share the leadership role? This paper presents an experimental design for assessing the effectiveness of shared leadership among a team of players in a game set in a virtual environment. The four-member teams comprised of randomly selected members are observed from afar as they participate in a game simulation that models a hostage rescue mission. The Game Simulation Kit was developed by the Air University (AU) Innovations and Integrations Division. AU hosts the game and their research examines teamwork, interdependent group responses and leadership set within the virtual world of Second Life. This research analyzes team effectiveness through qualitative assessment and empirical testing as players progress through a series of objectives, and anchors the results to the interdependent leadership model from the Center for Creative Leadership at the US Air Force Academy.