Team Communication and Performance during Sustained Working Conditions

Abstract : The effects of prolonged working conditions on individual performance are well documented. In addition, military field studies, sports team studies, and field expeditions have been conducted in a sustained context. However, there have been few controlled, experimental studies on the effects of fatigue on complex decision making or team performance. The authors initiated a program of research to systematically investigate the effects of fatigue on measurable aspects of team communication, coordination, decision making, problem-solving, and performance. The results showed that as fatigue increased, the teams' performance decreased on both major outcomes measured, and 10 of the 12 types of verbal communication differed in the predicted direction.