The Effects of Workload and Uncertainty on Team Development

Two studies were performed that attempted to test and extend the team development theory of “punctuated equilibrium” proposed by Gersick (1988). In the first study, twelve five-person teams performed a resource allocation task, either under low or high workload. In the second study, twelve three-person teams performed an adapted version of this resource allocation task under either certain or uncertain task conditions. Various aspects of performance were assessed. The results of these studies support Gersick's contention that teams do go through one marked period of transition. However, this transition does not necessarily occur in the midpoint of the team's life cycle.