Team Composition, Cognition, and Effectiveness: Examining Mental Model Similarity and Accuracy

Wayne State UniversityThis study examined the relationships between team cognitive ability and personalitycomposition in relation to the similarity (MM-similarity) and accuracy (MM-accuracy)of team task-focused mental models. The relationships between MM-accuracy andMM-similarity with multiple indicators of team effectiveness were also examined.Sixty-seven three-person teams performed a simulated search and capture task. Resultsindicate that the team mean-level of cognitive ability was positively related to bothMM-accuracy and MM-similarity, and the team mean-level of team agreeableness waspositively related to MM-similarity. In turn, MM-accuracy was positively related toperceived coordination processes and goal accomplishment, but not team viability. Incontrast, MM-similarity was positively related to team viability, but not goal accom-plishment or perceived coordination processes. Implications of the Þndings for under-standing factors that facilitate the emergence of task-focused mental models in teamswith a limited life span or during the early stages of team development are discussed,along with the implications of team mental models for team success.Keywords: shared cognition, team composition, team mental models

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