The effects of physical threat on team processes during complex task performance

The effects of physical threat on team processes during complex task performance

Kamphuis, W.
Gaillard, A.W.K.
Vogelaar, A.L.W.

2011

Teams have become the norm for operating in dangerous and complex situations. To investigate how physical threat affects team performance, 27 threeperson teams engaged in a complex planning and problem-solving task, either under physical threat or under normal conditions. Threat consisted of the possibility that during task performance the oxygen level would be reduced (which, in reality, did not occur). Team processes were measured by automated behavior recordings and questionnaires. Results confirmed that physical threat caused restrictions in information processing, more controlling leadership, less group discussions, and a reduction in coordinating and supporting behavior. These results support the propositions of the threat-rigidity thesis and extend previous research by establishing these results for physical threat and demonstrating effects on coordinating and supporting behavior as well.

Human
HOI - Human Behaviour & Organisational Innovations
BSS - Behavioural and Societal Sciences
Psychology
Teams
Threat
Stress
Problem solving
Leadership

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:c5a2732b-3a3c-451f-8b9f-661c68c9c779

https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496411407522

443599

Small Group Research, 42 (6), 700-729

article