Enhancing Small Group Cohesion and Effectiveness in Long Range Reconnaissance Teams

Abstract

Research was conducted to evaluate whether small group cohesion and team mission effectiveness could be enhanced by creating teams that are initially compatible on relevant interpersonal qualities. Four 6-man Special Forces reconnaissance teams were observed over a 10-day reconnaissance field exercise. After the exercise, the teams were administered the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation - Behavior (FIRO-B) questionnaire to assess team compatibility in specific need areas. Measures of team cohesion and performance were also obtained. While the evidence was not conclusive, the pattern of results suggest that the construct of compatibility, as assessed by the FIRO-B, may be an important mediator of both team cohesion and performance. Moreover, the FIRO-B may offer a cost-effective means of assembling small groups with the capacity for rapidly developing into cohesive and effective units.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA183885

Entities

People

  • Patrick J. Valentine
  • Robert J. Pleban
  • Thomas J. Thompson

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Classification
  • Cohesion
  • Inclusions
  • Instructors
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Research
  • National Security
  • Navigational Equipment
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Questionnaires
  • Social Sciences
  • Special Forces
  • Training

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.