Keeping "On Task": An Exploration of Task Cohesion In Diverse Military Teams,

Abstract

Military teams (e.g., combat teams, training teams, and quality teams) that have diverse and crossfunctional membership face a basic dilemma. Such diversity produces a greater range of perspectives and problem solving approaches, but at the same time decreases cohesiveness in the team. Cohesiveness historically has been examined in social terms (e.g., common interests and attitudes). Given the problems with cohesiveness, this report examines an alternative approach -- task cohesion (i.e., building team cohesion based upon the task rather than social aspects of the team). Theoretical bases of task cohesion as well as empirical findings are discussed. Recommendations for enhancing task cohesion in military teams are explored.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA359547

Entities

People

  • Alvin Smith
  • Patricia Smith
  • Stephen B. Knouse

Organizations

  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Armored Vehicles
  • Basic Training
  • Cohesion
  • Cooperation
  • Group Dynamics
  • Information Exchange
  • Information Operations
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Operations
  • Military Psychology
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Training
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design