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Published on: July 1, 2014
Temporal patterns of mental model convergence: implications for distributed teams interacting in electronic
Sara McComb1, Deanna Kennedy, Rebecca Perryman
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, MS 3131, College Station, TX 77843, USA. mccomb@tamu.edu
Human Factors
|October 15, 2010
Summary
Distributed teams using electronic interfaces required less communication and converged later on mental models compared to face-to-face teams. These temporal patterns in team collaboration impact overall performance.
Area of Science:
- Team dynamics
- Human-computer interaction
- Organizational psychology
Background:
- Distributed teams rely on technology for collaboration, potentially altering information processing and mental model development compared to face-to-face teams.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing team performance in various work environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal patterns in mental model convergence within teams.
- To compare these patterns between distributed teams using electronic collaboration spaces and face-to-face teams.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 32 three-member teams performing a planning task.
- Comparison between teams working in an electronic collaboration space and those working face-to-face.
- Utilized event history analysis to examine temporal interdependencies.
Main Results:
- Identified temporal interdependencies in mental model convergence points.
- Linked the timing of mental model convergence and task discussions to team performance.
- Observed distinct temporal patterns in convergence and discussions between distributed and face-to-face conditions.
Conclusions:
- Both distributed and face-to-face teams achieved mental model convergence, but through different communication patterns.
- Distributed teams used less communication, converged later, and showed more linear cognitive processes.
- Tailored strategies are needed for managing communication and convergence based on team collocation and interface access to enhance performance.
