Investigating performance of command team structures in the NATO problem-approach space

Stanton, Neville A.; Rothrock, Ling; Harvey, Catherine; Sorensen, Linda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the NATO Problem-Approach Space could be mapped to optimal performance of different team structures. The results show that the five team communication structures (chain, Y, circle, wheel, and all-connected) did not generally perform as predicted based on findings in the literature. The team structures all performed most optimally in the same Problem Space conditions: static rate of change, strong information position, and familiarity with the task. Moreover, contrary to predictions, the all-connected team structure did not perform particularly well at all. Instead, the Y team structure produced the highest levels of performance and was, therefore, judged to be the most successful team structure overall. The Y team structure can be seen as a simplified form of typical military command structures including staff officers and subordinate units. Therefore, the findings of the study serve as a reinforcement of the effectiveness of the classic command and control structure.

Citation

Stanton, N. A., Rothrock, L., Harvey, C., & Sorensen, L. (2015). Investigating performance of command team structures in the NATO problem-approach space. IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems, 45(6), 702-713. doi:10.1109/THMS.2015.2437993

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jun 15, 2015
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2015
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2018
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 702-713
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/THMS.2015.2437993
• Public URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/THMS.2015.2437993
• Publisher URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7123617