Shared Mental Models for Team Performance: An Anatomy

Abstract

The collstruct of mental models has been developed to explain cognitive processes and phenomena in a number of domains. Effective mental models provide structures for knowledge that enable interpreting and predicting external phenomena. Recent research has established the primacy of team members' development and maintenance of mental models with certain elements shared among team members, as a critical determinant of team performance. These shared mental models should include representation of (1) the team's structure; (2) team roles and role interdependencies; (3) patterns and modes of communication among roles and team members, (4) the team's tasks, and (5) critical characteristics of the team performance situation or context. Remaining to be developed are means and methods for developing effective shared mental models supporting team performance.