3. A model of teamwork

Based on the literature review and what is generally known about teamwork, Figure 1 presents a model for understanding teamwork for the purposes of ALL. Referring to Figure 1, several things should be noted. First, the skill competencies of Group Decision Making/Planning, Adaptability/Flexibility, and Interpersonal Relations are at the core of teamwork. We believe that team members must know how and when to use these competencies to function effectively within the team. Second, we propose that Communication spans each of the three core areas; it is the glue that holds the team together. For example, Group Decision Making/Planning cannot be accomplished within a team unless team members provide clear and accurate information, listen effectively, and ask questions. Finally, the model proposes that the extent to which an individual is drawn toward teamwork, believes in the importance of teamwork, and has experienced team activity will influence how effectively team skills and behaviors are executed.

Figure 1 also presents a starting point for developing measures for ALL by identifying specific variables to be measured. These include the skills of Group Decision Making/Planning, Adaptability/Flexibility, Interpersonal Relations and Communication, and the attitudes Belief in the Importance of Teamwork and Collective Orientation. Furthermore, Figure 1 presents specific behavioral examples of each skill, as discussed above. These behavioral indicators will be used to construct responses for items measuring teamwork skills. Items that tap respondents' belief in the importance of teamwork and their collective orientation will also be included in the ALL measure.

Prior to discussing our method and approach for developing the Teamwork Scale for ALL, we briefly review the relevant literature on culture. More than other ALL measures, responses to the teamwork measure may be affected by the culture of the respondent. In the next section, we review research that specifically examines the relationship between societal culture and an individual's attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior in a team. Based on this research and on our understanding of the factors that enhance teamwork, we propose a number of likely relationships that will be demonstrated in the ALL between culture and teamwork.