1. Army Crew Case Question 1. Type of Task
Pooled and Reciprocal Interdependence (a mixed task) elements of both.
Not compensatory
Conjunctive task
Can’t subdivide
Similar and different to USA Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Project Team

2. Question 2 (b). Impact of the Selection Process
Did not consider teams of 8
Not Consider interpersonal skills of team members
Created Us versus Them—Not help or learn from each other
Created Clear Status Differences-ego differences –”have it made” attitudes
Emphasis on individual skills (ability, strength) in selection

3. Question 3. Why does the varsity team lose to the JV team?
Varsity team higher status than JV. Had nothing to gain through competition. JV has nothing to lose.
Racing under similar conditions—if lose then tended to look at their individual effort- If members felt he was working hard-tended to blame other people.
Competition tended to bond the JV but dysfunctional for the Varsity. Varsity was better individually (but not as team)—JV not as good individually but could be better as a team.

4. Sometimes effective teams get better over time but ineffective teams become worse. (get caught in a virtuous or vicious performance cycle).
Team performs well may attribute poor performance to temporary factors (bad day)
Team perform poorly make may more stable types of attributions (attitudes, people not trying)
Team members that are blamed may take this personally and makes it hard to be productive members.
Increases team conflict
Self-fulfilling cycle, --not sure we can do it and end up not doing it

5. Lack of team Social Identity or Identity Team Members Wanted to Avoid
People when they identify with a group indicates an emotional connection to the group (UTA) and the people in that group.
When strong identification people feel secure and valued in that group by other people in the group
Team members that identify with the group are strongly motivated, loyal trustworthy, place team goals above their goals.
Team social identity is stronger when it contributes to feeling of self-esteem-but if negative evaluation associated with being a member of the team than opposite impact

6. Lack of Trust Among Team Members
Task highly interdependent. Combined efforts of team members critical.
Trust is in part dependent on a positive social identity with the team
Trust is particularly important when you can’t monitor the behavior of the other team members.
Trust declines when in a negative performance spiral

7. Question 4. What could the coach do early to reverse the spiral?
Try to reverse the negative performance spiral and build a Positive Social Identity
Change the nature of the competition-beat best time
Orchestrate some early success for the Varsity
Give the Varsity a chance to bond together. Have some fun.
Try to create trust among the team members. Team building exercises—Ropes

8. Look to internal leadership on the team.
Changes discussion from individual focus to help each other become better as a team. Exercises that they could do together.

9. What To Do Late In The Game
Let J.V. compete in nationals
Switch members of JV and varsity
Intervene in way to improve varsity
Get members to openly discuss their problems
Give an inspirational pep talk
Have members vent their frustrations

10. Similarities/Differences With Organizational Teams
Leaders try to get right mix of participants based on KSAs
Early loses can have a negative impact
Teams have a high degree of interdependence
Interpersonal skills and leadership critical to maintain integration
Social identity of team critical