The Science and Practice of Team Training: Historical Progress and a Research Agenda

• Published in: Consulting psychology journal 2024-03, Vol.76 (1), p.70-92
• Main Authors: Linhardt, Rylee M., Bisbey, Tiffany M., Salas, Eduardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Group Development; History; Human; Practice; Research and Development; Sciences; Teamwork; Training; Work Teams
• ISSN: 1065-9293; 1939-0149
• DOI: 10.1037/cpb0000263

Team training is a systematic initiative for developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for effective teamwork and team performance. Research on team training has had a significant impact on science and practice in the field throughout history, fundamentally changing the way organizations develop workers and address complex societal issues. We reviewed the team-training literature to examine how theorizing through practical application has evolved with major turning points in team science. In this article, we provide a historical overview of team-training research and then discuss critical contributions to the science and practice of team training. In doing so, we highlight the breakthroughs that propelled team training from its infancy to a thriving field with resounding practical impact. Finally, we offer a collection of research directions that respond to current gaps in theory and changes in the modern workplace. What's It Mean? Implications for Consulting Psychology This article contributes valuable perspective on the science of team training in organizations, a field with robust practical impact. We provide a historical overview of team-training research by collectively summarizing theoretical contributions, methodological advancements, and challenges in work practices that resulted from decades of scientific collaboration, extracting lessons learned over time and a collection of research directions to continue its success by addressing changes in the modern workplace.