Increasing Shared Understanding in Command and Control Teams

This project will conduct the research necessary to develop a validated functional training system that promotes shared understanding among command and control teams. Upon completing the multimedia scenario-based training, team members will have a betterappreciation of shared understanding, will understand the means by which shared understanding is achieved, and will have received hands-on experience and practice in negotiation and dialogue skills that promote shared understanding. These tools can betransferred to any situation in any kind of team at any command and control echelonThe Army currently faces several challenges that can be made less so if technology provides a method for teams to realize shared understanding among their members. Thenegative effects of cultural diversity among multi-national teams is one challenge that could be reduced if such teams could learn to develop shared understanding. The unpredictable situations that arrive in MOOTW and the increasing distribution ofresponsibility in C2 units are other challenges that could be lessened. It is anticipated that the multi-media training package grounded in solid empirical research showing its effectiveness will promote development of SU among team members in the contextof realistic scenarios.