Making it practical: simulation, naturalistic decision making, and complexity in team performance

Abstract

There has been a lack of focus on multi-level issues within leadership research. Dionne and Dionne (2009) address this gap in the research by presenting a Monte Carlo simulation examining leadership at four levels of analysis within a group decision-making context. While their work makes a strong contribution to the sciences of leadership, group decision making, and team complexity, many aspects of the research demonstrate potential for great expansion and improvement. Toward this purpose, this commentary discusses and provides suggestions regarding the topics of computer simulation in team research, group decision-making theory, and the modeling of team complexity. It is intended to stimulate continued critical thinking and more innovative, practical, and carefully designed research efforts.

Citation

Wildman, J.L. and Salas, E. (2009), "Making it practical: simulation, naturalistic decision making, and complexity in team performance", Yammarino, F.J. and Dansereau, F. (Ed.) Multi-Level Issues in Organizational Behavior and Leadership (Research in Multi-Level Issues, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 301-319. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1475-9144(2009)0000008013