August 1996

Technology Can Facilitate Teamwork

For centuries, people have tried many ways to improve the way groups work. Using the latest advances in computer technology and group dynamics, groups can now get far closer to a "perfect production."

Software packages available through private vendors and various Government agencies provide a set of tools developed to support a variety of group processes. These packages provide structure and focus for any group's collaborative efforts from exploring issues to making final decisions and they offer support whenever a team needs to work together.

• Available Tools
• Required Resources
• Team Technology Centers

Available Tools. Different software packages offer different tools. Some of the most common tools include:

• Computer-assisted brainstorming is a method of problem solving in which all group members spontaneously and anonymously contribute ideas about a topic through their computer terminals. Members can read each other's comments and the computer facilitates categorizing and evaluating the responses.
• A group writer allows groups to create, edit, and annotate the same document.
• An outlining program allows a group to develop a tree or outline structure.
• A survey program can gather and tabulate vital information faster and more efficiently than traditional methods.
• A voting program supports consensus development through group evaluation of issues. Participants can be polled in different ways, such as rank order, multiple choice, or true/ false. Results are tabulated electronically and displayed graphically and in text.
• An alternative evaluation program allows groups to weight or rate a list of alternatives against a list of criteria. The results of the evaluation can be viewed in a variety of formats.
• A categorizing program allows participants to cut and paste from a list or reference file, and to refine, rearrange, categorize, and consolidate the items from the file.

Required Resources. If an agency chooses to invest in a group software package, other resources must be allocated. Along with installing and configuring the network, server, and participant computers, furnishings and equipment should be dedicated to the program. An effective meeting room and office network layout and design as well as training on the software applications and administration of the program are necessary.

Team Technology Centers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a Team Technology Center in Washington, DC, where teams can work better and faster than in normal meeting settings. The rooms facilitate group meeting processes by including monitors below desk level, a large computer screen at the front of the room, a U-shaped table, special lighting, and of course, computers for each group member. The FAA also has a technology center in Palm Coast, Florida, and is planning to establish others around the country. The DC and Florida facilities are open to other Federal agencies. For more information, call 202-376-6281.