Small Group Structure and Performance in Extreme Environments

• Main Author: Gunderson, E. K.
• Other Authors: NAVY MEDICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH UNIT SAN DIEGO CA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1966
• Subjects: Psychology; *GROUP DYNAMICS; *NAVAL PERSONNEL; *CONFINED ENVIRONMENTS; PERFORMANCE(HUMAN); STRESS(PSYCHOLOGY); JOB ANALYSIS; PERSONALITY; ANTARCTIC REGIONS; SCIENTISTS; Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0740349; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0740349

Studies of small groups of scientists and U.S. Navy personnel isolated at Antarctic scientific stations have indicated that emotional and motivational changes frequently occur during the long winter. Furthermore, some deterioration in group cooperation and accomplishment consistently appears. Prolonged confinement, space limitations, reductions of work load for some members, absence of usual outlets for emotional tensions, and social-cultural differences appear to be sources of stress. A number of personality measures have been shown to relate to adjustment in this restricted environment. Work role appears to be an important factor in determining organizational structure, social relationships, and performance effectiveness. Changes in task demands may profoundly effect the individual's own perceptions of his usefulness, his motivation, and the group's esteem for him.