Researchers are developing and validating a measure of team leadership ability. Over the past decade, many organizations have implemented innovative work practices in response to growing competition and other modern challenges in the marketplace. Among these innovative practices is the implementation of self-directed work teams. To reap the benefits of this practice, it is important that organizations select and promote managers who understand the importance of worker empowerment and who have the skills to implement and sustain it.A valid assessment will be of critical importance to organizations interested in selecting the best people as team leaders, but no validated instruments for measuring this unique set of leadership skills exist. The assessment instrument will take advantage of interactive video disc technology to present a high-fidelity simulation of challenging situations typically encountered by team leaders. Researchers are: (1) developing a content-valid instrument, (2) determining whether a criterion-related validation is appropriate or feasible, and (3) identifying the type(s) of team leader jobs to be studied.Commercial Applications:This research will produce a validated video-based measure of team leader skills. This product appeals to organizations that have, or are planning to implement, self-directed work teams because the technology is innovative, cost-effective, and the need for a valid measure of team leadership is growing.
