SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal describes an innovative online set of tools that the U.S. Army can utilize in its effort to understand how cultural differences impact the effectiveness of its multinational peacekeeping teams. In this proposal Meridian Resources Associates proposes to assist the U.S. Army in leveraging the diversity of its multinational peacekeeping teams around the world through the use of two research-based web assessment tools. Meridian’s approach in Phase I would be to adapt our Global Teams Online assessment tool to the unique aspects of the U.S. Army teams. This would be accomplished through the implementation of the existing survey with a limited number of teams and a series of interviews with experienced peacekeepers from a wide range of countries. In addition, Meridian would survey a broader set of global team members using an online Self-Assessment Profile. This tool is designed to measure differences in work style preferences between people from different countries. The data collected here will help raise awareness regarding cultural differences and prepare team leaders and members working on multinational teams in the future.

Benefits:
1) Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness of Data Collection: Web-based assessment technology enables organizations to collect data more efficiently and in a much more cost-effective way than traditional survey methods offer. 2) Benchmarking Capabilities: Both of the technologies proposed for utilization here have been used successfully in global organizations around the world. The U.S. Army will benefit from the ability to benchmark the effectiveness of its multinational teams with that of previously surveyed organizations. 3) Attention to Unique Needs of U.S. Army Peacekeeping Teams: The unique aspects of military teamwork will be identified through an extensive research process, enabling a a high level of customization in Phase II. 4) Replicable Model: The model developed through the use of these online assessments, complemented by potential team development services in Phase II, will be easily applied in any region where the U.S. Army conducts peacekeeping activities. In addition, Meridian's Phase II proposal will enable the U.S. Army to conduct ongoing work "in-house" through the use of their own staff if the agency elects to do so. 5) Use of Validated, Research-based Instruments: All of our assessment tools are validated instruments, saving the U.S. Army time and money in developing and validating their own.

Keywords:
global, teams, culture, self-awareness, diversity, collaboration, web-based assessment tools

Through this SBIR opportunity with the Army Research Laboratory Human Research & Engineering Directorate (ARL HRED), Meridian Resources Associates proposes to develop an innovative, self-directed, computer-based training (CBT) solution entitled â?oTraining Adaptable Coalition Teamworkâ?? (or TACT). Goal: The primary goal of TACT is to raise the awareness that team members have about the existence of cultural differences among multinational peacekeepers, and the impact those differences have on teamwork. The TACT solution will prepare staff officers performing command and control functions in Joint, Interagency, and Multinational (JIM) environments to navigate the challenges of culture during information exchange involving: team tasks, goals and mission, response sequencing, time and position coordination of responses, load balancing, matching resources to task requirements, adjusting activities in response to errors and omissions, and general activity monitoring. Design: The design of TACT will be flexible enough to serve decentralized, distributed, and highly mobile teams. It will also take into account the situational variables innate in the complex and dynamic environments in which these teams operate. The final product format will have broad application across the military, as well as in the corporate and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) marketplaces.

Keywords:
Teams, E-Learning, Computer-Based Training, Cultural Awareness, Jim, Peacekeeping, Adaptive Response, Multinational