Team Selection

The use of teams in organizations has become ubiquitous. Yet, there has been comparatively little research on team selection. This chapter seeks to review the literature on team selection and identify areas for future research. To do this, we first briefly review existing models of team functioning to provide background for selection scholars who might not be familiar with team constructs. We then describe the work of teams, particularly in terms of how it might differ from the work of individuals. This is followed by a review of the different kinds of criteria that can be used in team settings, including criteria used in individually oriented selection, as well as some criteria unique to the team domain. We then articulate the different ways individuals can contribute to teams in terms of key knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) identified in the literature. These constructs represent the different attributes that can be assessed prior to selecting individuals or teams. Next, we discuss issues of team placement and staffing, particularly in terms of how to create teams to optimize the different worker KSAOs present in the organization or applicant population. Finally, we close with some thoughts about team selection and the need for future research in this area.