International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 3(3), pp. 46 - 59
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2015.030304
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Frameworks of Team Processes in Sport: A Critical Review with Implications for Practitioners

Jamie Collins ^*, Natalie Durand-Bush
School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Canada

ABSTRACT

Researchers have directly or indirectly examined team processes that contribute to team functioning and effectiveness in sport. However, in doing so, they have typically focused on team cohesion, they have not consistently addressed the theoretical/conceptual frameworks underpinning their work, nor have they comprehensively derived implications for practice. Furthermore, existing meta-analyses and reviews on cohesion and team building address results of empirical studies and do not evaluate the specific theoretical/conceptual frameworks used to guide these studies. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to critically review theoretical/conceptual frameworks directly or indirectly addressing team processes in sport and derive implications for professional practice. Seven frameworks used to guide research and/or practice in sport were identified for inclusion in this study. Three frameworks were borrowed from general psychology and the other four stemmed from sport psychology. These frameworks targeted a variety of specific team processes and six different outcomes, the most common of which was cohesion. Specific team processes were categorized under broader team processes, the latter of which were linked to one of ten general themes. The theme pertaining to roles/norms was the most prevalent one as it was addressed in six out of the seven frameworks. Conversely, one of the least prevalent general themes related to goals; it was only discussed in two of the seven frameworks. Implications for practitioners aiming to optimize team processes in sport and recommendations for future research are presented.

KEYWORDS
Team Processes, Team Building, Team Dynamics, Theoretical Frameworks, Sport, Practitioners

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jamie Collins , Natalie Durand-Bush , "Frameworks of Team Processes in Sport: A Critical Review with Implications for Practitioners," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 46 - 59, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2015.030304.

(b). APA Format:
Jamie Collins , Natalie Durand-Bush (2015). Frameworks of Team Processes in Sport: A Critical Review with Implications for Practitioners. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 3(3), 46 - 59. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2015.030304.