More than a feeling: rapport and complex task performance in teams

Purpose This study aims to explore how the three constructs typically associated with rapport – positivity, mutual liking and interpersonal coordination – relate to performance in teams performing highly interdependent, complex tasks. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted two studies examining flight crew simulations using behavioral observation methodology. Findings Study 1 reveals that crews with higher levels of each rapport component during completion of a complex interdependent task perform better than crews with lower levels of these components. Furthermore, interpersonal coordination most strongly predicts both team- and expert-rated performance. In Study 2, the authors provide a micro-behavioral analysis of interpersonal coordination and demonstrate how crews reporting higher levels of coordination engage in significantly more complex interaction patterns as compared to crews reporting lower levels. Originality/value This research explores the role of rapport in demanding, time-pressured team settings.