This study aims to analyse the effect of a cognitive flexibility manipulation on task mental model similarity, team adaptation, and performance. This study also aims to analyse the moderating effect of cognitive flexibility on the relationship between task mental model similarity and team adaptation, between task mental model similarity and team performance, and between team adaptation and team performance. We conducted a laboratory experiment in which teams performed a computer-based real-time command-and-control firefighting simulation. Findings suggest that the cognitive flexibility manipulation has an effect on task mental model similarity, but has no effect on team adaptation and performance. Results also suggest that the cognitive flexibility manipulation moderates the relationship between team adaptation and performance. This study advances knowledge on team literature by showing that task mental model similarity is not enough to promote team performance – cognitive flexibility plays an important role in promoting team performance.

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Cognitive flexibility,shared mental models,team adaptation,team performance