NASA Case Study
Management: Organizational Behavior
Question 12.1
In order to have the smoothest trip to Mars, NASA must focus on team processes for their
astronauts. It is important that NASA focuses on the transition process for the astronauts, making
sure that they prepare for the future. Transition processes can be used in order to focus on the
astronaut’s teamwork, the group could decide to create a plan for how to enhance their teamwork
as they move forward. By focusing on the future NASA will be able to prevent a loss of
teamwork in space, along with a possible prevention of conflicts while the astronauts are away. Another team process NASA should focus on is interpersonal processes as this manages the relationships between team
members. By using affect management, the astronauts would form an emotional bond together, this bond
would be critical as the astronauts are in space since it is important that they are not short
tempered and that they do not point fingers at each other when an issue arises. Conflict
management is also critical as it will give the astronauts a method for managing the conflicts that
may come about when they are together in space. Working on these interpersonal processes will
further ensure that the mission to Mars will have a successful team on board. All these team
processes will aid NASA as they try to make sure that the conflicts on board are minimized, and
that any conflict that does come up can be dealt with.
Question 12.2
The psychologists could also collect information about network structure. By studying the group dynamic and trying to find the perfect network structure the psychologists could find the best way for the astronauts to communicate. Finding the best fit network structure for the group would increase the member satisfaction within the crew members. The psychologists studying the network structure could also uncover who is best fit to communicate with who, and if there is a specific time of day when communication will yield the best results. This would allow for the members on the crew to keep everyone informed as well as encourage regular communication between the members. Studying network structure would be a way to prevent conflicts from arising in the first place, as good communication could prevent a small problem from turning into a much larger one.