USCA Business professor shares research on team resiliency with local PMI chapter

Terry Whittington, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at the University of South Carolina Aiken School of Business Administration, shared insights from his recent research with the Augusta-Aiken Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) in October. Alongside his research partner, Christy Goodnight, Ph.D., assistant professor of management from Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, Whittington explored the critical role of team resiliency in enhancing project management team performance. 

PMI defines resilience as “the ability to adapt and respond quickly to unexpected changes.” This concept is essential for both individual team members and organizational processes. The study emphasized that when unforeseen challenges arise, both the project team and the organization must quickly learn, adapt, and respond to maintain project momentum. 

A significant focus of their research was the impact of transformational leadership on project teams operating in high-stress environments. Unlike individual or organizational resilience, team resilience evolves, shaped by the dynamic interaction of several factors: 

• Response Ability: Maintaining essential functions while addressing an event. 
• Monitoring: Keeping track of critical developments. 
• Anticipation: Identifying potential threats and opportunities. 
• Learning: Leveraging experiences to improve processes and outcomes. 

The research highlighted the importance of fostering a positive leadership environment to drive project success, particularly under challenging conditions. 

Whittington’s presentation was well-received by the Augusta-Aiken PMI chapter, which includes project management professionals from industries such as construction, the Savannah River Nuclear Facility, and Fort Eisenhower's Cyber Center of Excellence in Augusta. His work continues to align with the interests of the PMI community, contributing to advancements in project management practices. 

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