6. Conclusions
The study reveals the importance of numerous team elements (inputs, processes, and emergent states) in predicting the outcomes of NEPA processes in the U.S. Forest Service. The most powerful
cross-cutting predictors included a harmonious team atmosphere, a clearly empowered team leader who exhibits an empowering leadership style, a clear and unambiguous purpose and need, the
employment of best available science, effective inter-agency engagement, IDTLs’ genuine belief in the positive value of public involvement, and lesser turnover on ID teams. Numerous antecedent
variables were associated with these primary predictors, including greater collaborative interdisciplinary deliberation within the ID team, clear communications with a decision maker who
prioritizes the project, and stronger feelings of accountability to the public. We urge future research on the relationships between decision makers and IDTLs and other conditions which may catalyze
or constrain the development of the factors found herein to lead to more desirable outcomes. We also urge future research on the relationships between team inputs, process, and emergent states
that makes use of additional and external measures of process outcomes beyond the self-reported perceptions of team leaders.