Systemic approaches in human factors and ergonomics for analysing team dynamics: A systematic review

Team dynamics in complex sociotechnical systems are critical for safety and organisational effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the utility and applicability of systemic Human Factors and Ergonomics(HFE) approaches for analysing team dynamics. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2020 and September 2025. Studies were included if they applied systemic HFE methods to analyse team dynamics in organisational settings. Studies focusing solely on individual performance or lacking methodological detail were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data, and methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were synthesised using thematic analysis. Seventy-seven studies were included, with healthcare being the most represented domain (n = 39). Most studies (51.9%) used adapted or combined approaches. Communication and coordination were the most frequently analysed dimensions of team dynamics. Established frameworks (e.g., SEIPS, FRAM) supported system-level analysis, while author-developed methods provided greater insight into local interactions. Hybrid approaches enabled integration across levels of analysis. Most studies were of high methodological quality (64.9%). These patterns informed a two-axis model positioning systemic HFE approaches by level of analysis and methodological integration, operationalised as a framework for method selection. Systemic HFE approaches are effective for analysing team dynamics in complex settings; however, no single method is universally optimal. Effectiveness depends on alignment between the analytical approach, context, and research objectives. Hybrid and adapted approaches appearing particularly promising. Further research is needed in underrepresented domains and through comparative methodological studies.