In most open and distance learning institutions, the development of learning materials, whether in print or electronic form, is created by teams consisting of people with different skills. Team communication has a critical influence on the development of team shared mental models (SMMs) as well as team performance. A review of the literature reveals a gap in our knowledge about the effects of communication on team performance in open and distance learning institutions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a communication strategy and planning intervention designed to promote team communication, team SMM, team psychological state and team performance in the development of course materials in the Indonesia Open University. Sixty teams were randomly assigned to the treatment group (30 teams) and to the control group (30 teams). The study consisted of a treatment as a between subject factor (communication intervention vs. control) and several dependent variables (team communication, team SMM, team psychological components, and team performance). Team communication and team SMM were measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the projects. Team psychological components were measured at the beginning and end of the project, and team performance was measured at the end of the project. In terms of team communication, the treatment group's mean score was significantly higher than the control groups for team communication planning level and team communication planning value. The treatment group's score mean for the team SMM degree and team SMM similarity was significant higher than the control group. In team psychological components, the treatment group's mean score in team efficacy, team satisfaction, and team frustration was significantly higher than the control groups. The effect of the communication strategy and planning intervention on the team performance showed that the intervention was effective in helping teams to improve their product quality. The quality of the introduction section and the closing section produced by the treatment group was significantly higher than those of the control group, which indicates that the increased communication among the team members improved the quality of those sections, and required more time to complete. In terms of team product submission, the intervention did not lead to a better product submission. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]