CPPJ

Abstract: This study examines a multi-organization Tabletop Exercise (TTX) involving state and national agencies to provide insights into how social cognition and network factors influence exercise outcomes. Building on Social Cognitive Theory and Social Network Theory, this study proposes a model linking psychological factors, such as self-efficacy, and communication network structures to participants’ perceptions of organizational performance and training benefits. The research explores how communication networks and people’s confidence in their organization’s abilities affect participants' perceptions of the exercise’s success. The study highlights the importance of security self-efficacy, demonstrating how beliefs in organizational capability influence engagement and perceived success. By connecting psychological readiness with network structures, this work advances a more comprehensive understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate impactful cybersecurity TTXs, strengthening preparedness for complex, high-stakes cyber incidents. Findings underscore the critical role of communication structures: participants embedded in larger and more central networks reported higher assessments of their organization’s performance and the exercise’s value. Perceived security self-efficacy was a key factor for positive results. The findings recommend designing TTX for groups with different maturity levels and encouraging inclusive communication.

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Recommended Citation: Clouse, S.F., Floyd, T., Wright, R., Akello, P., Haddouch, R., (2026). Linking Security Self-Efficacy and Communication Networks to Perceived Success in Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercises. Cybersecurity Pedagogy and Practice Journal 5(1) pp 52-78. https://doi.org/10.62273/FYBR1844