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Decision-Making in a Real-Time Business Simulation Game: Cultural and Demographic Aspects in Small Group Dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Johanna Bragge

    (Aalto University School of Business, Department of Information and Service Economy, Information Systems Science P.O. Box 21220, 00076 AALTO, Helsinki, Finland)

  • Henrik Kallio

    (Aalto University School of Business, Department of Information and Service Economy, Information Systems Science P.O. Box 21220, 00076 AALTO, Helsinki, Finland)

  • Tomi Seppälä

    (Aalto University School of Business, Department of Information and Service Economy, Information Systems Science P.O. Box 21220, 00076 AALTO, Helsinki, Finland)

  • Timo Lainema

    (Turku School of Economics at University of Turku, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Information Systems Science/Pedagogical Sciences, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, 20500 Turku, Finland)

  • Pekka Malo

    (Aalto University School of Business, Department of Information and Service Economy, Information Systems Science P.O. Box 21220, 00076 AALTO, Helsinki, Finland)

Abstract

Simulated virtual realities offer a promising but currently underutilized source of data in studying cultural and demographic aspects of dynamic decision-making (DDM) in small groups. This study focuses on one simulated reality, a clock-driven business simulation game, which is used to teach operations management. The purpose of our study is to analyze the characteristics of the decision-making groups, such as cultural orientation, education, gender and group size, and their relationship to group performance in a real-time processed simulation game. Our study examines decision-making in small groups of two or three employees from a global manufacturing and service operations company. We aim at shedding new light on how such groups with diverse background profiles perform as decision-making units. Our results reveal that the profile of the decision-making group influences the outcome of decision-making, the final business result of the simulation game. In particular, the cultural and gender diversity, as well as group size seem to have intertwined effects on team performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Bragge & Henrik Kallio & Tomi Seppälä & Timo Lainema & Pekka Malo, 2017. "Decision-Making in a Real-Time Business Simulation Game: Cultural and Demographic Aspects in Small Group Dynamics," International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making (IJITDM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(03), pages 779-815, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijitdm:v:16:y:2017:i:03:n:s0219622017500171
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219622017500171
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    References listed on IDEAS

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