To the Top: A Role Playing Exercise Highlighting Leadership, Influence Tactics, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution and Communication

Ian S. Mercer; R. Gabrielle Swab; John N. Harris

Ian S. Mercer

Auburn University, USA

John N. Harris

Georgia Southern University, USA

R. Gabrielle Swab

Towson University, USA

Volume 14: 2021, pp. 71-94; ABSTRACT

Leadership, influence tactics, decision-making, conflict resolution, and communication are key topics in Organizational Behavior courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. We discuss an exercise giving instructors the opportunity to engage students actively and meaningfully in learning these topics. We do so through the adaptation of a commercially available live action role-playing game. In this exercise, student groups of approximately six simulate the difficult assent of an unclimbed mountain peak. Through this short but intensive exercise, students make crucial decisions that can either help or hinder their team’s success. With each group member having a different agenda and role within the group, they move through group dynamics and decision-making capabilities, using and demonstrating the effectiveness of conflict resolution techniques and influence tactics. Following completion, students reflect upon the techniques and styles used during a group discussion and plenary session. Instructing materials, suggested uses, and student reactions to this activity are included.