HEXgame - game description

It is a dynamic and simulation-based workshop during which participants are immersed in a real situation requiring them to react instantly. It initiates an efficient process of change in the approach to communication and cooperation in situations of limited informational resources and facing difficult decisions.
The workshop program enables to develop competencies in two areas of influencing: influencing the system and influencing people. It is based on a leadership model described by McKinsey experts, which suggests that the achievement of organizational goals requires from leaders two sets of competencies:

• Strategic and system thinking – to build an efficient and operational organization system,
• Self-awareness – to influence efficiently people working within the system.

HEXGame is a metaphor for a large organization. Players participate in a strongly engaging experience of country management. They have very limited resources with restricted access. They have to negotiate on different authority levels and deal with local crises as well as social discontent. In a situation of obstructed communication they have to manage the country rationally and they need to fulfill their leadership role.

HEXgame game was developed in 1976 for UNESCO by a team of scientists under the direction of Richard D. Duke. It was created in response to the urgent need to educate managers in the public and private sectors in Ghana. It was part of the UNESCO program supporting development in Third World countries and an attempt to solve their dramatic socio-economic problems.

Duration: 3 – 4 hours (+ workshop)
Number of players: 16-50

• Understanding the role of efficient vertical and horizontal communication in the achievement of organizational goals
• Demonstrating how activities on each organization level are interdependent and the lack of shared information emphasizes chaos and reduces productivity in a situation of permanent uncertainty
• Overcoming silos issues related to keeping (instead of conveying) information
• Increasing the sense of shared responsibility for the achievement of common/team goals