Diversity, change, problem solving, communication, teamworking
Simulation Game Overview
BARNGA is designed to explore factors related to communication problems in intercultural situations. BARNGA introduces the shock of realising that in spite of many similarities, people from other cultures have differences in the way they do things. Their rules are different from our rules. You have to understand and reconcile these differences to function effectively in a cross-cultural team. The game lends itself to effective experimentation as illustrated by the numerous variations suggested in the trainer's manual.
Simulation Game Learning Outcomes
BARNGA simulates the stages of culture shock and the realisation that other cultures have different rules. The delegates must then understand and reconcile these differences if they want to function effectively as a cross-cultural team. The facilitators guide provides various debrief ideas you can apply depending on your learning objectives, including;
- Diversity and Cross Cultural Clashes in the workplace
- Gender Differences in Communication Styles
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Cross Functional Team Development
- Change Management
- Creative Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Negotiation Skills
How it works
Participants take part in a simple card game in small groups. The only way they can communication is through gestures and grunts, no talking or written messages are allowed. At first they are all playing the same game, with the same rules. Conflict and confusion begins to occur when members move from group to group because the rules of each game vary. This can simulate cross-cultural encounters, where people tend to believe - falsely - that they share the same understanding of the basic rules. The same situation often occurs across departments. To combat this philosophy, players must first recognise the existence of conflicting sets of rules - then struggle to reconcile them.
Involving intensive interaction between participants, Barnga explores the fundamental aspects of unexpected change and the resulting communication breakdowns.
The power of this simulation game is in the de-brief. As a group the facilitator explores the emotions and feelings experienced by the players. Then with analogies the facilitator helps players relate the game events to real life situations. Finally, they are given the opportunity to plan suitable strategies to modify their behaviour should they replay the game and relate these into lessons they can taken back to the real world and workplace.
Contents
The Barnga facilitators simulation game pack contains
- A copy of The 25th Anniversary Edition of Barnga
- A CD containing handouts on: Stages of Culture Shock, Key Learning Insights and a Discussion Guide to assist the debriefing process. Also a complete set of Five Tricks Handouts
- Ten complete Barnga Packs with Cards, Table Plates and Rules for the card game
- A powerful optional “Ice Breaker” to use prior to Barnga or on its own
Trainer Helpline
We know that training games, activities and simulations can bring fun, learning and challenge to the programmes you deliver. Therefore, we would welcome the opportunity to talk you through any of our wide range of activities to ensure that you obtain the maximum benefit from your purchase. Please
contact us or call us on
+44 (0) 1202 729823.
Who is it for? Barnga is suitable for all staff
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of Participants: 20 - 40 (More maybe possible)
