Gaming as an Approach to Convey the Effectuation Message

Effectuation has been emerging as an alternative perspective to the traditional theories on entrepreneurial decision-making, also referred to as causal reasoning. Building on the dichotomy between causal and effectual reasoning, a simulation game was designed to explore the effectiveness of games in teaching effectuation. Design/methodology/approach:The game was designed to simulate the first year of a business development process based on an opportunity, and a number of causal and effectual actions that can be used to develop a sustainable product/service and accompanying business. The game was tested within the context of an European project, with the representatives of the project partners and students of Lund University. At the end of the game, the participants were asked to fill in an evaluation form to gather insights into the effectiveness of the game in introducing/teaching effectuation. Findings:Our findings suggestthat the game is a successful awareness tool in conveying the effectuation message; the players enjoyed it and found it educational. The game introduced the players in a fast and effective way to the theory of effectuation. Research/practical implications:Besides learning effectuation as an alternative approach, the participants could directly apply it and learned what the implications are in practice. Moreover, the game instantly provides teachers/facilitators insights into the profile of the students or participants and their causal/effectual behavior and consequent learning needs. As a result, it can also be used as an educative planning tool for course development. Originality/value:This study explores gaming as an alternative approach to teaching effectuation, and therefore contributes to the research on entrepreneurship education.