Business problem addressed

Large organizations are characterized by low communication density due to their organizational structures and methods of communication. Unfortunately, high communication density in an organization is one of the keys to successful innovation. The higher communication density in smaller and start-up companies is one of the reasons that these companies account for a disproportionate number of innovative products in the market. In this exercise, participants will learn to identify obstacles in their organization to teamwork and communication which are likely to hinder innovation. In the post-exercise discussion, we will highlight these obstacles and identify potential solutions.

Note on Management MahjongTM exercises - Our Management MahjongTM exercises use mahjong tiles as props, but do not require a knowledge of mahjong by the participants.

Overview of the exercise
Management MahjongTM – Teamwork and Communication is designed to teach lessons in teamwork, communication and organizational structure.

Ideal group size: 40-50 people
Duration: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, plus a 30 minute follow up discussion
Manpower: 1 facilitator and 1 assistant facilitator
Materials: 1 mahjong set, 9 A5-size memo pads, 9 identifying signs for the 9 different groups

Target participants
• Senior, Middle and Junior managers in large organizations who would like to improve teamwork and communication and increase innovation
• Entrepreneurs who would like to structure their organizations for maximum teamwork, communication and innovation

Some of the key areas for learning and discussion are:

1. The relationship between communication density and innovation (high communication density leads to more innovation).
2. The relationships among organizational hierarchies, communication and teamwork (more hierarchical versus flat structure)
3. The relationships among organizational structure, communication and teamwork (Silos versus matrices)
4. Impact of various communication methods on productivity and efficiency
5. Relative levels of noise and clarity in various communication methods
6. Differences between horizontal and vertical communication in organizations
7. The importance of trust for clear communication and good teamwork.
8. Impact of differential and incomplete information on teamwork and communication
9. The potential disconnect between team and organizational goals and the need to balance these two when fostering teamwork.
10. The roles the various levels play within the organizational framework
11. How the various levels view one another and the impact on teamwork and communication.
12. Responsibility of each level to communicate both good and bad news up and down the chain
13. Challenges and benefits of cross-cultural teamwork (when exercise includes cross-cultural teams)its
14. The necessity to think outside the box.
15. Willingness to request additional resources to complete the task