Online role play simulation to tackle Groupthink - case study of a crisis management training

Abstract

Decision-makers have to face many challenges during crisis management: ill-structured problem, time stress, incomplete information and involvement of multiple parties. Groupthink is a term coined by psychologist (Janis, 1972), Groupthink victims ignore alternatives and tend to make irrational decisions in facing crises. Many researchers suggest that role play simulation (RPS) is a suitable tool for crisis management training for the realisation of collaboration and authentic situation awareness. In this paper, a case study of crisis management training in the context of law enforcement using online RPS is illustrated. By using Bales' Interaction Process Analysis (IPA) method, the interactions of participants in training are observed and categorised. The results show that using online role play simulation in crisis management training has positive effect on the reduction of Groupthink tendency. © ISLS.