Win-win game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A win-win game is a type of game which is designed in a way that all participants can profit from it in one way or the other.
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[edit] Types of win-win games
- In mathematical game theory such games are also called non-zero-sum games.
- In the context of group-dynamic games, win-win games are also called 'cooperative games', 'new games' or 'games without losers'.
- In colloquial speech, a win-win situation often refers to situation where one benefits, not necessarily through someone else's loss.
[edit] Group-dynamics win-win games
Group-dynamics win-win games have been increasingly popular since the end of the Vietnam war and have been successfully applied to all levels of society.
Group-dynamics win-win games emphasize the importance of cooperation, fun, sharing, caring and over-all group success in contrast to domination, egotistic behaviour and personal gain. All players are treated as equally important and valuable. Win-win games often also carry an ethical message of caring for the environment and a holistic approach to life and society. Win-win games are a powerful tool to give people self-confidence and a 'we' experience, especially when they have suffered from emotional isolation.
Example: All players try to carry a huge 'earth ball' (several meters in diameter) over their head while negotiating an obstacle course. This is a typical example of a win-win game for several reasons:
- there are no losers (everyone enjoys the accomplished task).
- all players are involved (no-one is left out or sits out).
- the earth symbolises responsibility for our environment (ethics is coming into play).
- the game is psychologically working on many levels (communication, supporting each other, having fun in a group etc)
- the game is gentle on mind, body, and soul (low risk of injury or harm).
Note that there are also mathematical win-win games; the mathematical name for them is non-zero-sum games. In mathematics such games are often simply represented by a matrix of pay-outs.
[edit] See also
- Abundance mentality
- Game
- Group-dynamic game
- Non-zero-sum game
