Exploring how communication shapes organizing and agility: A business simulation

This study examined how communication shapes organizing and agility. It sought to add to the body of knowledge regarding communication as a principle for organizing and to demonstrate organizational advantages resulting from changes directly attributable to communication. A business simulation was conducted with a team of 15 individuals. It consisted of three runs with debrief sessions held at the end of each run. An integration session was conducted at the end, and a written supplemental survey was completed. The results supported the concept that communication was identified as critical to change and agility. Significant improvements were realized from Run I to Run III: quality improved by 400%, time to market increased by more than half, productivity per worker skyrocketed by 1400%, and units sold increased to 15. Participants noted the importance of communication to decision-making, collaboration, innovation, change, and performance. The findings support prior research and call for ongoing study.