06. Why Transparency Builds Trust in Learning
Eliza Helweg-Larsen
Published Date
Choosing the Best Business Acumen Simulation is our comprehensive guide to evaluating, selecting, and achieving meaningful results with business simulations. In this installment, we examine Transparency — how open, visible simulation mechanics help learners connect decisions to outcomes and build trust in the learning process.
Choosing a Simulation That’s Transparent in Its Mechanics Helps Learners Connect Choices with Outcomes and Build Trust
Transparency is crucial when teaching foundational thinking in business simulations. When learners can see how results are generated, they build trust in the model and better understand the cause-and-effect relationships involved.
With a “black box” approach, a team inputs a decision and gets a result without seeing what caused it. This can hinder foundational learning. While black box models may be useful in other contexts, they are less effective for foundational learning, as they obscure the underlying mechanics and make it harder for participants to grasp essential principles.
Another concern with hidden rules is the potential for participants to try and “game” the system. If they perceive the simulation as mechanical, they might adopt a mechanical approach to “win,” neglecting the important lessons intended by the exercise. This behavior detracts from the educational value of the simulation.
Key Points to Consider
- Visibility of Results: Ensure participants can see how their decisions impact outcomes.
- Clarity Builds Trust: A transparent model increases trust in the simulation and the learning process.
- Discouraging “Gaming”: Transparency discourages mechanical play and encourages authentic engagement.
By prioritizing transparency, you help participants develop a clear understanding of foundational business concepts. This clarity fosters trust in the simulation, ensuring that learners take away real learning they can apply in the workplace.
Bottom Line
Simulations that are transparent in their mechanics build trust, discourage “gaming,” and create more meaningful learning outcomes.
Related reading: Trust and Transparency in Business Simulation Games — a deeper dive into how hidden rules can undermine learning.
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Avoid: Hidden Rules (Black Box) Because… they obscure understanding and destroy trust. |
Look for: Transparency Because… participants can see how their everyday actions change the business. |
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