WIN-WIN GAME

A 'win-win game' is a game which is designed in a way that all participants can profit from it in one way or the other.

Contents

Types of win-win games

Group-dynamics win-win games

See also

Literature

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.

★ Win-win-win is where both parties win, and the middle man wins as a successful negotiator.

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.

See also

★ Abundance mentality

★ Game

★ Group-dynamic game

★ Non-zero-sum game

Literature