Cooperation in competitive miniatures games : an examination of coopetitive behaviour : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Date
2019
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Massey University
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Abstract
The following study uses competitive miniatures board games as a novel research environment to
examine how, when and why individuals choose between cooperative and competitive strategies to
advance their interests, both within the game match itself and within the broader community of
gamers, and what factors affect these decisions. Drawing on literature from the study fields of
coopetition (a situation of simultaneous cooperation and competition) and decision making, the study
focuses on environmental factors and systemic features of the games and game cultures, and how
these impact player decisions and perspectives on the competitive/cooperative paradox.
Findings supported value creation as a key motivator in player behaviour. Participants overall
expressed a non zero-sum understanding of the coopetitive environment. The existence of a
coopetitive tension within competitive miniatures games was acknowledged across the board,
although its severity was perceived differently across participants. Participants also identified a
number of key strategies and tools used to mitigate or navigate this tension. These included
reciprocity, communicating intent, following the principles of clean play, and adhering to a set of
unwritten rules and norms around sportsmanship and fairness. Players also identified a number of
systemic features that results in negative experiences for them. These included gotchas, unclear rules,
and a sense of imbalance that can result in a player feeling powerless and unengaged. Likewise, a
number of systemic features that help reduce conflict were discussed. These included the existence
of a tight ruleset, managing player expectations, and the establishment of a neutral authority to
mediate disputes.
The findings are used to propose a model of human behaviour in coopetitive situations, intended to
further develop understanding of coopetition and behaviour within bilateral coopetitive
environments.
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Keywords
Cooperativeness, Competition (Psychology), War games, Social aspects