AWAKA® explores assumptions and blind spots that individuals carry with them when initially encountering unfamiliar cultures. AWAKA® enables participants to experience issues encountered when working across cultural boundaries. Participants explore assumptions made about people from different groups, and develop an effective process for entering a working relationship with people who are culturally different.

The Richlanders, who are economically and technologically superior, plan a trip to aid the Awakans with a project on which they are working. The two cultures are very different, providing opportunity to experience miscommunication and conflict which naturally occurs when individuals work across cultural boundaries.

Scenario

The simulation involves people from two different cultures: Awaka and Richland. The Awakans are designing and building a monument to celebrate their recently acquired freedom and independence after centuries of dominance. They want to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and have plentiful resources but little capacity for developing them.
The Richlanders, who are economically and technologically superior, are planning a trip to Awaka to aid in this construction project with the best of intentions to assist the Awakans.

The simulation creates continual opportunities for exploring the miscommunication and conflict that arises from working across organizational and cultural boundaries. It also explores the assumptions and presumptions made about people from different groups and cultures that support their actions and attitudes.

Outcome

• Raise awareness around diversity issues of culture, race, ethnicity, power and economics
  
• Uncover underlying (and sometimes subconscious) assumptions about others unfamiliar to them
  
• Experience the conflict and frustration that can result in a group when individuals and subgroups operate single-mindedly
  
• Develop understanding, cooperation and teamwork
  
• Establish a common basis from which people of different backgrounds and capabilities can work together effectively
  

AWAKA® is a powerful simulation that:

• Explores difference and diversity
  
• Addresses cross-cultural issues, ethnic and racial issues, economic and power-related issues
  
• Places individuals safely in potentially uncomfortable situations to facilitate learning
  
• Involves planning and building activities
  
• Draws learning from the group's collective experience
  
• Facilitates transfer of learning to the workplace
  
• Builds increased awareness among participants of issues related to cross-cultural interactions
  
• Provides experiences in a safe environment for participants to discover and explore personal biases that present barriers to effective leadership and collaboration
  
• Creates a common, shared experience for the group that serves as a reference point to help with future situations that involve diversity issues

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Specifications

Certification and Qualification

Certification or qualification are not required for trainers using AWAKA. Experience with level 2 simulations, good group facilitation and debrief skills, and team development experience are recommended.

Cost

Participant Supply Kit (Materials for 30 participants) $415.00, Facilitator Guide $75.00, Starter Kit (Materials for 30 participants & Facilitator Guide) $475.00

Minimum participants: 6
Maximum participants: 30