Do Gaming Simulations Substantiate That We Know More Than We Can Tell?

Participatory gaming simulations serve as a robust methodology for extracting and formalizing tacit knowledge within complex professional environments. By replicating real-world market conditions and constraints, these simulations allow practitioners to transition from anecdotal, intuitive decision-making to a structured understanding of their own strategic processes. This approach effectively bridges the gap between theoretical economic frameworks and the practical, often unspoken, expertise required to navigate intricate social and economic systems.

The research, focused on the Dutch horticultural trade, demonstrates that supply chain actors frequently struggle to articulate their professional practices during traditional interviews. However, when placed within a simulated environment, these actors can identify, prioritize, and map the variables that govern their behavior. Key findings reveal that production output uncertainty and information asymmetry act as the primary drivers of market dynamics, frequently compelling participants toward competitive, non-rational decision-making. The simulation process forces these hidden strategic tactics into the open, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of trade barriers and interrelations.

Ultimately, the integration of stakeholder participation in the design and execution of these simulations proves essential for capturing nuanced professional insights. By requiring participants to define realistic scenarios and navigate trade dilemmas, the methodology successfully explicates knowledge that is otherwise difficult to communicate. This framework provides significant educational and analytical value, offering a scalable tool for various professional fields to formalize implicit expertise and improve decision-making accuracy within dynamic, high-stakes industries.