Spring Break
Media Habits at HBS - Lessons from HBS's Favorite Game
What We Can Learn From "Mafia"
Qahir Dhanani (OH), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Features
Applying the lessons and theories from classroom discussion to the real world can be difficult. Luckily HBS students have found a creative way to apply our knowledge
Do you know how to lie? Surely, during LCA, we've all debated the merits and demerits of lying (or should I euphemize by referring to it as "bluffing")?
Either way, the power of information is a theme that cuts across just about every HBS course. From Finance and Strategy to Marketing and Negotiation, we are taught about the intricacies of information asymmetries. Those who know more, have more power. They are able to make intelligent decisions, avoid unattractive markets, set prices, and capture more value.
However, despite the case method's unique ability to bring the practical aspects of business into the classroom, we are rarely given opportunities to truly exercise our knowledge and put into play some of the theory we're taught.
Lucky for us, many HBS students engage in a very real activity that fully exploits our desires for power and influence, an activity that privileges some and makes others vulnerable, an activity in which people are lied to, manipulated and even killed. None of us are immune to it and none of us has refrained from it.
Dare I say, most of us relish it. Yes, we relish the opportunity to be the Mafia.
Over the past two years, I've observed many groups of HBS students coalesce during section and club retreats, IXPs and Treks, and at other random times to play this game. Some call it Assassin, some call it Werewolf, but most call it Mafia.
The game begins with a random assignment of roles to all the players. Being Mafia is most coveted. However, the role of Detective, Cop, or Policeman on one hand and Doctor, Angel, or Bodyguard on the other are also preferred. Being a townsperson, because it comes with no privileges or powers, is least desirable.
Each successive round of play consists of night and day. During the night, as the townspeople "sleep," the Mafia murder one person, figuratively of course; the Detectives learn whether another player is part of the Mafia; and the Doctor gets an opportunity to save someone from death. All of this is done through a complex process moderated by the most important player of all: "God."
Do you know how to lie? Surely, during LCA, we've all debated the merits and demerits of lying (or should I euphemize by referring to it as "bluffing")?
Either way, the power of information is a theme that cuts across just about every HBS course. From Finance and Strategy to Marketing and Negotiation, we are taught about the intricacies of information asymmetries. Those who know more, have more power. They are able to make intelligent decisions, avoid unattractive markets, set prices, and capture more value.
However, despite the case method's unique ability to bring the practical aspects of business into the classroom, we are rarely given opportunities to truly exercise our knowledge and put into play some of the theory we're taught.
Lucky for us, many HBS students engage in a very real activity that fully exploits our desires for power and influence, an activity that privileges some and makes others vulnerable, an activity in which people are lied to, manipulated and even killed. None of us are immune to it and none of us has refrained from it.
Dare I say, most of us relish it. Yes, we relish the opportunity to be the Mafia.
Over the past two years, I've observed many groups of HBS students coalesce during section and club retreats, IXPs and Treks, and at other random times to play this game. Some call it Assassin, some call it Werewolf, but most call it Mafia.
The game begins with a random assignment of roles to all the players. Being Mafia is most coveted. However, the role of Detective, Cop, or Policeman on one hand and Doctor, Angel, or Bodyguard on the other are also preferred. Being a townsperson, because it comes with no privileges or powers, is least desirable.
Each successive round of play consists of night and day. During the night, as the townspeople "sleep," the Mafia murder one person, figuratively of course; the Detectives learn whether another player is part of the Mafia; and the Doctor gets an opportunity to save someone from death. All of this is done through a complex process moderated by the most important player of all: "God."
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