Science Research Management

Science Research Management ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (7): 91-99.

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A research on the influence of business simulation on creativity from the perspective of interaction

Yang Hailong1,2, Guo Guoqing3, Zhang Xiaoliang4   

  1. 1. School of Marketing and Logistics Management, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; 
    2. National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Economic Management, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; 
    3. Business School, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; 
    4. School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
  • Received:2020-09-01 Revised:2021-03-23 Online:2021-07-20 Published:2021-07-19
  • Contact: zhang XiaoLiang

Abstract:     The implementation of innovationdriven development is inseparable from the cultivation of innovative talents, and the core of the cultivation of innovative talents is to improve individual creativity. Therefore, how to effectively carry out creativity training has become a hot issue that scholars, educators and the industry continue to pay attention to. Although many theories and methods have been proposed and proven to be effective, scholars still call for more concise, flexible and easy to replicate pathways to creativity promotion, and suggest combining them with new technologies to promote sustainable innovation in society as a whole. Business simulations have the potential to respond to such calls. 
    Simulation training is a comprehensive practice environment created for empowerment. When the simulation focuses on the real business environment, it can be called business simulation. Existing research has shown that business simulation can improve participants′ cognitive learning effects, interest and immersion in learning, general work abilities including information analysis, and specific abilities in business areas such as business strategy analysis. However, the causal relationship between business simulation and creativity is still unclear. Considering the great potential of the combination of simulation software, 5G and artificial intelligence as a digital innovation infrastructure, and the core driving value of innovation to China′s current economic and social development, it is urgent to further clarify the causal relationship between business simulation and individual creativity, and find the key factors for business simulation to enhance creativity.
    In view of this, based on the theory of social construction learning and innovative interaction, we have carried out two studies to bridge the theoretical gap mentioned above. To be specific, the first study establishes the causal relationship between business simulation and individual creativity through DID analysis of multiperiod data before and after business simulation. In study 2, based on the flow experience theory, business simulation interaction was used as a stimulus, performance pressure and psychological simulation as an individual′s internal response, and creativity as the result. A mediating relationship model of business simulation interaction influencing individual creativity was constructed, and the model was further tested by performing hierarchical regression on multistage data.
    The main findings are as follows: First, business simulation can enhance participants′ creativity. Second, the interaction in business simulation is an important factor that can enhance the creativity of participants. Third, the role playing based business simulation interaction activates participants′ mental simulations by providing rich sensory materials and promoting cognitive construction consistent with actions. Furthermore, mental simulation contributes to the diversification and divergence of thinking in the process of event reconstruction, thus forming a positive influence on creativity. Fourth, business simulation interaction positively affects participants′ perception of performance pressure, but participants′ evaluation of such performance pressure tends to be challenging, that is, individuals believe that they are capable of coping with such pressure, and thus the perception of challenging pressure has a positive impact on creativity. Fifth, when the abilities of participants match the challenges of business simulation at a higher level, peak experience strengthens the positive impact of business simulation interaction on creativity through performance pressure, and vice versa, this indirect effect is weakened. Sixth, the positive impact of business simulation on creativity is not shortlived. The possible reason is that the participants improved their confidence and resilience in the process of interaction, mental simulation and stress coping, thus exerting a sustained positive impact on creativity as a psychological capital. On the eve of the 5G wave and the outbreak of artificial intelligence industry, the accurate identification of the key factors of business simulation to enhance creativity has laid a foundation for the further digital and virtual development of creativity promotion training, and found a flexible and easily popularized potential path for the cultivation of innovative talents and the shaping of innovative teams.

Key words:  business simulation, interaction, creativity, performance pressure, mental simulation