This case explores the benefits and challenges of creating and sustaining an organizational culture that emphasizes fun and playfulness by telling the story of an inspiring organization that has cultivated such a culture: the Michigan chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAW). The case provides background information on the organization and describes the initiatives and activities that create a playful culture at MAW. It also highlights the benefits and challenges of playfulness for employees, external partners, donors, and wish families, as well as describes how leaders and employees create a culture of “serious play” that maintains the benefits while minimizing the costs of playfulness.
Serious Play at the Make-A-Wish-Foundation
by: Adam Grant
Publication Date: October 26, 2009
Length: 16 pages
Product ID#: 1-428-873
Core Disciplines: Leadership/Organizational Behavior
Partner Collection:
Available Documents
Click on any button below to view the available document.
Don't see the document you need?
Don't See the Document You Need?
Make sure you are registered and/or logged in to our site to view product documents. Once registered & approved, faculty, staff, & course aggregators will have access to full inspection copies and teaching notes for any of our materials.
Make sure you are registered and/or logged in to our site to view product documents. Once registered & approved, faculty, staff, & course aggregators will have access to full inspection copies and teaching notes for any of our materials.
$3.95
Need to make copies?
If you need to make copies, you MUST purchase the corresponding number of permissions, and you must own a single copy of the product.
Electronic Downloads are available immediately after purchase. "Quantity" reflects the number of copies you intend to use. Unauthorized distribution of these files is prohibited pursuant to term of use of this website.
Teaching Note
This product has a teaching note available. Available only to Registered Educators. Please login to view it.
Description
Teaching Objectives
After reading and discussing the material, students should:
- Provide students the opportunity to analyze how an organization's culture can help it to achieve its strategic objectives and overall mission.
- Illustrate real-life examples of the ways in which an organization and its leaders can cultivate a playful culture.
- Encourage reflection with respect to playfulness at work and its implications for students' own careers.
- Foster discussion on the potential opportunities and challenges facing managers who seek to develop a fun and playful work environment.