Education of managers using management games in companies: a case of Slovakia

Developing human capital through education and motivation is key to company success in a rapidly evolving business environment.However, only a few studies have dealt with using management games in Central and Eastern European companies, including Slovakia.This article examines the current state of using management games and simulations for manager education in Slovakia, focusing on their adoption by Slovak companies.The research aims to identify which tools and techniques are used by Slovak companies to train managers, specifically looking at the use of management games, the reasons for their adoption or lack thereof, and the perceived benefits.A questionnaire survey was conducted with 300 companies from various competitive sectors, resulting in 60 valid responses.The findings reveal that while a few companies use management games, the overall adoption rate in Slovakia is low, primarily due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of such educational methods.However, companies implementing these games report significant improvements in creativity, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork among managers.The article concludes that while traditional training methods dominate, there is a growing interest and willingness among Slovak companies to invest in more active, experiential learning tools like management games to enhance managerial capabilities.The findings of this study have practical implications for a wide range of fields, such as education, sports management, manufacturing, and services, where they can support efforts to enhance organisational performance.