Uncovering insurance fraud: A team-based activity to teach about social loafing

Keywords: Escape room simulation, experiential exercise, social loafing, team dynamics, cohesion, communication, ethics, decision-making, equity

Abstract: I bring to the classroom the experience of an escape room game. The game’s scenario, inspired by a true case, tasks students to unravel the mysteries surrounding an insurance fraud scheme. The game is intended as an experiential activity that allows students to experience the dynamic interactions among team members in collaborative settings. More specifically, the game targets students understanding of social loafing and some of the moderating factors to this phenomenon. The game can be done in one quick-paced 75-minute class session.