GSK
InContext Consultancy Group > GSK

GSK

Introducing employees to the new organisational culture in an accessible way.

How can we effectively and meaningfully introduce the new organisational structure to employees?

GSK is one of the most prominent pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Among the many projects taken on by GSK, cross-functional teams tackle the entire lifecycle of new vaccine development: from identifying societal and medical needs to commercial marketing and product enhancements.

To ensure this process is successful, GSK introduced a matrix organisational structure. This means that employees from different disciplines and departments (horizontally) form teams, without abandoning the structure of their department (vertically). This organisational form is particularly suitable for large projects (such as space travel) and product development (for vaccines, for example), but it also brings specific challenges.

In order to implement this structure and make sure it was effective, a few essential things needed to be established throughout GSK and among its teams: clear project leadership, prioritisation of available resources, and optimal collaboration without disrupting the vertical balance.

Reflection and Theory

At InContext, we believe in the power of reflection and relevant theory to create truly remarkable learning experiences. By intentionally incorporating these elements, we have developed a simulation with a tremendously steep learning curve – one that remains challenging, frustrating, and fun throughout the entire two-day programme.

The result? Participants immediately experience their team mates’ frame of reference, with immediate consequences for the quality of their collaboration. This simulation was first launched in 2013 and is now played several times per year at multiple sites across Europe and the USA.

Company Simulation LifeSaver

GSK and InContext have jointly composed a tailored programme to help teams who develop vaccines grow into cohesive and united teams with an eye for the big picture; the company simulation LifeSaver. The programme presents a set of important dilemmas:

  • How do formal lines of communication hold up against informal contacts/decisions?
  • How do you align individual and team objectives with organisation objectives; how can we promote an enterprise mindset?
  • How do you balance personal leadership and the willingness to execute tasks?

InContext developed a company simulation that precisely reflects x specific dilemmas that are relevant in vaccine development at GSK.

The game is played by 30 participants who compete with each other in two teams. What is important is that participants don’t fulfill a role similar to their real-life role, but instead play a role they are not familiar with. This helps them to explore an unknown situation with new demands, while they get to look at the organisation from a fresh perspective. In doing so, they enlarge their frame of reference and understanding of other people’s perspectives. Participants immediately experience the effect of their behaviour in the simulation. This is enhanced by the speed of the game which runs through a ten year process in a mere two days.

Company Simulation LifeSaver

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