Humanizing Business: How Tuck’s Virtual Reality Experiment Brings Empathy Into The MBA Classroom

Tuck MBA students using VR. Laura Decapua Photography

‘I WAS MOVED BY MANY OF THE STORIES’

The Zoom interviews, Govindarajan says, were the most powerful part of the course and helped students to understand the health and wellness problems that these families face. The interviews also helped students determine why these families’ needs aren’t being met, why consumption isn’t possible for them, and what barriers they’re up against. “Some barriers could be awareness, access, or affordability,” explains Govindarajan.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the interviews was the opportunity for Tuck students to learn from others’ experience – experiences that differed greatly from their own. “The students were able to empathize with these families and learn how some live in poor conditions on just $2 per day,” says Govindarajan. “You can learn from anyone if you are humble and have an open mind. In this course, students learn more about themselves and how to connect with humanity.”

“I was moved by many of the stories we heard and was inspired by these families’ resiliency and resourcefulness when it came to some of the more serious health and economic challenges they faced,” says Croak.

“The world is getting more complex, and issues are becoming more complicated,” adds Yuta Ohashi, another Tuck ‘22 student. “In order to properly identify and approach such issues, we have to listen to people.”

‘THEY BEGAN SEEING CAPITALISM IN A NEW LIGHT, AND HOW IT CAN BE A FORCE OF GOOD’

Yuta Ohashi. Laura Decapua Photography

According to Govindarajan, the virtual GIX exposed students to consumers they’d never encountered before. It also helped students realize just how much opportunity they really have in helping others. “Students began to see capitalism in a new light, and how it can be a force of good if it’s innovated to work for more people,” he says.

“Previously, supporting people or countries who are in economically tough situations might have been left to governments, public institutions, and philanthropists,” says Ohashi. “Today, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to support such people or countries while making a profit.”

‘TECHNOLOGY CAN COMPLEMENT AND AUGMENT AN MBA PROGRAM’

While Govindarajan believes that virtual reality technology isn’t meant to replace in-person B-school experiences, it can add to these experiences. “Technology can complement and augment an MBA program,” he explains.

In spring 2023, Govindarajan plans on offering the course to first-year MBA students rather than only second-years to open their eyes to social problems faced by many people around the world — sooner. This will also allow Tuck students to become inspired to find solutions to these problems throughout the rest of their MBA.

“Without the technology incorporated into the course, it would have been impossible for such fruitful conversations to occur and for such deep insights to be revealed,” says Croak.