Level Up Your Strategy: Towards a Descriptive Framework for Meaningful Enterprise Gamification

Technology Innovation Management Review, 2015

12 Pages Posted: 27 Nov 2015

See all articles by Umar Ruhi

Umar Ruhi

University of Ottawa - Telfer School of Management

Date Written: August 20, 2015

Abstract

Gamification initiatives are currently top-of-mind for many organizations seeking to engage their employees in creative ways, improve their productivity, and drive positive behavioural outcomes in their workforce – ultimately leading to positive business outcomes on the whole. Despite its touted benefits, little empirical research has been done to date to investigate technological and individual personal factors that determine the success or failure of enterprise gamification initiatives. In this article, we provide a summary of our preliminary research findings from three case studies of gamification initiatives across different business contexts and present an empirically validated descriptive framework that details the key success factors for enterprise gamification. Our adaptation of the mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics (MDA) framework for enterprise gamification aims to explicate the connections between end-user motivations, interactive gameplay elements, and technology features and functions that constitute effective gamification interventions in the enterprise. Following a discussion of the core elements in the framework and their interrelationships, the implications of our research are presented in the form of guidelines for the management and design of gamification initiatives and applications. The research findings presented in this article can potentially aid in the development of game mechanics that translate into positive user experiences and foster higher levels of employee engagement. Additionally, our research findings provide insights on key success factors for the effective adoption and institutionalization of enterprise gamification initiatives in organizations, and subsequently help them enhance the performance of their employees and drive positive business outcomes.

Keywords: gamification, enterprise gamification, gameful design, mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics, human-computer interaction, user experience, persuasive technologies, behaviour change

Suggested Citation

Ruhi, Umar, Level Up Your Strategy: Towards a Descriptive Framework for Meaningful Enterprise Gamification (August 20, 2015). Technology Innovation Management Review, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2695848

Umar Ruhi (Contact Author)

University of Ottawa - Telfer School of Management ( email )

55 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://www.umar.biz

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