Abstract

Gamification—using game design elements in non-game settings—is increasingly applied in organizations to motivate employees, enhance engagement, and support performance improvement initiatives. While prior research emphasizes individual-level psychological mechanisms and system design, little is known about how organizational context shapes employee responses and unintended consequences. This study addresses this gap by exploring: How do employees respond to gamification initiatives, and what influences their response? and What are the unintended consequences of gamification initiatives in organizations? Using qualitative interviews with employees and managers across multiple organizations. Using thematic analysis to capture experiences, perceptions, and contextual factors such as role responsibilities, incentive structures, and organizational culture. Preliminary findings reveal that engagement is shaped by both rewards and context, with variation across roles, departments, and perceptions of fairness. The study aims to inform the design of workplace gamification initiatives and advance understanding of how context moderates employee responses and system outcomes.

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