Games at work : employee engagement through gamification techniques at the University of Malta

Abstract

This dissertation explores the manner in which games at work can increase motivation through game design elements in non-game contexts. By investigating this relatively new concept, the study investigates the manner in which serious games are perceived by expert stakeholders in the fields of gaming, human resources, management, work psychology and administration who are also in employment at the University of Malta. The research adopted a qualitative approach and included in-depth interviews with nine different experts in the fields of gaming, human resources, work psychology and management. A simple game activity for administrative employees was conducted in order for them to have a firsthand experience of the gamification concept. This was followed by a focus group with the activity participants. A qualitative analysis examined the perceptions of respondents on games utilized for work purposes. This study challenges the perception of games being used solely for play. The view that games are a relaxing activity rather than a working tool is highlighted in the respondents’ answers. However, the importance of having positive motivation when doing work tasks at the workplace is crucial. Both extrinsic motivators, such as tangible rewards, and intrinsic motivators, such as the feeling of managing to gain an abstract achievement when working, are regarded by the research participants as fundamental. However, from the data gathered it resulted that the intrinsic motivation that employees get from a positive gaming experience while doing a work task is long-term and therefore makes the employees appreciate the task at hand more. Nevertheless, it was concluded that it is by propelling change in change-resistant employees that the use of the right game elements and techniques may create a gamified work system that helps employees to be more motivated to work. Thus, recommendations for future research are based on the change in the cultural mindset when it comes to the concept of using games as a means for a positive work experience.