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Game on: Engaging customers and employees through gamification

Author

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  • Robson, Karen
  • Plangger, Kirk
  • Kietzmann, Jan H.
  • McCarthy, Ian
  • Pitt, Leyland

Abstract

Managers are frequently tasked with increasing the engagement levels of key stakeholders, such as customers and employees. Gamification—defined as the application of game design principles to change behavior in non-gaming contexts—is a tool that, if crafted and implemented properly, can increase engagement. In this article we discuss how gamification can aid customer and employee engagement, and delineate between four different types of customers and employees who act as ‘players’ in gamified experiences. We include illustrative examples of gamification and conclude by presenting five lessons for managers who wish to utilize gamification.

Suggested Citation

  • Robson, Karen & Plangger, Kirk & Kietzmann, Jan H. & McCarthy, Ian & Pitt, Leyland, 2016. "Game on: Engaging customers and employees through gamification," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 59(1), pages 29-36.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:59:y:2016:i:1:p:29-36
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2015.08.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tuten, Tracy L. & Neidermeyer, Presha E., 2004. "Performance, satisfaction and turnover in call centers: The effects of stress and optimism," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 57(1), pages 26-34, January.
    2. Robson, Karen & Plangger, Kirk & Kietzmann, Jan H. & McCarthy, Ian & Pitt, Leyland, 2015. "Is it all a game? Understanding the principles of gamification," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 58(4), pages 411-420.
    3. Parent, Michael & Plangger, Kirk & Bal, Anjali, 2011. "The new WTP: Willingness to participate," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 219-229, May.
    4. Brodie, Roderick J. & Ilic, Ana & Juric, Biljana & Hollebeek, Linda, 2013. "Consumer engagement in a virtual brand community: An exploratory analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 105-114.
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