The role of gamification in fostering employee involvement in innovation

Belem Barbosa and Angela Faria Santos

European Journal of Innovation Management, 2026, vol. 29, issue 11, 254-274

Abstract: PurposeThis study explores gamification as a tool to foster employee involvement in innovation. While previous research has demonstrated the benefits of incorporating game elements in the workplace, the mechanisms and domains through which gamification impacts innovation remain unclear.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative approach within the retail sector, conducting semi-structured interviews with Innovation and R&D managers to obtain nuanced insights into the application of gamification in practice.FindingsThe findings indicate that even when applied through short-term or one-off initiatives, gamification generates hedonic, social, and utilitarian outcomes. The employees' sense of ownership of projects and career progression were particularly relevant outcomes. Key factors for successful implementation included a structured and continuous process, transparent metrics to measure impact, alignment with company culture, and leadership support.Originality/valueThis study identifies a comprehensive range of hedonic, social, and utilitarian outcomes of gamification in the open innovation context, as well as the conditions that enable it to foster employee involvement.

Keywords: Gamification; Open innovation; Retail; Interviews (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ejimpp:ejim-05-2025-0678

DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-05-2025-0678

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