A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship Between Gamification and Organizational Socialization Outcomes: Does Gamification Live Up to Its Expectations?

Organizations are increasingly incorporating gamification elements into their activities, but research regarding how this affects newcomers is limited. Successful integration of new employees contributes to optimal functioning in the workplace. However, gamification can be associated with mixed work-related impact. The present cross-sectional study evaluates the relationship between gamification and organizational socialization outcomes. The results of this study show that gamification plays a minimal role in the socialization process. Nevertheless, there are some weak relationships between gamification elements and socialization outcomes. Role clarity, social integration, task mastery, and organizational commitment were positively related to employees' interactions with gamification elements. However, no tendencies were observed concerning job motivation, turnover intentions, or perceived organizational insider status. Challenges were the most related to socialization outcomes. It has also been observed that competition can have a relatively negative impact on organizational commitment. The study suggests practical value for managers regarding gamification usage. A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship Between Gamification and Organizational Socialization OutcomesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between gamification and organizational socialization outcomes in the workplace. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 149 employees to gather data and insights. The findings of the study showed that gamification has a minimal impact on the socialization process of employees. There were weak relationships found between gamification elements and socialization outcomes such as role clarity, social integration, task mastery, and organizational commitment. However, no links were observed between gamification and job motivation, turnover intentions, or perceived organizational insider status. The study found that challenges were the most related to socialization outcomes while competition had a negative impact on organizational commitment. This study provides practical value for managers and HRM professionals regarding the usage of gamification in the workplace.