Applied gamification: Creating reward systems for organizational professional development

Abstract

The authors will explore using digital badges as a form of motivation within an organization. In order to do this the authors will examine three different psychology theories; humanistic psychological theory, behavioral psychological theory, and Gestalt psychological theory, showing the relationship between motivation and digital badges. The position of this paper is implementing digital badges, leaderboards, and points, in an organization’s human resource development strategy will result in the influencing of behaviors an organization wants to target or change. The authors will discuss the overall application of digital badges, leaderboards, and points within the organizational context, specifically, internal gamification, where game mechanics are use to motivate staff to improve productivity, foster team work, or to create other positive changes in the organization.