A gamified approach for engaging teams in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship
| Pages | 254-262 |
| Published date | 06 April 2017 |
| Date | 06 April 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2016-0057 |
| Author | Rui Patricio |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
A gamified approach for engaging
teams in corporate innovation and
entrepreneurship
Rui Patricio
Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explain the link between gamification and innovation and
describes the use of a particular gamified method and tool, which helps teams get committed and engaged in
idea development. The goal is to provide valuable insights on how gamification can accelerate innovation.
Design/methodology/approach –A study was conducted using a combination of qualitative methods:
workshops based on action research method followed by semi-structured interviews with workshop
participants and problem/challenge owners, representing two segments, corporate innovation teams and
entrepreneurship. Data were collectedfrom innovation consultants and IT/Software companies’teammembers
that usedthis gamification approachto address innovation challengesas well as from an entrepreneurshipclass
from university thatalso used this particular gamification approach to support an idea competition program.
Findings –The paper provides insights and discusses the major impacts of gamification from the
perspective of innovation consultants, corporate teams as well as from young entrepreneurs. It suggests that
the application of this gamified method and tool enhances the quality of the idea that is developed to address
an outlined innovation challenge. It was also found that team members/participants as a result of this process
subsequently developed important innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities.
Originality/value –Despite the growing body of literature on gamification, there is a lack of empirical
researchthat examines the use of gamification toolson companies’innovation andentrepreneurship initiatives.
This papercontributes to clarifythe contribution of gamifiedmethods and tools towardthe success of corporate
innovation and entrepreneurship programs by describing the use of a particular gamified approach.
Researchers will gain insights into the effects of gamification approaches and a better understanding of the
integrationrequirements with other relatedresearch areas. Practitionerswill understand how this new method
and tool can be implemented in order to driveinnovation and entrepreneurshipforward.
Keywords Entrepreneurship, Gamification, Innovation
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
The innovation challenge
Getting the entire organization committed to innovation is one of the biggest challenges in
the context of corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. Managing the entire innovation
life cycle requires and a strong commitment from all levels of the firm. Besides having
engaged employees in entrepreneurial behaviors, coordination is needed at the senior,
middle, first levels of management and team level (Kuratko et al., 2014).
It compels the creation of a culture that supports innovative behaviors and capabilities
such as creativity, collaboration, experimentation, risk taking, questioning the status quo,
a can-do attitude as well as a desire for personal growth and development. This often
requires underlying assumptions to be challenged, and the creation of new methods and
tools that bring such values and norms to life through visible and tangible symbols
and actions. New innovation methods and tools are required to help challenge underlying
assumptions and influence desirable behaviors among teams.
Gamification
Gamification can be defined by the use of game designed elements in non-gaming contexts
(Deterding et al., 2011) or non-leisure situations to encourage users’motivation, enjoyment
and engagement, particularly in difficult and complex tasks. Gamificiation benefits goes
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 14 No. 2/3, 2017
pp. 254-262
© Emerald PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2016-0057
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
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WJSTSD
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