Structural Equation Modeling of Gamification Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing - a Case Study of Selected Universities in Tehran

Document Type : Case study

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Systems Management, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Gamification is the use of game-based thinking to encourage and motivate people and to solve problems. On the other hand, knowledge sharing is one of the important parts of knowledge management. Knowledge sharing is the core of knowledge processing; where knowledge is created and used. According to many researchers, organizations face challenges in implementing the knowledge sharing processes and motivating their employees. The present study aims to investigate the dimensions and components of gamification affecting knowledge sharing -that have been extracted in previous research- and assess the existence of significant relationships between them using Structural Equation Modeling. The statistical population of the study is experts, researchers, and students of selected universities in Tehran, from which 120 people familiar with gamification were selected through clustering and purposeful approach as a sample. The research method is analytical-descriptive using structural equation modeling; and the measurement tool is a five-point questionnaire based on the Likert scale. Cronbach's alpha and combined reliability (CR) were used to evaluate the reliability of the data collection tool and the AVE tool was used to check the validity. The results show that gamified dimensions (including mechanisms, dynamics, and aesthetics), gamification context (including platform, revenues, costs, players, etc.) and supporting factors (including management support, project evaluation, knowledge sharing process, etc.) have a significant effect on knowledge sharing that among them, supporting factors have the highest effect; so academic centers should pay special attention to this factor. Of course, the other two factors of gamification (gamified dimensions and system context) also play a considerable role in improving knowledge sharing. Finally, it is recommended to academic centers to use gamification in knowledge sharing processes, considering the studied factors.

Keywords


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