Gamification in production of a manufacturing firm in South Africa
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Gamification although an old concept, is only recently being adopted into various industries which have shown tremendous positive outcomes from the adoption of the concept. However, the manufacturing industry in South Africa lacks diversity and has failed to adopt the new concept. Therefore, it is critical to explore the potential of gamification in this sector. The extant body of literature on gamification highlights the concept's beneficial consequences; yet, as no research has been done to document gamification's long-term effects, caution is advised. Leaving adopters uncertain about the duration of time they can enjoy the advantages of higher output and staff engagement.
The concept of gamification was investigated in the manufacturing industry todetermine if adoption is a viable option. This research provided insights on the complexity of the workforce and the resistance towards change. The industry is hungry for a disturbance to drive productivity and employee engagement to the next level. A qualitative methodology was employed, with 4 participants from one manufacturing firm supplying information on how gamification might be implemented in the manufacturing sector and the potential impact. The research findings provide insight into the difficulties the company would face if gamification was implemented. While highlighting the anticipated benefits, participants voiced concern about the workforce's divergent viewpoints. The overall viewpoint of the participants was that gamification can have a positive impact on productivity levels in the firm if introduced in a slow cautious manner. One of the main recommendations was to implement gamification in the company in conjunction with a motivational theory as a means of assisting the employees in adapting to the shift. It was recommended that the change must happen slowly and purposeful, it is imperative that the workforce understands the change and what is to be expected from it
Description
A research proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024
Keywords
Gamification, Manufacturing, Motivation theory, UCTD
Citation
Jooste, Stephanie Margaret. (2024). Gamification in production of a manufacturing firm in South Africa [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43643