Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

7-2022

Abstract

Purpose: The paper aims to expand the authors' knowledge on gamification and the signals sent on behalf of the organization when gamified assessments are used. The authors examine the mechanisms through which the use of gamification into an assessment method may increase the attractiveness of an organization as a prospective employer. Design/methodology/approach: The first study examines, following a longitudinal design, the signals that an organization sends to applicants about the organization's symbolic traits (e.g. innovativeness), through the characteristics of a gamified assessment, in terms of enjoyment and flow and impact on organizational attractiveness. Upon clarifying this mechanism, the second study uses an experimental design to provide evidence that people's perceived enjoyment and flow is enhanced when a gamified version of a situational judgment test (SJT) is used, leading to more positive perceptions of organizational characteristics and attractiveness. Findings: Positive perceptions of the characteristics of a gamified assessment influenced the attractiveness of the organization via the symbolic organizational traits. Practical implications: Organizations should be aware of the signals sent to applicants when different assessment formats (such as gamified assessments) are used. Originality/value: The authors' findings contribute to gamification and signaling theory by testing a signaling mechanism in a novel and timely assessment context.

Keywords

Employment, Innovation, Selection

Discipline

Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Journal of Managerial Psychology

Volume

37

Issue

6

First Page

559

Last Page

574

ISSN

0268-3946

Identifier

10.1108/JMP-12-2020-0653

Publisher

Emerald

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-12-2020-0653

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