Gamifying an assessment method: what signals are organizations sending to applicants?

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.

Citation

Georgiou, K. and Lievens, F. (2022), "Gamifying an assessment method: what signals are organizations sending to applicants?", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 37 No. 6, pp. 559-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-12-2020-0653