  Gamification initiatives are currently top-of-mind for many organizations
seeking to engage their employees in creative ways, improve their productivity,
and drive positive behavioural outcomes in their workforce - ultimately leading
to positive business outcomes on the whole. Despite its touted benefits, little
empirical research has been done to date to investigate technological and
individual personal factors that determine the success or failure of enterprise
gamification initiatives. In this article, we provide a summary of our
preliminary research findings from three case studies of gamification
initiatives across different business contexts and present an empirically
validated descriptive framework that details the key success factors for
enterprise gamification. Our adaptation of the mechanics, dynamics, and
aesthetics (MDA) framework for enterprise gamification aims to explicate the
connections between end-user motivations, interactive gameplay elements, and
technology features and functions that constitute effective gamification
interventions in the enterprise. Following a discussion of the core elements in
the framework and their interrelationships, the implications of our research
are presented in the form of guidelines for the management and design of
gamification initiatives and applications. The research findings presented in
this article can potentially aid in the development of game mechanics that
translate into positive user experiences and foster higher levels of employee
engagement. Additionally, our research findings provide insights on key success
factors for the effective adoption and institutionalization of enterprise
gamification initiatives in organizations, and subsequently help them enhance
the performance of their employees and drive positive business outcomes.
