I read the article called, “Latest Game Theory: Mixing Work and Play” that was written on October 10th, 2011 in the Wall Street Journal. The article discusses how companies like International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. are using videogames in the work environment to motivate their employees. These companies are using rewards and competition to make work tasks seem less like work. Things like management training, data entry and brainstorming. Many companies have used digital games for years in order to help market products to consumers, but now they will use it to motivate their own employees. It is projected that by 2014 around 70% of large companies will use “gaming” for at least one business process. Some companies outsource the games where others build their own programs.
IBM uses different strategies throughout their company including a program that allows employees to help create a virtual city more efficient or simulate various business scenarios. They have 400,000 employees many who travel or work from home so having these games allows colleagues to stay connected and engaged.
I think using games sounds like a great idea. I believe that adding a little extra fun spirited competition to a work environment will help keep people on task and focused. I think using a gaming program will help employees with empowerment, the removal of conditions that make a person powerless. These games can help because having competition usually fires people up and makes them feel that they have a duty to perform. Also using these games can affect goal commitment. It is the degree to which a person is dedicated to reaching the goal. When an activity is made fun or there is a reward it motivates people to get the job done and usually faster.
Employers may think about adding a gainsharing program into what they have come up with. Adding a gainsharing program will motivate employees against other employees but also themselves. Do you think it would still work? If you were at a company that used these gaming programs would it motivate you? Do you think 70% of companies will begin using a program like IBM or Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd.?
-Tara Tolomeo
I believe these 'workplace video games' can also be used as motivators throughout the employees. Motivators are defined as factors that are intrinsic to the job, such as achievement, recognition, interesting work, increased responsibilites, and growth opportunities. I believe the potential rewards and outcomes of these video games could definitely include ones such as interesting work and recognition.
ReplyDeleteThese video games could also fill certain employees 'need for achievement'. Coming from the Thematic Apperception Test, these needs have a strong need to be successful. In simulation games, having these types of employees complete the game could really increase their achievement need. Do you guys think extra tasks such as these workplace video games could put extra stress on the employees? Because of this, do you believe the potential stress outcomes could be worth the rewards?
-Lauren Brooks
I would never have imaginedd playing games at work but it sounds awesome. The games described do not seem like they would take away from the formal aspect of the job but I almost think employees would prefer this method of learning, doing assesments, and interacting. I know I would! It seems a lot more interactrive and proactive to use games to teach and or train employees.
ReplyDeleteThis is an opportunity for more hands on, realistic training. Practicing something over and over is how I learn better so I know that games such as these would benefit me better.
I wonder how many other firms will begin using games (virtual and non) to prep their employees.
*Raymi Smith*
I agree that having workplace video games sounds like fun. Video simulations seems like a great way for a company to motivate their employees as Lauren stated above. The opportunities given from the simulation and the amount of responsibility may drive many of the employees to want to get ahead.
ReplyDeleteI do believe while this is a great way to allow workers to show their talents this also can elevate the stress of workers. But, like we learned in class and from the text not all stress is bad stress and a little bit of competition between co-workers is healthy.
Like Raymi stated above hands-on & realistic training is a great opportunity to see employees succeed.
Do you think while many may have great ideas but are unable to put them in their simulations will be unnoticed?
Apollonia
I believe the gaming in the workplace would not 'outshine' any employees ideas or opinions. If anything, I believe games such as simulation games could inspire employees or companies for a better ideas or solutions rather than hide them. These games could potentially show companies another possible way of operating that may be more efficient. I know some classes at ISU offer simulation classes, have you guys taken any simulation programs, and if so, what have you learned from this?
ReplyDelete-Lauren Brooks
Last year in my marketing 230 class I played a simulation game called New Shoes. This was a learning experience because at first my group was unsure what to do. We had to make marketing decisions that affected a shoe company. In the beginning it was kind of a guessing game. We would change one number and see what would happen. In the end we did learn what we needed to change or increase or decrease in order to make the most money we could. Overall it was a very interesting game and experience.
ReplyDeleteTara Tolomeo
I've actually only taken one simulation course and it was in drivers education. I felt that it was fun but not as realistic. I would like to take a course where simulations could be beneficial. I know many of us at one point and time have played games such as Sims or Diner Dash which is similar to the New Shoes simulation Tara addressed. These games can help with budgeting and realizing what you want or what you need to make your player successful.
ReplyDeleteApollonia