This research project, titled “Towards the Gamification of Training: Investigating Hotel Employees’ Perceptions of Game Elements,” under a research grant, number: UOV/2023/UREC/RG/01, provides significant empirical insights into the application of gamification in the hospitality sector in Sri Lanka. The study demonstrates that gamification is a powerful and innovative approach to enhancing employee training by increasing motivation, engagement, and learning effectiveness among hotel staff.
The findings reveal that while many hotel employees initially had limited formal knowledge of gamification, they were already familiar with its practical aspects through everyday digital experiences. The introduction of a gamified training platform, HosTraSpace, enabled employees to actively engage with learning content through features such as points, levels, challenges, and feedback mechanisms. As a result, many participants reported improved motivation and a greater willingness to participate in training activities.
Importantly, the research highlights that game elements such as points and levels are highly preferred, as they provide a clear sense of progress and achievement. At the same time, the study identifies critical considerations for implementation, including the need to minimize excessive competition, ensure fairness, and build trust in the system. These insights emphasize that gamification must be carefully designed to align with the cultural and organizational context of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.
From a practical perspective, the study offers a valuable framework for hotel managers, HR professionals, and training designers to develop effective, engaging, and culturally sensitive training programs. Academically, it contributes to the limited body of knowledge on gamification in hospitality within developing country contexts.
Overall, this research establishes that gamification is not merely a technological trend but a strategic tool that can transform traditional training into an interactive, meaningful, and performance-driven learning experience, supporting the long-term development of human capital in the hospitality industry.
Dr. Rukshan Alexander
Senior Lecturer in Information Technology
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship
Faculty of Business Studies
University of Vavuniya
Sri Lanka
www: https://www.arukshan.com/