Engaging and motivating crowd-workers in gamified crowdsourcing mobile apps in the context of logistics and sustainable supply chain management

Abstract

This study attempts to explore the factors that engage (behavioural factors) and motivate (psychological factors) crowd-workers in the gamified crowdsourcing apps in the context of logistics and sustainable supply chain management. Thus, using the self-determination theory and theory of cognitive engagement, we conduct critical in-depth interviews with crowd-workers and their task. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to explore the psychological and behavioural factors for engaging and motivating crowd-workers in gamified crowdsourcing mobile apps in the context of logistics and sustainable supply chain management. This study adopted mono-method qualitative approach and in depth-interviews were done by a researcher who was well-trained in qualitative research and was acquainted with the knowledge of crowdsourcing. Using the non-probabilistic sampling method of purposeful sampling, interviewer virtually met 11 individuals to collect data on a pre-decided date and time. The interview questions been prepared based on the theoretical constructs of self-determination theory and theory of cognitive engagement and the thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.

Keywords: Engagement, Psychological motivation, Gamification, Technological innovation, Crowd-workers, Mobile apps, Self-determination theory, Theory of cognitive engagement