International Journal of Business Studies
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of Business Studies

An Analysis of Gamification in Boosting Training Effectiveness: The Mediating Role of Engagement

Lukita, Paula (Unknown)
Margani, Edwin Ibnu (Unknown)
Vitriawaty (Unknown)
Abdullah, Tengku Mohd. Khairal (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study explores how gamification influences the effectiveness of training in a corporate middle management program. Based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), it aims to fill the mechanistic gap by proposing and empirically testing a mediation model to understand how gamification works, focusing on whether its impact is mediated through participant engagement. The study used a quantitative, explanatory survey design. Data was gathered from 214 participants in the "Leading and Empowering Your Team" module, a key part of the Astra Middle Management Program (AMMP). The proposed mediation model was evaluated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The model exhibited excellent predictive accuracy, accounting for 68.6% of the variance in Training Effectiveness and 56.4% in Engagement. Path analysis verified that all hypothesized relationships were strong and statistically significant. Gamification had a significant impact on training effectiveness ( β = 0.599, p < 0.001). Additionally, a notable indirect effect was observed (β = 0.209, p = 0.006), indicating that Engagement mediates this relationship (β for GAM -> ENG = 0.751; β for ENG -> TEF = 0.278). This study offers solid empirical evidence for the two main ways gamification functions. It shows that gamification is not merely a gimmick for "fun" (engagement), but also serves as a strong cognitive instrument that enhances learning directly. The research highlights Engagement as a crucial mechanism, providing T&D practitioners with a clearer understanding of how their gamified strategies accomplish their goals.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijbs

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Business Studies (IJBS) is an international open access and peer-reviewed journal published tri-annually in February, June, and October by IPMI Research Center, Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen IPMI. IJBS aimed to provide research articles in order to have a significant implication ...