Gamification, intrinsic motivation and work engagement in app-work: moderating effects of algorithmic control

PurposeThe rapid growth of app-work has raised concerns about the low levels of work engagement among app-workers. This study aims to deepen our understanding of how gamification impacts app-workers' intrinsic motivation and work engagement, as well as how algorithmic control moderates these dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis study integrates Self-Determination Theory and Motivation Crowding Theory to propose a research model for exploring the dynamics between gamification, intrinsic motivation, work engagement, and algorithmic control in app-work. Additionally, an online survey was conducted to test the model.FindingsThe results show that gamification positively affects work engagement in app-work, with intrinsic motivation partially mediating this relationship. The effect of gamification is moderated by two types of algorithmic control in contrasting ways: guiding algorithmic control positively moderates the relationship, while gatekeeping algorithmic control negatively moderates it.Practical implicationsApp-work should optimize gamification design to enhance worker motivation and engagement. Additionally, app-work operators should recognize the importance of intrinsic motivation in fostering work engagement. Furthermore, a balance between algorithmic control and gamification should be struck to maximize the motivational impact of gamification.Originality/valueThis study expands existing motivational theories by integrating Self-Determination Theory and Motivation Crowding Theory within the app-work context. It also contributes to the gamification literature by examining the interaction between gamification and algorithmic control. Additionally, it adds to the algorithmic control literature by revealing the dual, opposing moderating effects of guiding algorithmic control and gatekeeping algorithmic control on gamification. Finally, it enhances our understanding of work engagement within the app-work context.