PROMOTING ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH GAMIFICATION: NAVIGATING RISKS AND CHALLENGES IN ENTREPRENEURIAL START-UPS

Abstract

In the modern business environment, ecological sustainability has transitioned to becoming a priority. Gamification has emerged as a promising technique for fostering both commercial and ecological sustainability, particularly for start-ups that have limited resources. This research investigates the significance of gamification in the context of entrepreneurial start-ups, examining the potential obstacles, risk factors, and mistakes that may hinder its effective and enduring integration. The utilization of gamification is becoming more widely recognized as a strategy to augment employee efficiency and foster consumer involvement. Additionally, it serves as a method to stimulate sustainable practices, including energy preservation, waste minimization, and the promotion of environmentally friendly projects. The twin advantage of gamification has particular appeal for start-up enterprises. However, potential misalignments with the organization's business plan, cultural disparities, limited technological support, and employee disengagement have the potential to undermine the achievement of both commercial growth objectives and ecological goals. This study does a comprehensive investigation to identify errors that occur in the design and execution of gamified systems. For example, an inadequately constructed incentive structure may unintentionally promote behaviors that result in wastefulness, whilst disregarding feedback could contribute to the adoption of unsustainable practices. Furthermore, the failure to prioritize individual variances may lead to overlooking potential advantages in utilizing one's particular ecological values. It is imperative for start-up enterprises that aspire to match their growth trajectory with ecological sustainability to possess a comprehensive awareness of these potential challenges. This study seeks to provide insights into the issues faced by start-ups in designing and implementing gamified systems that align with both commercial growth objectives and ecological sustainability goals.