Unleashing the power of knowledge—the role of gamification in enhancing knowledge contribution

Purpose – Knowledge contribution in community-driven knowledge-sharing platforms is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration. However, designing an effective framework to ensure both contribution quality and quantity remains a challenge. To address this, our study explores the impact of a holistic portfolio of gamification features and user motivation on knowledge contribution, focusing on the widely used knowledge-sharing platform Stack Overflow. Design/methodology/approach – We conducted a cross-sectional survey informed by a preparatory analysis identifying Stack Overflow's gamification features through literature review and expert validation. The survey was then distributed to Stack Overflow users (n = 236) to test the relationships between the motivational dimensions of gamification features, the motivational state of inspiration, and knowledge contribution using a structural equation model. Findings – The results of our study show that the two motivational dimensions achievement-related features and social-related features showed a significant influence on “inspired by”; “inspired by” is a positive predictor of “inspired to”; “inspired to” is a positive predictor of quality and quantity of contribution; and quantity and quality of contributions show a significant relationship. Originality/value – The study highlights the potential of inspiration as a motivational state to explain user behavior in Information Systems research. Therefore, the study illuminates the crucial context of knowledge-sharing platforms. In this regard, the study extends existing gamification theories by identifying motivational dimensions of gamification that evoke inspiration and knowledge contributions.