Background and Objective: The aim of the present study is to conceptualize compensation for services based on gamification.
Methodology: This study was conducted in two qualitative phases: the first phase was conducted with a data-based approach and with the aim of explaining compensation for services, through semi-structured interviews with 10 experts. The second phase was conducted with the aim of expanding the resulting model, using the cognitive mapping method of gamification (based on the Cho model) and the participation of 8 experts in this field. Sampling in both phases was carried out using the snowball method and based on the principle of theoretical saturation.
Findings: The findings of the study showed that in the first phase, a paradigmatic model of compensation for services was developed and the components of "emotional and communicative", "executive and compensatory", and "informational and procedural" were identified as central phenomena. In the second phase, the implementation of this phenomenon on the basis of gamification was carried out using 8 motivational drives: "epic meaning and inner voice", "progress and achievement", "ability to express creativity and feedback", "ownership and appropriation", "social influence and dependence", "scarcity and impatience", "unpredictability and curiosity", and "harm and prevention" and in the form of 4 design dimensions (aesthetics, story context, technology and elements).
Conclusion: Finally, the results indicate that the executive bodies of Kermanshah province are facing challenges that have caused the inefficiency of existing compensation systems; therefore, gamification was introduced as the main solution to improve and promote employee compensation.