Gamification as an Educational Method for Future HR Professionals

Authors

Nejc Bernik
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3707-6241
Polona Šprajc
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1356-3438

Synopsis

Gamification is becoming increasingly established in higher education as a method for fostering engagement and promoting active learning. It can also be applied in the education of future human resource (HR) professionals studying in the field of human resource management (HRM). Using the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT, we developed an example of a gamified task that illustrates how higher-education educators can use simulations and models to present practical experiences to HRM students for future application in HR practice. In addition to this example, we also presented the kaleidoscope of effective gamification and the octalysis model for gamification and behaviour design, both of which are well-established frameworks that can enhance the effectiveness of HRM education. The paper highlights gamification as an approach for facilitating knowledge transfer in the mentoring and career-development processes of future HR professionals.

Author Biographies

Nejc Bernik, University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Nejc Bernik is a doctoral student and a junior researcher at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor. His main research interests focus on knowledge management, digital literacy, teamwork, and training in the field of human resources.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: nejc.bernik1@um.si

Polona Šprajc, University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Polona Šprajc is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor, and the Dean of the Faculty. She is the author and co-author of numerous scientific and professional publications, books, and other works. Her main research interests are related to her habilitation field.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: polona.sprajc@um.si

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Published

February 23, 2026

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Bernik, N., & Šprajc, P. (2026). Gamification as an Educational Method for Future HR Professionals. In M. B. Mojca Bernik (Ed.), Sodobni pristopi v kadrovskem managementu in izobraževanju (pp. 101-132). University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.1.2026.5