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Sample Solution

Organization Impact on Human Behavior: Gamification in Fitness Apps

Chosen Organization: Strava, a fitness app

Source: Strava website: https://www.strava.com/

Encouraged Behaviors:

Strava exemplifies how organizations can influence human behavior through gamification. The app leverages game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards to:

• Increase Physical Activity: Strava encourages users to track their runs, rides, swims, and other activities. Earning badges for completing distances or achieving personal bests incentivizes users to exercise more frequently.
• Foster Social Connection: Users can follow friends and other athletes, creating virtual communities. Seeing others' activities can inspire individuals to push themselves and maintain consistency.
• Promote Competition: Leaderboards allow users to compete with friends or public segments, encouraging them to strive for faster times and improved performance.

Discouraged Behaviors:

While Strava's primary focus isn't discouraging specific behaviors, it can indirectly influence them by:

• Potentially Creating Pressure: The competitive nature might pressure some users to overexert themselves, leading to injuries.
• Focus on Quantity over Quality: Focusing solely on leaderboard rankings or achieving badges could overshadow the importance of enjoying physical activity and proper form.

Full Answer Section

Leadership Approach: Ego Approach with Gamification Elements

Strava leans towards an ego approach with gamification elements. Here's why:

• Focus on Individual Achievement: The badges and leaderboards primarily motivate users through individual recognition and accomplishment.
• Gamification for Engagement: Borrowing from game design principles, Strava uses points, badges, and leaderboards to make exercise more engaging and competitive.

However, there are hints of a potential shift towards a more balanced approach:

• Community Building: Strava's social features encourage interaction and support among users, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Goal Setting: The app allows users to set personal goals, promoting intrinsic motivation beyond external rewards.

Fostering Long-Term Existence:

Strava fosters its long-term existence through:

• User Engagement: Gamification keeps users engaged and motivated, encouraging continued app usage.
• Freemium Model: Offering a free basic version with essential features attracts users, while premium features provide an additional revenue stream.
• Community Focus: Fostering a supportive community builds user loyalty and encourages long-term engagement with the platform.

Conclusion:

Strava serves as a prime example of how organizations can influence human behavior through gamification. While its approach leans towards ego motivations, the potential for a more balanced focus on community and intrinsic goals exists. By fostering long-term user engagement and a supportive environment, Strava positions itself for sustainable success.