Continuous Feedback as a Key Component of Employee Motivation Improvement - A Railway Case Study based on the Placebo Effect

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present and analyse results from a placebo-based case study concerning the importance of feedback in achieving continuous improvement of train driver motivation. The specifics of the train driver job, which affect motivation are presented, along with motivation theory. The case study, conducted using the placebo effect for three months in a medium-sized Eastern-European railway operator is then presented along with the results. These results show that informing the employees that their efficiency was being monitored and that the best drivers would be rewarded improved efficiency. However, the lack of feedback and stimulation of only extrinsic motivation, caused the employees to lose motivation to improve and further consumed energy reduction could not be observed. These results are analysed and used to validate a proposed gamification system aimed at achieving continuous improvement of employee motivation via a set of gamified techniques and continuous feedback targeting the four basic human needs of competence, relatedness, autonomy and purpose. \