Effect of gamification and social web on the critical success factors that determine the performance of e-marketplaces: An experimental study

The main purpose of this study is to reveal whether a B2B portal can be more successful if gamification and social web applications are integrated into the B2B e-commerce architecture by measuring the performance perception of users regarding CSFs. For data gathering; a B2B e-commerce platform enhanced with gamification and social web dynamics have been designed (experimental environment) and a second e-commerce site; completely identical to the experimental environment but lacking the relevant features, have been created and put to work (control environment) altogether for comparison. We have conducted a multi-layered research including both qualitative and quantitative methods which are relevant to the purpose of the study. The results of the research indicate that a B2B e-commerce environment enhanced with gamification and social web has positive effects on user perception and behavior. In addition, it presents a systematic CSF classification for B2B e-marketplaces to the literature. We hope that the results of the study will fulfill an academic gap and create a new study topic, as well as it will provide benefits to sectoral decision takers in a business approach.