Gamified harassment-prevention training: A framework and protocol for psychometric validation in the financial sector

Abstract

Gender-based harassment (GBH) persists in financial-sector workplaces despite legal and compliance frameworks, partly because conventional slide-and-acknowledgement training does little to engage learners, support retention, or change reporting behaviour. This protocol describes a mixed-methods study to design and psychometrically validate a technology-enhanced learning framework and to test its effect on harassment-prevention knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural intentions relative to conventional training. The framework integrates (1) the Gamified GBH Assessment Instrument (GGAI), to be validated for content, construct, criterion, and reliability evidence within an enterprise learning management system; (2) a gamified learning environment (points, badges, leaderboards, and branching scenario simulations) grounded in self-determination theory; and (3) a natural language processing pipeline for sentiment and theme detection in learner feedback. A two-condition, quasi-experimental pre–post design with unit-level allocation will be applied to a stratified sample of full-time employees from Indian non-banking financial companies and information technology firms (target N = 360). Between-condition effects will be tested with mixed ANOVA and ANCOVA, behavioural confidence with logistic regression, gamification predictors with multiple regression, and open-ended feedback with thematic analysis triangulated by validated sentiment classification. The analysis plan is pre-registered on the Open Science Framework, and outcomes are mapped to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Targets 5.1 and 5.2) as a measurable composite index. As a protocol, no empirical results are reported. The study is expected to yield a validated, theory-driven model for designing and evaluating gamified harassment-prevention training that supports safer and healthier workplaces.