Application of blockchain technology in performance incentive of sports employees: decentralization and trust mechanism

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional incentive systems in sports organizations often lack transparency, reducing motivation and trust. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized, automated approach to performance incentives, enhancing fairness and accountability. This study examines its impact on performance, trust, and fairness perception in sports organizations. Objective: To assess the effect of blockchain-based incentives on employee performance, trust, fairness perception, and adoption challenges. Methodology: A six-month experimental study was conducted with 150 sports employees, divided into an experimental group (blockchain-based incentives via smart contracts) and a control group (traditional subjective evaluations). Performance metrics, trust perception scores, and fairness indices were analyzed using pre-test/post-test comparisons, ANOVA, and multiple regression models. Results: The blockchain-based system significantly improved performance (KPIs +25.4%, attendance +17.6%, efficiency +21.3%, p < 0.01). Trust and fairness perception increased by 18.4% and 30.6%, respectively. However, 23% of participants reported challenges in adapting to smart contracts and payroll integration. Discussion: Blockchain-based incentives outperformed traditional systems, reinforcing transparency’s role in motivation. While trust and fairness improved, usability challenges highlight the need for structured implementation. Conclusion: Blockchain-driven incentives optimize performance management in sports organizations through fair, automated, and bias-free reward distribution. Future research should explore long-term adoption, hybrid models, AI-driven analytics, and ethical considerations.

Keywords

• Blockchain
• performance incentives
• decentralization
• trust mechanism
• sports employees
• smart contracts