Influence of Motivation on Employees' Performance: A Case Study of Marks and Spencer

This research project focuses on the influence of motivation on the performance of employees at Marks and Spencer. It explores the concept of motivation at the workplace, ways to enhance employee performance, and the benefits for the organization. The research methodology includes interpretivism as the research philosophy, explanatory research design, and data collection through questionnaires and secondary sources.

Management Research
Project
1

Table of Contents
Management Research Project.........................................................................................................1
Topic: Influence of motivation on the employees' performance. A case study of Marks and
Spencer.............................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Aims and objectives...............................................................................................................4
Literature review..............................................................................................................................4
Concept of motivation at workplace.......................................................................................4
Ways to enhance the working performance of the employees in Marks and Spencer...........6
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................7
Timelines........................................................................................................................................10
Recommendations..........................................................................................................................11
Conclusions....................................................................................................................................11
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................12
2

Topic: Influence of motivation on the employees' performance. A case study
of Marks and Spencer
INTRODUCTION
The operations and the tasks are the core steps in achieving the maximum success and to
attaining the desired targets and objectives. These tasks are when performed by the work force in
the organization with their fullpotential, takes an ultimate form of effective success towards the
goals of the company. Thus to encourage the people in the organization, and to boost their
motive for effective performance of given tasks and job, the most efficient tools of motivation
can be implied by the management of the firm on the mindset of its employees. Well motivation
is a process itself in the human resourcemanagement; it is practices to encourage the work force
mentally and give them a moral support (Summerelland . et. al., 2020). The main aim to use the
motivation technique in the business is to enhance the productivity of the firm and its workers to
gain the maximum outcome form their practices as well as to encourage the individual’s loyalty
and healthy relationship with the organization for a longer period of time.
Motivation can be understood as the integral process in the management of organization
that states to the betterment of the employees within the organization ad to nurture them in a way
that they can attain the highest level of successive potential to perform the respective tasks and
play all the roles that are directed to them inn a most effective way possible. There are various
theories and principles that support the efficient motivational process in the organization, mainly
comprising of Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs, McClelland’s achievement motivation
theory, Adam’s equity theory of motivation etc. Mark and Spenceris considered as the most
popular and well renowned premium retail chain of stores. That is headquartered in London,
United Kingdom and founded in 1884 in Leeds UK. The company operates its business in more
than 100 countries, with a counting of more than 1463 stores at a worldwide level. That deals in
all kind of lifestyle products, including a wide share from, edible product, clothing’s, home ware
goods, and so on. In this project the main emphasise will be done on the performances of the
employees, their retention ofthem in the organisation. This will be done through taking into
consideration of all the aspects. These aspects will be covered through review and research
methods, thus the information that will be gained from these methods will help in evaluating the
most suitable alternates for the motivation in the organisation
3

.
Aims and objectives
Research Aim
“To determine the influence of motivation on the employees' performance of an
organisation.”A case study of Marks and Spencer.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concept of motivation at workplace
 To determine several ways through which employees performance can be enhanced at
Marks and Spencer
 To analyse various benefit that will be gained by Marks and Spencer with the usage of
motivational theory at workplace
Literature review
Concept of motivation at workplace
The major reason to implement the perfect course of motivation is to encourage its people
to enhance their working standards, and increase the rate of effectiveness and efficiency in the
tasks and organisational operations (San-Francisco, A and. et, al). Thus this rational state the
clarity and describes the concept of motivation. The motivation is practiced in to the employees
who are directly interlinked with the workplace , thus it helps in building an effective and sound
connection among the workers and the organisation itself. This makes them to see the
organisational visions and objectives with a more clear and dedicated view. The work place of
any department is understood as the area where they used to practice their routine tasks and
activities as per they are assigned to the jobs.
The concept of motivation in relation to the working conditions in Marks and Spencer can be
affirmed as the encouraging the people within a significant level of positivity as in a most
appropriate and magnificent way. The organisation uses different measures to motivate its work
force. These tools include a sound and recognised process of reward distribution. These rewards
are based on the overall performance and certain achievements of the respective personnel in the
company. Along with that there are various other techniques to motivate the employees within
the confines of Mark and Spencer. This techniques are directly inspired from the great theories of
motivation, these theories and principle ensure the most effective practice of the motivation in
4

the organization as well as it does also help to understand and identify the appropriate actions
that can be performed as to enhance the motivation. The motivation can be termed as that
supportive function in the management as it is needed to be used in a right amount of force and
power. As it is acknowledged as the less amount of motivation van lead to ineffectiveness in the
work and on the other hand the excessive practice of motivation n in the organization can also
lead to the effectiveness of the work. As the main priority in the organization is to perform the
tasks and activities on the prescribed time. Thus by over practice of motivation will incur lot of
time and other resources (Murnieks, Klotz and Shepherd, 2020). Thus in relation to Mark and
Spencer this can be understood as the typical; uses of the various kind of motivationaltechniques
is done on the basis of their respective standards and under the proper frameworks of
organizational needs and demands.
Further, the concept and subject motivation is quite wide and consists of many aspects
and concepts like employee motivation, job satisfaction, training and CPD a evaluation and
discussion of which is provided below:
Employee motivation- It basically represent the aspect of motivation and various method
that are used by an employer to motivate and direct its employees through leading an intrinsic
and internal driver for its employees. thus, employee motivation is directly associated with
lading better guidance and direction for employees in order to channelize and direct them for
accomplishment of set and desired goals (Kanfer, and Fletcher, 2020).
Job satisfaction- It also form a vital part of motivation that consists of leading and
creating a better workplace environment and healthy atmosphere to lead and enhance job
satisfaction level of employees in order to build higher commitment and loyalty in employees.
Various team bonding activities and effective communication are used by employer to ensure
higher and better job satisfaction and enhanced motivation level in employees for improving
there efficiency and performance.
Training and CPD- Leading regular training and Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) also forms a part of motivation that ensures and leads better professional engagement and
develop and enhance skills and abilities of employees for better accomplishment and
achievement of set targets.
5

Ways to enhance the working performance of the employees in Marks and Spencer.
The process to encourage the working force within the organization can be defined as
themotivation. Thus along with the right set of motivation in the organization there are many
other ways that the management practices and implements in a way forwards to enhance the
working potential of the employees. The most appropriate steps of encouraging the people helps
in attaining the maximum level of effectiveness. These factors can be implied by determining
certain ways these can be followed in a series of steps.
Establish values – The identification of the motive and goals help the organization to understand
the values and visions of their practices. That the work force is performing as directed by the
organization. The establishment of these values among the working people will lead to a more
transparent view of the employees and organization at the same direction of attaining the goals
and objectives.
Keep deadlines realistic – The deadlines that are scheduled as the last time to submit the
complete project should be clearer and have more rigidity in the nature. Thus it can be
understood as the important and most effective alternate to enhance the sincerity of the
employees in the organization.
Communicate with clarity– The effective level of communication should be there in the confines
of the organization. The good communication will help in addressing and directing the
organizational people.
Balance accountability and authority – there should be an equal balance of accountability and
authority as the proper system of the power distribution within the employees according to their
designation and level of responsibilitythat would ensure the efficiency of work of the employees
in the organization.
Celebrate success– Therecognition of the growth and celebrating the
achievementscertainlydevelops a feeling of enthusiasm and creates an environment filled with
positivity. The hard earned success of the organization is directly contributed by the employees
of this. Thus it becomes essential to share the success with the hard work people. This enhances
the level of satisfaction of the individual in respective job.
Train, retrain and promote–The major aspects for the enhancement off the working progress in
the employers is the proper development in the overall working standards and practices of the
6

existing employers and to provide the necessary training to the new comers. The promotion from
one post to higher post
Manage growth – The effectivemanagement and monitoring of the growth is also essential to
increase the current performance standards of the employers. Along with that the
effectivemonitoring of the growth helps in planning for the future operations and tasks
Research Methodology
Research methodology is considered as the essential chapter of every investigation in which
information about the methods that has been used in the research are specified. This section
provides an idea to reader that which methods are used by the investigator for conducting the
respected research in order to true valid conclusion towards the same (Zihao. and Hui, 2010).
With reference to present investigation conducted for Marks and Spencer, it can be said that the
respected researcher have made use of range methods which has supported them in conducting
an effective research with the authenticity. Also, it will support in developing valid conclusions
towards the same. All methods covered in the present investigation are stated as below:
Research philosophy: This is mainly considered as the belief of the researcher at the time
when they have carried out the research. This simply depicts that how investigator will gather the
information, analyse it and then conclude it at the end with the motive of drawing valid outcome
on the same. Interpretivism and positivism are two main types of philosophy that have been
adopted by researcher in order to draw valid outcome on the same. In context of the present
study, investigator will make use of interpretivism type of research philosophy. The main reason
behind using this research philosophy is that it allows investigator in obtaining conclusion by
effectively analysing overall gathered information through interpreting each and every data with
the motive of converting it into simpler manner. Interpretivism method makes it easier for the
research in analysing overall information as it is interpreted format.
Research Design: This is basically considered as the study which is adopted by investigator
by collaborative several element related to the study. Appropriate research design makes the
overall procedure of conducting research in the systematic manner. There are many types of
research design like explanatory, exploratory, descriptive and experimental among which
investigator selects the most suitable one according to their study. For performing present study
in appropriate manner, investigator will go for explanatory form of research design as it would
7

be conducted on the single topic and its inclusion will support researcher developed detailed
knowledge on the proposed topic which will contribute in completing it within the provided time
frame with the adequate level of knowledge towards the same.
Data collection methods: It is identified as the way through which researcher gathers
required information on the proposed research topic. It can be said that four gathering
information on the proposed topic investigator effective makes use of various sources which
might belong to primary or secondary method of data collection. In Primary method researcher
interacts with the respondents at personal basis in order to gather first hand information from
them. Questionnaire, interview, observation, focus group and many others are some of the
common sources of primary methods. These methods are time consuming but at the same time it
provides fresh and accurate data to the investigator which provides them support in
accomplishing conclusion over their research problem. On the other hand, if it is talked about
secondary method, it can be said that the respective develops information on the specific topic
from the data is present by other investigator or it might developed from other published
material. Few of the common sources of secondary method of data collection are books, online
articles, newspaper, magazines, and journals and published data. Secondary method is
acknowledged as the best method for those researches which is required to be conducted within
lesser period of time.
In context of present investigation, it can be said that the respected investigator
effectively will make use of the data collection methods on order to gather maximum
information on the proposed topic and could easily draw valid outcome on the same.
Questionnaire has been selected by the investigator as the main primary method for gathering
preliminary information. In this, few questions will develop by the investigator that would be
further circulated among the chosen sample size. Whereas, secondary information will be
gathered with the usage of books, journals, online article etc. which lead to attainment of
proposed research outcome on the same.
Types of investigation: This section simply depicts that how overall gathered information will
going to be analysed by the investigator for making valid conclusion for the same research topic.
Qualitative and quantitative are two of the common methods which are mostly adopted by
8

investigator for analysing overall gathered information in most suitable directions (Thanh, and
Minh, 2020). Qualitative research method means that research will includes human based
perceptions that will be used by the investigator in order to draw attain appropriate outcome
towards the proposed research. On the other hand, in quantitative method of research is mainly
seen as the one in which investigator makes of use of numerical formulas, statistical methods and
etc, which supports in attaining accurate outcome on the research problem. With reference to the
present study, investigator will make use of quantitative method for analysing overall research
associated information. The main reason behind adopting this method is that it supports in valid
conclusion with higher level of accuracy.
Research Approach: Research approach is mainly seen as the plan as well as the process
that includes various steps that would be used by investigator while making assumptions at the
time of making use of data collection method, their analysis and interpretation. It is completely
based on the type of research that is being carried out by the investigator that which approach
must be followed by them. Inductive and deductive are two main types of research approach
which are normally used by researchers while conducting research. Inductive approach simply
emphasizes on creating their own theory analysing external situations and determining on new
theories based on conducting their own research. On the other hand, deductive method of
research approach emphasizes on answering all of researcher questions developed in the
investigation. This approach also includes graphical data, facts figure etc. In context of present
investigation, researcher will go for deductive approach, as it is based on quantitative a method
which includes numerical data. Also, usage of this method will support investigation in acquiring
accurate outcome on the proposed research problem with the provided course of time.
Research strategy- For current investigation implication of survey strategy is made where
data is collected with the help of a quantitative questionnaire that would consist of a set of close
ended questions. Further, a sample size of 30 respondents is also selected from the employees of
Marks and Spencer through the help of random sampling method for leading effective data
collection for current investigation.
Ethical consideration: It is highly important for every investigator to conduct research by such
a manner that will not bring them in any sort of legal obligation in the future. Here, investigators
are required to follow all rules and regulation related to the investigation while conducting
investigation for themselves or their client. In context of present research, it can be said that
9

researcher will follow all norms related to the investigation procedure. Along with this, they will
also be able to abide with every ethical zone (Lathifah, Ahmadsyah. and Fitri, 2020). Here, while
conducting primary research investigator will surely make use of consent form that will be
signed by each participant that will ensure that research in processed with their permission. Also,
the overall information obtained from the respondents will only used in the research by taking
their permission only. Apart from this, if it is talked about the secondary researcher, while
gathering secondary information for the same study investigator will ensure to make use of
authenticate and reliable data in order to find out adequate research outcome on the research
problem. Also, researcher will complete the investigation within the provided time frame.
Timelines
Below stated Gantt chart is representing the time lines and duration of activity for current
research work:
10

Recommendations
On the basis of above assignment following recommendation can be made for Marks and
Spencer to have better employee motivation at its workplace in order to lead improvement in
there performance:
 Implication of effective communication is a viable recommended way for Marks and
Spencer to improve motivation level at its workplace as effective communication leads
to better direction and guidance for employees which improve and boost their morale.
 Providing regular training and adopting effective Continuing Professional Development
programmes are also recommended for Marks and Spencer as it ensures regular learning
and development of employee’s to built better skills and competencies to ensure more
efficiency and better performance of employees for achievement of set objectives.
Further, regular training and CPD also ensures enhanced motivation and commitment
level in employees through leading better attitude and more confidence towards their
work.
Conclusions
From the above finding s it can be determined easily as all thefactors that encourages the work
force within the organisation is considered as the motivation. The motivation can beimplied in
certain ways. These ways are generally termed as the alternative to enhance the potential and
productivity of the organisational structure along with its people (Galli, 2020). The process of
motivation within the given aspects of organisations is researched and reviewed in a mannerto
get the ultimate information about the process and effective options to motivate the
employees.The research and its methodologies are necessary for the effective performance of
any operation, task or to formulate the further planning in the organization. The research can be
based on any topic or subject. This is performed by determining the certain value of that subject
in the context of any organization or its works. The typical strategies to implement the perfect
course of motivation will be analyzed through reviews and proper research of the theories. The
essential study of motivation and its techniques on respect of theorganization further state the
major consequences of the implication of effectivemotivation on to the people of organization in
the report there are all the elements that are discuses as a part of the management research
project.
11

REFRENCES
BOOKS & JOURNALS
Summerell, Eand .et. Al., 2020. Humility is associated with less aggressive
motivation. Personality and Individual Differences, 158, p.109837.
Murnieks, C.Y., Klotz, A.C. and Shepherd, D.A., 2020. Entrepreneurial motivation: A review of
the literature and an agenda for future research. Journal of Organizational
Behavior, 41(2), pp.115-143.
San-Francisco, A and. et, al., Analysis about the incorporation of remanufacturing concept into
life cycle assessment theories. Journal of Remanufacturing, pp.1-13.
Zihao, S. and Hui, W., 2010, May.Resarch of universal data acquisition system rule-
based.In 2010 2nd International Conference on Future Computer and
Communication (Vol. 3, pp. V3-326).IEEE.
Thanh, N.T. and Minh, N.D., 2020. Hospital Management: Solution Implemented from Tangible
Factor–Resarch at the Outpatient Department of some Public Hospital in Hanoi. VNU
Journal of Science: Economics and Business, 36(1).
Lathifah, H., Ahmadsyah, I. and Fitri, C.D., 2020. EFFECTIVENESS OF MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS OF BNI iBHasanah in PT BNI SYARIAH BANDA ACEH CITY
BRANCH (Survey of Customer Behavior Against Banda Aceh). Journal of Malikussaleh
Public Economics, 2(1), pp.1-8.
Liu, Y., He, H. and Zhu, W., 2020. Motivational analyses of the relationship between negative
affectivity and workplace helping behaviors: A Conservation of Resources
perspective. Journal of Business Research, 108, pp.362-374.
Galli, B.J., 2020. Impact and Role of Motivation Theories in Continuous Improvement
Environments: A Reflection of Literature. International Journal of Service Science,
Management, Engineering, and Technology (IJSSMET), 11(1), pp.1-13.
Syamsuddin, S., Kadir, A.R. and Alam, S., 2020. IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF CIVIL
SERVANTS: THE EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP, WORK MOTIVATION AND
12

COMPETENCE. Hasanuddin Journal of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship, 3(1),
pp.1-6.
Kanfer, R. and Fletcher, K.A., 2020. Work Motivation and Employment Goals in Later
Adulthood. In Current and Emerging Trends in Aging and Work (pp. 219-241).Springer,
Cham.
Junsheng, H and, et. al., 2020.The Mediating Role of Employees’ Green Motivation between
Exploratory Factors and Green Behaviour in the Malaysian Food
Industry. Sustainability, 12(2), p.509.
Johnson, B.B. and Dieckmann, N.F., 2020. Americans’ views of scientists’ motivations for
scientific work. Public Understanding of Science, 29(1), pp.2-20.
JavadiKhasraghi, H., Wang, X. and Li, Y., 2020, January. Crowdsourcing Contests:
Understanding the Effect of Environment and Organization Specific Factors on Sustained
Participation. In Proceedings of the 53rd Hawaii International Conference on System
Sciences.
13