Corporate Strategy and Governance

This project analyzes the corporate strategy and governance of John Lewis & Partners, a high-end department store chain, focusing on conflict of interest, stakeholder accountability, and the role of HR in implementing corporate strategy. It includes a literature review, research methodology, and analysis of survey results from John Lewis employees.

CORPORATE STRATEGY AND
GOVERNANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT........................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................1
Rational...................................................................................................................................1
Literature review....................................................................................................................2
Research methodology...........................................................................................................3
Gantt chart..............................................................................................................................4
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT.......................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................6
Background of research...........................................................................................................6
Background of company..........................................................................................................7
Review of problem faced.........................................................................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................9
Anglo-Saxon model of corporate governance.......................................................................10
Corporate governance............................................................................................................11
Issues related to conflict of interest.......................................................................................13
Measure role of corporate strategy and governance..............................................................14
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................14
Introduction..........................................................................................................................14
Research type........................................................................................................................15
Research approach................................................................................................................15
Research philosophy.............................................................................................................15
Research design....................................................................................................................16
Data collection......................................................................................................................16
Data analysis.........................................................................................................................16
Sampling...............................................................................................................................17
Validity and reliability..........................................................................................................17
RESULTS......................................................................................................................................17
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................27

CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................29
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................32

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
For the effective management of John Lewis, it is required to control and manage all
codes of conduct, rules, practices and working processes. This will motivate company and
workers to work according to the set of codes of conduct and policies. It is important for firm to
provide satisfaction and profitability to all stakeholders with the help of proper management of
procedures and policies (McCahery, Sautner and Starks, 2016). Thus, this will include
requirements of corporate government and strategy within John Lewis.
John Lewis is a chain of high-end department stores operating throughout the United
Kingdom. The firm provides home-ware, fashion, furniture and other products and services to
customers. Electrical services are also provided by business. The corporate governance and
strategy needs to be effective to become a successful management of business to achieve
objectives. The major issues related to corporate governance and strategy is the proper
management of board members, independence of directors, accountability of stakeholders,
executive compensation and risk management etc.
Aim and Objectives
Aim: -
To determine issues or problems in corporate governance or strategies: A study of John
Lewis
Objectives: -
 To evaluate importance of corporate strategy and governance within businesses. To identify conflict of interest as issue of corporate strategy and governance in John
Lewis.
 To measure role of corporate strategy and governance within John Lewis.
Rational
Corporate strategy and governance topic is taken for this report due to the increasing
importance and use within businesses. John Lewis is chosen for the analysis of corporate
governance and strategy (What Is Corporate Governance in Strategic Management? 2018). The
firm has 40% fare budget, rest 23% is from government funding, 20% from borrowings, 8%
from profits and finally 9% from congestion charges. This is the issue, firm is facing relating to
conflicts and disputes between workers of company that has a negative impact on its reputation.
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The issue of policy and strategy formulation also must be considered by John Lewis. Poor
financial management, policy and strategy formulation, 0-hour contract are some additional
problems faced by firm. These are some important corporate governance issues for business for
which the strategies are formulated.
The main issue which is related to John Lewis is that of conflict of interest between top
and lower level management. It is very much important to avoid conflicts of interest so that there
is no problem into framework of corporate governance. This issue arise at time when employer
and other member of management are having financial interest which is directly conflicting with
objectives of the company like that of John Lewis.
Literature review
Rasche, Morsing and Moon, (2017) stated that corporate governance is a way of
governing policies, strategies and procedures within firm. This strategy helps business to manage
and direct activities to eliminate issues of conflict of interest. The firm needs to plan for effective
positive environment in order to increase effectiveness of corporate culture to lead proper
corporate governance. Effective management of corporate strategy and governance will help to
ensure economic growth, development and success of business. According to Tricker and
Tricker, (2015) corporate governance has a positive impact on share prices also on management
to ensure formulating the best policies for workers (What Is Corporate Governance in Strategic
Management? 2018). Corporate strategies and governance is crucial for businesses in order to
manage their competitive environment to remain stable and effective in the market. The main
aim of corporate governance is to eliminate barriers for growth and development including
positive culture and environment for all the workers effectively.
According to McCahery, Sautner and Starks, (2016) it was noted that if company is
facing issue like that of conflict of interest then they should be creating an environment of team
working and transparency as well. This helps them to create healthier and happier surrounding in
company like that of John Lewis. Management of company need to make their efforts in
resolving their issues if any with employees and labour as conflict of interest arising in
organisation should be working according to objectives set.
Jacoby, (2018) said that corporate governance describes balance between stakeholders
and structure of the firm and people who are interested in policies and profits of business. In
addition to this, corporate governance is used to enhance accountability of business to avoid
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disasters before they occur. Corporate governance includes processes in which corporation
objectives are set and pursued in the regulatory, environment and social context. It is a system of
rules, practices and policies in which the firm is directed and controlled effectively. The aim of
corporate governance and strategy is to ensure commitment of board in order to manage business
in transparent manner to increase long term values. This also helps to ensure economic growth,
development and corporate success, lower cost of capital, positive impact on share prices and
maintain confidence of investors towards business effectively.
As it was included by Visser and Tolhurst, (2017) that conflict of interest will arise at
time when employee and employer are not having same vision or objective or employer is not
able to satisfy labour. If there are long times pertaining conflicts between interests of people
working within company then management should be making their efforts for reducing impact of
these problems.
Research methodology
The process is used to determine, select and analyse information regarding topic. This
helps researcher to determine validity and reliability of research in order to solve issues of
conflict of interest to understand process and investigation of services and products. It provides
justification for using particular enquiry on topic.
Research type: There are two types of research such as qualitative and quantitative in which
quantitative used to solve problems using numerical data (Formentini and Taticchi, 2016). Apart
from this, qualitative includes, sounds, feelings, words and emotions. For the present study,
research has used exploratory research type in order to exploring aim and objectives related to
conflict of interest within company which is covering the corporate governance.
Research approach: Three types of approaches are available for researcher to conduct research
on topic such as inductive, deductive and abductive. These approaches help to provide
contribution towards new deductive tests of validity of assumptions and theories. Researcher
used inductive approach for the present study which will help in finding out impact of conflict of
interest in corporate governance.
Research philosophy: Positivism, interpretivism, realism and pragmatism are four types of
research philosophy available for researcher in order to deal with nature and source of
knowledge. Researcher used positivism philosophy to determine key findings.
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Research design: Research design is a crucial topic that a general plan is required to answer
questions regarding investigation (Visser and Tolhurst, 2017). Conclusive and exploratory are
two types of research designs. For the present study, descriptive design has been used by
researcher for finding up conflict of interest among employer and employee of company like that
of John Lewis.
Data collection: Data collection helps to collect information regarding topic in order to
understand topic in depth and effectively. There are two methods of collecting data such as
primary and secondary data collection method. For the present case study primary method is
used by researcher to gather information.
Sampling: Sampling includes probability and non-probability two categories to provide chance
to population to participate in study process. For the present case study, 20 employees of John
Lewis are taken and given questionnaire to fill. For this, simple random sampling is used.
Data analysis: Data analysis is important that researcher analyse information and data collected
from primary method in order to accomplish aim and objectives of research. It is important to
analyse interpretation of figures, numbers and attempts to determine rational behind findings.
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Gantt chart
5

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
Background of research
Corporate Governance is the set of rules and regulations that will be determining internal
and external strategies for organisations which are mainly formulated, directed and controlled by
top level management. Under this various responsibilities and roles of personal working in
organisation is selected so that it could be continued at time of decision making procedure. There
are number of participants who are working for company in order to achieve targets and they are
those who are having certain amount of interest in profits or products of company (The Role and
Benefits of a Corporate Governance Framework, 2018). These are known to as stakeholders of
company who are shareholders, creditors, debtors, auditors, employees, suppliers, board of
director and customers. This plays very important role within decision making of company as it
will ensure that all judgements which are made should be focused on interests of stakeholders.
Corporate governance will be directed towards controlling and directing organisational policy
setting with approval of roles and responsibilities of functional position of firm. For any
company it is very much common to having issues related to corporate governance like that of
oversight issues, accountability, transparency, conflict of interest and ethics violation. But
majority if there are different type of people working together who belong to different culture,
background and having various race, ethnicity, choice and age then it is very common that
among people there is conflict of interest. This rise at time when aim or objective of 2 different
party is not aligning or it could then when person who is having position in company will be
deriving personal benefit from action or decision that is made by them at official capacity as
well.
So this particular research report will focus on Corporate Strategies and Governance of
John Lewis which is departmental chain. The report will include various issues of conflict of
interest and part of corporate strategies with measuring the role of governance within
organisation. So this report will help us to find out related problem of conflict of interest ion
company like that of John Lewis so that solutions could be derived. It will help in finding
effectiveness of corporate strategies with company so that it becomes easy to determine and
achieve targets and goals of company.
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Background of company
John Lewis & Partners is the high-ended chain of departmental stores which is working
all across UK, Australia and Ireland as well. It was started in year 1864 by John Lewis and then
in 1929 it was owned by John Lewis Partnership. Company is having 50 stores all around UK
which opened in 2016 in Australia and Ireland as well with having 38000 employees working
(John Lewis Partnership, 2018). The company is having its departmental stores, retail
supermarkets and banking services as well. It is the subsidiary company of John Lewis
Partnership (JLP) which is owned by trust which is working as per their employees and sharing
annual profits of company as well. JLP is 3rd largest company of UK and having special image as
upper class and middle class shops with the marketing strategies towards its buyers as it is selling
range of product with essential to value range of products.
Review of problem faced
The current report will discover many issues related to corporate strategies and
governance like that of getting right of board, performance evaluation of directors and removal
of independent directors with risk management as well. These problems are majorly faced by
company at time when they are making their strategies and reviewing performance of employees.
So this report is concerned with problems and issues of conflict of interest faced while
formulating decisions and policy for company or employees (Issues on Corporate Governance
and Strategic Management, 2018). The problem which is identified at time when they are
making their strategic decision company could be facing problem so this needs to be clearly
identified so that firm is able to resolve their issues of conflict of interest at starting or ground
level only. So this report will focus on corporate governance and strategy its meaning and
importance in regard to John Lewis and its related issues of conflict of interest as well.
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Figure 1: Relations of intersection and integration between corporate governance and strategic
management
[Source: Issues on Corporate Governance and Strategic Management, 2018]
The relationship between targets of company and its stakeholders helps in governing and
managing whole firm and working is maintained in accordance with set goals. There is
relationship between strategic management and corporate governance but it is from different
view point which is studied in various investigations before. The first viewpoint is that there is
no such relationship among both as they could not have any interconnection as well (Issues on
Corporate Governance and Strategic Management, 2018). While the other view includes that
there is intersection or integration between strategic management and corporate governance (like
shown in above Figure 1). The third view states that both are associated with each other under
which corporate governance is intelligent and strategic management must be courageous. So in
order to grow into market it is the company who decide that whether they will focus on strategic
management or on corporate governance but that too only after considering strength and
weakness of both these opinions.
Company will be facing issue like that of conflict of interest which means that their
employees are not having same opinion as their employer or management. like the person is not
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working according to his or her given target and only doing the job to fulfil their own interest the
at this time conflict with manager or employer will arise.
The type of model to be followed in a way gaining high amounts of profits and
considering interest of stakeholders is a major issue or problem faced by organizations. The
strategic issue in John Lewis will concern to shareholder’s value maximisation, independent
auditors, business exit strategies and audit or compensation as well. As the corporate strategies is
divided into internal and external parts of John Lewis. The internal part is covering ownership
issues, board of directors, managerial incentives and employee profits as well (The Role and
Benefits of a Corporate Governance Framework, 2018). While on other hand external corporate
governance will be concerning to management of labour markets, product market, and corporate
control as well.
The strategic management and corporate governance is a major and important section for
future growth and development of company and affects its stakeholders as well. The
management team of firm must be running it business for formulating rules, guidelines, rights
and responsibilities of stakeholders and management team as well.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Mason and Simmons, (2014) Corporate Governance in strategic
management refers to set of internal policies and rules which show how a business is directed.
Corporate governance also decides strategic decisions by managers, board of directors and
shareholders effectively. It can be also described as an interaction between different participants
such as management of business, board of directors and shareholders. It is hierarchically the
highest strategic plan of John Lewis to define objectives and goals and also ways to accomplish
them. Moreover, corporate strategy is a way from which firm create values with help of
coordination and configuration of multiple business activities. The initial purpose of corporate
governance is to facilitate effective entrepreneurial ventures in market. Corporate governance
will be having direct impact upon profits and reputation of company if they do not have any
good or strong policy then it could be exposed to lawsuit, fines and loss of capital investment as
well. So it is required that John Lewis is not having any such issue related to corporate
governance which could hinder their market position and reputation in industry as well. The
concept of corporate governance is used to make strategies and plans for operational activities
which include systems and procedures to structure authorities, balance responsibilities and
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provide accountability to stakeholders at all levels. This helps to balance profits of business with
sustainability.
Anglo-Saxon model of corporate governance
It is a system of control and supervision over corporation and function in Australia,
United Kingdom, Canada and United States as per the view of Miller, and Pisani, (2018). The
main feature of this model is that it relies on capital market as control place over corporation.
Investors have the right to take their decision under which includes decision regarding buying
and selling up of shares so they could either approve or disapprove action of management. They
also at time of Annual General Meeting have the right to vote. In this model, due to high
liquidity of market, management is not subjected to strict control within business. The
relationship between shareholders and managers are official and short-lived.
Current investments require resources which are collected on the capital markets and
OTC (Over-the-counter) markets. Due to the development of liquid and large capital markets,
using this model, companies are able to become independent from investment banks. There are
some key features of this model such as ownership of shares, banks will not engage in business
operational activities, capital raised during liquid and large markets with share prices and
dividends are measures of success.
As per Aguilera, Judge and Terjesen, (2018) corporate governance is regarded as bases of
business performance. There are three types of corporate strategies such as stability, growth and
renewal which are described below:
Growth: Growth strategy refers to business expansion in terms of entering in new or potential
markets to serve products and services to customers either through current or new business.
Growth strategy helps business to enhance its revenues, employees and market share. It can be
said that business grows using vertical integration, concentration, diversification and horizontal
incorporation effectively.
Stability: Stability strategy is a corporate strategy in which the business continues to do what it is
doing at present. For example, it could continue with same products and service which they are
selling to their regular customers, managing market shares and sustaining business current
operational activities.
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Renewal: It can be said that something needs to be done, if the business is in trouble. Managers
are able to develop strategies that help to address declining performances. There are two types of
main renewal strategies such as turnaround and retrenchment effectively.
Phan, Markman and Balkin, (2016) stated that corporate governance describes balance
between stakeholders of business into structure of company who are interested in profitability
and policies. Thus, it has a direct impact on reputation and profits of firm in case of poor policies
and exposing loss of capital investment.
Stewardship theory of corporate governance is developed due to challenges faced by
beliefs of manager who are always rational and self-interested. According to this theory
objectives of board of directors and managers are directly linked with latter being intrinsically
motivated to act in their best interest of business as per view of Filatotchev and Stahl, (2015).
The focus is on intangible rewards in order to produce opportunities for personal achievement
and growth. On the other hand, resource dependency theory is derived from sociology and
economics that are concerned with power distribution within business framework effectively.
Corporate governance
Flammer and Luo, (2017) stated that corporate governance is a multi-faceted subject. One
of the important theme of it is to ensure accountability of certain individuals with the help of
mechanism in order to support and provide help to reduce several issues of conflict of interest.
There are different factors which have impact on corporate governance and strategy which are
described below:
Ownership structure: Ownership structure of business identifies operational activities in which
firm is managing and controlling various activities. This can be dispersed among individual and
institutional shareholder as in the United Kingdom. The pattern towards shareholding is not that
simple as statement seeks to convey above. As stated by Ocasio and Radoynovska, (2016) shares
are held by term lending institutions, comprising government, investors, corporate bodies,
directors and mutual funds.
Structure of company boards: The board structure of business has a considerable impact on its
structure regarding managing and controlling ownership. Board of directors are responsible for
managing corporate objectives in order to develop policies with broad nature. One of the
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important work of them is to select executives from top level to carry policies managed by
business effectively.
Financial structure: Financial structure of firm has a major impact on corporate governance
along with business structure and ownership.
According to Honoré, Munari and de La Potterie, (2015) there are six mechanisms in
order to ensure corporate governance in a particular nation such as:
Companies act: Companies act 1956 regulates business activities. The legislation is too big that
it consists of 14 schedules and 658 sections. The act delivers legal rights to shareholders such as
resolution voting, removal of directors, active part in business meetings etc.
Capital market discipline: Capital market also has an impact on corporate governance that
number of initiatives towards protection of investor is managed by firm. In addition to this,
Ocasio and Radoynovska, (2016) included that there are certain Information Standards and self-
mandated disclosures as well.
Statutory audits: It is an effective way from which the organisation is able to ensure that they
have effective and good corporate governance. Auditor is the conscious-keeper of shareholders,
lender and who have financial stake in business.
Figure 2: Corporate governance
[Source: What Is Corporate Governance in Strategic Management?, 2018]
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Issues related to conflict of interest
As per the view of Filatotchev and Stahl, (2015) there are many areas of organisation
which deals with issues related to corporate governance and strategies and must be identified and
resolved by management only. These problems which are identified by company could be related
to executive compensation, risk management, performance evaluation of directors, right board,
and accountability of stakeholders, succession planning and removal of independent director.
These risks will be identified and then planning is done to lower down their impact on decision
making process of company as well. According to the view of Aguilera, Judge and Terjesen,
(2018) the above stated issues which are related to corporate governance and strategy of conflict
of interest must be correctly identified by management so that it is properly handled.
This conflict of interest could cause employee with bad experience of struggling in
between various point of interest and different choice as well and they are also forbidden within
code of conduct of company and employee handbook. This will have impact on working and
performance of employee and then they will be avoiding behaviour which is potentially signal of
conflict of interest at workplace.
The executive compensation as per viewpoint of Visser and Tolhurst, (2017) is the
argumentative problem especially at time of knowing accountability of shareholders. So it is the
duty of company that will be leading to change and modify roles and responsibilities of
stakeholders. It is very much important to retain the relationship between higher level authority
and shareholders so that they are framing policies regarding remuneration which is coherent and
transparent in its nature. As explained by Rasche, Morsing and Moon, (2017) succession
planning is also regarded as important issue regarding strategic management and corporate
governance which is in seek of future owner of company. Succession planning will be a process
of identification of developing new leader after the old one is retiring or is incapable to work or
operate the business for future. It will be mostly required that manager is planning for succession
of company so that there are no difficulties for business to expand or operate in the coming
years.
As per the view of Mackey and Gass, (2015) there are number of example of workplace
conflict like that of working under an close friend or relative which will affect salary and
promotions or any employee is doing or intended to do dual employment within organisation
only.
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While it was noted by McCahery, Sautner and Starks, (2016) that risk management is
also one of the important section of strategic management and corporate governance as well.
There are many risks companies are exposed to, which needs to be identified and monitored by
management. Thus it requires to frame risk management plans, principles and practices which is
helping in mitigating this unforeseen events. Formentini and Taticchi, (2016) included that
making stakeholder accountable for work done by them and allotting duties of each is very much
required. All the major stakeholders are having their own duties, responsibilities and rights
which they need to follow and make them accountable towards company, community and
environment as whole.
Measure role of corporate strategy and governance
As included by Miller and Pisani (2018) corporate strategy and governance is that system
that is directed towards controlling of responsibilities and role of shareholders. The role of this
policy will be contributing towards effective governance with tools in way of addressing risk
management (Measuring Results for CG Advisory Services Projects, 2018). There will be
requirement of proper framework to implement role of governance and strategies within
company that is assisting in execution of main process with structure as well. Thus it helps in
allowing firm to focus more on issues of conflict of interest which are serious for firm and
making it priority within the limited time and resources as well. In view of Mason and Simmons,
(2014) measuring role of corporate strategy and governance there will be five critical areas of
firm’s program which is integrity, strategy, performance, talent and governance. So if the board
of directors are reviewing performance of their employees on regular bases so that there must be
planning according to their ability only.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
It is a specific process used to determine, analyse and select appropriate information for
the research. It allows researcher to measure reliability and validity of search items in critical
terms. This helps to create solutions for the issues of conflict of interest and also investigation for
products. The process includes collection of data and information including both present and
historical for purpose of taking decisions regarding firm’s operational activities. It can be also
described as a justification for using particular enquiry on topic. Research methodology involves
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various procedures to collect information regarding topic systematically to complete research
successfully and effectively. This also helps to accomplish desired aims and objectives of
research.
Research type
There are two types of research such as qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative method
is used to solve issues of conflict of interest with the help of using numbers based on numerical
and summary data. In addition, qualitative method describes words, sounds, immeasurable,
emotions, and feelings, unquantifiable and non-numerical elements (Mackey and Gass, 2015).
Descriptive and analytical are two methods based on investigation nature in which survey is
included in descriptive design to determine factors related to research. In addition to this,
analytical is based on facts and information already available to make critical evaluation.
Moreover, conclusive and exploratory are two methods available for researcher to conduct
research in which decisive attempts provide or offer final answer to questions and exploratory
aims to explore area of inquiry. For the present case study of determining issue of conflict of
interest or problem in corporate governance or strategy in John Lewis exploratory research type
is used by researcher to explore aims and objectives.
Research approach
Three types of approaches are available for researcher to conduct research on topic such
as inductive, deductive and abductive. There is a difference between inductive and deductive
approach known as distinctive point which is hypotheses relevance. These approaches help to
provide contribution towards new deductive tests of validity of assumptions and theories. In
addition to this, abductive research includes process and surprising facts which is devoted in
explanation (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015.). Deductive approach is used to collect
hypotheses' data. Inductive is used to follow aim, objectives and questions. Abductive approach
devotes explanations of incomplete fact and observation specified at the beginning of research.
Researcher used inductive approach for the present study.
Research philosophy
Research philosophy is a vast topic which discusses topic in details. Positivism,
interpretivism, realism and pragmatism are four types of research philosophy available for
researcher in order to deal with nature and source of knowledge. This is the section, where
phenomenon data is collected, analysed and used (Silverman, 2016). Each step in this section is
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based on assumptions regarding nature and source of knowledge effectively. This reflects
author’s expectation in order to serve base for strategy. The section findings are usually
quantifiable and observable. Researcher used positivism philosophy to determine key findings
related to the topic of determining issue or problem in corporate governance or strategy in John
Lewis.
Research design
Research design is a crucial topic that a general plan is required to answer questions
regarding investigation. There are some contradictions made on design that some author
considers this as a choice between quantitative and qualitative method and some refers it to a
specific procedure of collecting information and data for analysis. Strategies and methods related
to data analysis and collection are some important elements of research design (Flick, 2015).
This section helps to frame information collected from various sources to determine issue or
problem in corporate governance or strategy in John Lewis. Conclusive and exploratory are two
types of research designs. For the present study, descriptive design has been used by researcher
that it helps to deliver information in order to provide accurate and correct data with appropriate
execution of activities.
Data collection
Data collection method helps to collect relevant information regarding topic in order to
understand facts associated with research effectively. There are two means of collecting data
such as primary and secondary facts gathering method. Data collection helps to collect
information in order to understand topic in depth and effectively (Smith, 2015). Primary and
secondary methods are crucial for the research and are divided into parts such as qualitative and
quantitative based on mathematical calculation along with open-ended questions. Secondary data
collection method includes information from various sources such as online websites, books,
journals, newspapers and articles published by authors. In order to increase level of research in
terms of validity and reliability, it is important to select proper criteria. For the present case study
primary method is used by researcher to gather information from participants (workers) within
business.
Data analysis
It is important to have a discussion over data and information collected from sources.
Data analysis is important that researcher analyse information and collected information from
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primary method in order to accomplish aim and objectives of research (Qualitative Data
Analysis, 2018). It is important to analyse interpretation of figures, numbers and attempts to
determine rational behind findings. There is a difference between qualitative and quantitative
research method that research is completed by focusing on interviews, surveys and experiments
in qualitative method. Interpretation of figures, attempts and number is involved in quantitative
method. For the present case study analysis in terms of interpretation is done by researcher of
primary data and information is collected from workers.
Sampling
Non-probability sampling method involves group members which are selected non-
randomly to participate in the study. Simple random, systematic, multistage, stratified and cluster
are some examples of effective sampling techniques comprised by probability. It can be said that
probability sampling is more complex and time consuming as compared to the non-probability.
Sampling of 20 employees of John Lewis will be taken for this study using simple random
technique. This will enable reader to evaluate important points related to corporate strategy and
governance by including ideas and thinking of participants.
Validity and reliability
Validity and reliability of research is an important part that information and data
collected for investigation should be valid and reliable to generate positive outcomes related to
the investigation effectively (Silverman, 2016). Reliability level is compromised and problems
are associated closely with subjectivity for the research. In addition to this, validity is an extent
in which scientific requirements are followed by researcher during the process to generate key
findings. Primary data collection methods are used to collect information and it is valid and
reliable as it is observed from employees of business effectively.
RESULTS
Theme 1: Corporate Strategy and Governance is essential for John Lewis in way of achieving
long term goals
Particular Respondents
Yes 12
No 4
Not sure 4
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Figure 3: Corporate Strategy and Governance is essential for John Lewis in way of achieving
long term goals
Interpretation:
From the above table and graphical representation, it is concluded that majority of
employees or participants which is about 12 thinks that Corporate strategy and governance is
very much essential for John Lewis which is helping them in achieving long term goals. While
certain number of participants about 4 of them also said “No” to the statement including that
strategy and governance will not be helping in long term goals. Then in this regard some of them
which is 4 participants were not having any specified thought or idea regarding whether
corporate strategy will help in long term planning or not.
So it is concluded that corporate strategy and governance is used to formulate and
achieve the long term goals and objectives of John Lewis. So company must be completely
following and relaying onto formulating strategies and plans for its daily and regular working in
proper way.
Theme 2: Retention of employee is best way to implement Corporate Strategy and Governance
in John Lewis
Particular Respondents
Internal and external recruitments 3
Retention of employee 8
Development of leadership skills 6
Better training and development 3
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Figure 4: Retention of employee is best way to implement Corporate Strategy and Governance in
John Lewis
Interpretation:
There are certain ways which is regarded to as best way to implement Corporate Strategy
and Governance in John Lewis, like that of development of leadership skills, better training and
development, retention of employees and internal or external recruitments. Among them all
participants gave their opinion that which one is best between the above stated. In this way
mostly which is about 8 said that retention of employees is the perfect way to implement
strategy. While 6 of them included development of leadership is the better among the others to
execute strategy within John Lewis, 3 of the respondent think that internal and external
recruitment would be more, better than other stated. On the other hand, 3 of them also agreed
with giving training and development program to employees’ strategy implementation will be
easy.
Theme 3: Motivating employees is the priority area for of development that management
should focus
Particular Respondents
Benefits for employees 5
Motivation 9
Improvement in leave policies 6
19

Figure 5: Motivating employees is the priority area for of development that management should
focus
Interpretation:
Apart from the implementation there is also some area which is regarded to as priority for
management which they need to follow on regular bases. So in this regard 9 respondents said
that motivating employees must be priority area for management to focus upon. While 6 of them
also said that improvement into leave policies of company will also be another area of priority on
which management must be focusing. Rest 5 of them included benefits for employee is the way
area which management should work upon for developing John Lewis.
So firm must be focusing on motivating their employees, giving more special benefits for
employees and improving within leave policies which will be helping company in their long term
planning and implementing.
Theme 4: Corporate Strategy and Governance will help in conflict resolution
Particular Respondents
Yes 10
No 5
Not sure 5
20

Figure 6: Corporate Strategy and Governance will help in conflict resolution
Interpretation:
It was said in the above literature review that corporate governance and strategic
management will be helping in resolving up of conflict which is occurring with client or
employee. As it will be defined to as formulating properly policy so that company could be able
to perform according to set targets and objectives. So in this regard 20 respondents were asked
that whether they think that corporate strategy and governance is resolving issue of conflict of
interest or not.
From the above table it is clear that majority of respondents said that Corporate Strategy
and Governance will help in conflict resolution. So 10 of the employee who are participating in
the research said “Yes” that they think in way of resolving the issue corporate strategy and
governance is helpful. While 5 of them said “No” that it is not useful in for solving issues so
company must not be following it. On other hand 5 of the also said that they were having no idea
in regard to this so they were “Not sure” about it.
Theme 5: Business and corporate strategy need to be discussed with HR department of John
Lewis
Particular Respondents
Yes 11
No 6
Not sure 3
21

Figure 7: Business and corporate strategy need to be discussed with HR department of John
Lewis
Interpretation:
The role of HR department is very much remarkable in terms with company’s policy
formulation and implementation as well. So in this regard question was asked that whether
corporate and business strategies need to be discussed with HR department or not. It is important
that all what are planned by management are discussed with HR team as they are the one who are
explaining these policies to employees. So in this regard 20 of them were asked that whether
they think Business and corporate strategy need to be discussed with HR department of John
Lewis. 11 of them that “Yes” business and corporate and business strategy must be discussed
with their HR department of John Lewis before getting implemented within organisation. While
6 of them also said “No” that it is not required to discuss this policy with HR before its
implementation. Then 3 of them were also there who were not having any idea of this so they
said “Not sure” about this question.
Theme 6: There is no requirement to change employment policy
Particular Respondents
Yes 4
No 14
Not sure 2
22

Figure 8: There is no requirement to change employment policy
Interpretation:
Employment policy of John Lewis is very essential for them to be implemented which is
covering all areas and issues regarding employees like their leave balance, compensation, salary
issue, attendance, lunch time and reporting timings. So within John Lewis which is implementing
partnership within their company which is one of the most important thing and is helping them to
gain competitive advantages. In this regard 4 of the participants said “Yes” that there is
requirement in change of employment policy of John Lewis. While 14 of the said “No” there is
no requirement in policy change of organisation which is highest. Then 2 of them also were “Not
sure” about the fact that whether it is essential or not.
Theme 7: John Lewis will be able to achieve competitive advantage with available resources
Particular Respondents
Yes 13
No 4
Not sure 3
Interpretation:
23

Figure 9: John Lewis will be able to achieve competitive advantage with available resources
There are many resources which are required within achievement of competitive
advantages with the resources that are available. So in this regard 13 respondents said “Yes” that
the resources which are available at present will be sufficient in achievement of competitive
advantages. Then 4 of them said “No” that company’s resources will not be sufficient in
achieving competitive advantages. Rest 3 of them were “Not sure” about the fact that whether
resources of John Lewis are capable of achieving competitive advantage or not
Theme 8: Strategic HRM is been followed by John Lewis
Particular Respondents
Yes 12
No 4
Not sure 4
Interpretation:
24

Figure 10: Strategic HRM is been followed by John Lewis
Strategic HRM is the process which is practice to attract and develop employees for
benefitting both employee and organisation as whole. So this is the policy which is followed by
John Lewis evidence is that 12 of the employees said “Yes” that company is following strategic
HRM practice within their firm. While 4 of them said “No’ that their company is not following
this policy and 4 of them said “Not sure” about the fact.
Theme 9: Formulation of new policies and rules are helpful during time of economic or
financial crises of John Lewis
Particular Respondents
Yes 10
No 4
Not sure 6
Interpretation:
25

Figure 11: Formulation of new policies and rules are helpful during time of economic or
financial crises of John Lewis
From the above table it is clear that 10 “Yes” all rules and policies which are formulated
by John Lewis will be helpful at time of economic and financial crises of company. While 4 of
the them said “No” that it will not be helpful for economic and financial crises and 6 of them
were “Not sure” about that whether policy formulation will be helpful during time of economic
crisis or not.
Theme 10: There is no need for John Lewis to change its current Corporate Strategy and
Governance method or policy
Particular Respondents
Yes 4
No 14
Not sure 2
Interpretation:
26

Figure 12: There is no need for John Lewis to change its current Corporate Strategy and
Governance method or policy
As the current policy of John Lewis is very good for the firm so there is need for any sort
of changes into its current corporate strategy and governance methods or policy. So in this regard
on 4 of them said “Yes” that there is need to change the current policy of company, 14 of them
said “No” that there is no need to change any policy of company and 2 of them were “Not sure”
about it.
RECOMMENDATION
From the above report based on Corporate strategy and Governance it could be
considered that company like that of John Lewis must be considering the process in their
decision making. It is required by the side of management that they are focusing on their all
process and procedures so that they are been able to achieve their goals and targets. John Lewis
is high ended departmental store which is operating within UK, Australia and Ireland so they
must be managing their available resources with formulating strategies and targets. Under this
there are certain recommendations which are made in accordance to aims and objectives
achieved or not:
Setting of goals and objectives- It is highly recommended that what is to be achieved and how it
will be done must be decided by John Lewis in starting only. This is important for a company
that they know what are their aims, what are their resources and how could they be able to
achieve the target. With the help of this process not only management but also employees will be
clear with their aims, objective and mission so that personal and organisational development is
27

possible. Corporate strategy and governance will enable management of John Lewis to properly
frame their policies and rules as per their purpose of company.
Health and safety- The issue related to employee’s health and safety is on priority for
management of John Lewis which will be able to safeguard workers at time when they are
working on ground level. The policy or law which is governing employee and their health is very
much essential that firm is following it. So it is recommended that John Lewis is practicing all
laws and regulations related to health and safety of employees which will be helping them to
employ proper skilled and trained employees within organisation.
Monitoring employee’s performance- This would be essential as per the requirement of
fulfilling targets and aims of company. Setting up objective for each employee and then tracking
it to identify what are the weakness of each and how are they currently performing. It is very
much essential for mangers and leaders that they are monitoring progress made towards better
performance of each employee so it becomes easy for the future planning. This is done through
use of various tools and techniques by setting benchmark and reviewing performance on periodic
bases is also important. Apart from this BSC, performance review matrix, benchmarking and
ranking are some of the important methods of monitoring employees.
Formulating of policy during crisis- As it was noted that John Lewis policies are helping them
at time of economic or financial crisis so this proves to be very much efficient and authentic for
company. But then also it is advised that policy related to financial crisis of firm should be more
emphasising on how to raise funds at time of any sort of issue.
Priority setting- John Lewis also needs to set priorities according to their goals which they want
to achieve in given timeframe. If the company or employees are putting their important work on
priorities, then it became easy for them to achieve their goals and objective into time allotted to
them.
Employment policy- Following all the policies which are framed for employees of company is
legal need for John Lewis like related to leaves, working hours, compensation, salary or any
other. Thus with the implementation of employment policies within firm it becomes easy for
employees to related themselves with goal and target of company.
Tools and techniques- It is also important to include various types of tools and techniques within
working of company. Digital technology which is involving variety of tools and techniques like
28

digital marketing or cloud computing for convenient working of company so that it could help
them in lowering down their work load.
Training and development- This is the most important part of any firm which assist them in
achieving their overall objectives. appointing the best employees within company then giving
them training will help in developing skills and knowledge of employees so that they are helping
company in achieving overall objectives of firm.
Resolving issue of conflict of interest- This is very essential that company is making their own
efforts into resolving issues which arise in conflicting interest of people working in same
workplace. They should be making and allowing transparency into policy formulating and
allowing them to give advice to management in issue like that of their incentive or performance
management as well.
CONCLUSION
From the above report of corporate strategy and governance it is concluded that in order
to attain all goals and objective it is required that company is implementing proper rules and
regulations as per what they have planned. It is required to make proper guidelines for what is to
be done within organisation so that management is identifying area to implement change within
its working. there are issue which relate to corporate strategy like that of risk management and
performance evaluation but this must be identified at right time only so that John Lewis is been
able to plan accordingly. All the three types of corporate strategy like that of stability, growth
and renewal must be implemented within John Lewis so that they are able to develop themselves
in market.
29

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Online:
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<https://bonds-and-shares.com/corporate-governance-strategic-management/ >.
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31

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Q1. Do you think that, Corporate Strategy and Governance is essential for John Lewis to
achieve its long term goals?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
Q2. In your opinion, what is the best way to implementing Corporate Strategy and
Governance in John Lewis?
 Internal and external recruitments
 Retention of employee
 Development of leadership skills
 Better training and development
Q3. As per your viewpoint, which must be the priority area of development that
management must focus?
 Benefits for employees
 Motivation
 Improvement in leave policies
Q4. Do you think, Corporate Strategy and Governance will help in conflict resolution?
 Yes
 No
32

 Maybe
Q5. Will the business and corporate strategy need to be discussed with HR department of
John Lewis?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe
Q6. In your opinion, is it required to change employment policy?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe
Q7. As per your viewpoint, will John Lewis be able to achieve competitive advantage with
available resources?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe
Q8. In your opinion, is Strategic HRM been followed by John Lewis?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe
Q9. As per your point of view, is formulation of new policies and rules helpful during time
of economic or financial crises of John Lewis?
 Yes
 No
33

 Maybe
Q10. Do you think, John Lewis needs to change its current Corporate Strategy and
Governance method or policy?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe
34