Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction in SMEs vs Larger Organizations

Does employee motivation and job satisfaction achieve the
same outcome in a SME as in larger organizations?

Abstract
As per the present scenario, companies sustain the brand image in competition and this is
possible when they have talented and capable employees who support business to reach further
level of success. Similarly, with the help of qualitative study, the current study reflects numerous
factors that creates direct impact upon employee motivation and this in turn also influence job
satisfaction level such that working culture, reward & recognition, relationship with peers and
leaders etc. The study is based upon both primary and secondary data collection methods that
helps to meet the defined aim. Under primary, survey method used in which 20 employees (10
employee each from Nisa and Morrison) chosen and with the help of their views, it is examined
that they are highly satisfied with the working environment. Further, the transparency between
management and employees is not good but companies trying to motivate employees so that they
remain satisfied within working culture.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................5
Background of the study..............................................................................................................5
Research aim and objectives........................................................................................................5
Research questions.......................................................................................................................6
Rationale......................................................................................................................................6
Significance.................................................................................................................................6
Dissertation structure...................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................8
Theme 1: Concept of employee motivation and job satisfaction................................................8
Theme 2: Factors that impact employee motivation within UK retail sector..............................9
Theme 3: Ascertain the factors that causes employee motivation and job satisfaction within
Nisa & Morrison’s.....................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................12
Research type.............................................................................................................................12
Research approach.....................................................................................................................12
Research philosophy..................................................................................................................12
Data collection...........................................................................................................................13
Sampling....................................................................................................................................13
Data analysis..............................................................................................................................13
Research limitations...................................................................................................................13
Ethical considerations................................................................................................................14

Reliability and validity..............................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS...................................................................15
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................24
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................24
Recommendations......................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................26
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................29
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................29

Topic: To investigate the factors that impact employee motivation and job satisfaction within
UK retail sector in the context of small & large business units: A comparative study on Nisa
and Morrison’s
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
In the current times, employee motivation and job satisfaction is recognized as one of the
main factors which retail business units requires for getting success. In the current times, due to
pandemic, several modifications done by retail business units with regards to organizational
practices and policies. Hence, change which take place in business organization has significant
influence on employee motivation and job satisfaction (De Sousa Sabbagha, Ledimo and
Martins, 2018). Along with this, there are several other factors which closely influence employee
motivation and thereby overall performance. For this report, Nisa and Morrison’s have been
selected which offers wide range of retail products & services to the customers. In this,
dissertation will shed light on the extent to which employee’s motivation and satisfaction getting
affected from similar factors.
Research aim and objectives
Aim: To assess the extent to which employee motivation and job satisfaction affected
from similar factors in with regards to Nisa and Morrison’s.
Objectives
 To develop understanding about the concept of employee motivation and job satisfaction.
 To identify factors that impact employee motivation within UK retail sector.
 To ascertain the factors that causes employee motivation and job satisfaction within Nisa
& Morrison’s.
 To recommend strategies for the enhancement of employee motivation and job
satisfaction within both large & small businesses.

Research questions
Q.1 What is the concept of employee motivation and job satisfaction?
Q.2 Which factors impact employee motivation within UK retail sector?
Q.3 Does similar factors affect employee motivation and job satisfaction within Nisa &
Morrison’s?
Rationale
The rationale behind doing current study is to identify the level to which similar factors
impact employee motivation and satisfaction towards job within UK retail sector. This is
considered as an issue because firms operating in retail sector facing more problem pertaining to
high employee turnover. This in turn places direct impact on productivity and profitability of an
organization (PAAIS and PATTIRUHU, 2020). Moreover, for offering quality services to the
customers’ business unit needs highly skilled, motivated and satisfied workforce. In the service
industry, personnel are the one who create different image in the mind of customers. Hence,
through the means of thematic analysis this research could shed light on factors which have
significant impact on employee motivation and satisfaction.
Significance
By using the current study and related findings, other scholars can develop suitable
hypothesis or framework for further research. As, this study will develop their understanding
about topic and thereby helps in doing investigation appropriately. Along with this, through this
study, both small and large sized business organization can understand factors that affect
motivation as well as job satisfaction of personnel. By considering this, both type of
organizations can develop suitable strategic framework for enhancing employee productivity and
profitability.
Dissertation structure
Chapter 1: Introduction
It represents questions on which whole study is focusing along with the reasons
associated with research initiation.

Chapter 2: Literature review
This chapter includes review of books, journals and scholarly articles related to issue
being g investigated. By using information of this chapter findings of primary research have been
supported.
Chapter 3: Research methodology
Third chapter of dissertation highlights research type, approach and philosophy has been
used for evaluating research issue. Along with this, it also includes information about methods
which have been undertaken for the purpose of data gathering and analysis.
Chapter 4: Data analysis & findings
In dissertation, this chapter is highly important which presents results on the basis of data
gathered and analyzed. Further, graphs and charts have also been added for developing better
understanding about findings.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations
Final chapter of dissertation concludes overall results or findings derived through primary
& secondary investigation. Further, strategies through which Nisa, Morrison’s and other retail
business units can improve employee motivation and job satisfaction also recommended in this
section.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review may be presented as a search and evaluation of current scholarly papers
pertaining to specific topic. This chapter emphasizes on fulfilling research aim and objectives
through the means of theoretical aspects. Hence, scholarly articles about the factors of employee
motivation and job satisfaction have been evaluated for preparing brief thesis.
Theme 1: Concept of employee motivation and job satisfaction
As per the De Sousa Sabbagha, Ledimo and Martins (2018) employee motivation is
defined as a level of energy, commitment, creativity which workers of a firm brings to their job.
Thus, higher motivation leads to better engagement and productivity. There are many factors
which motivates employees which includes positive working culture, team work abilities,
rewards and recognition. Further, it is also proved that motivation and morale would improve
massively with an increased recognition from managers. Moreover, as per the Adam equity
theory it is also realized that people maintain a fair relationship between their performance and
rewards in comparison with others. Therefore, if an employee does not get enough chance
(rewards) then they get demotivated which in turn cause direct effect of their outputs.
In accordance with Lloyd and Mertens (2018) individual makes contribution (input) and
on behalf of the same they also expect certain rewards (output). This in turn balance their work
performance and encourage them to remain motivated. Thus, the theory reflects that individual’s
level of motivation is depend upon the extent they feels being treated fairly either in terms of
rewards or comparison to others. On the contrary side, Idowu (2017) explained in their study that
to remain motivated, most of the company offer extrinsic and intrinsic motivation that helps
them to improve the productivity. This entails that retail firm perform their best to remain their
employee motivated and to get success.
Judge and et.al., (2017) reflected that job satisfaction in an extent through which a worker
feels self- motivated, satisfied with their job. Also, it is happen only when employee feels that
they are having job stability, career growth and comfortable work life balance. On contrary side,
it is also evaluated by AbdiMohamud, Ibrahim and Hussein (2017) that job satisfaction refers to
the person’s feeling of satisfaction on a job which acts as a motivation factors. Therefore, both
job satisfaction and employee motivation are interrelated with each other. For example, an