Employee Retention Strategies

This assignment examines the crucial topic of employee retention within the fast food industry. It requires an in-depth analysis of how various human resource management (HRM) practices influence employee turnover. The assignment delves into the significance of understanding factors contributing to high turnover rates in this sector and investigates effective strategies to improve employee retention. Students are expected to draw upon academic literature and research findings to support their arguments and recommendations.

REFLECTIVE LOG

TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESEARCH TOPIC........................................................................................................................1
ASSESSED ISSUE IN TOPIC........................................................................................................1
RESEARCH AIM............................................................................................................................1
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE..............................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Meaning of employee retention..............................................................................................2
Importance of retaining employees within firm.....................................................................2
Factors facilitating employee turnover within fast food industry..........................................3
Employee retention tactics used by fast food firms................................................................3
RESEARCH DESIGN.....................................................................................................................4
Research Approach.................................................................................................................4
Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................4
Research Design.....................................................................................................................4
Data Collection.......................................................................................................................5
Sampling.................................................................................................................................5
Data Analysis..........................................................................................................................5
IDENTIFYING THE ETHICAL AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES..............................................6
TIME PLAN....................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

RESEARCH TOPIC
Analysing the employee retention strategies employed by fast food chain: a case study of
KFC.
ASSESSED ISSUE IN TOPIC
Managing and retaining talent within firm for the longer period of time is becoming one
of the most crucial task for the hospitality companies. This is because, the success of these firms
thoroughly depends upon the employees. Here, with the help of workers only organisation can
formulate new tactic. In addition to this, employees also assist corporation with regard to deliver
the high quality services to the buyers of firm in an effectual way.
In this regard, it has been seen that many fast food firms has been going with the problem
of retaining employees within enterprise for the longer period of time. In this context, number of
studies depicts that fast food industry has the highest turnover rate. It is because of the presence
of number of issues that are low wage structure, highly stressful work and lack of growth.
Herein, Nations's restaurant news state that the turnover within fast food industry tend to increase
as the economy expands. This is because, in the growing economy people will search for some
better job options. Furthermore, the study which is performed by people report workforce index
indicate that 47% of the companies have experienced employee turnover in the year 2011 (The
Turnover Rates in the Fast Food Industry, 2016). Thus, it is being regarded as the serious issue
for the fast food firm which they need to look after. This is because, if it is not done than in the
given situation it will become difficult for them with respect to maintain the continuity of their
business in the specific market.
Hence, in order to resolve the respective problem they are taking help from the different
employee retention tactics. Thus, with an aim to get insight into the given problem, famous fast
food chain is selected which is named as KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). It is US based fast
food chain which has established its presence in number of locations.
RESEARCH AIM
The main aim behind conducting the given study is to analyse the employee retention
strategies which are employed by the fast food companies: A case study of KFC.
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RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
Following objectives framed on the basis of aforementioned aim:
 To examine the employee retention strategies of KFC
 To evaluate the effectiveness of above stated employee retention strategies.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Meaning of employee retention
According to the view point of Hong and et.al., (2012) employee retention is the practice
of retaining the talented and skilled employees within the firm for the longer period of time. In
this context, Chiboiwa, Samuel and Chipunza, (2010) have depicted that it is an effort which is
being made by the manager of firm with an aim to sustain the employees within corporation for
the long period. Herein, Patel and Conklin, (2012) have argued that it is the type of tactic which
firm employs in order to enhance and maintain the satisfaction level of the buyers in an effectual
manner. Hence, it is by complying with the given type of activity only, manager retains its
talented and skilled employees within enterprise.
Importance of retaining employees within firm
It is very important for the enterprise that it should carry out its efforts with respect to
retain the employees within the corporation for longer tenure. In accordance with the given
context, as per the view point of Eseme Gberevbie, (2010) employee retention tactics helps in
saving lots of cost of enterprise. An organisation invests huge money upon its employees which
in turn result corporation in the form of cost. For example, manager make investment in the form
of training and development activity and recruitment of workers etc. The cost which is being
incurred by the firm will be turned into huge wastage if the respective employees upon which
such investment is made leaves the firm. It is due to the presence of given aspect it is required by
the organisations that they should retain their employees within firm.
However, Grissom, (2012) have depicted that retaining employees is important as they
are very well aware about the work which is being done by corporation. In accordance with the
given context, it has been seen that there are greater chances that the employees who leave the
organisation is being attracted by the competitor of respective firm. Hence, if this will happen at
that time there is a huge chance that the employee will reveal all the important information about
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its previous company to the current firm. Thus, the given thing will lead to have an impact upon
the sales and profit of that company whose employee has shifted to its rival firm.
Factors facilitating employee turnover within fast food industry
Number of factors are examined which forces the workers with regard to make the
decision to leave its current firm. According to the view point of Wright (2010) low wage
structure is the major factor which forces the fast food employees to get switch on to some other
job or firm. In return of giving services, employees always expect high salary and wages from
the firm. However, if this will not happen at that time they feel highly demotivated and
dissatisfied. Due to which they take the drastic decision of leaving their current job or firm. It has
been critically evaluated by the Cardy and Lengnick-Hall, (2011) that employee turnover is high
in fast food industry because of ineffective employees growth. In this context, it is examined that
fast food industry does not possess an effective and well defined employee growth chart.
However, while seeking employment within any firm, employees always expect the significant
growth. If they will not get that then in the given circumstance their morale to perform the
specific firm work will decline significantly. Hence, as a result of it they leave the firm.
Furthermore, as per the view point of Gberevbie, (2010) the environment of the fast food
companies are very hectic due to which also high rate of employee turnover is being seen in the
given industry. In this regard, it is examined that on daily basis workers has to handle the queries
of many customers. This will make an environment highly stressful, hence the workers who
cannot not bear such stress leaves the firm.
Employee retention tactics used by fast food firms
Grissom, (2012) have depicted that reward is being regarded as one of the most effectual
tactic for retaining employees within the organisation for the longer period of time. Rewards
raises the motivation level of workers and hence it will influence them with respect to deliver
their high quality services to the corporation. Due to this, organisation gets the benefits in the
form of increased profits and sales in an effectual way. In addition to this, Cardy and Lengnick-
Hall, (2011) have stated that developing the employees career path will enable the enterprise
with respect to retain their skilled and talented employees within corporation for the longer
period of time. Employees have some expectation from the firm. Furthermore, the workers
always presume themselves in some specific position after working within firm for the specific
tenure. Hence, it is required by fast food company that they should define their employees career
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path in an effectual manner. Through this way, respective enterprises can enhance the motivation
and satisfaction level of their workers and thus influence them to retain within corporation for
the longer period of time.
RESEARCH DESIGN
In this section, discussion related to research tools and techniques have been done which
will help researcher in progressing with study in desired manner. This also helps in developing
path through which ultimate results get attained.
Research Approach
Approach refers to the path through which study can be carried out. It is of two types namely
inductive and deductive (Gomez and Jones, 2010). Since, present proposal will focus on
assessing employee retention strategies of fast food chain, therefore inductive approach will be
applied. Here, data will be accumulated first from the employees and managers of KFC and same
will be analysed in order to develop generalized results. This approach will eventually help in
identifying the effectiveness of varied employee retention strategy which can be applied by other
companies of different sector as well (Crowther and Lancaster, 2012).
Research Philosophy
Philosophy incorporates the key assumption and values of researcher towards the study
and it helps in deciding upon the data collection and analytical tools. In this context, positivist
interpretivist and realism are the philosophies that can be applied. In this proposal, interpretive
philosophy will be applied in which responses that will be obtain from research participants will
interpret by researcher. From this, key findings will attain regarding the effectiveness of
employee retention strategies. For this, literature review will be base for interpretation from
which information regarding actual scenario will achieve (Bernard, 2011). This shall help in
meeting with the research objectives in desired manner.
Research Design
Design is also termed as blueprint of study as it helps in taking decision related to data
collection, data analysis and sampling. This helps researcher in completing the study as per
requirement without getting deviate from subject matter. For this study, descriptive design will
be applied where researcher will explain the effectiveness of different employee retention
strategies so that coherent conclusion can be developed (Jonker and Pennink, 2010). From this,
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in-depth information will attain that will assist in taking decision with regard to boosting of
effectiveness of employee retention.
Data Collection
It is essential to collect relevant data related to research in order to analyse it and
attaining effectual results. In this regard, data can be obtained from primary and secondary
source. In the proposed study, data will be accumulate from both the source in order to attain
sufficient data. Primary data will be obtain from managers and employees of KFC, UK.
Managers will be interviewed with a motive to identify varied retention strategies adopted by
them. On the other hand, survey will conduct to gain information related to effectiveness of
varied strategies from employees. Through this, handful amount of information will record that
aids in developing relevant results (Creswell, 2013). Further, secondary data will obtained from
sources like books, journals and online articles. Through this, researcher will able to interpret the
data in order to develop key findings.
Sampling
It is required to divide whole population into small number so that data can be obtained
from them in cost effective manner. In this context, probabilistic and non-probabilistic are two
sampling methods. For the purpose of selecting managers of KFC for research purpose, non-
probabilistic sampling will engage in which convenient technique will be in focus. Managers will
be select as per the convenient to researcher in order to attain information within allotted time
frame. For this, sample size in determined as 5 middle level managers of KFC, UK. Contrary,
probabilistic method will employ to choose employee for the survey. In this, simple random
sampling will employ to choose employee of KFC. Sample size determined for this is 50
employees. These sampling will aid in attaining data in random manner which is the main
requirement for this study (Collis and Hussey 2014).
Data Analysis
Data need to be analysed for the purpose of developing result from it. This can be done
either qualitatively or through quantitative means. Within the context of present research, data
will be analysed through qualitative measures. In this, thematic analysis will be done which will
aids in applying interpretive approach. Here, varied themes will be developed based on
questionnaire and interview questions through which effectual results will attain. In addition to
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it, graphs and charts will even use in order to elucidate the findings in coherent manner (Gibbs,
2002). This method for analysis will help research in gaining in-depth knowledge regarding the
subject matter through which effectual results will attain (Flick, 2011).
IDENTIFYING THE ETHICAL AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Different type of ethical and accessibility issues will be considered while preparing the
report upon the respective study which is based on the topic of analysing the employee retention
strategies which are employed by KFC. Here, at first effort will be taken by the researcher with
regard to take prior permission from the manager of firm regarding the analysis which it will
perform. In addition to this, significant efforts will also be made by scholar with respect to
maintain the confidentiality of the data which is being collected by it. For example, whatever
review and response which researcher will collect will be secured at the safe place. Furthermore,
the data collected through primary research will be secured through password. Furthermore,
while collecting the primary data there are different accessibility issues might be arises in front
of the researcher of the present study. One of the accessibility issue could be not getting access to
the sites which have important information with regard to the present study. In this regard, it is
examined that there are some sites which demand user ID and password for access. If this will
happen at that time it will become very difficult for the researcher with regard to conduct its
study upon the selected topic in an effectual manner.
TIME PLAN
With an aim to complete the work of given proposal within given specified time limit,
assistance is being taken from the method such as Gantt chart. It is tool which gives detailed
explanation regarding the time which an individual will spends in order to complete the specific
activities within particular time frame. Following time plan is prepared
Task /
Duration in
week
1-2 Week 3-4 Week 4-5 Week 5-7 Week 8-10 week
To make the
selection of
specific topic
Formulating
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the aims and
objectives of
the research as
per selected
topic
To draft the
literature
review
To prepare the
research
methodology.
To conduct
the secondary
research
To analyse the
collected data
Draft the
conclusion
Finally
submitting the
report to tutor
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REFERENCES
Books, journal and online
Bernard, R. H., 2011. Research Methods in Anthropology. 5th ed. Rowman Altamira.
Cardy, R.L. and Lengnick-Hall, M.L., 2011. Will they stay or will they go? Exploring a
customer-oriented approach to employee retention. Journal of Business and Psychology.
26(2), pp.213-217.
Chiboiwa, M. W., Samuel, M. O. and Chipunza, C., 2010. An examination of employee retention
strategy in a private organisation in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Business
Management. 4(10). p.2103.
Collis, J. and Hussey R., 2014. Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and
postgraduate students. 4th ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Creswell, J. W., 2013. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed. SAGE
Publications, Inc.
Crowther, D. and Lancaster, G., 2012. Research Methods. 2nd ed. Routledge.
Eseme Gberevbie, D., 2010. Organizational retention strategies and employee performance of
Zenith Bank in Nigeria. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies. 1(1).
pp.61-74.
Flick, U., 2011. Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to Doing a Research
Project. USA: SAGE.
Gberevbie, D.E., 2010. Strategies for employee recruitment, retention and performance:
Dimension of the Federal civil service of Nigeria. African Journal of Business
Management. 4(8). p.1447.
Gibbs, G. R., 2002. Qualitative Data Analysis: Explorations with NVivo. Open University Press.
Gomez, B. and Jones, P. J., 2010. Research Methods in Geography: A Critical Introduction.
John Wiley & Sons.
Grissom, J.A., 2012. Revisiting the impact of participative decision making on public employee
retention the moderating influence of effective managers. The American Review of Public
Administration. 42(4). pp.400-418.
Hong, E.N.C., Hao, L.Z., Kumar, R., Ramendran, C. and Kadiresan, V., 2012. An effectiveness
of human resource management practices on employee retention in institute of higher
learning: A regression analysis. International journal of business research and
management. 3(2). pp.60-79.
Jonker, J., and Pennink, B., 2010. The Essence of Research Methodology. Springer.
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Patel, P.C. and Conklin, B., 2012. Perceived Labor Productivity in Small Firms—The Effects of
High‐Performance Work Systems and Group Culture Through Employee Retention.
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. 36(2). pp.205-235.
The Turnover Rates in the Fast Food Industry. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/turnover-rates-fast-food-industry-25648.html>.
[Accessed on 13th April 2016].
Wright, T.A., 2010. Much More than Meets the Eye:: The Role of Psychological Well-being in
Job Performance, Employee Retention and Cardiovascular Health. Organizational
Dynamics. 39(1).pp.13-23.
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