Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction

This assignment examines the crucial role of employee motivation in achieving high-quality service delivery and organizational goals. It delves into motivational theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and emphasizes the importance of providing employees with freedom and flexibility to enhance their interest and willingness towards work. The research also highlights the benefits of utilizing these theories for managers to create a more motivated and productive workforce.

CONDUCTING A STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
PROJECT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
1.1 Determining topic for investigation which has strategic implication...................................3
1.2 Discussing aim, objectives and scope...................................................................................3
1.3 Justifying the topic investigation and its aim, scope and objectives.....................................4
1.4 Evaluating research methodology, including the project structure and research base..........4
Timescale....................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Identifying sources of data and information that will support the aim of the project...........6
2.2 Synthesising the data and information for alternatives that will support the project aim.....8
2.3 Determining options or alternative which supports the project aim...................................10
3.1 Evaluating research analysis to enable conclusions to be made.........................................11
3.2 Recommendation for the course of action that achieves the project aim............................15
3.3 Analyzing impact of recommendations..............................................................................16
4.1 Evaluating the medium to be used to present the result of the project...............................17
4.2 Producing results of investigative project...........................................................................17
4.3 Evaluating impact of investigative project..........................................................................18
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20
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INTRODUCTION
Main aim of any organisation is to gain maximum profit and this is only possible when
they understand their customers and provide them services accordingly (Conducting strategic
management, 2014). Further, it is also essential for the company to have skilful and
knowledgeable workers so that they can provide full effort in achieving their goals and
objectives. Present report is on Red Carnation Hotel which is one of the fastest growing firms. In
this organisation I am working as a senior manager and it is my responsibility to make sure that
all employees perform effectively and efficiently. Cited firm aims at providing their customers
with high quality services. This report will focus on the issues which are faced by the company
because of staff absence.
1.1 Determining topic for investigation which has strategic implication
The topic which has been selected is one of the main issues because of which business
operations are negatively affected. The topic which is selected by me as a senior manager is on
employee's absence in the operation's department. In a hotel, there are many employees who are
provided with different set of roles and responsibilities. It is important for them to perform their
responsibilities in an effective way so that business operations can be carried out efficiently
(Abdullah and Lee, 2012). However, when any of the employee gets absent, then his/her part of
job has to be performed by other employees. As a result, the burden increases and people fail to
perform even their part of job efficiently. Further, issues which are faced by organisation include
lack in quality of services that affects profitability and goodwill of the firm.
1.2 Discussing aim, objectives and scope
Aim and objectives are set to develop path through which the desired goals can be
achieved. In this context, following are the aim and objectives:
Aim: “To investigate the high number of staff absences in the operation's department: A study
on Red Carnation Hotel”.
Objectives:
 To analyse the issue of staff absence in hotel industry
 To determine the factors which lead towards the staff absence in operations department at
Red Carnation Hotel
 To recommend ways for reducing the staff absence at Red Carnation Hotel
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Scope: In order to achieve the aim and objectives, total time scale that will be required is 10
weeks time. Different set of strategies will be adopted that will enable to overcome the issue. The
performance level will be improved and employees will be able to provide their customers with
high quality services.
1.3 Justifying the topic investigation and its aim, scope and objectives
The main issues which are faced within organisation are regarding employee’s absence.
In this context, some of few reasons for this issue are lack of interest, de-motivation, lack of
training, etc. When workers face these types of issues then they fail to have the willingness to
work. As per the aim and objectives which are set by me as a manager, will enable to identify the
key factors because of which this issue has raised (Kehoe and Wright, 2013). The business
operations are highly affected when staffs are absent frequently. When this set of issue is solved,
then this will enable the organisation to improve their performance and in this context, new set of
strategies will be selected with the help of which issue can be solved. During the season time, the
number of customers who visit hotel is high as compared during the off-season. There are cases
in which management fails to provide proper services due to lack of employees. In such
situation, workers are hired more but issues arise when existing employees get absent. When new
employees are hired then they do not perform the same level as existing workers. This creates
problems in maintaining quality of work.
1.4 Evaluating research methodology, including the project structure and research base:
Research methodology can be determined as a process through which analysis and data is
collected. With the research methodology, the report is presented in an effective and in a
systematic manner. Following are the research methodology which will be used in this research
project:
Research philosophy: This is a type of research structure which enables to conduct the
research in a specific direction. As per the research aim which is evaluating factors due to which
high number of staff takes leave in operations department (Neuman and Robson, 2012). The
research philosophy which will be used is positivism as it has direct impact over the objectives.
This will enable to identify the factors because of which staffs are absent within Red Carnation
Hotel. On the other hand, it takes time in order to make sure that proper structure is being
developed.
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Research design: This can be determined as structured and organised plan which enables
to investigate the research objectives. As per the project, descriptive design is selected and it
enables to conduct the study without making any changes in the data. Moreover, it also helps to
properly interact with employees and it will assist in identifying the factors because of which
employee’s absence is high. Exploratory research is defined as the initial research into a
hypothetical or theoretical idea and in this researcher has an idea about something which needs
to be undertaken as per the groundwork but it consumes lot of time in order to gather relevant
information for the research. Descriptive research is defined as attempts that explore and explain
while providing additional information about a topic. Another category is explanatory research
which is defined as an attempt to connect ideas to comprehend cause and effect analysis.
Research approach: In order to conduct a study, it is important to select right approach
so as to carry out the final outcome of the study (Denzin, 2012). In this context, inductive
approach will be used. The reason for selecting this research is that there no use of hypothesis to
carry out the investigation. Deductive approach works from more general to specific; however
sometimes called as a systematic approach. It usually begins with hypothesis and generally
emphasized on causality. However, inductive approach is usually on exploring new phenomenon
or looking at previously researched phenomenon from diverse perspective. Hence, both are
associated with different techniques of data analysis.
Data collection: There are mainly two ways through which data can be collected and it
includes primary and secondary. As per the research, both secondary and primary research will
be conducted (Reynolds, Creemers and Teddlie, 2014). This will be helpful in achieving the aim
and objectives. All the information which is collected for the first time is primary data and this
will be collected from employees. This is effective but it is important to determine the righ tool
to be used so that primary data can be collected. Data which is already been collected by some
other person and it is being use as a reference, and then it is called as the secondary data. It can
be collected through books, scholars, website, etc. However, it is difficult to identify the right
sources through which secondary data can be extracted.
Data analysis: There are different ways through which data can be analysed. Data
analysis can be determined as a process through which the collected information is changed into
an understandable way (Short, Black and Wells, 2012). In the present study, thematic method
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will be used. This will enable to properly evaluate the data collected through primary source.
However, it is not suitable when there is not many sample size taken.
With the help of this research methodology, it can be evaluated that the aim and
objectives on which this research is conducted with be achieved effectively and efficiently. All
the elements that are included in this will help to achieve the objectives.
Below given are the project structure and research base that will enable to conduct
research in an effective manner.
Project structure: Overall research will include the introduction in which brief
description will be given that will enable the present cover the detail related to issue faced by
organisation. Further, aim and objectives will be set, then research methodology will be covered
that will enable to undertake the research in systematic manner. Moreover, timescale will be set
and then data will be collected. Lastly, topic will be made with the help of which reasons of issue
will be determined.
Research base: There are different types of issues which are faced by organisation.
However, one of the main issues is high employee absence. This is negatively affecting the
overall business operations and performance.
Timescale
Activity 1th
Week
2nd
Wee
k
3rd
Wee
k
4th
We
ek
5th
Wee
k
6th
Wee
k
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
Week
10th
Week
Find
research
Topic
Literature
Review
Drafting of
methodolog
y
Finish
Proposal
Design
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question
and pilot
research
Carry out &
Record
Research
Data
Analysis
and
Making
Graphs
Discussion
and
Conclusion
Final
Report
Editing &
Completion
2.1 Identifying sources of data and information that will support the aim of the project
As stated above, there are different types of source through which data can be collected.
Among which following are few ways through which information will be collected for the
current aim and objectives:
Primary data: This is a type of research in which questionnaire, interviews, observation,
etc. will be used in order to collect primary data. As per the research aim, questionnaire will be
developed and will include the questions that have to be filled up by employees and this way the
factors because of which employees get absent can be determined. This is an effective way and it
will enable to achieve the aim and objectives effectively. In accordance with the case, research
will develop questionnaire and that will be filled up by employees. This will fall under the
internal source.
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Secondary data: There are different ways through which secondary data can be
collected. In this context, it includes articles, journals, books, websites, etc. There are different
types of researches conducted and the data collected by will be helpful enough to come with an
appropriate outcome for the research aim and objectives. However, there are cases in which the
data collected from the secondary sources can be relied on fully so it is important to identify the
reliable source from which information can be collected. As per the case, research will make use
of sources like books, journals, online, etc. As stated above, there are different people who have
conducted research on various topics related to issues faced by the workers, reasons for
employees de-motivation, etc. By taking information from such journals or articles, research will
be conduct in an effective manner.
2.2 Synthesising the data and information for options or alternatives that will support the project
aim
There are mainly two different types of alternatives which enable to collect the data in a
systematic manner. In this context, it includes qualitative and quantitative data which helps to
conduct the research effectively. Qualitative data can be determined as a category of measuring
information not in terms of numbers. When data is not analysed in terms of numeric form then it
is termed to be qualitative data. On the other hand, quantitative data can be determined as a
group of data which is in numeric form. The data which is qualitative is very difficult to
understand. However, through this analysis, it assists to present the information in a presentable
manner. There are cases in which viewers do not understand the data in a numerical form. In
accordance with the case, as per the aim and objectives, qualitative data will be used. With this
respect, questionnaire will be used so that proper analysis can be made. This will enable to
evaluate and present the data properly. Following are the thematic which is analysed according
to the respondents which are provided by employees:
Question 1: Opinion of employee towards work
1. What is the opinion of employees about work? Frequency
High work load 9
Ineffective working environment 6
Long working hours 11
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Restrictions 4
Question 2: Leaves taken by employees in a month
Total leaves taken by worker in a month Frequency
No leaves 3
1 day 11
2-3 days 9
4-5 days 5
More than 5 days 2
Question 3: Reasons for employee’s absenteeism
What are the reasons for employee’s
absenteeism?
Frequency
Less turn over 3
De-motivation 3
Work stress 7
Poor working conditions 4
Overtime 5
Lack of interest 6
All the above 2
Question 4: Satisfaction level of worker with their superiors
What is the satisfaction level of worker with their superiors? Frequency
Highly dis-satisfied 6
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Dis-satisfied 8
Neutral 7
Satisfaction 5
Highly satisfied 4
Question 5: Co-workers support
Do you think that co-workers are not
supportive
Frequency
Yes 18
No 12
2.3 Determining options or alternative which supports the project aim
In order to make the decision, decision making model will be used through which the
research aim is being identified. As per the model used for decision making there are about 8
steps involved with the help of which the decision is made in selecting aim for the research study
for Red Carnation hotel. Following are the steps involved in decision making:
Identifying the problem: Red Carnation hotel is facing serious issue of employees’
absence and because of this the firm is facing losses and business operations are negatively
affected.
Establishing decision criteria: This will enable to identify the factors because of which
cited firm is facing this issue. Further, it will help to identify the main cause due to which this
problem or issue arises.
Weight decision criteria: Each factor has its own importance and all the aspects should
be analysed. Further, they should be rated and most rated factors should be analysed.
Generating alternative: As per the findings, there are different ways through which the
research can develop alternatives which will be helpful in conducting the research within Red
Carnation hotel.
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Evaluating alternative: All the alternative factors that are listed out should be evaluated.
Selecting best alternative: Among the entire alternative, issues which are faced by the
workers within Red Carnation hotel will be determined.
Implement the decision: The decision which is been taken should be implemented. This
will be helpful in overcoming the problem witnessed by the firm.
Evaluating decision: As per the case, the decision is required to be taken in order to
identify the main issue which was faced by Red Carnation hotel. With the help of decision
making model, problem related to staff absence can be identified.
In the present case, it has been identified that the problems related to employee
absenteeism within Red Carnation hotel have been increasing; therefore this is regarded as the
actual problem statement for the present study. In order to reach towards the aims and objectives,
it is essential for the researcher to conduct the entire study in systematic manner so that all the
tools can be utilized in suitable way. Thematic analysis has been done in the area of data analysis
wherein themes have been prepared as per the research objectives.
3.1 Evaluating research analysis to enable conclusions to be made
In order to evaluate the findings, themes have been prepared and this has also helped in
reaching towards suitable conclusion. Thus, from the entire discussion, it can be said that as per
the timetable, the whole process is conducted. Qualitative method of data analysis has been used
in the present study; hence suitable responses are acquired through the same.
As per the findings, it can be stated that there are different set of issues which has been
identified because of which employees absenteeism is high. With this respect, following are the
interpretation made through questionnaire given to 30 workers within Red Carnation Hotel:
Question 1: Opinion of employee towards work
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From the above given analysis, it can be stated that among 30 workers, 11 of them feel
that according to them the working hours are very long. However, 9 of them believe that the
work pressure is high. Further, 6 workers think that the working environment is not proper.
Lastly, about 4 of employees feel that there are many restrictions because of which they believe
that they are not able to work freely. It is the responsibility of management to work over the
issue faced by workers and should provide them with flexible working condition. As per the
findings, it can be concluded that workers Red Carnation hotel are not satisfied with the long
working hours.
Question 2: Leaves taken by employees in a month
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9
6
11
4
High work load
Ineffective working
environment
Long working hours
Restrictions

According to this finding, it can be concluded that about 11 employees take leave for at
least one day. Further, in a month, 9 workers take leave for 2 to 3 days. Moreover, there are also
employees who take leave for more than 5 days. This has high negative impact over business
operations. When a worker takes a day off, then the work is assigned to other employee and it
increases the work pressure. However, this evaluation also shows that out of 30 workers there are
only 3 who have not taken any leave in a month. In a month there are about 9 of the workers who
take 2 to 3 days of leave. This shows the willingness of workers towards work is not favourable.
Question 3: Reasons for employee’s absenteeism
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3
11
9
5
2
No leaves
1 day
2-3 days
4-5 days
More than 5 days

There are many reasons because of which workers get absent. However, as per the
finding, it has been analysed that because of work stress employees take leave. Lack of interest
and overtime are another reason due to which the employees take leave. Moreover, out of 30,
according to 2 workers because of less turn over, de-motivation, work stress, poor working
conditions, overtime and lack of interest are the reason due to which these workers take leave.
From this, it can be concluded that workers are given many types of works due to which they get
dissatisfied and get absent.
Question 4: Satisfaction level of worker with their superiors
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3
3
7
4
5
6
2
Less turn over
De-motivation
Work stress
Poor working
conditions
Overtime
Lack of interest
All the above

At every department, there are managers who look after workers and they are responsible
to develop strong relationship with their employees. As per the findings, it can be stated that 14
of employees are not satisfied with their superiors. On the other hand, 9 workers are satisfied and
7 workers are neutral towards their superiors. This shows that superiors do not have effective
relationship with the employees. Proper strategies should be developed so that superiors can
build strong relationship with their subordinates. There is no proper coordination with employees
and so the perform is also affecting negatively.
Question 5: Do you think that co-workers are not supportive
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Highly dis-satisfied Dis-satisfied Neutral Satisfaction Highly satisfied
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
6
8
7
5
4 Frequency
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 18
12
Frequency

In accordance with the analysis, it can be stated that the support from co-workers are not
effective enough. When employees get absent frequently, then they do not have effective
interaction with other employees. As a result, people fail to develop trust and confidence among
other employees. As per the findings, out of 30, 18 workers think that the co-workers are not
supportive and they are just concern with the work or responsibilities which are provided to
them. It can be stated that employees are not concern with work that is performed by others.
Thus, there is no proper support from subordinates.
3.2 Recommendation for the course of action to achieves the project aim
There are different ways through which diverse strategies can be adopted and this way
they will be able to conduct the research in an effective manner. As per the case, interview
method will be used. Employees should be called for interview and questions should be asked
related with the issues faced by the organisation.
Interaction Employees should be called personally and they should be
asked related with to the issues which they are faced by them
within Red Carnation hotel. This will be helpful enough to
know the issues that are faced by them.
Flexible working hours All workers should be provided with the opportunity to work
as per their preference and this should be tried out for 3
months. As per the findings, there are long working hours and
by providing employees with the opportunity to have flexible
time will be helpful.
Motivational theories There are different type of motivational theories and firm
should make use of any theory that will enable to boost up
workers moral. Through motivation employees will be able to
develop interest over the work they perform and thus they will
develop willing over the work.
Evaluation of performance
level
As a Manger of Red Carnation hotel I should monitor
employees performance and their capabilities level should be
identified. Accordingly, work should be provided so that
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interest level can be maintained.
In accordance with the case, cited firm that is Red Carnation hotel to solve the issue of
employee’s absenteeism, organisation should provide workers with flexible time of working.
Further, As a manager of Red Carnation Hotel I will make use of motivation techniques of
theories which will help to encourage and motivate workers. Further, manpower should be
provided with work as per their capability and they should not be over burdened with the work.
Concluding the research work, it can be articulated that there are several dimensions in
the organizational that needs to be improved for better productivity and also for better
performance. Henceforth, the Red Carnation hotel should pay adequate attention towards these
aspects so that employee satisfaction level can be increased. Assessing the above study, it can be
said that valid conclusions are drawn because of the use of suitable tools and techniques.
3.3 Analysing impact of recommendations
There are many positive impacts over the management through the recommendation
made by employees. In accordance with Red Carnation hotel, when management will make use
of given recommendations, then they will be able to gain profit and this will also help to provide
better services. Ultimate aim of any firm is to gain maximum profit and this is only possible
when they satisfy their customers’ needs and requirement. When employees focus on their work
and aim by putting their full efficiency, then management will be able to achieve their
organisational goals and objectives.
As per the balanced scorecard, there are four different perspectives that have to be
considered that will help the Red Carnation hotel to determine the recommendation made. With
this respect, management need to have finance so that they will be able to handle all the activities
effectively. There are certain strategies that need to be implemented and it requires having
financial support in order to conduct the operation. Further, it includes perspective of customers.
When the issues faced by cited hotel will get solved, then customers will get high quality
services. Moreover, it includes internal perspective and they are the stakeholders. They are the
one who are concerned with changes and activities which are the taken by the organisation. It is
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important to make sure that management take steps which will be helpful in improving
performance level.
When organisation takes proper steps to reduce employee’s absenteeism, then
management of Red Carnation hotel will be able to provide better and high quality services to
their customers and this will assist the firm in achieving their organisational goals and objectives.
Lastly, it includes learning and growth perspective, they are the employees who will be able to
develop their performance level. Employees will be able to develop their willingness towards
work. When workers get motivated and encouraged, then they will be able to perform effectively
and efficiently. In order to perform any given tasks, it is essential to have certain set of skills and
capabilities. When employees do not take leave, then they will be able to develop their skills,
knowledge and capabilities. Moreover, workers will be able to identify the problems which are
faced by workers of Red Carnation hotel and accordingly management can take appropriate steps
to perform their roles.
Implementing all such recommendations would affect the organization as well as the
stakeholders. For example- to retain the employees in the organization, Red Carnation hotel must
have to make arrangement of extra resources so that all the needs can be fulfilled suitably. At the
same time, the hotel entity is also required to hire specialist talented pool so as to manage all the
service provision. Moreover, it can also be said that certain changes are required to be
implemented in the organization so that the opportunities of growth and success can be
enhanced. This can also amend the cost on restructuring.
4.1 Evaluating the medium to be used to present the result of the project
There two different medium through which information collected can be presented. In
this context, two medium are Power point presentation and report. Both mediums have their own
importance and limitation. In a report, it is becomes difficult to make proper presentation as
compared with the power point presentation. With this respect, following are the possible
mediums which can be selected to present the report:
In a report, information collected can be presented in a detailed way. All the issues which
are faced and its limitation can be explained. However, the main issue in the report is that, it
becomes difficult to present information in a systematic way. It increases confusions in order to
know the actual outcome of the research aim and objectives. It enables the information collected
to be presented in detail.
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On the other hand, in power point presentation it is important that the information should
be presented in points. One should be specific and clear in findings proper information that has
to be presented. However, one of the main drawbacks in this medium is that presented
information can not present in a detailed form.
Among both mediums, power point presentation will be used as it will enable to present
information in a systematic form. Viewers will be able to understand the data effectively and
efficiently.
4.2 Producing results of investigative project
As per the findings it can be stated that different employees have diverse reasons because
of which workers take leave. In this context, it can be analysed as per the questionnaire which
are filled up by employees:
 Out of 30, 18 workers think that co-workers are not supportive. Everyone is concerned
with the part of job which they have to perform.
 It has been found that the relationship with superiors is not effective with their superiors.
14 workers are not satisfied with the way superiors treat them.
 In a month, about 11 employees are on leave for one day. In this context, there are also
workers who do take leave for more than 5 days.
 As per the opinion of 30 employees, maximum of workers think that the work stress is
high. The amount of work which is provided by the management is beyond their
capability.
 Maximum workers think that due to work stress, maximum workers get absent. However,
there are people who believe that because of over time stress arises and they get absent.
In terms of summary of the entire study, it can be said that employers should consider the
importance of employee motivation not only to retain them; but also to maximize the
competency and strengths of the organization. From the research work, it has been analysed that
employees should perform all their roles and responsibilities in effective manner so that
management can recognize their efforts and can provide maximum benefits as per the
contribution in goal accomplishment process.
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4.3 Evaluating impact of investigative project
There are different types of implications that organisation will effect when project will be
implemented. In this context, at all aspect that is employees, customers and internal bodies will
be benefited. With this respect, Red Carnation hotel will be able to reducing work load.
Management will be able to identify the capability which each worker possess and as per the
findings they can be provided with work. This will help in developing trust that they will not be
burdened with work. Further, motivation play vital role in enhancing performance level. There
are different motivational theories like Maslow's, Theory X and theory Y, etc. By implementing
these theories, management can boost up employee's moral and willingness to work. Further,
there are techniques like providing incentives, informal meetings, etc. In addition to this,
superiors and managers will have effective communication and this will enable them to develop
trust and confidence in employees mind. This enable to develop strong relationship with
members, this way management will be able to achieve their goals and objectives. This will also
help in identifying the issues or problems which company facing. Accordingly, steps can be
taken through which problems can be reduced and they work effectively.
Negative impact because of this project will be that all employees will not be able to
adopt change and this will again affect performance level. This will help the company to achieve
their short term goals like providing customers high quality services. In context of medium term,
management will be able to get skills and more capable employees. Lastly, as a long term goal,
management can develop unique identity among its competitors. Further, management will be
able to understand the condition of employees and the issues that are faced by them.
Accordingly, the time that is required to perform the job can be reduced. Further, employees can
be boosted up with the help of motivational theories and they will develop interest for the work
they perform.
The present research work can also be considered as useful for future studies because it
includes all the dimensions that are necessary to complete a research process. In the present
research study, researcher has considered all the ethical dimensions; hence it can be said that the
study has met all the requisite criteria and this is the reason it can be considered for further
studies. However, investigation made in the same area can also assist the researcher to have
thorough analysis about the subject matter.
CONCLUSION
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From this report, it can be stated that employees are important in providing their
customers with high quality services and achieving organisational goals and objectives.
Management should make use of motivational theories like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as it
covers all essential areas through which the workers can be motivated and encouraged. Further,
employees should be provided with freedom to have flexible time as this will assist in creating
willingness and interest towards work.
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