Research Methodology

This research study has provided a detailed analysis on the effects and influences of job satisfaction and employee commitment in Asda Superstore Ltd. Southgate branch. The primary objective of this study is to determine the factors that are responsible for encouraging the job satisfaction in the organization and to examine whether motivation is a factor that leads to employee commitment.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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1.0 Introduction
The research methodology refers to the methodical process of gathering necessary
information and data from a wide range of reliable sources. The main rationale of the
research methodology is evaluating the collected information utilizing several
methodological tools and completing the research work. This specific research study has
provided a detailed analysis on the effects and influences of job satisfaction and employee
commitment in Asda Superstore Ltd. Southgate branch. The primary objective of this study is
to determine the factors that are responsible for encouraging the job satisfaction in the
organization and to examine whether motivation is a factor that leads to employee
commitment. In order to shed light on this topic, several methodological tools have been used
and collected data has been analyzed.
1.1Research Philosophy (Ontology/Epistemology)
As stated by Flick (2015), the research philosophy tends to present the dimension of
the specific research study. It is also helpful for providing the fundamental knowledge, facts
and concepts in order to conduct the study in a well-organized manner. It has been argued
that there are two kinds of research philosophy, ontology and epistemology. Ontology refers
to the basic nature of reality. Therefore ontological position has no specific wrong or right
answers to a question as different individuals can view a particular topic from different
viewpoint on the basis of their values, role or background. On the other hand, epistemology
deals with the acceptable information and knowledge and its interpretation. Ontology defines
the nature of any societal entity as two kinds: positivism and interpretivism (Kuada, J., 2013).
The positivism research philosophy refers to the methodological procedure that helps
analyzing the gathered information through keen observation, and interpretivism research
paradigm allows interpreting the gathered data from different perspectives.

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In this study, the positivism research paradigm has been chosen for some specific
reasons. This philosophy is mostly based on a keen observation. As believed by theorists, this
observation may be repeatable but the phenomenon tends to be isolated. Therefore following
this philosophy, a detailed observation can be made even before colleting the necessary
information and find the sole reality of truth (Neuman and Robson 2014). Along with that
this philosophy is not much time consuming like the interpretivism research philosophy. As
the latter one is entirely dependent on individual interpretation, adequate time should be
contributed for this purpose. Along with that it is also undeniable that the positivism research
philosophy has been successful for acquiring genuine information and data through the
course of time. Therefore, positivism research philosophy has been used for accomplishing
the research study.
1.2 Research Design
The research design refers to arranging the whole research study by following a
specific methodological tool. The research design includes three major kinds: exploratory
research design, descriptive research design and explanatory research design. Exploratory
research design refers to the method of exploring the issue of research and recognizes its
problems from different perspectives (Panneerselvam 2014). The descriptive research resign
is mostly based on the case study analysis where with the help of case study associated with
the same issue, the information is evaluated by defining the facts. On the other hand,
explanatory research design is capable of explaining the issue of research from both the
positive and negative aspects.
For this particular study, the researcher has used the descriptive research design. In
this study a thorough analysis of the effects and influences of job satisfaction and employee
commitment in Asda Superstore Ltd. Southgate branch has been provided. Therefore, for this

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purpose, descriptive research design has been helpful to evaluate the facts and information
from different perspectives. At the same time, this research design has not been much time
consuming as well.
1.3 Research Approach
The research approach focuses on analyzing the gathered information and defining the
research objectives from various perspectives. Two major kinds of research approach are:
inductive research approach and deductive research approach. The main purpose of the
inductive research approach is testing hypothesis so that the gathered information can be
measured in a perfect way (Lewis 2015). As a result to that, an effectual risk analysis should
be done so that it can be understood that this specific hypothesis in beneficial for this
particular research issue. On the other hand, the deductive research approach focuses on
analysing the collected information and data on the basis of the existing theories on the
research issue.
This study has been completed focusing on the deductive research approach. This
approach has been sufficiently successful in completing the whole research study with
adequate help of the existing theories. This study has utilized different approaches regarding
the effects and influences of job satisfaction and employee commitment. The case study of
Asda Superstore Ltd. Southgate branch has been used for justifying these theories as well. On
the other hand, if inductive research approach is being used, an effective risk analysis has to
be made as this approach does not believe in previous theories (Pierre 2013). There is also a
possibility that the new theory may not be applicable or relevant for the present issue of
research. This situation may also lead to a disorganized piece of work as the study may lose
its usual flow. On the other hand, if the deductive research approach is chosen, it is not much
cost worthy; therefore affording necessary money for the research purpose is not much

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difficult as well. Therefore, for this research purpose, deductive research approach has been
chosen.
1.4 Data Collection Method
The data collection is the methodical process of collecting relevant and necessary
information from various reliable sources. This process has been considered as one of the
most effectual methodological tools that are used in the research study. Therefore, the entire
research study is highly dependent on this whole data collection process. The data collection
method is comprised of two chief kinds: primary data collection method and secondary data
collection method (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault 2015). The primary data collection method
mostly emphasizes on collecting the relevant and significant information from primary
sources such as interview, survey, group discussions etc, whereas the secondary data
collection method is mostly dependent on the published sources of data such as books,
journals, blogs, websites etc.
The main purpose of collecting primary data is to gather information by receiving
communicative feedback from the participants. As a result to that, receiving direct feedback
helps the study to analyze them thoroughly. Flemming et al. (2017) has indicated that the
primary data collection method is obsessed with some negative impacts at the same time and
it should not be considered that authentic data is always obtained from primary data. The
participants can be biased over some mater which may lead providing prejudiced
information. On the other hand, as the secondary data collection method is dependent on the
published sources of data such as journals, books, websites, magazines, blogs etc. Therefore,
the participants do not have much possibility to provide relevant information in this method.
However, Vaioleti (2016) has also stated that the secondary data collection method has some
drawbacks as there is no such direct feedback in this case, therefore the feedback tends to be

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delayed here. Also, if the study demands to involve a varied range of individuals, it cannot be
possible in case of secondary data collection method as individuals who belong to diverse
demographical areas cannot participate in this data collection process.
However, this specific research study has emphasized in using primary data collection
method. This process has been helpful in collecting feedback through direct communication.
This study has chosen 20 participants who work at Asda Superstore Ltd, Southgate branch
for collecting relevant information on the research issue. As it has been discussed before, the
primary data can be biased as the respondents may be influenced or they may consider that
their views can be leaked to the higher authority. Therefore 20 participants has been chosen
so that, the research issue can be analyzed from different perspectives, even if there is some
biased information.
1.5 Data Analysis Technique
For this particular research study, interview and survey process has been followed.
This strategy has helped this study in collecting relevant information for investigating the
research issue. The collected data can be analyzed in two ways: qualitative data analysis
technique and quantitative data analysis technique. The data has been collected from the self-
administrative questionnaires that involved both closed and open questions. The participants
will be given 30 such questions for completing the survey. This study has utilized qualitative
data analysis technique for analyzing the gathered information and drawing conclusion
associating to the research topic and research objectives. In this study, the qualitative data
analysis technique has been chosen as it is more of a conceptual procedure which is
concerned with considering the human behaviour from the perspective of the respondents
(Stage and Manning 2015). This process also assumes a negotiated and dynamic reality and
analyzes the data with the help of various themes depicted by the respondents themselves.

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This research study evaluates the data to determine the factors that are accountable for
encouraging the job satisfaction in the organization and also examines whether motivation is
a major factor for enhancing the performance of employees within an organization.
Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the data from a subjective point of view. Therefore, for
this particular study, qualitative data analysis technique has been followed.
1.6 Sampling Technique
In the research methodology, sampling technique is appropriate to a specific subset of
individuals which is helpful to select a particular statistical population for understanding and
evaluating the fundamental characteristics of the entire population. There are few major
reasons that contribute to the choice of sampling technique of a research, such as: modifiable
quality, fast collection of data, cost effectiveness and accuracy and authenticity of data
(Wildemuth 2016). The sampling techniques can also be categorized in two sections:
probability and non probability sampling technique. For this research study, probability
sampling technique has been chosen. The sample size of this research will be 20 which has
been defined previously; however each participant does not get similar opportunity for
participating in this study. Random selection of participants has been made during the data
collection process, as the samples have been selected based on their availability and the
author’s as well.
1.7 Reliability and Validity of Research
In the qualitative research study, validity of research refers to the suitability of the
research process, tools and data. This also refers to whether the research questions are valid
for the expected result, the choices of research methodology is suitable for giving right
answers to the research questions, the research designs are valid for the research
methodology, the data analysis technique and sampling technique are suitable and whether

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the final conclusions are valid for the research issue and the concerned context (Wildemuth
2016). On the other hand, the reliability of qualitative research refers to the right replica of
the research process and the outcomes. With the diverse paradigms of qualitative research,
this definition can be considered to be epistemologically counter-instinctive and challenging.
Therefore, this is also associated with the consistency of the research. Therefore, it can be
said that variability of research is provided in the epistemological logistics and research
methodology that are also ontologically same; however it may differ in the ambience and
richness within same dimensions.
1.8 Ethical Consideration
There are few specific rules and regulations for the research subjects that involve the
surveying organizations and individuals who are providing necessary information from their
administrative records. The participants should not be manipulated or coerced for collecting
data. The duty and commitment for measuring the standard record is entirely dependent on
the collector of the information who is accountable for organizing and engaging the
individuals in the study. This is entirely the data collector’s obligation and duty; therefore, it
should not be handed over to any other authority. It is also significant offering respect for
individual participants and it should always be at the top of the priority list under any
circumstances. The respondents should also have the right to leave the survey and interview
and any point of time if they wish to do so. They can also leave some questions in the
questionnaire and quit and any point during the survey. The necessary details should be
conversed to every respondent prior to the interview and survey and the consent forms should
be signed before starting the study.
In addition to that, preservation of the confidentiality of each research participants
should be assured for avoiding any kind of legal consequences. It should be emphasized on

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sufficient maintenance level of privacy that no research information will be leaked and this
data is only being collected for educational purpose. Also, the collection of data should be
anonymous for protecting the individual identity of the respondents and organizations for
averting any kind of negative consequences. Deceptive issues, misleading facts or any
negative connotations regarding the objectives and purpose of the research should be evaded
carefully. If there is any kind of association with any organization regarding the research, any
economic gain or any kind of conflict of interest can be followed, it should be declared prior
to the participation.
1.9 Gant Chart
Main activities/ stages Month
February
Month
March
Month
April
Month
May
Month
June
Month
July
Selection of topic 
Data collection from
secondary sources
 
Framing layout of the
research

Literature review   
Formation of the research
Plan
 
Selection of the suitable
Research Techniques
 
Primary data collection  
Analysis & Interpretation of
Data Collection
 
Conclusion of the Study 
Formation of Rough Draft 
Submission of Final Work 
1.10 Conclusion
This chapter has dealt with the necessary sources of data for the research, data
analysis along with the research purpose, research philosophy and research approach
reasonable for this particular research.

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Reference list and Bibliography
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