Role of Line Managers and Leaders in Developing and Retaining Talented Employee within an Organisation - A Study on Marks and Spencer

This research aims to identify the role of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining talented employees within an organisation. The study is conducted on Marks and Spencer. The report includes research objectives, literature review, research methodology, and activities and timescales.

Research Proposal Form
Section One: Research title, aim, objectives, questions
Title or working title of research project
(in the form of a research aim, objectives and/or questions)
Title : R ole of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining talented employee within an
organisation
Introduction
A Line manager is the one who is directly managing all employees working in business organisation.
Leaders are the one who motivate employees towards achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
There are certain responsibilities of managers and leaders which helps the organisation in enchaining their
profits and productivity. They are managing employees and motivates them towards achievement of
business goals. The main responsibility of managers and leaders is to develop employee efficiency and
motivate them towards achievement of organisational goals and objectives. The managers of an
organisation are performing certain functions such as training and development methods rewards and
recognition, growth opportunities, employee engagements etc. This results in increasing employees
productivity and retain them for long time in business environment. Managers uses talent management
approaches within working environment which results in enhancing employees and developing their
efficiency as well. The organisation selected in this report is Marks and Spencer. It is one of the British
multinational retailer company which deals in selling home products, clothing and food products etc. this
report includes research aims and objectives. Further, it consider literature review and research
methodology which is needed for collecting data and information.
Research aim: “To identify the role of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining talented
employee within an organisation.” A study on Marks and Spencer.
Research project objectives:
 To identify the role of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining employee within Marks
and Spencer.
 To determine the benefits of employee retention and development in M&S.
 To examine the challenges faced by line managers and leaders while implementing employee
retention strategies.
Research Project questions:

 What is the role of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining employee within Marks and
Spencer?
 What are the benefits of employee retention and development in M&S?
 What are the challenges faced by line managers and leaders while implementing employee
retention strategies?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project
The rationale behind choosing this research topic is to identify the role of line managers and leaders in developing and
retaining talented employee within an organisation. A study on Marks and Spencer. This topic is important because
talent management strategies is most essential for the company now a days. A manager and leaders is playing essential
role in development of employees and helps organisation in retain their employees for long time. Further, while
conducting this research, researcher is developing their personal and professional skills. This helps researcher in
enhancing some of the skills like time management skills and communication skills. This research will help in analysis
more knowledge about a particular task. In relation with Marks and Spencer, their line managers and leader are
playing essential role in achieving organisational goals and objectives. In this research, researcher is using primary and
secondary data collection method. Researcher is using questionnaire survey to get true interpretation and on the other
hand, literature review is made for getting in depth information about a topic.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research aim, objectives and/or questions:
What is the role of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining employee within Marks and
Spencer?
A line manager is the one who is directly managing employee working in the business environment. They are
the one who is focusing on achieving organisational goals and objectives. The role of line manager is to
manage employees to make sure of successful execution of business goals and strategies. They are regarded as
a main point of contact between staff and management. In relation with Marks and Spencer, their managers are
providing guidance, direction and instruction to the employees so that they could develop efficiency and
productivity. On the other hand, leaders are motivating employee towards achievement of goals and objectives
(M&S - HR business partners getting the balance right, 2021). Leaders in M&S, focus on developing employee
motivation and provide them right direction to focus on their task. Line managers of chosen company are
performing certain roles like Recruitment and selection, training and on-boarding programmes, motivation
schemes, team bonding, performance management programmes, rewards and recognition etc. These strategies
will help the employees in developing their effectiveness and retaining in company for long time. Leaders of
Marks and Spencer is responsible for motivating employees, resolving conflicts and providing right direction
to employees working in business environment. When employees gets proper motivation and growth

opportunities, they automatically retains in company for longer duration. Retaining of employees results in
decreasing of employee turnover ratio. Thus, the line managers and leaders of marks and Spencer are
performing these roles which results in developing employee development and retention in working
environment for longer duration. This results in enhancing employees productivity and motivation as well.
What are the benefits of employee retention and development in M&S?
Employee retention is done for reducing employee turnover ratio of an administration. Employee retention is
the process of using strategies by organisation to develop and to keep talents within working environment for
longer time. This is regarded as one of the challenge for any organisation. In relation with Marks and Spencer,
they are taking benefits from employee retention and development schemes. Some of the benefits are cost
reduction- Marks and Spencer cost includes interviewing, advertising and screening, training and on boarding
etc. so employee retention and development schemes reduces all these costs and results in making profits of
organisation and increases productivity as well (The business benefits of employee reward schemes, 2021).
The next benefits which company is getting is improvement in morale. When employee is feeling more
workload and responsibilities, their motivation decreases and results in leaving from company. So for that,
Marks and Spencer is providing employee retention programmes such as motivation techniques and training
and development, which results in increasing employees motivation and morale and they retain in company for
long time. Next benefit is increasing productivity- employee retention and development programmes will be
resulting in building better relationship with employees and develops efficiency of employees as well. Another
benefit raised through employee retention is improving working culture- when employees get motivated
towards business goals and they are encouraged to build relations, this may result in behaving well and
developing positive working environment.
What are the challenges faced by line managers and leaders while implementing employee retention
strategies?
Employee retention programmes are more useful for organisation. But it is not easy to manage. The line
managers and leaders of Marks and Spencer are facing certain challenges while implementing employee
retention strategies. One of the major challenge faced by managers and leaders is salary dissatisfaction-
every employee is having high expectation of salary which is a main reason why employees leave from
company. Managers should provide proper rewards and recognition so that employee motivates and
retains in company for longer time. The other challenge faced by managers of M&S is job opportunities
are high- many of the other companies are providing job opportunities to talented employees so they
leave from company (How Marks & Spencer Hires and Retains Experienced Staff at their Manchester
Shared Services Center, 2021). There is high competition in market. Marks and Spencer is having certain
competitors like Tesco, Aldi etc. which are attracting talented candidates towards their organisation by
having attractive talent management strategies. These challenges could be considered by managers and
leaders and develop strategies accordingly.

Online
M&S - HR business partners getting the balance right, 2021. [Online] Available through
<https://www.hrzone.com/perform/business/ms-hr-business-partners-getting-the-balance-right>
The business benefits of employee reward schemes, 2021. [Online] Available through
<https://marksandspencerforbusiness.com/the-business-benefits-of-employee-reward-schemes/>
How Marks & Spencer Hires and Retains Experienced Staff at their Manchester Shared Services Center, 2021.
[Online] Available through <https://www.ssonetwork.com/business-process-outsourcing/articles/how-marks-
spencer-hires-and-retains-experienced-st>
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project
(e.g. research, development and analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor
meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
How long this will take:

Milestone one: LO2
Target date (set by tutor): 16/01/2020
Milestone two: LO3
Target date (set by tutor): 24/01/2020
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why? What your areas of research
will cover:
Research methodology is a method which is used by researcher to collect and analyse data and information. The
main objective of research methodology is to achieve research objectives and aims as well as provides validity
and reliability of the information. In this current research, researcher is using research onion framework which
is discussed below:
Research philosophy: Research philosophies is consisting of two types. These are interpretivism philosophy
and positivism philosophy. In this present study, researcher is using positivism philosophy. Because it consists
of quantitative research method. This current research is based on primary information which includes numeric
and statistical data. So, for this positivism philosophy is appropriate.

Research approach: Research approach is the next layer of research onion framework. It consist of two types,
these are inductive and deductive approach. Deductive approach is approach which bring numerical
information. On the other hand, inductive approach brings theoretical information about a particular topic. In
this present study, researcher is using deductive approach because this research is based on quantitative
information. This report includes numerical and statistical data and information. This approach will result in
providing valid information and achieving research objectives effectively.
Research method: There are two types of research method. These are quantitative research method and
qualitative research method. Qualitative method includes data collected through books and journals. It consists
of theoretical information. On the next hand, quantitative method includes practical and numerical information
about a particular topic. In this present research, researcher is using quantitative information which includes
graphs and charts. This brings numerical information which results in gaining valid and reliable information
about a particular task or topic. In this study, researcher is using questionnaire survey which consist of close
ended questions.
Sampling : Sampling is the process of selecting some of a sample from large set of population. There are two
types of sampling method these are probabilistic sampling method and non probabilistic sampling method
(Tomcikova, Svetozarovova, and Coculova, 2021). In this present research, researcher is using probabilistic
sampling method because this includes random sampling method which provides equal chance to every
respondents of being chosen in a sample. The selected sampled within this research project is 30 respondents.
These respondents are the employees of Marks and Spencer who are filling a questionnaire form.
Data collection method: Data is collected through two method. These are primary and secondary data
collection method. Primary data is collected through graphs and charts to gather numerical information about a
topic. On the next hand, secondary data is collected through different books and articles to gain theoretical
information. In this present study, researcher is using both of the data collection method. Primary data is
collected through questionnaire survey which includes graphs and charts. Further, it brings reliable and valid
numerical information about a particular task. This questionnaire is to be filled by respondents to get true
interpretation. On the next hand, secondary data is collected through books and articles to get theoretical
information about talent management topic (Msangi, 2021). This is presented in a form of literature review. It is
said that primary data brings more reliable information as compared to secondary data.
Research ethics : There are certain ethics which are followed by researcher such as information should be kept
confidential. Researcher should not have to do biasses among respondents answers, they have to be neutral with
them. They should follow all ethics related to research.
References
Ativetin, T., 2021. The Impact of the Learning Organization on the Essential Behaviors Regarding Employee
Retention During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ABAC Journal, 41(3), pp.20-45.
Das, A., Connelly, M. and Johnson, B., 2021. Learning from the Field: Dynamics of Coaching Within Family
and Children’s Services. Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance,
45(1), pp.79-87.

Gupta, S., Bhasin, J. and Mushtaq, S., 2021. Employer brand experience and organizational citizenship
behavior: mediating role of employee engagement. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration.
Kirchner, M. and Herd, A.M., 2021. Supporting the National Guard and Reservists as Civilian Employees.
Military Veteran Employment: A Guide for the Data-Driven Leader, p.261.
Lawrence, I., 2021. The ‘Best’Person for the Job. In The ‘C-Suite’Executive Leader in Sport: Contemporary
Global Challenges for Elite Professionals. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Lipscomb, A.E. and Tejeda, Y., 2021. EXPLORING THE ROLE OF MENTORSHIP IN NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT AND RETAIN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE SOCIAL
WORKERS. Social work and education, 8(1).
MANN, G.K., 2021. Recent Reforms in the HR 4.0 Industry. Financial Intelligence in Human Resources
Management: New Directions and Applications for Industry 4.0.
Mikołajczyk, K., 2021. Changes in the approach to employee development in organisations as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic. European Journal of Training and Development.
Msangi, A.A., 2021. Factors Affecting Employees Retention in Private Company: The Case of Exim Bank in
Dar es Salaam (Doctoral dissertation, Mzumbe University).
Schoemaker, P.J. and Day, G., 2021. Preparing Organizations for Greater Turbulence. California Management
Review, p.00081256211022039.
Sims, R.R. and Bias, S.K., 2021. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND ETHICS. Human Resources
Management and Ethics: Responsibilities, Actions, Issues, and Experiences, p.269.
Tomcikova, L., Svetozarovova, N. and Coculova, J., 2021. Challenges and priorities in talent management
during the global pandemic caused by COVID–19.
Usman, A., Akbar, W., Mansoor, M., Imran, N. and Khan, S., 2021. Work-Life Programs and Employment
Continuity in a Single Organization: Understanding from Whole-Life Approach to Career
Development. Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 25(1), pp.32-44.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification and is
appropriate.
Agreed: (date)

Appendix
Research Ethics Approval Form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their
research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor.
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
Unit Tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic Details
Project title: R ole of line managers and leaders in developing and retaining talented employee
within an organisation
Student name: ...................................................................................
Student ID number: ...................................................................................
Programme: ...................................................................................
College: ...................................................................................
Intended research start date: .01/01/2020............................................
Intended research end date: ............20/04/2020.................................
Section 2: Project Summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
Interviews:  Questionnaires:  Observations:  Use of Personal Records: 
• Data Analysis:  Case Study:  Survey:  Narrative Enquiry: 
• Other (please specify):
....................................................................................................................................................................

Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Adults: 
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
By using random sampling method, 50 staff members of company will be recruited.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Through e-mail or questionnaire
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to
participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
Through questionnaire instrument investigator can obtain consent from selected participant
in easy manner. As it will be written in the form.
Studies involving questionnaires / interviews: Will participants be given the option of omitting
questions they do not wish to answer?
Yes:  No: 
If No please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this.
Studies involving observation:
Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be observed.
Yes:  No: 
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation
(i.e. give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes:  No: 
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?
(This could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes:  No: 

Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with Data Protection Act
(2018) Yes:  No: 
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Research
During the research: Where will the data be stored?
Research
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used? Yes:  No: 
If yes, please provide further details: After the research: Where will the data be stored?
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format? Will data be kept for use by other
researchers? Yes:  No: 
If yes, please provide further details:
Section 5: Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical concerns? If so, please
outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as a result of
your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but
are not limited to the following:
• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection).
• Reporting.
• Dissemination and use of your findings.