Analyzing the Impacts of Staff Motivation Schemes on Employee Retention: A Case Study of Mark & Spencer

This research analyzes the impacts of staff motivation schemes on employee retention in Mark & Spencer, a UK-based retail organization. It aims to understand employee retention, staff motivation's impact on it, and recommend strategies for improving staff motivation.

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Topic :To analyse the impacts of staff motivation schemes on employee retention as case study of
Mark & Spencer
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
In the current era of UK the staff motivation has been considered to be the major factor
which has impacted the employee motivation and retention in many organizations. Employee
retention has been defined as the ability it has for preventing the employee turnover or it can also
be said as the ability of decreasing the number of employees which are leaving the organization.
Poor employee retention has been said as the way which can directly impact the business
performance and also contribute to the success of the organization. For this research the chosen
organization is Mark & Spencers which is based in UK and is a retail organization that
specializes selling clothes and other home related products. Talent management is the major
concept which is said to be responsible for the employee retention of any organization. It is a very
crucial component of the employee retention system which helps the business in staff retention,
training and also developing.
Research aim and objectives
Aim
The aim of this research is the analysation of employee retention in Mark & Spencer and
how it is impacted by staff motivation.
Objectives
The following are the drafted objectives of this research,
 To develop an understanding on employee retention.
 To analyse how staff motivation impacts employee retention.
 To understand the importance of employee retention in Mark & Spencer
 To recommend strategies for improving staff motivation for impacting the employee
retention positively in Mark & Spencer.
Research questions

1. What is the concept of employee retention?
2. How is staff motivation impacting the retention of the employees?
3. What is the importance of employee retention to be managed by the company?
4. What are some of the recommendation which the company can use in order to motivate
the staff and improve employee retention?
Significance
With respect to the current working condition, it is very essential that employees are being
retained within the organisation for a longer. The most important reason behind this fact is that
the competition is very high and in case the employees are not retained for a longer period of
time then it will reduce the working efficiency of the company. Due to this reason the current
topic of research that is analysing employee retention with the marks and Spencer and its impact
by staff motivation is very significant. This study is significant for the company on which it is
based that is marks and Spencer. Along with this study is also of significance to other competitors
of marks and Spencer as they can also use the same strategies for motivating the staff and
retaining them within the organisation for longer. Moreover this study is also significance to the
researchers who are also conducting the research on similar basis or projects.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
The organisation can get successful only when the employees working within the company are
working efficiently and effectively. And for this it is very essential that same employees are being
working for more period of time. This is necessary because the employees working for longer
period of time are habitual to the working conditions and they know better that how the
organisation is working and operating. Also, the reason behind selecting the topic of employee
retention is that in case the employees are not retained then, frequently new employees are being
hired and providing training to them involves a lot of cost and efforts. Hence the research will
outline the strategies through which employees can be retained within the business for long. In
addition to this another reason behind the selection of the topic is key personnel and academic
interest of the researcher. The researcher wanted to know more in the field of staff motivation
and employee retention hence the topic has been selected.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:

Theme : 1
According to Papa and et.al., (2018) employee retention for an organization is one of the
most important aspect which directly impacts the performance of the business and success. The
HR management of the organization focuses on the employee retention levels which are
considered to be the key to the employee retention strategies and also helps the business in the
reduction of the overall turnover and management of high performance. It has been considered
that the employee retention has been recognized as that behaviour which the employee might
show and leave for having a better chance for the identification of the ways of retaining people.
As per the view of Kurdi and Alshurideh, (2020) the retention of the organization's ability is
towards the prevention of the employee turnover which can impact the number of people those
who are interested in leaving the job. Employee retention is also a part of the strategy of an
organization which is towards the mitigation of the turnover risk and putting the process of
retaining the customers as the critical part of the talent a successful management of the
employees.
Tian and et.al., (2020) explained that the employee retention has been known be a very
critical aspect for the modern human capital management of the organization. The replaced
employees which are hired after previous employees have left the organization has been able to
understand the importance of the high turnover. In an organization the development of the
understanding of how the business in able to manage the intervention's management of the
expenses, revenue and the productivity. The analysation of Gilani and Cunningham, (2017)
explains that the HR departments which can deploy the employee engagement software that
helps the business in the instant surveys which are about the employees towards the organization.
These surveys are considered to be more anonymous and the application of that is more towards
the participation of the employees.
The study of Modau and et.al., (2018) says that the feelings of employee towards their
belongings and their voice being heard in the organization is considered to be a key aspect of
employee retention. It can be said that with the help of promoting organization and wide
cohesion of the utilization of variety of techniques can help the business to retain the employees.
Development of the brand values is also a very effective factor that grows the value of
competition in the organization. Degbey,and et.al., (2021) added to that by saying proving of
incentives and discounts on health insurance for the employees is also a way in which the
company can increase the employee retention.
Theme : 2
The analysation of Lee and Chen, (2018) helps in understanding how the employee
retention is considered to be the major aspects which can be affected due to the motivation. It has
been understood that there is nothing better to improve the employee motivation which can help
the business in growing its retention policies. The leaders and the managers of an organization
play a very essential role in motivating their staff. Shah and Asad (2018) argued that motivation
is not just a factor that comes with verbal appreciation. It can be said that an employee also feels
motivated when they are able to fulfil their needs. These needs of the employees can also affect
the business of the organization which will affect the ownership of the business that comes
through as the motivational factors for influencing the stay of employees in the organization. It is
the based on the nature of the organization explains how effective the motivation of the employee
can be towards their work.
From the understanding of Yamin, (2020) the importance of motivational messages and
also the way in which the business is able to develop engagement in the employee retention. The

management of the care and concern of all the staff members that feel secure with each other.
The organization of the different set of activities which are presented to motivate the employees
mush be done in form of guidelines which can effect the benefits of the organization Bibi and
et.al., (2017) said that providing the employees with opportunities for advancing in their career is
a motivational factor which has a strong influence in them to stay on the job. Along with this
providing the employee with recognition can also influence the employee get motivated. There
are certain employees who feel motivated as their accountability increases in the organization.
This sense of responsibility motivates them towards staying in the organization and be very
effective in the management of the operations.
Application of the study of Frye and et.al., (2020) helps in understanding how the
company culture is a very determinant factor that influences motivation in their business. Most
of the transparency in the employees is towards building a motivation which help them in
understanding the effectiveness of the employee retention. Alhmoud and Rjoub, (2019) agreed to
that by saying that the culture of the company can also help in decreasing the work stress which
helps the business in avoiding the overcommitment of the staff. Overcommitment always results
in exhaustion which is very demotivating and often results in employees leaving the organization.
Theme : 3
From the evaluation of Perreira, Berta and Herbert, (2018) it can be understood that for
an organization employee retention is very essential. The major goal of the organization is to be
effective and efficient, which is not possible if they have high employee turnover. The
effectiveness of the employee retention is often considered to be the factor which increases the
productivity of the organization. It can be said that cost reduction in the management of the
organization can be considered to be the efficient. Improved analysation of the total replacement
costs can be considered as the actual range of the 90% salary which can help the business in
application of professional leaders. From the study of Rakhra, (2018) it was understood that
employee retention is also very beneficial for the organization in recruitment and training
efficiency. This is happens because by managing the employee retention in the organization help
the business in decreasing the cost of rehiring and also focus more on existing employees rather
than the new ones.
As per the study of Diah, Hasiara and Irwan, (2020) employee retention is directly effects
the productivity of the organization. It can be said that remaining in the staff is very important
for the business to establish additional work which can produce the quality of output of the
results which is important for the business in the management of the organization and also
increase the effects of the work quality and also the decisive factors which can help the business
in the management of the organization. The effects of the organization helps the business in the
management of areas which are directly boosts the business of the organization. The analysation
of Hafez, AbouelNeel and Elsaid, (2017) says that from the high retention is what effects the
direct management which can allow the work quality of the business to improve. It can be said
that with the help of better customers experience in the organization they prefer to improve their
employee retention which can easily influence the operations of management of the organization.
Factors of the employee retention was explained by Bibi, Ahmad and Majid, (2018) in
which they explained that increase in the revenue of the business is also a way in which the
business is able to develop. It can be said that the organization can improve their performance
which can allow them in the management. It can be considered that high rates in the employee
retentions is very fruitful for the organization. The study of (Likhitkar and Verma, 2017)
explains some of the best ways in which the management of the organization can explain what are
the main ways to help the business in calculating the costs of replacing the departing workers it

allows them to increase their productivity and develop a competitive advantage.
Theme : 4
Mishra and Mishra, (2017) recommended to organization towards the employee retention
is considered to be the most important strategy that can help the business to grow. Providing
positive forms of feedback is a way in which the business is able to improve the best work and
positive and constructive advice. The main positive feedback can help the business helps the
business in motivating the employees in the determination of the essential factors which is
considered to create strong relation of the business with the employees. (Bass and et.al., 2018)
argued to that by saying encouraging the employee creativity is a very effective way in which the
business is able to improve its employee motivation which directly improves the effectiveness of
the organization. The management of the organization towards the hiring of different sets of
individual will be considered as the way in which the organization can develop a positive working
environment which is considered to be effective and efficient and also very good for maintaining
the quality in the organization.
Fletcher, Alfes and Robinson, (2018) told in their study that fostering of the respect at the
workplace is considered to be the most effective way in which the business can earn the respect
they desire. In an organization it is also very important for the business to develop a sense of
equality which helps the business in the development of the stability in the employee motivation.
The majority of the organization helps the business in understanding the influence factors which
allow the business in creating an encouraging the influence towards the employees of the
organization. The study of Ambrosius, (2018) can also help the business in the development of the
strategy which can improve the employee retention. It can be said that earning the trust of the
employees is very influential in the operations of the motivation of the employees. It is a way in
which the employees are able to encourage the employees towards the effectiveness in the
marketing of the organization. From the analysation of the operations its is considered that the
including the employees in the different aspects of the business can also contribute towards being
an effective way of employee retention. It is also very essential for the business to understand that
the employees with the help of employee retention are able to adapt to the organizational changes
and also be very supportive for committing the changes in the initiatives. It is also considered to
be the effective factors which inspire employees to develop growth.

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):
Activities /
week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Selecting the
topic for the
research
Preparation
and
development
of research
proposal
Getting
approval of
the research
proposal
Evaluation of
the different
literature
sources
relating to the
research topic
Selecting the
correct
method of
research
Preparing and
formulating
the
questionnaire
relating to the
objective of
the study
Collecting the
data with help
of the
prepared
questionnaire
How long this will
take:

Analysis of
the collected
data
Concluding
the findings
and
recommending
for better
working
Doing proper
formatting and
submitting the
project
Taking
feedback from
the tutor
Making
changes as per
the feedback
provided and
final
submission
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Gantt Chart

Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
 Research type- the type of research involves the way or method through which the complete study will be undertaken.
There are two different types of research method that is qualitative and quantitative (Stokes, 2017). The qualitative
method is the one which involves using only non numeric information relating to the research topic. On the other hand
the quantitative study involves the use of numeric facts and figures and information relating to the topic of research. In
the present case of analysis of staff motivation and employee retention the use of qualitative research will be
undertaken. The reason behind the selection of qualitative research is that it will assist the researcher in developing the
theoretical knowledge relating to the various strategies through which employees can be retained within the business.
 Research approach- The approach of research is being referred to as thing assumption on which the complete study
and selection of the topic is based. There are two approaches which can be used by researcher for completing the study
which involves inductive and deductive (Chu and Ke, 2017). The formal relates with theme setting up of aims and
objectives relating to the study and conducting the study on that. On the other hand letter in was team setting up of
hypothesis and proving the same. In order to complete the study on analysing the staff retention strategies the use of
inductive approach will be undertaken. The reason behind this fact is that the aim and objective provides a base to the
research that how the study will be conducted. Thus, this will provide a deeper base to the company or the researcher
to develop good study.
 Research philosophy- Philosophy of research is being defined as believes on which the selection of the methods is
being based. Generally interpretivism and positivism are the philosophy which is being used while conducting the
research. The first philosophy involves undertaking the use of general theories and Models relating to the topic of
research. On the other hand the second one relates with analysis based on the actual data. Hence in the present case of
staff retention strategies the use of interpretivism will be undertaken in order to evaluate the various strategies used for
employee retention and staff motivation.
 Data collection- the research study is based on the data which is being selected for the analysis of research topic. The
selection of data needs to be proper and accurate. The major sources of data involves primary and secondary. The
former relates to using the first and information relating to the research topic where as latter involves using already
published data (Thanem and Knights, 2019). In the present case of Marks and Spencer’s employee retention strategies
the data will be collected from the combination of both the sources. In case of primary source the employees of marks
and Spencer will be selected and questions will be asked with help of question and. Further in support of this,
secondary sources that are various articles books and journals will be selected in order to support the answers provided
by primary respondent.
 Sampling- For the primary study to be successful it is very crucial that our proper sample is been selected. This is
necessary because the whole study is based on the data and in case the sample does not provide proper data then
conclusions cannot be drawn. Thus in the present case of analysing them staff retention strategies with respect to
marks and Spencer the sample of 30 employees will be selected (Litosseliti, ed., 2018). This sample will be selected on
the basis of random sampling method. This method is selected because under this method on each and every
participant within the population has equal chance of getting selected and no biasness can take place. Thus, the random
sampling method will provide a proper base for the samples and accurate data will be evaluated.
 Data analysis- just the collection of the appropriate data is not enough rather it is very important that the collected data

is analysed in proper and effective manner. The reason underlying this fact is that in case the analysis is not done
proper then the meaningful data will also be not providing some insightful facts from the data. Hence the data can be
analysed in form of thematic analysis or by using the technique of SPSS. In the present case of analysis of staff
retention strategies with respect to marks and Spencer the use of qualitative or thematic data analysis technique will be
undertaken. The reason behind the selection of thematic analysis is that it involves analysing team themes based on the
questionnaire and evaluating the primary responses provided in support of the secondary information.
 Ethical consideration- for the research study to be successful it is very essential that this study is being undertaken in
ethical and effective manner. The reason underlying this fact is that in case the working is not ethical and proper then
the outcome of this study will not be effective. Ends for this it is very necessary that all the consideration relating to
ethical working must be complied with. For this the researcher must first take proper consent of the primary
respondents before using any of the personal data within the study. The reason behind this fact is that without the
consent researcher cannot use the personal data of the respondent within the study and publish it (Abutabenjeh and
Jaradat, 2018). Along with this and other ethical aspect which must be taken care at time of conducting research is to
take the data from only reliable and ethical sources. This is necessary because the whole study is based on the data and
in case the data will not be reliable then study will not outline proper results.
 Research limitation- along with the considerations there are also some limitation which may affect the working
quality of the research study. The first and foremost limitation which may be encountered by the researcher is the time.
The time for completion of the study will is very limited and completing this study within that time was very tough.
But with effective time management skills the researcher manages to complete the study on time and a day in the
objectives of the research. Along with this there was also the limitation of the budget as the budget provided for the
study was less. But then also the study was accomplished in proper and effective manner and objectives were attained.
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: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date

Research Ethics approval form –complete ethis form, fill ALL the relevant sections
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data collected form
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: To analyse the impacts of staff motivation schemes on employee retention as case study
of Mark & Spencer
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? YES
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
They will be identified on basis of requirement of study and will be approached with help of email

Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
The process of email will be used in order to inform the participant
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?
The consent will be taken by signing the consent form document and it will be in writing
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that 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 the Data Protection Act
(1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
All the people connected with the study will be having access to data and personal information
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?

Laptop and pen drive
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?
Till next 2 months of the research
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes No
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 because 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
 Risk 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.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may arise
in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to the Research Proposal
when submitting to Turnitin.

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