Employee Motivation and Research Methodologies

This assignment delves into the realm of employee motivation, exploring its significance and various research methodologies used to study it. It examines the relationship between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's dual factor theory, as well as the role of organizational justice and leadership style in predicting work engagement. The assignment also touches upon motivational interviewing, a goal-oriented method for enhancing intrinsic motivation, and its applications in real-world settings. Additionally, it discusses the importance of qualitative research methods, such as interpretative phenomenological analysis, and provides examples of their use in studying employee motivation.

Research project
(The impact of employee motivation level on the
performance of hospitality industry- A case study on
Inter-Continental Hotel)

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Research project outline specification...................................................................................1
1.2 Factors that contribute into research project selection..........................................................2
1.3 Literature review....................................................................................................................2
1.4 Research project specification...............................................................................................5
1.5 Research plan.........................................................................................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Resources which are suitable for current research................................................................8
2.2 Research investigation...........................................................................................................9
2.3 Data and relation variable....................................................................................................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Research evaluation techniques...........................................................................................12
3.2 Data analysis........................................................................................................................12
3.3 Recommendation.................................................................................................................16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................17
Covered in PPT..........................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

TASK 1
TITLE: “To investigate the impact of employee motivation level on the performance of
hospitality industry- A case study on Intercontinental Hotel”
1.1 Research project outline specification
Human resources are the main asset of business organization who help the firm in
achieving their specified goals. It is based on the relationship between employee and employer
so that overall performance of an enterprise can be improved. When overall operations are get
managed then effectiveness can be achieved (Manzoor, 2012). This department is more focused
on the company’s policies and their system so that success can be achieved at the marketplace.
Motivation is the factor which is related to desire of an individual. If wants and desire of staff
members are get fulfilled, then their level of motivation is get increased in an appropriate
manner.
Background of company: The present research project is based on Intercontinental Hotel
which perform its operations in hospitality sector. There are many other competitors of the firm
such as Hilton, Marriot and so on. Some marketing strategies are adopted by an enterprise like
STP, advertisements etc. so that they will be able to improve their image at both domestic as well
as global market (Andersen, Heinesen and Pedersen, 2014). The hotel industry target travellers
and business person by offering them special offers and deals.
Background of research: The main aim of current field of study is to identify the
effectiveness of motivation level among staff members and its impact on organizational
performance. Here, some tools and techniques are used by researcher so that specified goals and
aim can be accomplished. Some research approaches, design, philosophies, sampling, analysis
methodologies are explained in detail with their justification. These are helpful in completing the
study in more appropriate way so that their validity and reliability can be ensured.
The current carried out analysis is beneficial for both industry and workers. As if the firm
will be able to know about the requirements of their staff members then on the basis of that their
satisfaction level can be improved (Xanthopoulou, Bakker and Fischbach, 2013). Along with
this, it is also helpful for employees as they can share their problems with the top management.
So, in this way an effective outcome can be achieved which can lead them towards success.
1

Here, the present research project is based on the issue of motivation level among all staff
members. This issue has arisen because proper management is not there at the workplace and due
to which employee satisfaction is not get increased. So, this can be resolved by conducting the
analysis on them so that their overall performance can be enhanced in more successful manner.
1.2 Factors that contribute into research project selection
When any researcher conducted research on particular topic then it is their responsibility
that they have to form a plan along with purpose that how this should be conducted. Through the
plan, research can be completed appropriately (Bano and Jha, 2012). There are some factors such
as time, size, resources, knowledge, cost etc. which contribute into the selection of project. The
cost should be low so that expenses can be reduced to some extent and it should be completed on
time. Along with this, resources should be utilised efficiently so that an effective conclusion can
be drawn from carried out analysis. Knowledge is an essential factor which help the researcher in
conducting the study in more effective manner.
These all factors play an important role while selecting a research project. On the basis of
these, the overall effectiveness of motivation can be achieved and it can also be evaluated that
how this contribute into the organizational performance. The motivation is the most vital factor
which can motivate an individual in order to perform action so that goal can be achieved. I have
selected this topic for my research as this is interesting and more information is available on the
internet.
1.3 Literature review
In this section of research project, the data has been gathered from different resources such
as books, Journals, past research papers, internet, articles and so on. By analysing different
literature, the gap between studies can be reduced to some extent. If information will be collected
from authenticate sources, then through their validity can be achieved and due to which aim can
be attained. The present project is based on the motivation level among people and their impact
on the organizational performance.
Effectiveness of motivation level
According to the view point of Strom, Sears and Kelly (2014) managers and different
leaders have to understand the concept of motivation as this is the only factor which can lead an
enterprise towards success. Motivation is the vital concept or process which help the staff
members in order to perform better at the marketplace. Through this, capabilities of the workers
2

can be increased to some extent so that they will be able get more benefits. On the other hand, it
has been analysed by Ghazi, Shahzada and Khan (2013) that demotivated employees are highly
dissatisfied with their job so they provide low quality of work. Due to this, an enterprise will not
be able to achieve their targets in more effective manner. So, it is the responsibility of human
resource manager in order to enhance the motivation among people by offering them some
incentives, compensation, rewards, employee of the month and so on.
Park and Ryoo (2013) stated that performance of an individual at the workplace is depends upon
some factors such as appraisal, motivation, satisfaction, compensation, job security, training and
development. The higher authorities of hotel industry have to focus on these factors so that
motivation among people can be enhanced in more effective manner. Apart from this, Taormina
and Gao (2013) says that high motivated workers perform better and due to which overall
productivity of the firm can be increased. Along with this, if firm will be able to retained highly
satisfied and motivated workers then due to which they can sustain their competitive advantage
in more successful way.
According to the views of Bayoumi (2012) organizations can use some motivational
theories such as Herzberg two factor theory and Maslow’s need hierarchy theory. By
implementing these, manager will be able to identify the needs and requirements of their
workers. Maslow (1923) implemented a theory which is focused on psychological needs of
people and he identified five needs of employees which should be fulfilled. These wants are like
psychological, safety, belongingness, self-esteem and self-actualization. Psychological are the
basic wants like shelter, food, air and these should be fulfilled. Safety are related to the job
security, medical insurances as these should also be fulfilled. Along with this, belongingness is
related to the relationship that an individual has with their surroundings. Self-esteem is respect,
social status and recognition. At last, self-actualization is based on trust, justice and wisdom. So,
all these needs should be fulfilled in more effective manner so that motivation among all workers
can be enhanced.
3

Source 1: McLeod, 2016
Ozguner and Ozguner (2014) stated that Herzberg implemented a theory and he is
focused on factors like hygiene and motivators. Hygiene are the dissatisfaction factors which are
related to company’s policies, job security and salary. If these will not be fulfilled, then
dissatisfaction can be increased among staff members. On the other hand, intrinsic is related to
satisfaction factors which are related to the recognition, sense of achievement, responsibility,
personal growth and so on. It has been analysed that, manager has to focus on these so that they
can enhance the satisfaction level of their employees.
Factor affecting the motivation among employees
According to the views of Aarabi, Subramaniam and Akeel (2013) there are many factors
which can affect the motivation level among employees and due to which their performance
cannot be improved. Some of these factors are like salary, rewards, a peaceful work
environment, appraisal, policies and so on. The salary should be credited into the accounts of
staff members on timely manner so that they feel motivated and work hard. Along with this, if
peaceful environment is created then positivity is get increased and turnover can be reduced to
some extent. On the contrary, it has been expressed by Miller and Rollnick (2012) that some
fringe benefits, incentives and compensation should be given to the staff members as per their
performance. Through this, other workers also feel motivated internally in order to get some
rewards ad recognition.
4

Radel and Clément-Guillotin (2012) Confronted that on the basis of employee’s
performance the hotel industry can also evaluated their own performance at the marketplace as
compare to other competitors. The performance of an enterprise can be analysed on the basis of
productivity, quality work, sales, revenues and profitability. If all staff members will perform
quality work in timely manner, then due to this productivity can be improved.
Impact of motivation on organizational performance
There is some relationship between the motivation among employees and organizational
performance. Employee performance is an ongoing process and its aim is to increase the
performance of both an individual and firm. As per the view point of Mantler, Irwin and Morrow
(2013) workers set their own objectives and perform accordingly so that specified objectives can
be accomplished in an effective manner. If employees are highly motivated, then they become
loyal towards their firm so in this way overall productivity can be improved at the workplace.
Along with this, some researcher has been identified that there is link between the performance
of Intercontinental hotel and their satisfied employees. Apart from this, if people who are
working in an entity are highly motivated then they will perform better than any other
dissatisfied individual.
Mantler, Irwin and Morrow (2013) stated that there can be two people who are doing same
job but they both have different goals and aim. It depends upon their motivation level that how
much they are dedicated towards their work. So, if dedication level is high then due to this high
productivity can be achieved which can lead an enterprise towards success. On the contrary, if
motivation level among some people is low then they will not be able to perform better as they
loose their interest in the work and they left the firm. So, in this manner it affects the
performance of an enterprise in negative manner.
1.4 Research project specification
Aim: The main aim of this research project is “to investigate the impact of employee
motivation level on the performance of hospitality industry- A case study on Intercontinental
Hotel”
Research objectives: There are some research objectives which are stated below:
 To identify the strategies that are adopted by Intercontinental Hotel in order to increase
the motivation level of employees.
 To evaluate the current performance of hospitality industry at the marketplace.
5

 To assess the impact of motivation level on the performance of staff members and overall
industry.
 To determine some challenges that are faced by an enterprise in their motivation level
practices. To recommend the strategies to Intercontinental Hotel in order to overcome the
challenges
Research questions: Some research questions are there which are framed on the basis of aim
and objectives. These questions are as follows:
 Q1. How motivation level of the employees of Intercontinental Hotel can be increased?
 Q2. What is the current performance of hospitality industry?
 Q3. How motivation level of staff members can affect their performance?
 Q4. What challenges are faced by hotel in implementing motivational programs?
Research methodology
It is a kind of framework which is used by researcher in order to get an effective result.
Some tools and techniques are used under this so that overall research questions can get resolved
and objectives can be achieved (Roberts, 2013). The justification for each and every approach is
given in this section that how this may be useful for the current field of study. An appropriate
methodology has been used by researcher so that it can be analysed that how motivation level of
staff members can boost the performance of employees and overall firm. Some of the tools and
techniques are as follows:
Research design: Design is related to the blueprint which is made by researcher in order to
carried out further analysis (Snyder, 2012). There are many designs such as descriptive,
exploratory, experimental, correlational and so on. Here, in the present project descriptive has
been followed so that in-depth evaluation can be performed. Through this, overall understanding
regarding to motivational level of employees and their performance can be improved.
Research approach: An appropriate approach should be followed in the research project
so that outcome can be received without getting deviate from the aim. Deductive and inductive
are two approaches. In deductive, hypothesis has been formed which are made on the basis of
theories (Wahyuni, 2012). In another approach, theories are developed on the basis of
observation and no hypothesis are created. In the present research, inductive has been followed
so that impact of motivation on employees can be evaluated in significant manner.
6

Research philosophy: Positivism, interpretivism and realism are different philosophies
which can be used in projects (Flick, 2015). In positivism, outcome can be achieved by using
different statistical and mathematical tools. Human perceptions are identified through some
surveys in interpretivism.
So, in the present study interpretivism has been followed by researcher so that views of
different people can be evaluated in order to carry out further research.
Data collection methods: The information can be gathered from different resources such
as primary and secondary. Primary is related to survey which are conducted by researcher at the
market area (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). On the other hand, secondary is related to
journal, books, articles, internet and so on. By collecting the data from different sources, the
validity and reliability of research project can be ensured.
Sampling techniques: It is technique that is used by researcher in order to extract a sample
from large population. There are different sampling techniques such as random sampling,
systematic, stratified and so on. Here, in the current study random sampling has been used so that
valid and reliable outcome can be achieved. The sample size which is selected is 20 and the
survey is conducted on employees.
Data analysis: The data has been analysed on the basis of information that is gathered
from the survey. Some different evaluation techniques are there which are helpful in interpreting
the data in effective manner (Mackey and Gass, 2015). Here, thematic analysis is used where
different themes are made and their graphs has been prepared so that it can be identified that how
employee’s motivation level can enhance the organizational performance.
1.5 Research plan
An appropriate action plan should be made by researcher so that overall tasks can be
completed in an effective manner. On the basis of this, work can be accomplished on timely
basis. For this, Gantt chart should be made which shows different activities as per the time. As
through this, specified goals and objectives can be achieved in successful way.
7

TASK 2
2.1 Resources which are suitable for current research
Researcher has use different resources in order to conduct the research in more effective
manner. There are different resources such as primary and secondary (Aarabi, Subramaniam and
Akeel, 2013). From these sources, more authenticate data can be gathered so that overall
objectives can be accomplished. Primary is related to different surveys which are conducted at
the marketplace so that opinions of different people can be identified in more effective manner.
Some of these surveys are like questionnaire, interview, observation, focus group and so on. On
the other hand, secondary sources are related to the data which is gathered from books, research
papers, articles, journals, internet and so on.
Some research methods are there such as qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative is related
to the primary and secondary sources where data has been gathered from different respondents.
8

On the other hand, in qualitative outcome can be achieved from different mathematical as well as
statistical tools. After getting the information from these different sources, it can be evaluated
that how motivation level of employees can affect the performance of an organization.
2.2 Research investigation
The investigation is conducted at the workplace on employees so that their views and
opinion can be identified on their motivation level (Ghazi, Shahzada and Khan, 2013). For this,
questionnaire has been used by researcher so that effective outcome can be achieved and time
can be saved. In questionnaire, both open ended and close ended questions are included which
are asked to the respondents. Here, the sample size which is selected by researcher is 20. So, by
conducting the survey it can be analysed that how much people are satisfied with the work.
Questionnaire
Name: ________________
Age: ________________
Gender: _______________
Designation: ___________
Q1. How long have you been working in Intercontinental hotel?
 1 year
 2 years
 3 years
 More than 3 years
Q2. How much you are satisfied with the work environment of hospitality industry?
 Highly satisfied
 Satisfied
 Neutral
 Dissatisfied
 Highly dissatisfied
Q3. Which type of factors motivates you more?
 Salary
 Incentives
 Promotion
9

 Leaves
 Others
Q4. How much you are satisfied with the incentives which are provided by organization?
 Highly satisfied
 Satisfied
 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
 Dissatisfied
 Highly dissatisfied
Q5. Do you think that different types of benefits will improve your performance?
 Influence
 Does not influence
 No opinion
Q6. Does top management involve you into the decision making process?
 Yes
 No
 Occasionally
Q7. What kind of changes can be made by top management in order to improve work
environment?
___________________________________________________________________________
2.3 Data and relation variable
On the basis of survey or investigation, more authenticate information can be gathered in
an appropriate format (Strom, Sears and Kelly, 2014). There are many respondents who gave
their different opinion regarding to the questions that are asked to them by researcher. By
conducting this, relationship between different variables such as motivation and organizational
performance can be established. So, in this manner its impact can be evaluated in more effective
manner.
How long have you been working in Intercontinental hotel? Frequency
1 year 5
2 years 8
3 years 4
10

More than 3 years 3
How much you are satisfied with the work environment of
hospitality industry?
Frequency
Highly satisfied 8
Satisfied 4
Neutral 2
Dissatisfied 3
Highly dissatisfied 3
Which type of factors motivates you more? Frequency
Salary 6
Incentives 6
Promotion 4
Leaves 2
Others 2
How much you are satisfied with the incentives which are
provided by organization?
Frequency
Highly satisfied 10
Satisfied 5
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 1
Dissatisfied 2
Highly dissatisfied 2
Do you think that different types of benefits will improve your
performance?
Frequency
11

Influence 9
Does not influence 7
No opinion 4
Does top management involve you into the decision making
process?
Frequency
Yes 10
No 6
Occasionally 4
TASK 3
3.1 Research evaluation techniques
Evaluation is a kind of process that has been used by researcher in order to analyse the
data which is gathered from different respondents (Manzoor, 2012). On the basis of these,
different activities and actions can be judged in an appropriate manner. Qualitative and
quantitative are two approaches that can be used by researcher. Here, in this qualitative approach
is followed and there are different types of evaluation techniques which has been used by
researcher in this approach. Some of these are like thematic analysis, case study analysis and so
on. Here, in the current project report thematic analysis has been used by researcher so that
effective outcome can be achieved in successful manner.
The motivation level of employees is helpful for an enterprise as through this overall
organizational performance can be improved. In this human perception have to be identified so
thematic is more appropriate approach for this kind of study.
3.2 Data analysis
Data can be analysed on the basis of thematic approach where different themes are formed
with the graph. The current research has been conducted on 20 respondents at the workplace.
They all gave their different views and opinion so in this manner the validity and reliability can
12

be ensured. Here, some themes are framed on the basis of questions which are asked to the
sample people.
Theme 1: Employees are working in Intercontinental Hotel from last 2 years.
Findings: From the above graphical representation, it can be evaluated that people are
working in Intercontinental Hotel from many years. As there are approx. 25% staff members
who are working from last 1 year,40% respondents are working from last 2 years, 20% are
working from 3 years and other 15% employees are working in the hotel from more than 3 years.
Theme 2: Employees are highly satisfied with the current work environment of hospitality
industry.
13

Findings: On the basis of above graphical representation, it is indicated that 40%
respondents are highly satisfied with the work culture of Intercontinental Hotel. Along with this,
20% staff members are satisfied, 10% have no opinion regarding to this statement, 15% are
dissatisfied and 15% are highly dissatisfied. So, it can be evaluated that people are working in
hotel are highly satisfied.
Theme 3: Salary and incentives increase the motivation level among staff members.
Findings: From the above mentioned graph, it can be analysed that different people have
their own opinion regarding to the motivation factor. There are approx 30% staff members who
are agreed that salary can enhance their motvation level, 30% are agreed that incentives can
increase the motivation level, 20% people are in support of promotion, 10% are sin support of
leaves and other 10% have their other opinions.
Theme 4: Staff members are highly satisfied with the services which are offered by
Intercontinental Hotel.
14

Findings: On the basis of graph, it can be interpreted that 50% respondents are highly
satisfied with the incentives that are offered by hotel industry, 25% staff members are satisfied,
5% are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10% workers are dissatisfied and other 10% are highly
dissatisfied with the incentives.
Theme 5: Employees are agreed that different type of benefits can improve the
performance of organization.
Findings: On the basis of graph it can be analysed that 45% respondents are agreed that
benefits which are offered by firm are helpful in enhancing the overall performance, 35% people
are not agreed with this statement and other 20% have no opinion regarding to this statememt.
15

So, in this manner it can be interpreted that different benefits such as incentives, fringe,
compensation can improve organizational perfromance.
Theme 6: Staff members are agreed that top management involve them into decision
making process.
Findings: On the basis of graphical representation, it indicates that 50% respondents are
agreed that top management involve them into decision making process, 30% are not agreed over
this statements and other 20% says occasionally higher authorities involve them into such kind of
process.
3.3 Recommendation
From the above findings and analysis, it can be summarized that motivation is an essential
factor which can help an individual in performing well. Companies offer some benefits, rewards,
incentives, compensation, appraisal so that the satisfaction level of staff members can be
enhanced. A relationship is existing between motivation and satisfaction. If motivation level is
high within an individual, then his satisfaction level is also high. There are some motivational
theories such as Herzberg and Maslow which should be adopted by manager so that they can
help the firm in achieving their goals. Furthermore, it can be analysed that motivation level cab
improve the organizational performance in positive manner.
There are some recommendations which should be followed by Intercontinental Hotel so
that they will be able to create a peaceful environment at their workplace. Some of these
recommendations are there which are as follows:
16

 The manager of Intercontinental Hotel should resolve the conflicts among different
individuals related to reward system. When all issues are get resolved then their
motivation level can be increased which can enhance the productivity level of the firm.
 The firm should offer monetary and non-monetary benefits to their staff members as per
their performance. When they will get these advantages then they will work hard and do
quality work. So, manager should understand this that financial rewards can increase the
satisfaction level of people.
 The human resource manager has to conduct training and development practices at the
workplace so that all staff members will be able to know about the work that they have to
perform at firm. If these training sessions will be conducted, then people can ask their
queries to their manager. In this way, their overall motivation level can be enhanced in an
effective manner.
TASK 4
Covered in PPT
17

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Aarabi, M. S., Subramaniam, I. D. and Akeel, A. B. A. A. B., 2013. Relationship between
motivational factors and job performance of employees in Malaysian service industry.
Asian Social Science. 9(9). p.301.
Andersen, L. B., Heinesen, E. and Pedersen, L. H., 2014. How does public service motivation
among teachers affect student performance in schools?. Journal of Public
Administration Research and Theory. 24(3). pp.651-671.
Bano, B. and Jha, R. K., 2012. Organizational role stress among public and private sector
employees: a comparative study.
Bayoumi, M., 2012. Identification of the needs of haemodialysis patients using the concept of
Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Journal of renal care. 38(1). pp.43-49.
Flick, U., 2015. Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a research
project. Sage.
Ghazi, S. R., Shahzada, G. and Khan, M. S., 2013. Resurrecting Herzberg’s two factor theory:
An implication to the university teachers. Journal of educational and social research.
3(2). p.445.
Mackey, A. and Gass, S. M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Mantler, T., Irwin, J. D. and Morrow, D., 2013. The Experience and Impact of Motivational
Interviewing-via-Coaching Tools on National Smokers' Telephone Hotline
Employees. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring. 11(1).
Manzoor, Q. A., 2012. Impact of employees motivation on organizational effectiveness. Business
management and strategy. 3(1). p.1.
Miller, W. R. and Rollnick, S., 2012. Motivational interviewing: Helping people change.
Guilford press.
Ozguner, Z. and Ozguner, M., 2014. A managerial point of view on the relationship between of
Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's dual factor theory. International Journal
of Business and Social Science. 5(7).
Park, S. C. and Ryoo, S. Y., 2013. An empirical investigation of end-users’ switching toward
cloud computing: A two factor theory perspective. Computers in Human Behavior.
29(1). pp.160-170.
Radel, R. and Clément-Guillotin, C., 2012. Evidence of motivational influences in early visual
perception: Hunger modulates conscious access. Psychological science. 23(3).
pp.232-234.
Roberts, T., 2013. Understanding the research methodology of interpretative phenomenological
analysis. British Journal of Midwifery. 21(3).
Snyder, C., 2012. A case study of a case study: Analysis of a robust qualitative research
methodology. The Qualitative Report. 17(13). p.1.
Strom, D. L., Sears, K. L. and Kelly, K. M., 2014. Work engagement: The roles of organizational
justice and leadership style in predicting engagement among employees. Journal of
Leadership & Organizational Studies. 21(1). pp.71-82.
Taormina, R. J. and Gao, J. H., 2013. Maslow and the motivation hierarchy: Measuring
satisfaction of the needs. The American journal of psychology. 126(2). pp.155-177.
18

Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Wahyuni, D., 2012. The research design maze: Understanding paradigms, cases, methods and
methodologies.
Xanthopoulou, D., Bakker, A. B. and Fischbach, A., 2013. Work engagement among employees
facing emotional demands. Journal of Personnel Psychology.
Online
Employee motivation. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <
http://www.businessballs.com/employeemotivation.htm>. [Accessed on 19th July
2017].
Introduction to employee motivation. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.aigroup.com.au/resourcecentre/hr/remuneration-reward-recognition/
employee-motivation/introduction-to-employee-motivation/>. [Accessed on 19th July
2017].
McLeod, S., 2016. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html>. [Accessed on 19th July 2017].
19