Analysis of John Lewis Partnership Model

This report analyzes the partnership model adopted by John Lewis, exploring its impact on employee morale, business success, and the retail industry. It includes a literature review, research methodology, and findings from a survey conducted among employees. The report concludes with recommendations for enhancing the partnership model to ensure continued growth and employee satisfaction.

ANALYSIS OF PARTNERSHIP
MODEL OF JOHN LEWIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Research title...................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background of study....................................................................................................................1
Introduction to industry...............................................................................................................1
Rationale of study........................................................................................................................1
Research aims and objectives......................................................................................................2
Literature review..........................................................................................................................3
Research methodology.................................................................................................................4
Research strategy.........................................................................................................................5
Research instruments...................................................................................................................6
Funding........................................................................................................................................6
Research ethics............................................................................................................................6
Limitations...................................................................................................................................6
Timeline.......................................................................................................................................6
Carrying out research project.......................................................................................................9
Data requirement table.................................................................................................................9
Conducting the survey and data collection..................................................................................9
Data analysis..............................................................................................................................10
Interpretation..............................................................................................................................11
Discussion on finding................................................................................................................13
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................14
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

Research title
Does success of John Lewis owes its existence to employee partnership model adopted by
the organisation?
INTRODUCTION
Background of study
John Lewis is the one of the successful business across the globe. Mentioned business is
operate by following employee partnership model. Under this model employees are the owner of
the business firm. As per estimates, currently employee partnership business cover 4%of the UK
GDP annually and value of same in USD is increasing consistently which reflects the success of
the relevant business model (The partnership spirit, 2017). Current study is conducted on finding
out the extent to which employee partnership play an important role in making business
successful. In this regard aims and objectives will be prepared and on basis of analysis of data
conclusion will be formed.
Introduction to industry
John Lewis is operating in retail industry segment under which firms dealing on
electronics and garments as well as other products (E-commerce in United Kingdom facts and
figures 2016., 2017). New trends are originating in industry as online purchase is increasing
consistently. 77% of internet users of UK are making purchase online. Currently firms are
struggling in earning good amount of profit in business. Some firms are looking for changing
existing business model for cost cutting. Thus, it can be assumed that industry is at maturity
stage.
Rationale of study
It is important to conduct research on the partnership model because there are different
models through which business is operated by the firms. Partnership model is slightly different
from other one and it play an important role in making John Lewis business successful. It was
necessary to conduct research on partnership model because previously few researches were
done on it and that studies were not done deeply. Firms are struggling to earn good amount of
profit and employee partnership model may be answer of this situation. Thus, it was important to
evaluate significance and to carry out research on partnership model that is followed by John
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Lewis. Thus, there is lots of scope to explore abundant facts about partnership model. It is seen
that partnership model has emerged as success stories for some of the organisations. John Lewis
is one of such case. However, authors in past have brought various positive and negative impacts
of the same. An evaluation of effectiveness of this model in retail sector and for businesses
operating at global level is still unclear. Therefore, the present research is conducted to identify
effectiveness and challenges faced due to adoption of partnership model by John Lewis. Thus, it
is very important to conduct research on the relevant topic so that role that partnership model
play in growth of firm can be identified.
Research aims and objectives
Research aim
The research aims at assessing the impact of employee partnership model on long-term
success of John Lewis
Objectives
 To assess the significance of partnership model in boosting up employees’ morale.
 To identify strategies adopted by John Lewis to improve employees’ performance.
 To evaluate the relationship between the organization’s growth and its move to adopt
employee partnership model.
 To identify challenges faced by John Lewis due to adoption of employees’ partnership
model.
 To recommend ways to overcome challenges and bring improvements in adoption of the
model to boost employees’ morale.
Research questions
 How does partnership model boosts up employees’ morale in John Lewis?
 What sort of strategies are adopted by John Lewis to improve employees’ performance?
 How does growth of John Lewis dependent on its move to adopt employees’ partnership
model?
 What are the key challenges that are faced by John Lewis due to adoption of the
aforementioned model?
 What are the recommendations on which work can be done to improve adoption of model
to boost employee morale?
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Literature review
According to Campbell and et.al, (2012) partnership model is the one of the distinct model
that is used by the business firm to operate their business. It must be noted that under partnership
model employees themselves are the owners of the business and receive share in the profit. This
acts as lucrative factor for the employees to work hard for benefit of the firm. This is because
percentage plunge into revenue will lead to same proportion of jump in employees’ salary.
Partnership model prove successful for the business firm because employees are receiving share
in the profit. This is evident from the fact that John Lewis operating only 48 stores and have
presence in 355 Waitrose supermarkets, which are, operated by 86700 employee which is huge
in number (The John Lewis model and what other can learn from it, 2017). This means that
more employees will work hard and efficiently business firm productivity will be enhanced and
along with this profitability will increase in business.
As per views of Tarride and et.al, (2011) there are number of factors that motivate
employees to work with full zeal and energy at the workplace. The work culture in John Lewis is
better in comparison to other firms. Employees themselves are the partners and this reflects that
in the organization culture same does not assume employees as expenses and burden on same.
They assume employees as important asset, which reflects that there is a very good organization
culture in the organization.
Cathcart, (2014) state that there are number of factors that affects employee performance at
the workplace. Some of the factors that affects employee performance are organization value
system. There is high proportion of black people in the workforce of John Lewis which make it
best place to work for employees and motivate them to perform better for the firm. Apart from
this, equal rights are given to employees across all categories to raise voice if they feel that
something is not going good in firm with them.
Contrary to this Raftery, Grolnick and Flamm, (2012) state, that partnership model may
prove ineffective for the firm in case top leadership start making discrimination among
employees. Even though there is good work culture in John Lewis but in case in future top
managers will start making difference among employees then this will heavily affect
organization profitability. Thus, ensuring that all employees will be treated equally is biggest
challenge that firm face in respect to effective implementation of partnership model. In case top
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managers start promoting employees of their preference to top position then in that case
dissatisfaction may be prevailed among employees. This may have heavy impact on firm
profitability because due to dissatisfaction from firm employees will not cooperate with each
other fully which will negatively affect the business firm. It can be said that conflict management
must be focal point of any business firm. If conflict that is among employees will not be resolved
then situation may become out of control for the business firm. Thus, it is not necessary that
partnership model will always play important role in accelerating firm growth rate.
Research methodology Research philosophy: In the current research interpretivism philosophy will be used
because current research study is non-technical in nature. In present research study,
simple thematic analysis will be done. Interpritivism philosophy is chosen for current
research study because objective is to understand people behavior and influence that
partnership model have on firm, which cannot be quantified. Research approach: Research approach refers to the inductive and deductive. Inductive
approach is one under which conclusion is derived through observation of present
scenario (McCarthy, Reeves and Turner, 2010). The study presented herewith
emphasizes on observing employees satisfaction in John Lewis. Also, the way in which
high level of staffs’ morale has helped the business unit in achieving growth. This in turn
would help us in identifying if partnership model leads to success of business units. Due
to this reason, inductive research approach is selected for carrying out research work. Research design: Descriptive research design will be used in the present research
because in order to conduct this research lots of basic information are gathered from
reliable sources. Mentioned research design will be appropriate for the current research
study. A brief description would be presented of all information accumulated for
partnership model. It is through in-depth of various facts and figures that a valid
conclusion can be derived. Henceforth, descriptive design is considered to be suitable in
nature. Data collection: Data will be collected from the books, journals and magazines and same
will be analyzed (Vanichchinchai, 2012). Apart from this primary data will also be
gathered from the employees of John Lewis. In this way entire data will be collected in
the present research. It is through analysis of both secondary and primary information
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that the outcomes would be derived for John Lewis. The secondary information that
would be accumulated through published books, journals, articles and news will be
analysed through section of literature review. However, the primary information will be
analysed through data analysis section. The primary data will be collected through
distribution of questionnaire among selected sample of consumers. Sampling: Sample of the 50 employees will be taken in the present research. All
individuals would be the employees of John Lewis. It will be ensured that reliable data is
collected for the research. It is through random sampling technique that respondents will
be selected. The technique will help in avoiding all kinds of biasness in selection of
sample. Data analysis: Data will be analyzed by using thematic analysis under which results
obtained on each question from respondents will be analyzed. This method will be
appropriate for the current research. Ethical consideration: In the current research all ethics are followed and under this it
will be ensured that data that is gathered from the respondents will be safe and will not be
accessed by the unauthorized person. As a researcher, all ethical obligations are supposed
to be met by met. While collecting primary information, it will be ensured that the
information of participants is kept confidential. Further, a sufficient time and resources
would be devoted to accumulate the information and analyze the same. Validity and reliability: In the research valid and reliable information will be analyzed.
By doing so it can be ensured that research will produced right results
Research strategy
John Lewis is the one of the largest firms in the United Kingdom; and there are different
structures in the business firm at which employees are operating. In order to conduct the current
research in better manner sample units will be taken from the different departments of the
business firm. This research strategy will ensured that opinion from all level of employees that
work in different department is gathered in respect to the research topic. This strategy will ensure
that research is carried out in the systematic way by the managers.
Research instruments
Research instruments refers to the way in which data is collected from the different
sources. In the current research primary and secondary data will be gathered and under this
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different websites will be reviewed and it will be ensured that reliable data is taken from the
sources. Primary data will be collected by distributing questionnaire among the respondents. In
the questionnaire all questions will be close ended and likert scale as well as other one will be
used to frame options in the questionnaire. In this way data will be gathered in the systematic
way by the researcher.
Funding
Research will be conducted in the systematic way and for same funds will be required. In
order to fund entire project education loan will be taken from the bank or any other financial
institution. Obtained fund will be used to meet travel and other expenses that are related to the
current research study.
Research ethics
Every profession have some ethics and in the current research also same will be followed.
It will be ensured that secondary data is taken from the reliable sources. This is because in case
wrong data will be taken in to consideration then in that case research may be carried out in
wrong direction (Hyman, 2010). It will also be ensured that collected data is safe and no one can
access same without authorize permission. Thus, it can be said that in the current research study
ethics are followed to great extent.
Limitations
There are some limitations of the present research like sample of only 50 people is taken
which is not so high. By taking more sample units it was possible to ensure that there will be
more reliable data and better analysis. However, it is ensured that reliable data will be collected
in the present research from the sample units. It can be said that every effort is made to ensure
that there will be no limitation of the present research.
Timeline
The research will be conducted for one month and under this primary and secondary data
will be collected. Gathered data will be analyzed in the systematic way by using appropriate
tools. In this way, entire research work will be carried out in proper manner. During given period
literature review and data analysis will be done. Thereafter, conclusion section will be prepared
in the report.
Sr. No. Activities List of activities Weeks Preceding activities
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1 A Meeting with supervisor 1
2 B Completion of proposal 1 A
3 C Submission of proposal 2 B
4 D Approval of supervisor 1 C
5 E Review of previous literature 5 D
6 F Collection of data 4 D
7 G Analysis of data 4 E,F
8 H Interpretation of data 3 G
9 I Drafting the complete project 4 E,G
10 J Reviewing the complete project 2 I
11 K Finalizing the project 1 J
12 L Submission of the project 1 K
Figure 1Gantt chart
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Figure 2Network diagram
This means that project will require minimum of 22 weeks for its effective completion.
Carrying out research project
In order to carry out research in a proper manner; systematic approach will be followed
and under this data will be gathered from varied sources. As mentioned above, secondary data
will be collected from the books, journals and magazines. Information related to the company
will be taken from through online platform and annual report. Apart from this, primary data will
be accumulated from the individuals who are employees’ of the John Lewis.
Data requirement table
In the present research; questions related to the employee partnership and its impact will
be asked from the respondents. Data requirement table in respect to same is given below.
Investigation questions Variables required Details in which data will be
measured
What are the factors that you
think motivate you to do hard
work in the business firm?
Main reasons that employees
think that they play a lead role
in working continuously on
the job.
Reasons will be identified due
to which one is working
consistently in John Lewis.
Do you think that deserved
designation is given to
To measure the extent to
which justice is done with
Positive perception about
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employees in the firm? them in terms of promoting in
the firm.
asked question.
Do you think that partnership
model plays a lead role in
accelerating the firm’s
growth?
To identify extent to which
partnership model elevates the
firm’s growth rate.
Extent to which one think
partnership model play
important role in increasing
firm business.
Conducting the survey and data collection
Piloting
First of all at small level research study will be carried out (Johnstone, Ackers and
Wilkinson, 2010). This will be done to identify the extent to which prospective research study
will be successfully done in the upcoming time period. In this regard small sample of 10 people
can be taken to conduct pilot study.
Sampling method
For the current research study stratified random sampling method will be used and from
different department and levels appropriate sample units will be taken in the present research.
Field editing
After collection of data editing of same will be done if it is identified that obtained data is
wrong on some points or answers of some questions are not given by the respondents.
Data analysis
Data analysis
What are the factors that you think motivate you to do hard work in the business firm?
Table 1Factors motivating employees to do hard work
Democratic culture 20
Good behavior of
supervisors 15
Good career opportunity 15
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Figure 3Motivating factors
Interpretation
Results are reflecting that democratic culture is the one of the factor that motivate
employees to do hard work. There are 20 respondents out of 50 who think so. Apart from this,
there are 15 respondents out of 50 who state that good behavior of supervisors is the factor that
motivate them to work consistently in the business firm. There are 15 respondents which state
that good career opportunity is the another factor that play an important role in employee
motivation at the workplace. It can be said that out of all factors it is the democratic culture
factor that is playing decisive role in motivating employees for working in the firm.
Do you think that deserved designation is given to employees in the firm and it is the partnership
model due to which it really happened?
Table 2Partnership model and job growth
Strongly agree 15
Agree 14
Neutral 2
Disagree 9
Strongly disagree 10
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Figure 4:Partnership model and job growth
Interpretation
Results are revealing that most of respondents are agreed with the fact that partnership
model play an important role in ensuring the relevant and deserved designation is given to
candidates in John Lewis. Same fact is supported by statistics 15 and 14 respondents are strongly
agree and agree on the asked statement. 2 candidates are neutral, 9 are disagree and 10 are
strongly disagree with same statement. It can be said that most of respondents have common
opinion that partnership model play an important role in ensuring that they get relevant
designation in John Lewis.
Do you think that partnership model play lead role in accelerating firm growth rate?
Table 3Partnership model and growth rate
Strongly agree 17
Agree 23
Neutral 2
Disagree 3
Strongly disagree 5
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Figure 5:Partnership model and growth rate
Interpretation
Results are reflecting that 17 and 23 candidates are strongly agree and agree on asked
statement. There are only candidates that are neutral on the asked statement. 3 and 5 respondents
are disagree and strongly disagree on the fact that partnership model accelerate firm growth rate.
It can be said that partnership model play a very important role in accelerating growth rate of
John Lewis.
Do you think that due to lack of proper management of conflicts is the big challenge which if not
addressed properly may make partnership model ineffective?
Strongly agree 12
Agree 15
Neutral 7
Disagree 6
Strongly
disagree 10
12

Figure 6:Impact of conflict management on effectiveness of partnership model
Interpretation
There are 12 respondents that are strongly agree and 15 respondents are agree followed
by 7 are neutral. Apart from this, 6 are disagree and 10 respondents are strongly disagree on
asked statement. It can be said that people give mixed response and some time that conflict may
not negatively affect impact on partnership model on firms or vice versa.
Discussion on finding
Results are clearly reflecting that it is the partnership model that accelerating firm growth
rate and create a path of growth for the business firm. Partnership model bring democracy in the
John Lewis and under same all employees are getting equal opportunity to grow and getting
deserved designations in the business firm. Democratic culture that is in the business firm is
playing an important role in retaining employees on the job. It can be said that partnership model
prove beneficial for the business firm.
Recommendation
It is recommended that business firm must consistently follow participation model in its
business. However, due to this model sometimes conflict arises between labor and management
and due to this reason it is recommended that business firm must develop conflict resolution cell
and an attempt must be to make situation normal between managers and employees.
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Conclusion
It is concluded that there is significant importance of the partnership model for the
business firms. This is because it ensured that voice of employees will be listened by the
management and later entity will be treated in systematic way. This ensured that employees will
give their hundred percent efforts for growth of the organization. This is the reason due to which
John Lewis grow in its business at rapid rate. It can be said that partnership model prove
beneficial for the business firm. However, there are some issues associated with the partnership
model and due to this reason it is inevitable to prepare conflict management cell in the business
so that cordial relationship can be maintained between firm management and employees.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Campbell, B.A. and et.al, 2012. Who leaves, where to, and why worry? Employee mobility,
entrepreneurship and effects on source firm performance. Strategic Management
Journal. 33(1). pp.65-87.
Cathcart, A., 2014. Paradoxes of participation: non-union workplace partnership in John
Lewis. The International Journal of Human Resource Management. 25(6). pp.762-780.
Hyman, R., 2010. Whose (social) partnership?. Routledge.
Johnstone, S., Ackers, P. and Wilkinson, A., 2010. Better than nothing? Is non-union partnership
a contradiction in terms?. Journal of Industrial Relations. 52(2). pp.151-168.
McCarthy, D., Reeves, E. and Turner, T., 2010. Can employee share-ownership improve
employee attitudes and behaviour?. Employee Relations. 32(4). pp.382-395.
Tarride, J.E. and et.al., 2011. Partnership in employee health. A workplace health program for
British Columbia Public Service Agency (Canada). Work. 40(4). pp.459-471.
Vanichchinchai, A., 2012. The relationship between employee involvement, partnership
management and supply performance: Findings from a developing country. International
Journal of Productivity and Performance Management. 61(2). pp.157-172.
Raftery, J.N., Grolnick, W.S. and Flamm, E.S., 2012. Families as facilitators of student
engagement: Toward a home-school partnership model. In Handbook of research on
student engagement (pp. 343-364). Springer US.
Online
E-commerce in United Kingdom facts and figures 2016, 2017. [Online]. Available through :<
https://www.twenga-solutions.com/en/insights/ecommerce-united-kingdom-facts-figures-
2016/>. [Accessed on 4th Augus 2017].
The John Lewis model and what other can learn from it, 2017. [Online]. Available through :<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/jan/16/john-lewis-model-lessons>. [Accessed
on 4th Augus 2017].
The partnership spirit, 2017. [Online]. Available through :<
https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/about/the-partnership-spirit.html>. [Accessed on
12th April 2017].
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