Academic & Research Skills Report

This report tackles two distinct yet insightful topics within the realm of business and societal issues. The first section delves into employee motivation, analyzing the impact of non-monetary rewards and comparing the effectiveness of incentives versus recognition. It further examines the application of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's two-factor theory in motivating employees, highlighting the importance of understanding employee needs for improved performance. The second section engages in a critical discussion surrounding gun control in the US, weighing the arguments for and against stricter regulations on gun ownership. It considers the public health implications of gun violence, the role of effective legislation, and the balance between individual rights and public safety. The final section presents a case study of a Tesco HR manager's experience in applying motivation theories to improve employee morale and performance, showcasing practical application of theoretical concepts.

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
FOR BUSINESS

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
Introduction.................................................................................................................................5
Main body...................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
Introduction.................................................................................................................................7
Main body...................................................................................................................................7
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................8

TASK 1
In modern competitive era organizations are facing many issues, motivation is one of the
main problem for management of entities. Currently companies are trying to resolve this issue
through mechanical means, they provide non monitory rewards to employees to motivate them.
This type of reward system impact positively on their behaviour and they become loyal towards
the brand. Furthermore, management are using several strategies to encourage people and to
boost their energy. These are such as skills development, research, communication and rewards.
These all are come under performance improvement programs. There are many issues are
associated with non-monitory rewards such as unethical behaviour, decrease corporation etc.
Every three or four year VP analyses the situation and review the plan. After proper inspection,
senior executive modify the plan and launch new schemes related to team structure, reward
choice, recognition media etc. It is found from the research that gift cards motivate employees
but cash benefits also encourage them for improving their performance.
Incentives versus recognition
Incentives and recognition look same but both have major difference in terms. Incentives
are given by firms to sales persons when they exceed their break even point. It means when a
sales executive achieve its target and go beyond its target then individual become able for
incentive. Recognition is given to workers of the company when respective perform their duties
effectively in the workplace. In incentives sales persons have job security, but if individual fails
to achieve its target then person will be out of the job. The another difference in between them
that incentives are for short duration whereas recognition is for long duration. Recognition
increases loyalty of employees but incentives promotes quick tactical change.
Does recognition really work
When employee work extra ordinary and supports the firm with an unexpected
commercial deal then company gives such people recognition. As management think that it will
help in increasing employee engagement. But is necessary to look upon the way of looking
exceptional performances. In some firm managers praise the best performer but it creates
negative thoughts in other team members. They think that they also work better but management
have no concern about them. So it is not necessary that praising always work. It is stated that it is
all about context so praise can harm the effectiveness of the team and members performance as
well.

The balanced scorecard
Balance score card is the effective tool to evaluate the performance of individual in
workplace. It assists in giving rewards to such employee who has really work exceptionally. But
it turns into trouble when internal group members or advisor give their suggestion and create
unhealthy environment. Different tools and mechanism of evaluating performance of employees
can make confusion in roles and responsibilities. When organization makes job roles more
complex than it create problem in understanding. So it is stated that it should be simple, there
should not be any complication. It is the simple solution of the issue and by this way employees
will willing participate to do well.

TASK 2
Introduction
Gun ownership is the major issue it is stated that approx 30,000 people dying every year.
It has become the crises of gun violence in US. Currently uncontrolled ownership of gun is the
serious threat for public health. Approx 55 million population hold guns. Present report will
discuss that US should put more restriction on gun ownership or not (Shootout: Do We Need
More Gun Control Regulation?, 2008).
Main body
Gun owners are rising in United State regularly. Approx 55million population are now
holding guns, mos of them are adults. According to the AMA policy it is very necessary that US
should put more restrictions on gun ownership. As people have not sufficient knowledge about
operating guns, so due to unawareness accidents are occurring in US daily due to carelessness of
adults those who have ownership of guns. Gun ownership should be restricted because due to
this crime are increasing to great extent. Many criminals buy illegal weapons and due to
ineffective laws they get it without any background check. Semi-automatic weapons are just for
the use of military persons but now days many civilians are using such type of guns for general
purpose (Gun Control Around the World: A Primer, 2016). There are loopholes in the
legislations so it is very necessary to make some strict regulation for putting more restriction on
gun ownership. In the society unfortunately there are many people those who are misguided so
for improving the society and their conditions, it is very necessary to make effective laws which
can help to less access of guns. Having a gun increases chances to be a victim of crime. For
increasing security in the United state and to minimize criminal acts, nation should defiantly put
restriction on gun ownership.
But on other hand it is found that private ownership of gun is very necessary for the
person own security. For the protection of our liberties, US should not put restriction on gun
ownership. If laws do not allow buying weapons then criminal will find another way to arm
themselves. So by making regulations government can not stop criminal activities in the country.
In the present era evil government records data of gun registries so that no misuse of weapons
can take place (Weinberger and et.al, 2015). It is very strict so private ownership of gun can not
harm others. It just protect the rights of individual. Police and concern authorities first

investigate the case then give protection to citizens, so by holding guns at least people will be
able to protect own self if any emergency occur. If population is obeying the current laws so
there is no need to make other legislation for the same. It is just required to make people
understand effectively. Current regulations are ineffective in their execution, so government
should put more efforts on making them effective. Because of so strict laws still criminals are
able to buy guns. So it is not required to put restriction, it just needed to make it effective
(Swanson and et.al, 2015).
Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that US should not put restriction on gun
ownership. Government just to look upon the legislation should improve execution of these laws.
By this way criminal activities will be minimized. This will help to give people protection.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Swanson, J. W. and et.al., 2015. Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide:
bringing epidemiologic research to policy. Annals of epidemiology. 25(5). pp.366-376.
Weinberger, S. E. and et.al., 2015. Firearm-related injury and death in the United States: a call to
action from 8 health professional organizations and the American Bar Association. Annals of
internal medicine. 162(7). pp.513-516.
Online
Gun Control Around the World: A Primer, 2016. [Online. Available through:
<http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/01/worldwide-gun-control-policy/
423711/>. [Accessed on 15th December 2016].
Shootout: Do We Need More Gun Control Regulation?, 2008. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.clearpictureonline.com/SO-Gun%20Control.html>. [Accessed on 15th December
2016].

TASK 3
Introduction
Motivation is very important to improve performance of employees I am working in
TESCO as HR manager. I found that my executives are very demotivated there. Present study
will compare the difference motivation theories for encouraging people in the workplace.
Main body
There are many motivation theories which can assist in increasing morale of workers
such as Maslow, McGregor, Herzberg, Fayol etc. I have taken support of two theories Maslow
and Herzberg.
Maslow theory of motivation is very effective. As being a HR manager in TESCO, I
found that people are not taking interest in their jobs. There performance are quite average. I
found that the main issue was there that people were not satisfied with the working process. I
have taken support of Maslow's theory. This model has supported me a lot. With the help of this
I got to know about basic needs of human being. I analysed that people have physiological,
safety, belongingness, esteem and self actualization needs. I improved my knowledge and
leadership skills by using this theory. I discuss with my executives about their views, by this way
I identify that some of them are having basic needs. So I started giving accommodation facility.
By this way they were very happy and started putting their best efforts in the workplace. I
analysed that some of them are concern about their protection because they are had to deal with
hazardous machineries. So with the help of Maslow theory I improved my communication skills
as well and by discussing with employees I got that by providing them safer environment via
insurance or other I can motivate them. I analysed their love needs and esteem requirements and
I created healthy flexible environment for them so that they can share their feelings with each
other easily. I gave people rewards incentives, praise which has motivated them a lot. Maslow
theory has helped me a lot in motivating my team members and other people, this has enhanced
the performance of employees. While taking into practice I had to deal with workers so I
improved my oral and written communication skills and leadership skill.
Herzberg is another theory which focus on two main factors motivation and hygiene.
Both these helped me in motivating people well in the TESCO. As I learned that people have
two needs in hygiene element people generally think about the salaries, working environment,

status, security etc. Due to these components they got demotivated. I analysed this think and I
have started giving achievements, recognition to motivate them. By this way they have taken
interest in their responsibilities and have performed well. This theory is quit simple than Maslow
as I become to understand my team well. By making work life balance, and proving them job
security I become able to increase their satisfaction level. Apart from this this theory has gave
me innovative ideas to give recognition, promotion to employees by this way I motivated them
and they become committed towards the organization.
Conclusion
From the above study it has been concluded that Maslow and Herzberg both have unique
features. With the help to this I have improved my leadership, motivation and communication
skills.