Reflective Learning Assessment 1 & 2: Employee Engagement Analysis

This report comprises two assessments: a reflective learning portfolio and a literature review. The reflective portfolio explores research methodologies, philosophies (interpretivism), and ethical considerations in business research, including data collection techniques, research strategies, and the importance of ethical procedures. The literature review focuses on the impact of employee engagement on organizational productivity, examining the relationship between employee engagement and productivity, the significance of employee engagement, and various methods companies can use to increase employee engagement, such as fostering open communication, providing a clear vision, and promoting team collaboration. The review synthesizes findings from various researchers, highlighting the positive correlation between engaged employees and improved organizational outcomes like retention, productivity, and customer loyalty. The report emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in today's competitive market and its role in fostering innovation, employee commitment, and organizational success.

Reflective Learning
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ASSESSMENT 1- REFLECTIVE LEARNING PORTFOLIO
PART 1
Through conducting the present report I have gain adequate knowledge and
understanding about the research methods through which I can collect or assemble the relevant
and reliable data and information for conducting the research in the appropriate and feasible
manner. I have also gain knowledge about the different sources through which I can collect or
accumulate the data from the target customers. However, I have also gain understanding
regarding formulating the research questions so that I can feasible conduct the further study
without any issue. Therefore, I have also amend my skills regarding collecting data or
information through different mediums that is surveys, questionnaire, interviews etc. I have a
also gain ability to communicate with the colleagues that help me in performing my task
effectively. Furthermore, while conducting the research I have also focuses on adopting logical
thinking that support me conducting the research in the effective manner and also result in proper
research dissemination.
PART 2
The aforementioned report also support me understanding the various research
philosophies. It is termed as the way about how the data or information has been gathered,
analyzed and used in the research. I have gain knowledge regarding the two form of research
philosophy that is interpretivism and positivism. For the study I have selected interpretivism
research philosophy as it leans towards the collection of qualitative information and uses
different methods like surveys, questionnaire etc. and access to the reality. However, I have also
develop the knowledge regarding the different research strategies that I can use in my research
report to conduct the study. With the availability of different research studies I got confused
regarding choosing the appropriate strategies. Therefore, selecting appropriate strategy has
benefited me writing the critical review or literature review on the selected topic. I have also gain
knowledge regarding the number of research strategies can be adopted in the different research
projects that is case studies, surveys or through interviews. Through conducting the report I have
also acquire knowledge regarding the different type of research that support me in developing
thesis or research project. The foremost form of research include practical research that mainly
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belong to empirical learning of the subject under the research. This type of research mainly
involves collecting first hand information and data in the form of questionnaires, interviews,
observations etc. another form of research include theoretical research under which I can
research the information through accessing public libraries, published journals and articles etc.
PART 3
Through performing another task I recognize and understand the value of ethical
procedures while conducting research in the businesses. I have identified that I must adhere the
ethical norms and regulations in the research so that the I can primarily promote the aim of
research in the effective manner by avoiding the error. Through this I focuses on prohibiting the
procrastination and duplication of information and data in the research that support me
conducting the feasible and fair research. However, I have also enhances my interpersonal skills
to properly collaborate with the different agencies so they assist me in gathering reliable and
accurate information from the market. Through understanding the importance of ethical
procedures and consideration while conducting research also help in preserving the confidential
and private information so that I can feasibly and accurately conduct the research. However, it
also help me avoiding risk factor related with using the inaccurate information in the study.
Furthermore, through ethical consideration I can apply broad ethical principles for the research
and result in gaining accurate and fair outcome from the research. It also help me in improving
the design of the research report and support me in accumulating the reliable information from
the market.
PART 4
While, conducting the last task I have gain certain knowledge and enhances the
collaborative working to carry the research in the effective and proper manner. However, I have
also focuses on working collaboratively within the learning community to gain several research
skills in accomplishing the research. Moreover, cooperative learning also facilitate me in
accomplishing the goals and aims through working together in the groups. Thus, it further help
me in building knowledge regarding different field work and evolving in the team to improve
different research skills. Through conducting the research I have also gain certain research skills
like formulating questions, planning, collecting data, organizing data and analysing data to
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obtain resultant outcome. With enhancing all these research skills it has positively benefit me
conducting research in the effective manner. In order to research effectively I have also
understand that I must require proper use of information technology efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, I have also studied that critical thinking has also impacted on rendering
imagination and creatively that result in successful accomplishment of research.
ASSESSMENT 2- LITERATURE REVIEW- CRITICAL WRITING
“Impact of employee engagement on the organizational productivity”
In order to prolong or exist in the competitive marketplace it is significant for the
business organization to engage their staff and employees in the workplace that will support the
organization in enhancing their productivity. Moreover, in the today's scenario business leaders
are keen interested in enabling the high performance employee within the workplace is essential
for the organizational growth.
Relationship between employee engagement and organizational productivity
According to Mehta and Mehta (2013) the idea of engaging employees is an effective
approach that supports the business organization in enhancing their productivity by enhancing
the performance of their employees. It has been said that there is positive relationship between
the employee engagement and organizational productivity. For instance, if organization
emphasize on effective engagement of employees in taking crucial decision regarding the
business then it would helps in increasing the commitment of their employees towards the
organization. Thus, it ultimately assist the employee in rendering proper services in the
organization that enhances the organizational productivity. As per the view of (Salanova, ., Agut,
and Peiró, 2005) employees are consider as the major player for every business that assist the
administration to fulfill their objectives by acting their practices in an effective manner.
Therefore, it has been proved that success of an organization mainly depends upon the quality of
performance provided by the manpower of the establishment. higher engagement within the
organization results in lowering the absenteeism rate among the employees as well as it will also
results in motivating their workforce to become more productive so that they increases the
organizational productivity. According to (Babcock-Roberson, and Strickland, 2010) the main
aim of engaging employees at the workplace mainly results in broaden the employee experiences
by putting their views and suggestions at the workplace so that they can effectively perform their
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activities in the retail sector and emphasis on increasing the sales of the firm. However, for the
sustainability in the environment and increase the organizational productively the reputed
organization requires quality workforce and selection of high-caliber employees for the right
jobs. there is a strong relationship between the employee engagement and organizational
productivity that is if once employee has been satisfied with their job they look for opportunities
that will empower them to increase the organizational productivity by retaining and rendering
services in the organization to increase their sales. According to (Babcock-Roberson, and
Strickland, 2010) low performing workforce are considered as detrimental to the organization as
it will lead to higher the rate of absenteeism within the organization. Thus, manager is required
to increase or boost the morale of their employees or motivate them to increase productivity that
often result in gaining competitive advantage. As per the view of employer of the business must
focuses on investing in engagement activities because it has been stated that there is positive
relationship between engagement and organizational productivity outcomes like retention,
productivity and customer loyalty.
Significance of employee engagement
Employee engagement has seems as a critical factor or approach for the success of
business in the present competitive market scenario. employee engagement practices
significantly affect or impact on the employee retention, their productivity and loyalty.
Therefore, it also plays a key link towards gaining the employee commitment towards their
employees, company's reputations and stakeholder value. Thus, to gain a competitive edge, now
a days organizations are mainly engaging in the different activities related with the employee
engagement and commitment. According to (Mehta, and Mehta, 2013) employee engagement
is consider as the thought that assists in developing strong affirmative attitudes among the
individuals towards their activity and their business organization. Thus, it plays a leading role in
assuring that they provide their best services in the organization that results in improving their
performance and image of the organization. employee engagement is significant for the
organization that help the organization in gaining different and innovative ideas and suggestions
from the staff or employees that will ultimately benefit the organization. As, it has been
acknowledged that highly involved employees in the business organization results in increase
productivity and bring innovation within the organization that assist in gaining competitive
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advantage. On the contrary (Bakker, 2008) has stated that disengaged employees within the
organization will not able to contribute properly in accomplishing the goals and objective of the
company. Thus, it will affect the co-workers rendering services, affect the working environment,
productivity etc. therefore, engaging employees at the workplace is significant aspect that help in
infuse positive energy at the workplace.
As per the view of (Bakker, 2008) another significance impact of employee engagement
is that it help in encouraging the inputs from employees and encouraging different ideas and
thought so that they can support the organization to embrace the change within the organization.
Author has also stated different reasons why employees disengaged with their job that is due to
high stress level, limited resource or fewer opportunities for career development etc. however,
proper attention on different engagement strategies will gain the organizational effectiveness in
terms of higher productiveness, increasing profits, quality services, customer satisfaction,
employee retention and increased adaptability.
Ways through which company can increase employee engagement
According to (Brad Shuck, Rocco, and Albornoz, 2011) senior manager of organization
must articulate proper vision and mission to their employees. By providing improper goal,
employees will not able to render their proper services within the organization. Thus, to increase
the employee engagement practices within the organization manager must provide proper vision
to their employees. to engage the employees manager of business leader should encourage open
discussion and forum so that employees can input their ideas and thought to accomplish the
vision. However, direct managers can also foster the healthy relationships with their workers and
staff. Senior leadership should continuously demonstrate that employees have an impact on their
work environment. Managers should show employees that they are valued as true contributors,
giving them a sense of empowerment. According to (James, McKechnie, and Swanberg, 2011)
managers can also organize and promote team volunteers at the workplace that would help in
accomplishing the goals and vision and also encourage them to enable the social interaction
outside the organization. Therefore, it will benefit the employees in understanding the different
perceptive and behavior of their co-worker. Companies should give back to local nonprofits.
Corporate giving programs, like matching gift programs and volunteer grants are great way for
corporations to support organizations that employees care about.
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The employee engagement facilitates to boost morale of workforce and integrate them in the
direction of growth and success of the firm. It is because management incorporate their views in
the decisions making process and make them realize that they are valued. This proves to be
effective to retain them for longer time span. Furthermore, employee engagement is one of the
effective ways by which company can expand business at the marketplace. For example, if
employees are involved in the decision making process then they tend to adopt positive attitude
towards the firm. It assists corporation to formulate effective strategy and reduce the additional
cost of hiring new employees. Furthermore, employees engagement is also helpful in creating
competitive edge of the firm. This again contribute to increase overall rate of return and meet
demand of customers in an effectual manner. It can also be said that integration of employees
take place through procedure of employee engagement and it also serve as the non-monetary
reward for them. It can be critically evaluated that adopting more liberal approach towards
employees can be critical for the success of the firm. Owing to this, it is very important to adopt
effective approach while incorporating view of employees. This in turn corporation retain
workforce for longer time span and generate positive attitude among them for longer time span.
In addition to this, employee engagement is the effective in term of serving customers. Because
integrated employees generally give extensive attention on needs and preferences of firm so they
can be able to achieve their targets on right time. Furthermore, there are several factors or
elements associated with employee engagement such as attitude of management, right leadership
style and effective communication within team. It assists management to deliver good quality of
services and enhance satisfaction level of customers.
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REFERENCES
Babcock-Roberson, M. E. and Strickland, O. J., 2010. The relationship between charismatic
leadership, work engagement, and organizational citizenship behaviors. The Journal of
Psychology. 144(3). pp. 313-326.
Bakker, A., 2008. 3 Building engagement in the workplace. The peak performing organization.
pp. 50.
Brad Shuck, M., Rocco, T. S. and Albornoz, C. A., 2011. Exploring employee engagement from
the employee perspective: Implications for HRD. Journal of European Industrial
Training. 35(4). pp. 300-325.
James, J. B., McKechnie, S. and Swanberg, J., 2011. Predicting employee engagement in an
age‐diverse retail workforce. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 32(2). pp. 173-196.
Mehta, D. and Mehta, K. N., 2013. Employee Engagement: A Literature Review. [Pdf].
Available through: <http://www.management.ase.ro/reveconomia/2013-2/1.pdf>.
[Accessed on 29th October 2015].
Salanova, M., Agut, S. and Peiró, J. M., 2005. Linking organizational resources and work
engagement to employee performance and customer loyalty: the mediation of service
climate. Journal of Applied Psychology. 90(6). pp. 1217.
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