Impact of Motivation on Employee Performance: British Airways Study

This report examines the impact of motivation on employee performance, focusing on British Airways. It begins with an introduction defining motivation and its significance, followed by a literature review exploring concepts of employee motivation, theories like Maslow's hierarchy, and the relationship between motivation and performance. The report emphasizes the importance of motivation in the aviation industry, highlighting its role in increasing productivity, service quality, and brand image. Research questions and objectives are outlined, followed by the methodology, including the inductive research approach and descriptive analysis, along with data collection methods. The report aims to analyze motivational factors and their impact on employee performance within British Airways, offering insights into how motivation can be enhanced to improve overall organizational outcomes and employee satisfaction. The study uses both primary and secondary data collection methods to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Business Research

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW (1300).....................................................................................................1
Concept of employee motivation................................................................................................1
Relationship between motivation and employee performance...................................................3
Importance of motivation in aviation industry............................................................................3
RESEARCH QUESTIONS.............................................................................................................4
Objectives....................................................................................................................................4
Research Questions.....................................................................................................................5
METHODS......................................................................................................................................5
Research Approach.....................................................................................................................5
Research Design..........................................................................................................................5
Data Collection............................................................................................................................5
Research instrument....................................................................................................................6
Sampling.....................................................................................................................................6
ACCESS AND ETHICS..................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................10

TITLE
To analyse the impact of motivation on employee performance; a study on British
Airways.
INTRODUCTION
Motivation can be termed as a tricky hitherto the most compelling approach used by
every organization to instigate its employees to achieve the organizational goals and objectives.
It is a desire to stimulate the efforts of individual towards the attainment of the set goals and
objective (Cerasoli, Nicklin and Ford, 2014). The current research is conducted in similar context
so as to identify the different methods to motivate the employees which will further assist in
increasing their performance. British Airways is the chosen organization in the present case
wherein the management feels to use new and innovative methods to raise the performance of its
workforce so as to provide better services to its customers as well aids in attaining its desired
dreams. Motivation is the essential concept in day-to-day activities of life. It provides several
benefits to the organization in the form of increasing their efficiency as well as retaining them for
a longer duration of time. The reason of selecting the current topic is to provide the readers with
an insight of various motivational tools and techniques which can be used in their future course
of action.
LITERATURE REVIEW (1300)
Concept of employee motivation
Motivation is a managerial concept wherein the employees are stimulated by the using
various source so as to make them work as per their current strengths and also by providing them
with those incentives or motives that aids in fulfilling their needs and requirements.
Contradictory to the above, Lunenburg (2011), has provided another definition wherein it states
that motivation is an inner instinct or coerces that drives the individual to work with great vigour.
It also depends upon the management as well as the expectations and attitude of the individual to
support and contribute to the enterprise by putting forward their efforts. It can also be
acknowledged that the management is responsible to identify the needs and expectations of its
employees as well as to determine the current potential resources by the company so as to satisfy
them. The managers are responsible to carry out and analyse the those demands and
requirements of the individual and make efforts so as to integrate the efforts towards the
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attainment of organizational goals and objectives. Several theorist have presented diverse
approach to motivate the employees.
-Theories of motivation:
There are diverse ways in which the people at work can be motivated so as to increase
their efficiency and productivity of the company. Zhang and Bartol, (2010), has stated the
Maslow's need hierarchy as a method wherein the management focuses on satisfying the lower
level requirements of the organization and then moving ahead to fulfil the higher level needs;
once the basic requirements have been derived. In accordance to the current theory, every
individual have five essential requirements which start with the the psychological needs wherein
the employees demand minimum salary to meet the day-to-day necessities of the life. These
comprises of the hunger, thirst, shelter, etc. Thereafter, safety needs includes the security at the
organizational setting from all sorts of harm that is likely to affect the individual. Social needs
comprises of affection and belongingness at workplace by creating and providing an integrated
environment to the employees whereby they can share their feelings and form a strong bonds
with another people. The Bellé, (2013), has presented the higher levels needs as esteem and self
actualization wherein the employees crave for achievement at workplace, society by earning a
higher status or position. It also states that the people does not have any other needs or
requirements once they have reached and achieved the fifth level in the hierarchy.
Although Tan and Waheed, (2011), argues that their is no end to the human requirements
as they are endless. Therefore, Maslow's need hierarchy theory is based on a certain assumptions
wherein the individual have only limited needs. To overcome the shortfalls, the another theory
has been presented in contrast to the above which is proposed by Douglas McGregor. The said
theorist states there are two ways in which the employees can be managed and motivated these
are the hard and soft approach wherein theory X is based on certain assumptions. It depicts that
employees are reluctant at work as they are lazy and dislikes putting efforts. Therefore, in order
to motivate them punishments and strict rules shall be imposed at workplace. In contrast to the
above, Bellé, (2013), states that Theory Y presented by the theorist is much efficient approach
used by the management wherein the assumptions laid are that the people like freedom at
workplace. They are creative, responsible and self directed. Therefore, they shall be provided
with more and more opportunities and motivators that aids in stimulating them to perform better
in future.
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Relationship between motivation and employee performance
Both the motivation and employee performance are interrelated and dependent on each
other. In order to increase the efficiency of employees in the aviation industry, the management
shall choose a best method or theory to motivate the individuals at workplace. The above
demonstrated theories aids in increasing the productivity of the employees. Manzoor, (2012) has
presented that individuals are likely to instigate when they are provided with greater
opportunities to show their talent. There are several methods such as intrinsic and extrinsic
rewards. Depending upon the type of needs and demands the management shall introduce the
diversity of motivation approach in the organisation. For instance, the workers of the said
industry are efficient enough but are paid low salary or opportunity at workplace then the
managers or other authoritative must analyse their respective needs and conduct actions in the
similar regards. Some of the processes introduced by the aviations industry comprises of
incentives, bonus, job security, recognition, etc. All these will assist the employees to boost up
their efforts and performance so as to enhance their performance at workplace. The motivating
factors acts as an instigator so as to do better in the future. In Contrasting to the positive factors,
Paarlberg and Lavigna, (2010) has presented some of the negative drivers as well. These can be
in form of punishments, enforcing strict rules, rigid structure, etc. Although all these will not
motivate the employees but it is surely gonna instigate their efforts for better performance in
future. Workers resent being insulted and getting punished every now and then. Due to the fear
of penalization, losing job or getting admonished by the higher authorities; they are likely to
increase their current performance (Recklies, 2016). In addition to the above, the Perry,
Hondeghem and Wise, (2010) has expressed that higher the motivating factors more increased
and enhanced will be their performance. The factors or the needs that has already been satisfied
in the past does not last long to meet the future requirements. The people are hungry and wants
new and innovative components so as to get motivated. Therefore, it can be said that motivation
and performance are closely interlinked with one another.
Importance of motivation in aviation industry
Motivation is a decisive factor used by the organization to stimulate the employees
towards the achievement of the organizational aims and objectives. The major importance of the
said component in the aviation industry includes increased performance, high quality services,
brand image and aids in facilitating change. In addition to the above, any of the firm based
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industry major goal is to attain a higher quality services. These can be done by the means of
motivational tools. The higher incentives and bonuses provided to those employees who are
providing better services to its customers are the efficient means of motivating factor. This in
turn aids in achieving its requisite goals.
According to the Cerasoli, Nicklin and Ford, (2014), the another imperativeness of the
motivation is that it increase the productivity of the employees in the aviation sector. The current
industry requires highly efficient and trained employees so as to provide innovative ideas to the
management in up-gradation of technology. Therefore, in order to utilize its current and potential
resources in the organization, it needs to motivate the employees in the current direction by
providing the respective incentives so as to enhance their level of productivity.
In contradictory to the above, Zhang and Bartol, (2010) assert that motivation does not
only concentrates and revolves around the human resource of the firm. Rather, it has an
imperious role to be played in the enhancing the company's image in the market. Individuals
only prefer to work in those industries where deliberate efforts are laid on the advancement and
development of the human resource. Therefore, current motivational tool will assist the aviation
industry to cater experienced and motivated employees by making a strong brand image in the
market.
In regards to the above, it has been predicted by the Tan and Waheed, (2011), that
motivation also assist in retaining the employees for a longer duration. This is the major
advantage for the company. As loyal and satisfied employees are the most efficient ones and they
aids in development of the company by staying with the organization for a longer period of time.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The chosen topic for the current research is motivation as well as its impact on the
employees performance. It covers concept of motivation as well as its significance for the
aviation industry. Motivation is a crucial concepts which presents an understanding to the
management of the manner in which it can instigate the workers at workplace. It also aids in
creasing the quality of services provided to the customers along with that individual can achieve
and fulfil their respective dreams.
Aim: To assess the impact of motivation on the workforce of British Airways
Objectives
 To understand the the concept of motivation
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 To assess the link between motivation and employee performance within British Airways
 To recommend the ways in which employee performance can be enhanced through
motivation in British Airways
Research Questions
 What is concept of motivation?
 What is the link between motivation and employee performance within the British
Airways?
 Explain and recommend the ways in which employee performance can be enhanced
through motivation in British Airways?
METHODS
Research Approach
There are generally three kinds of research approach it a guide or a pathway which leads
the entire report. These comprises of the inductive, deductive and abductive approach (Ihantola
and Kihn, 2011). The selected topic for the current research approach is impact of motivation on
the employee performance. Therefore, Inductive approach is the best that suits the present
criteria. Moreover, the selected criteria will assist the management in moving to general to
specific. The current approach will enable the British Airways to generate inferences from the
general or known areas so as to present a conclusion based on it.
Research Design
In regards to the present research proposal that is motivation impact on employee
performance, descriptive analysis will be chosen. It is the basis for the entire report and provides
authentic information on which the management can rely upon (Harrison and Reilly, 2011).
There are varied advantages of selecting the descriptive method for the present research as it
minimises wastage of time as well as money. In addition to the above, descriptive has also been
selected so as to get accurate results and also provides a pathway in which the activities are
conducted along with the varied methods of collecting data.
Data Collection
On behalf of the current research report for the chosen topic employee motivation, both
primary and secondary data will be selected in order to analyse the information. The former
method will assist the management in collecting the data directly from the employees. This is so
because primary sources are the most authentic and can be relied on easily (Grafton, Lillis and
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Mahama, 2011). There is no chance of misleading information derived from these sources. These
are the first hand information that can be used by the said firm or industry. In addition to the
above, the data regarding the current topic can also be collected from several secondary sources.
These are also effective means of sources. Moreover, it reduces the amount of time and money
wastage. Furthermore, several research have also been conducted before in similar context
therefore, the information will also be collected from secondary along with the Primary source.
Contradictory to the above, varied means of secondary data comprises of the books, Journals,
blogs, websites and other varied information from the records maintained by the organization.
All these will assist in deriving relevant information in regards with employee motivation.
Research instrument
After the above discussion, for collecting the data, the various instruments that can be
used to derive the relative data are questionnaire, survey etc. Feedbacks and continuous
evaluation are also an effective means to analyse the actions of the employees and the recording
for the future prospects. (McGrath and O'Toole, 2012). For the present research on British
Airways, questionnaire will be used as the research instrument. The questionnaire shall be
prepared by the researcher enlisting certain questions regarding the current system of
motivational approach and its effectiveness. In addition to the above, survey shall be conducted
wherein the employers shall be asked different questions regarding the current performance of
the workers and comparing the same with its past actions.
Sampling
As per the present research the source of sampling methods for deriving the results on
employee motivation will be Probability sampling. This is the most common and efficient
method to address and acknowledge the relative results (Franklin, 2012). This research will make
use of Simple random sampling technique so as to ascertain the considerable outcomes. The
major advantage of choosing the random sampling technique is that it aids in arriving at a
particular result by selecting small size sample from the large or vast group of people present in
the said business organization. More, generalized outcomes are likely to be derived from the said
sampling technique.
ACCESS AND ETHICS
Ethics are the means of guidelines or consideration that each and every individual needs
to maintain so as to preserve the rights of another people. This is a most crucial factor in
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determining and conducting a research (Flick, 2011). As in the present case, the researcher of
British airways is supposed to disclose the purpose of the survey or questionnaire being
conducted to the participants. This will enable the contestant to understand about the kinds of
data that need to be provided by him. It shall entirely left on the participants to provide the
information which it feels is necessary to be given. The survey conducted must assure that the
contestant that all the data that are been provided by him shall not be used elsewhere and
complete privacy as well as secrecy shall be maintained to protect it. Moreover, the research
undertaker of the British airways shall make sure to provide ethical and relevant information
regarding the limits to confidentiality that shall be maintained by them. Thereafter, freedom shall
be provided to the participator to reveal the varied information that is required by him. No
pressure and assertion shall be made by the management (Richason, 2016).
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ihantola, E. and Kihn, L., 2011. Threats to validity and reliability in mixed methods accounting
research. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. 8(1). pp.39–58.
Bellé, N., 2013. Experimental evidence on the relationship between public service motivation
and job performance. Public Administration Review. 73(1). pp.143-153.
Bellé, N., 2013. Leading to make a difference: A field experiment on the performance effects of
transformational leadership, perceived social impact, and public service motivation.
Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory. 3.
Cerasoli, C. P., Nicklin, J. M. and Ford, M. T., 2014. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic incentives
jointly predict performance: A 40-year meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin. 140(4).
p.980.
Flick, U., 2011. Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to Doing a Research
Project. SAGE.
Franklin, M., 2012. Understanding Research: Coping with the Quantitative - Qualitative Divide.
Routledge.
Grafton, J., Lillis, M. A. and Mahama, H., 2011. Mixed methods research in accounting.
Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. 8(1). pp.5–21.
Harrison, L. R. and Reilly, M. T., 2011. Mixed methods designs in marketing research.
Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal. 14(1). pp.7-26.
Johnson, B. and Christensen, L., 2010. Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and
Mixed Approaches. UK: SAGE.
Lunenburg, F. C., 2011. Self-efficacy in the workplace: Implications for motivation and
performance. International journal of management, business, and administration.14(1).
pp.1-6.
Manzoor, Q. A., 2012. Impact of employees motivation on organizational effectiveness.
Business management and strategy. 3(1). p.1.
McGrath, H. and O'Toole, T., 2012. Critical issues in research design in action research in an
SME development context. European Journal of Training and Development. 36(5).
pp.508–526.
Paarlberg, L. E. and Lavigna, B., 2010. Transformational leadership and public service
motivation: Driving individual and organizational performance. Public administration
review. 70(5). pp.710-718.
Perry, J. L., Hondeghem, A. and Wise, L. R., 2010. Revisiting the motivational bases of public
service: Twenty years of research and an agenda for the future. Public administration
review. 70(5). pp.681-690.
Tan, T. H. and Waheed, A., 2011. Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory and job satisfaction in
the Malaysian retail sector: The mediating effect of love of money.
Zhang, X. and Bartol, K. M., 2010. Linking empowering leadership and employee creativity: The
influence of psychological empowerment, intrinsic motivation, and creative process
engagement. Academy of management journal. 53(1). pp.107-128.
Online
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Recklies, D., 2016. Motivation – Basic Concepts and Theories. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.themanager.org/2014/12/motivation-basic-concepts-and-theories/>.
[Accessed on 17th November 2016].
Richason, O. E., 2016. Motivation & Employee Performance. [Online]. Available through:
<http://smallbusiness.chron.com/motivation-employee-performance-1964.html>.
[Accessed on 17th November 2016].
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APPENDICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
For the employees of British Airways
Analyse the impact of motivation on employee performance
Name:
Age:
1. Since how many years you have been working in British Airways?
 Less than one year
 1 to 3 years
 More than 5 years
2. Which motivational techniques used by the said organization is the most effective as per your
consideration?
 Theory X and Y
 Maslow's Hierarchy
 Equity theory
 All the above
3. Do you think the current technique of two factor theory is effective to raise your
performance?
 Yes
 No
 Can't say
4. What do you think employees are likely to get motivated by which of the following choices?
 Hard approach
 Soft approach
 Both
5. Which amongst the following is most likely to instigate you?
 Intrinsic rewards
 Extrinsic rewards
 None
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6. What changes must be brought in the current motivational system?
 Money oriented method
 Concentration on providing opportunities to employees.
7. Have your performance been increased in the past period of employment?
 Yes
 No
 Nearly the same
8. Does motivation encourages you to work in better coordination?
 Yes
 no
 Can't Say
9. Are you able to achieve the target assigned when you are motivated by the seniors?
 Yes
 No
 Can't Say
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