Research Methodology Chapter: Employee Motivation and Firm's Practices

This research methodology chapter outlines the structure of a dissertation investigating the impact of employee motivation on a firm's knowledge management practices. It details the research philosophy (interpretivism), approach (inductive), and the use of qualitative data, specifically employing a case study of Alitalia Airline. The chapter describes data collection methods, including interviews with managers, and sampling techniques (simple random). It also covers data analysis using qualitative techniques, thematic analysis, and addresses ethical considerations and research limitations. The chapter emphasizes the importance of authentic data sources and systematic evaluation to gain meaningful insights into the research problem and identify solutions. The study aims to assess existing knowledge management practices and identify areas for improvement through interviews with 30 managers from Alitalia Airline.

RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 3....................................................................................................................................1
3.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................1
(Source- Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill, Booij and Verckens, 2011 )............................................2
3.2 Research Philosophy.............................................................................................................3
3.3 Research Approaches............................................................................................................3
3.4 type of Data...........................................................................................................................3
3.5 Research Strategies...............................................................................................................4
3.6 Data Collection Methods......................................................................................................5
3.6.1 Sampling............................................................................................................................5
3.6.2 Primary data (Interviews)...................................................................................................6
3.6.3 Secondary data...................................................................................................................6
3.8 Data Analysis........................................................................................................................6
3.9 Ethical issues.........................................................................................................................7
3.10 Research Limitations...........................................................................................................7
3.11 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................10

Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Research Onion ........................................................................................................2

CHAPTER 3
3.1 Introduction
Research methodology section describes about structure of the entire dissertation on the
basis of which entire study will be performed (Smith, 2015). Methodology provides a effective
blueprint on the basis of which all the areas of the study are covered. The aim of this chapter is to
evaluate the impact of Employee's motivation on a firm's knowledge management practices.
Moreover, this section will describe about the various types of approaches and techniques that
are used in research methodology section. Section 3.2 gives an idea about the research
philosophy which is used in the dissertation.
Section 3.3 mentions about the research approaches which are used for data collection
methods which have been used for gathering information from the sample. Section 3.5 describes
about the research strategies which have been used in the case study and section 3.6 describes
about the data collection methods which have been used in the study for collecting the required
data and information from the participants of the study. In addition to that section 3.6.1 describes
about the sampling technique which are used in the study and 3.6.2 describes about the Methods
through which primary data has been collected for the research study. Further section 3.6.3
describes about the methods that has been sued for gathering the secondary data for the study.
Section 3.8 describes about the data analysis process and section 3.9 describes about the ethical
issues which are faced in the study. Research methodology basically provides a pathway to
systematically investigating the problem and on the basis of that information is collected for
identifying solutions for the problem.
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(Source- Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill, Booij and Verckens, 2011 )
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Illustration 1: Research Onion

3.2 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy describes about the development of the research study in effectual
manner (Mertens, 2014). The philosophy is comprised of various factors and it includes varied
perception of scholar and the beliefs that exists towards reality. In the present study major aim of
the scholar is to is to evaluate the impact of Employee's motivation on a firm's knowledge
management practices .
In this regard interpretivism philosophy has been used by the scholar to gaining
meaningful insight for the selected topic (Bryman, 2015). Making use of this philosophy has
supported the scholar to providing adequate justifications for the chosen problem of the research
study. Real facts and data associated with the study has been highlighted by the scholar and it has
also helped for assessing the samples of the research study. Scholar has became capable for
interpreting all the events that are associated with the selected topic. It is critical that detailed
information should be gained so that objectives of the study should be accomplished in effective
and successful manner.
3.3 Research Approaches
Research approach basically provides a pathway on the basis of which the study is taken
forward (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016). The present study makes use of inductive approach and it
has helped for performing the study in more effective manner. Further, inductive approach has
helped for moving from a specific situation to making broad ideas and generalising theories for
completing the study in effective way.
Making use of inductive approach scholar has became capable for carrying out the
research in planned and organized way. This approach has helped for observing the views of
managers of the chosen firm. Empirical generalizations have been developed by the scholar and
on the basis of useful and meaningful information have been collected related to the dissertation.
Broader generalizations will be made and specific and useful information and data will be
collected about the chosen topic of the study. However there are some disadvantages of making
use of inductive approach and it sometimes create limitations. Scope of inductive approach is
limited and difficulties are faced in drawing inferences from various situations.
3.4 type of Data
In the present study researchers has made use of qualitative data and information. This
data has some specific characteristics and it is unstructured and flexible in nature. In qualitative
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research study low number of observation will be used and it aids for rendering a detailed and
meaningful insight about the selected topic (Patten, 2017).
Qualitative method of data selection is one of the most suitable approach and it supports
for gathering important and meaningful data for the study. Scholar has made use of this data so
that chosen topic could be explored and understanding should be gained on that. There are
mainly four types of qualitative research and it comprise of phenomenology, ethnography,
grounded theory and Case study. In this study use of case study method has been used and in
depth analysis and description for the selected topic will be gained.
3.5 Research Strategies
Csikszentmihalyi and Larson, (2014) has defined that case study is used as a strategy
while carrying out the research project. It provides practical application through which the real
life examples could be gained and investigation of contemporary phenomenon should be done. In
case study importance is given to the context and it provides extensive examination of
phenomenon in real life contexts. Flick, (2011) has defined that case studies are used in research
works for carrying out inquiries for investigation of contemporary phenomenon in effective way.
There are many types of case studies and it comprise of Descriptive case study, experimental
case study, explanatory case study, illustrative case study. Several sources of evidences are used
in the case study and on the basis of that deep and meaningful understanding is got for the
selected topic. Case studies can be chosen from various sources of data sources. In the present
case systematic and organized approach has been used by the scholar.
Goddard and Melville, (2004) has mentioned that Explicit research questions have been
prepared and on the basis of that data has been collected. In the present dissertation case study of
Alitalia Airline has been explored and from it detailed and meaningful information have been
gained. Selecting this case study will help in the chosen context and will aligned with the
situations and circumstances present in the present study. In this research using this case study
will help for getting deep understanding about the selected case study. Understanding this case
study will help for assessing the impact of employee's motivation on a company's knowledge
management practices. Existing knowledge management practices used in the firm and the gap
existing in them has been identified and further methods that could be used for making
improvements in knowledge management practices have been assessed. The entire research has
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been conducted by taking interview of 10 Managers of Altalia Airline and their interview will be
taken so that their response should be gained for completing the study in effective way.
3.6 Data Collection Methods
Data collection keep a very important role in this study and it is important that data
should be collected from authentic sources so that all the important information require fir the
study should be collected from genuine and authentic sources (Hogg, 2008). Two type of data
has been used in the study and it comprise of primary and secondary data. Primary data is one of
the most important data which has been used in the study and scholar has used this data for
gaining useful information for the dissertation. In the present research interview of 30 Managers
of Alitalia Airline have been selected and their interview has been taken.
There are various methods which are used for collection of primary data and it comprise
of questionnaire, focus group interview and survey methods (Khalid, 2009). All the methods
support for taking response from the participants of the study in effective way. In the present
case primary data has been gathered through interview method and it has helped for taking view
points of the respondents for completing the dissertation in effective way. In addition to that
interview of the candidates will be taken so that their view points should be taken for completing
the research work in effective way. In addition to that secondary data also play a key role in the
completion of the research study. Moreover, secondary data is collected from books, journals,
websites and other internet sources. Secondary data is generally published in other studies and it
further supports for carrying out the research in effective way. The present dissertation is carried
out with objective to evaluate the impact of Employee's motivation on a firm's knowledge
management practices.
3.6.1 Sampling
Sampling is done for selecting the respondents for completing the study and with this
view points of the respondents are taken for the same (Kumar, 2014). Scholar has made use of
probability sampling techniques so that participants should be selected for the research study.
Simple random sampling method has been used for selecting the respondents of the study and in
this method all the respondents get equal chance for taking part in the study. Simple random
sampling will provide chance to all the staff member of Alitalia Airline. 30 managers of the cited
firm will be selected. Probability sampling method will help for choosing the respondents for the
selected study.
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3.6.2 Primary data (Interviews)
Primary data is collected first time by the scholar and in this process interview method
will be used by the scholar for taking views from the respondents. Prior permission has been
taken from the participants of the study and with this they have also informed about the different
aspects of the study. Interview of 30 managers of Alitalia Airline will be taken so that impact of
employee motivation on knowledge management practices used in the firm could be assessed.
The success of the interview will depend on the response given by the participants of the
research study. However there are some difficulties faced in the interview method. Sometimes
participants hesitate in providing genuine information. Maintaining confidentiality of
information during the interview process is one more issue which is faced during the interview
process.
3.6.3 Secondary data
Secondary data for the dissertation has been collected from various types of books,
journals, websites and Government published data are basic secondary sources which are used
for completing the study in effective way. Internet articles and other websites will be used for
taking out information on the chosen topic. This data will help for gaining meaningful insight
about the chosen topic and with this understanding of the selected topic will be gained.
3.8 Data Analysis
Data analysis process play a very important role in systematically evaluating the data and
information for completing the research study in effective way (Mertens, 2014). In this
dissertation major aim of the scholar is to evaluate the impact of Employee's Motivation on a
firm's knowledge management practices. In the present dissertation qualitative analysis
techniques have been used and thematic technique is utilized for completing the study in
effective way.
Themes are formulated and on the basis of that patterns and data is identified so that
outcomes and findings should be gained from the research study. The techniques used by the
scholar will help for rendering important and meaningful description of the phenomenon that is
used in the research work. Qualitative analysis techniques supports for gaining in depth analysis
of the selected topic in effective manner (Bryman, 2015). Themes have been formulated and on
the basis of that patterns have been identified on the basis of that analysis of data and
information will be performed.
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3.9 Ethical issues
It is critical that ethical considerations should be followed while carrying out a study so
that all the aspects of the dissertation should be completed in proper way (Sekaran and Bougie,
2016). Scholar has obtained prior approval from all the participants of the study. Respondents
have been given detailed information about the chosen topic and several tools and techniques
that are used in the dissertation are also described to them.
All the participants are agree to take part in the research and no candidate has been forced
to involve in the study. The major aim and purpose of the study has been explained to them and
various procedures which have been used in the study have also been described to them. In
addition to that researcher has made it ensure that confidentiality of information should be
maintained.
It is ensured that any information associated with the topic should not be disclosed to the
participants. Further, respondents have been ensured for privacy of data and information which
has been provided by them. Scholar has ensured great degree of privacy to the candidates taking
part in the research work and it has helped for maintaining confidentiality of information.
Secondary data has been taken by the scholar from various sites and permission was taken by the
scholar for accessing the restricted sites from which information has been taken. Prior permission
has been taken by the scholar for accessing these sites and it has helped for taking valid and
reliable information for completing the research study in effective way. Moreover, proper
citation of work also have been done by the scholar and due credit has been given to the authors
and scholars for completing the study in effective manner. In addition to that doing citation of
work has been taken into account by the scholar. Moreover proper rephrasing of the content used
in the study also has been done and it has helped for taking valid content for completing the
study in effective way.
3.10 Research Limitations
Research limitations are the areas where researchers have certain shortcoming or
conditions which they are unable to fulfill. In this context, it includes time constraints, denied
access, etc. As research contains the interview and survey of different person so this process
made time delay. It is important to have proper management of time so that research can be
completed within specified time period. Further, there are different type of activities through
which research can be completed. When there is lack of planning for funds then it becomes type
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of issue for conducting the research. Along with this, there may be some lack of availability and
clarity in the literature on the mentioned topic as professional journals were unavailable. In order
to access the articles, accounts was required to be made and there were some articles in which
one required to pay in order to access them (Patten, 2017). The research was conducted with the
managers of the Alitalia Airline so some of them refused to provide the information without
genuine reason. As there was very limited time for conducting the research so finding data
through the primary and secondary data collection become little expensive.
3.11 Conclusion
Research methodology section is one important section of the dissertation and it provides
details about the structure of the dissertation. Further, qualitative research is used in the present
dissertation and Case study method has been used in this. In this section use of research
philosophy by the scholar has been described, interpretivism philosophy has been used and it has
helped for getting deep and meaningful information about the chosen topic.
In addition to that inductive approach has been used in the study and it has helped for
gaining information about the chosen topic. Inductive approach provides framework in which a
framework is designed on the basis of the data and information used in the current study. This
chapter of the dissertation has focussed on the accomplishing the required objectives of the
dissertation. In this entire structure and tools and techniques that are going to be discussed in the
dissertation will be used.
Further, types of data and collection methods of data has been explained in the
dissertation and methods and strategy through which dissertation will be completed has been
defined. Reliable and authentic data sources will be used for completing the research study and it
will also support for accomplishing the required objectives of the research study in successful
manner. Qualitative research approach has been used in the present study and thus deep
understanding and meaningful insight has been gained through it. Case study method has been
used and through this practical understanding of the phenomenon has been gained. Overall
research methodology section has depicted about the complete structure of the dissertation and
on the basis of that objectives of the study has been met. Scholar has made it ensured that that
ethical considerations should be considered while completing the dissertation.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Bryman, A., 2015. Social research methods. Oxford university press.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. and Larson, R., 2014. Validity and reliability of the experience-sampling
method. In Flow and the foundations of positive psychology (pp. 35-54). Springer
Netherlands.
Fiegen, M. A., 2010. Systematic review of research methods: the case of business instruction.
Reference Services Review. 38(3). pp.385–397.
Flick, U., 2011. Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to Doing a Research
Project. SAGE.
Goddard, W. and Melville, S., 2004. Research Methodology: An Introduction. Juta and Company
Ltd.
Hogg, K. M., 2008. Composing Qualitative Research. Qualitative Market Research: An
International Journal. 11(4). pp.439–443.
Khalid, A. N. S., 2009. Reflexivity in Qualitative Accounting Research. Journal of Financial
Reporting and Accounting. 7(2). pp.81–95.
Kumar, R., 2014. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE.
Mertens, D.M., 2014. Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating
diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Sage publications.
Ormerod, J. R. and Ulrich, W., 2013. Operational research and ethics: A literature review.
European Journal of Operational Research. 228(2). Pp.291-307.
Patten, M.L., 2017. Understanding research methods: An overview of the essentials. Taylor &
Francis.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A., Booij, M. and Verckens, J.P., 2011. Methoden en
technieken van onderzoek. Pearson Education.
Sekaran, U. and Bougie, R., 2016. Research methods for business: A skill building approach.
John Wiley & Sons.
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