Employee Motivation and Reward Systems: A Research Project Analysis

This research project investigates the impact of reward systems on employee motivation, focusing on the retail clothing sector, specifically Marks & Spencer. The study aims to determine the significance of reward systems, identify the relationship between employee motivation and rewards, and explore strategies to enhance motivation. The report includes a literature review, research methodology utilizing a qualitative approach, and analysis of findings. It examines factors influencing research project selection, formulates research specifications, and provides conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of data collected from both primary and secondary sources. The research highlights the importance of fair and transparent reward systems for employee motivation, productivity, and retention, offering insights into the dynamics between rewards and employee performance.

Research Project
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Task 1 Understand how to formulate research specification...........................................................4
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications ................................4
1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection ...................4
1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references .......................................................................5
1.4 Produce a research project specification ...............................................................................6
1.5 Produce plan and procedure for subsequent research ...........................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Matching resources effectively to frame the research questions...........................................9
2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification
and procedures...........................................................................................................................11
2.3 Recording and collating the related data..............................................................................12
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Effective use of appropriate research evaluation technique ...............................................13
3.2 Interpreting and analysing the results..................................................................................14
3.3 Making recommendations and justifying the areas for further considerations....................22
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................23
4.1 Presentation of research ......................................................................................................23
References......................................................................................................................................24
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INTRODUCTION
In simper terms, research is defined as the process of investigating into a subject matter in
order to obtain suitable findings. Further, there are various tools and techniques which are
adopted by a scholar to carry out research on a particular topic. The present research is based on
assessing the impact of reward system on employee motivation. In the present scenario,
motivated workforce has become very essential for business in retail clotting sector. Thus, the
present study will highlight the fact that whether the use of reward system has any kind of impact
on motivation level of employees or not. Some factors which has contributed in the selection of
this particular study are also mentioned in this report.
TASK 1 UNDERSTAND HOW TO FORMULATE RESEARCH
SPECIFICATION
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
Aim “ To assess the impact of reward system on employee motivation”
Objectives
 To determining significance of reward system in organization,
 To identifying relationship between employee motivational and reward system
 To determining effective strategies thorough which motivational level of people in the
organization can enhance
It can be stated that the research has worked in different subsequent research and
developed many topics to carry out appropriate study. Some key topics which the researcher
encountered during his/her work includes the impact of social media marketing on sales and
profitability of business, significance of effective communication in organizations, the need and
importance of employee training in success of companies, impact of reward system of employee
motivation etc. Thus among all these available topics, the scholar has preferred to carry out study
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on impact of reward system on motivation level of workers within organization (Mowday Porter,
and Steers, 2013). The rationale behind choosing this topic is that the adequate information was
available on the topic and therefore it has helped in obtaining suitable and most accurate
findings. The scholar was well aware of the fact that with the use of different primary and
secondary sources, the data will be collected easily. Another reason for choosing the topic was
that nowadays majority of retail clothing stores has started using reward systems in their overall
operations. The study is going to help in exploring the effective reward system and what kind of
relationship does reward system and motivation has with each other.
1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
Every researcher is required to define effective and suitable methodologies which will
used in order to carry out study in effective manner and accomplish its aim and objectives. For
carrying out the present research, both primary and secondary sources of data collected will be
used. On the other hand, qualitative technique of data analysis will be implemented in which the
information collected will analyse by using various themes. The major which has contributed in
selection of the present study is role of motivation and rewards system within a business
enterprise.
In the present scenario, organization are required to make adequate use of all the
resources which are available with it. Furthermore, employee or human resources are considered
as one of the most important and crucial resources for business. It can be also expressed that with
the help of effective and highly skilled workforce, companies are able to serve customers with
more satisfactory products and services. Along with this, they are also able to gain competitive
advantage over other players which are operating in industry. One of the major factor which has
contributed in selection of this particular research is that the growing importance of reward
system among organizations. Most of the businesses has started providing different type of
monetary and non-monetary rewards to their workers (Jiacheng, Lu and Francesco, 2010).
Another factor which has encouraged the researcher in selection of this study is the significance
of motivation among business enterprises. Nowadays there are various theories and techniques of
motivation which are used by companies to encourage employees in giving best of their efforts
(Manzoor, 2012). Thus, the present study will help in determining link between motivation and
reward system. This research will consist of some dependent and independent variables which
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will be required to be taken care by researcher. It can be stated that independent variable are in
control of researcher whereas dependent variable entirely relies on independent variable. The
sample size selected in this research will be independent variable and impact of motivation and
reward system will be variable. In the present carried out research, qualitative data will be
present from which the researcher is going to obtain suitable findings. In simpler terms,
qualitative data can be termed as the information which is not present in form of numbers and it
is completely varied in nature.
1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references
As per the view of Armstrong and Taylor, (2014) reward system at workplace has
become very important in the present scenario. The role of such systems is to identify employees
who have excelled in their respective field and contributed outstanding towards the success of
organization (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014). The use of reward system results in creating sense of
satisfaction among employee and helps them to give their best. Pinder, (2014) has explained that
the use of reward system supports in retaining employees for long run. This further results in
serving customers with the best quality of products and services (Pinder, 2014). The use of
reward system also play very important role in enhancing the productivity of employee.
However, has argued that organization needs to ensure that not only monetary but different types
of non-monetary rewards are also provided to staff members (Piccolo and et.al., 2010). This
includes non-monetary rewards such as health benefit or insurance for employee and their family
members, providing flexible working hours, recognition of employee efforts, providing them
with new roles and responsibilities etc.
According to Schneider and Bowen, (2010) employee motivation is directly affected by
the kind of reward system which has been adopted by organizations. Furthermore, businesses
which do not use any kind of reward system tends to have employee which are less motivated
and their morale level is also very low (Schneider and Bowen, 2010). The reason why reward at
regular intervals motivate workers is that they become well aware of the fact that delivering
better performance will result in better rewards. Twenge and et.al., (2010) has explained that the
consequences of low employee morale includes higher absenteeism, less productivity and poor
job performance (Twenge and et.al., 2010). This directly affected the capability of organizations
to serve their customers in effective manner. Situations where employee receives various kind of
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rewards, act as driving force for employees and always encouraged them to give their best
towards the success of business enterprise. On the other side of this, Cummings, and Worley,
(2014) has argued that it is not necessary that rewards always results in motivating workers to
deliver better performance (Cummings and Worley, 2014). Reward system which are not fair
and transparent results in creating dissatisfaction among workers. Thus, it is required by
organizations to make sure that they do not encourage any kind of partiality at the time of
providing rewards to their employees (Griffin, 2013). Companies needs to be fair and are also
required to developed effective monitoring process to evaluate performance of staff members.
Further, rewards should be provided on the basis of the performance which has been delivered by
the employee (Scott, and Davis, 2015). Thus, it can be stated that there are various benefits
which organizations has by using reward system. It increases the productivity, enhance
attendance, lower down rate of employees and it directly enhances motivation level of people
within organization.
1.4 Produce a research project specification
The present will focus on identification of the impact of reward systems on motivation of
employees. Further, Marks & Spencer has been selected as the organization which the researcher
is going to investigate. It can be stated that in order to carry out the research in appropriate
format project specifications are developed and mentioned below as: Title of the study – To assess the impact of reward system on employee motivation Introduction – The present study will explore different areas which are directly linked
with employee motivation and system of reward which are used by organizations. The
growing use of reward system has helped my businesses to gain competitive advantage
among other market players by serving customers with more satisfactory products and
services. On the other side of this, motivate employee helps businesses to accomplish
their goals and objectives in desired manner. Therefore, the present study will explore the
fact that what kind of impact does reward system have on motivational level of people in
the organization. Research aims and objectives – The purpose behind development of objectives and aim
of research is to provide adequate direction to research regrading the fact that how study
can be carried out in the best possible manner. The aim of present research is to assess the
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impact of reward system on motivation of employee. Further its objectives includes
determining significance of reward system in organization, identifying relationship
between employee motivational and reward system and determining effective strategies
thorough which motivational level of people in the organization can enhance. Literature review – The literature review plays very important role in success of study
and accomplishment of its aim. It can be stated that this section explores the views and
opinions of other researchers and scholars on the topic which is under investigation. It
supports researcher in becoming aware about the work of others and enhance overall
knowledge. Research methodology – This section highlights different techniques and tools which are
being employed by scholars to carry out the study. Further, it can be stated that the
researcher has used inductive approach for the present study. In term of philosophy,
interpretivism research philosophy is used and qualitative technique of data analysis is
employed by the scholar. The use of right tools and techniques helps in carrying out
research in appropriate manner and obtain suitable findings. Findings and analysis – This section includes the findings and analysis of the
information which has been collected from various primary and secondary sources.
Findings are presented with the help of various graphs and tables. On the other hand,
thematic method is used to carry out the analysis of collected information.
 Conclusions and recommendations – It is termed as the last section of research which
highlights the information which has been presented and analyzed by the researcher.
Along with this, some recommendations are provided to Marks & Spencer on the basis of
conclusion.
1.5 Produce plan and procedure for subsequent research
ACTIVITY/WEEK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
 Identification of research
topic
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 Topic is selected after
discussing with tutor,
 Determining the rationale
behind the study and
significance are defined.
 literature review is
conducted to collect
secondary data related to
topic,
 Determining objectives and
aim of the study
 For collecting primary data,
researcher approachers to
managers of Marks &
Spencer
 Selection of research
approach
 Research methodology
used in the study defined
properly.
 Questionnaires related to
impact of reward system on
employee motivation is
developed
 With the help of survey and
questionnaire methods,
information from
respondents collected.
 Arrangement of gathered
information in a
chronological order.
 Thematic analysis
technique is applied to the
present outcomes.
 Interpretation of collecting
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data and findings of
research in systematic
manner.
 At the end,
recommendations and
suggestions for further
study are provided.
 Presentation is developed
to present the findings.
 Submission of the report
Hypothesise- It can be defined as a statement which has been formulated by a scholar with an
order to attain suitable outcome by carrying out experiment or research. For the present study, th
hypothesis will be to determine impact of reward system and motivation. In order to carry out
this study, researcher will be required obtain in-depth knowledge about the concept, significance
and different from of reward system. The aim and objective of research are mentioned below as:
Aim “ To assess the impact of reward system on employee motivation”
Objectives
 To determining significance of reward system in organization,
 To identifying relationship between employee motivational and reward system
 To determining effective strategies thorough which motivational level of people in the
organization can enhance
Along with this, resources such as technological, financial and human will be also
requited to conduct this particular study. The analysis of data will be done with help of Execl and
it can be expressed that entire research is going to be reliable and valid. Only authentic sources
will be used to collect information and no manipulation of data will be done. As per the provided
case, the control variable will be sample size and sample selected for carrying out this study.
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TASK 2
2.1 Matching resources effectively to frame the research questions
In order to carry out the present study, different type of resources were required by the
researcher. This includes resources such as human, technology and finance which were needed to
carry out study in the best possible manner. To accomplish the aim and objective of this research,
different primary and secondary sources of information are used. In addition to this, primary data
has been collected by well structured questioner which is developed on the basis of research aim
and objectives. Along with this, different secondary sources such as books, online sources and
journals are also taken into consideration to gather useful information. All the information is
collected to assess the impact of reward system on motivation of employees. The questionnaire is
mentioned below as:
1. Name
2. Gender
 Male
 Female
3.Do you think rewards system has become very important for organizations?
 Yes
 No
4. Marks & Spencer provides employee with rewards against their outstanding performance?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
5. Organizations are required to provide both monetary and non monetary rewards to
employees?
 Yes
 No
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6. What are the financial rewards which are provided by Marks & Spencer?
 Basic wages
 Pay related to performance
 Promotion
 Bonus
 Pension plan
 Discount to staff
 All the above
7. What are the non-monetary rewards which Marks & Spencer provides to its employees?
 Incentives in terms of half day or time off?
 Perks
 Gifts
 Training and development
 Roles and responsibilities
 Flexible working hours
 Recognition and acknowledgement of employee
 Challenging activities
 All the above
8. How motivation level of employee is measured in Marks & Spencer?
 By the volume of work produce by employees
 Employee s work quality and standard
 Time invested in doing task
 Concentration level of employees
9. In your opinion different type of rewards affects the motivation level of workers?
 Yes
 Somewhat
 No
10. Fair and transparent reward system act as driving force and encourages employee to give
their best?
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 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification
and procedures
The main aim behind carrying out this study is to assess the impact of reward system on
motivational level of employees. Further, there are different type of research design which can be
used by researchers to carry out their respective studies (Clark and Creswell, 2011). This
includes designs such as experimental, case study, exploratory, casual etc. For the current study,
descriptive design of research has been employed by the scholar. The rationale behind this is to
describe different element which are linked with organizations reward system and employee
motivation. The researcher has also taken care of the fact that validity and reliability of research
is maintained the best possible manner. The data has been collected only from authentic sources
and primary data is gathered personally by the researcher. In the present study, information was
presented in non- numerical form and therefore qualitative technique of data analysis is used by
the scholar (Petty, Thomson and Stew, 2012). The selected technique of data analysis has
benefited the research in carrying out in depth analysis of the topic under investigation. On the
other hand, interpretivism and positivism are the two common form of research philosophies
which are used to carry out a particular study (Zhang, 2013). In the present, interpretivism
research philosophy is employed by the research. The rationale behind using interpretivism
philosophies is that it entirely relies on reality of research and thus was more suitable for this
research. Other than this, it can be stated that inductive and deductive are the two main
approaches which are used to conduct a study. Further, in order to assess the impact of reward
system on employee motivation, inductive approach has been used. The reason behind using this
philosophy is that more generalized data related to the topic under investigation was required to
effectively carrying out the present study.
Purpose of the research
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