Analyzing Employee Motivation in Retail: A Case Study of M&S

This report investigates the factors that motivate employees within the retail sector, focusing on a case study of Marks and Spencer. It identifies key motivators such as constructive feedback, training opportunities, recognition, rewards, and a positive work environment. The report also examines strategies organizations can implement to enhance employee motivation and satisfaction, including promotions and monetary incentives. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges arising from a lack of motivation, such as feeling undervalued and workplace conflict. The research methodology employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, utilizing surveys and secondary data to gather insights. Desklib provides access to this solved assignment and other study resources for students.

Research Methodologies

Contents
Topic: Factors that motivate employees in the retail sector...................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
Background of the organization...............................................................................................................3
Research Aim and Objectives..................................................................................................................3
Research Questions.................................................................................................................................4
Rationale for research..............................................................................................................................4
Literature Review......................................................................................................................................5
Introduction to literature review..............................................................................................................5
Various factors that motivate the employees within the retail sector.......................................................5
Different strategies that an organization can implement in order to increase employee motivation and
satisfaction...............................................................................................................................................6
Challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of employee motivation..............................6
Conclusion of literature review................................................................................................................7
Research Methodology..............................................................................................................................7
Potential Outcomes..................................................................................................................................10
Frequency.............................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................17

Topic: Factors that motivate employees in the retail sector.
INTRODUCTION
The retail sector is one of the largest industries across the world that comprises of various
companies that sell goods as well as services(Aboli Mande, 2021). There are different retailer
organizations as well as businesses that operate at different level. Consumers play a significant
role in the success of the overall retail organizations. The retail sector comprises of different
employees who belong to the different backgrounds as well as culture. And there are different
factors that can motivate the employees within the retail sector to perform better. Organization
chosen for this report is Marks and Spencer, which is a leading multinational retailer of
household as well as clothing products. The company was founded in the year 1884by Michael
Marks as well as Thomas Spencer and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The
respective report will explain the different factors that motivate the employees within the retail
sector. It will also explain the different strategies that an organization can implement in order to
increase employee motivation and satisfaction. Lastly, there is also a description about the
various challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of motivation among
employees.
Background of the organization
Marks and Spencer is a leading as well as well-known retailers of clothing products that
is based in London, United Kingdom. The company has a large base of customers that are loyal
to it with operations across different parts of the world. One of the strengths of the company is its
strong brand name and the company manages as well as operates different brands under its name
such as Indigo, Autograph, Classic etc. The company promotes diversity as well as equality in
the workplace with people from different backgrounds as well as diverse cultures(An and Han,
2020). The respective company, Marks and Spencer has a strong online presence across different
social media platform like Instagram, Facebook as well as Twitter and it also has its own
website. The management is focused on developing its employees and thus, offers them various
opportunities to enhance their learning and develop new skills.
Research Aim and Objectives
Aim

“To identify the different factors that motivate employees in the retail sector. A study on
Marks and Spencer.”
Research Objectives
 To identify the various factors that motivate the employees within the retail sector.
 To determine the different strategies that an organization can implement in order to
increase employee motivation and satisfaction.
 To analyze the challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of employee
motivation.
Research Questions
 What are the various factors that motivate the employees within the retail sector?
 What are the different strategies that an organization can implement in order to increase
employee motivation and satisfaction?
 What are the challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of employee
motivation?
Rationale for research
The primary rationale for undertaking this report is to help the readers understand about
the different factors that motivate the employees working within the retail sector(Korgaonkar and
et.al., 2021). Another rationale for undertaking this report is that I want to build a career in the
retail industry and hence, I think that the respective research study will help me in understanding
the different factors that can have an impact on their respective motivation levels. Also, it can be
said that the report as well as its findings will be beneficial for the employees within the retail
sector as well as the organizations operating within the industry, so that they are able to develop
effective strategies as well as make informed decisions.

Literature Review
Introduction to literature review
Literature review is one of the most important components of a research study because it
provides the readers with the understanding of the different themes that have been discussed
within the research study or about the topic of the research. In simple words, it can be stated that
literature review helps the researcher in identifying the gaps in the research as well as the ways
in which these gaps can be filled to make sure that there is an increase in the understanding of
the readers.
Various factors that motivate the employees within the retail sector
The retail sector is among the fastest growing sectors across the world along with
different organizations as well as businesses that operate at different levels(Mortimer, Fazal-e-
Hasanand Strebel, 2021). Also, the retail sector employees a large number of people who belong
to different backgrounds as well as cultures. It can be said that there are different factors that
motivate the employees working within the retail sector. For instance, providing constructive as
well as honest feedback can help the employees to identify their strengths as well as areas that
need improvement. Apart from this, training and developing opportunities are one of the other
significant factors that can help the managers in motivating the employees to perform better.
This is because training and development allows them to develop a better clarity of their roles
and responsibilities as well as increase the motivation level as they get a chance to develop new
skills and enhance their existing knowledge to a great extent.
Companies that have a culture of recognition, are able to make sure that the employees
develop a sense of belonging and hence, put in their best efforts to generate productive
outcomes. Promotions and rewards within the retail sector also play a significant role and can
directly influence the motivation levels of the employees (10 Ways to Motivate Your Retail
Employees, 2021). One of the other factors that can motivate the employees within the retail
sector include providing responsibility. This is because when the employees are given
responsibility based on their respective strengths, the results are more productive and this helps
in increasing the overall performance of the company in turn(Wiid, 2020). Lastly, a positive as
well as healthy workplace environment can also increase the motivation of the employees and
make sure that they are able to perform in the way that they are expected. Therefore, it is

important for an organization to implement various measures that can help in motivating the
employees.
Different strategies that an organization can implement in order to increase employee motivation
and satisfaction
According to view point of …, different strategies which an entity can implement in order to
increase employee motivation and satisfaction that are described below:
Promotion: This is undertaken as the key strategy that is performed through business to
encourage the staff for enhancing employee motivation and satisfaction. Moreover, it
incorporates facilitating manager with highest pay that aids person for satisfying their
requirements as it facilitated to workers into firm after effective performance upon previous job.
Monetary incentives: This is also regarded as external incentives that are directly
associated with maximizing motivation through rendering monetary rewards. Additionally, this
is essential for firm to enhance staff involvement in organization in order to attain their
objectives and enhance personnel contribution through satisfying its needs. In addition to this,
there are several forms of monetary rewards that may be provided to staff in order to satisfy its
desires as well as demands for involving the motivational factor.
Challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of employee motivation
As per the view point of, there are various challenges which have been faced by
organsaition due to lack of employee motivation. Some of them are discussed below:
Feeling undervalued: In case staff feels which it’s potential are not being appreciated,
they would soon initiates to lack of energy as well as commitment within its roles. Moreover, it
is crucial to celebrate success as well as provide credits. So, they feels undervalued which is
great challenge due to lack of motivation.
Conflict: Conflict within work area is largely detrimental. Moreover, healthy debate is
much productive but this is essential for keeping an eye for all work areas bullying or
intimidation. Few staff can feel tensed about to come up regarding problems related to a fellow
colleagues that is where a anonymous staff survey can aids for revealing any issues.

Conclusion of literature review
From the above literature review, this has been concluded that The retail sector is among
the fastest growing sectors across the world along with different organizations as well as
businesses that operate at different levels. Additionally, there are different factors that motivate
the employees working within the retail sector training and developing, culture of recognition,
providing responsibility and others. In addition to this, there some strategies that can able to
encourage staff such as promotion, monetary rewards and so on. Also, there are some challenges
like conflict, feeling undervalued and many more that may be face through lack of motivation.
Research Methodology
Research methodology is undertaken as the procedures which are applied through
investigator for intent of attaining the determined aim and objectives by accomplishing research
questions. For instance, research utilize Saunders research onion model. All aspects related to it
are mentioned below:
Research Philosophy: Respective aspects of research methodology incorporate
ontology, epistemology and axiology. Within particular research, there would be utilization of
epistemology which involves critical realism, interpretive and positivism. All philosophies are
effectual but for intent of utilizing it into respective investigation there would be application of
epistemology research philosophies. Additionally, researcher utilizes positivism philosophy
which would render in respect of statistical information accumulation into specified time
duration.
Research approach: There are basically two kinds of approaches that deductive and
inductive which aids in determination of accumulate data. Within respective research, deductive
approach would be utilized as this drives towards determination of statistical dat. In addition to
this, the key advantages of utilizing respective research approach which research would become
competent for drawing reliable conclusions.
Research strategy: This incorporates survey strategy, experiment and action research.
Within current research, survey method could be utilized. Additionally, this aids in accumulation

of statistical data from huge population segment. In addition to this, survey would be performed
through utilizing questionnaires to gather data from determined target segment of participants.
Research choice: Respective choice of research mainly incorporates two kinds that
quantitative as well as qualitative. Within respective investigation, there could be usages of both
qualitative and quantitative method to gain effective information. Additionally, this would drives
towards having both statistical as well as theoretical types of data in respect of particular
research task.
Data collection: This incorporates mainly two methods of accumulating data which are
primary and secondary method. Within respective research, in order to accumulate relevant
information primary method is utilized through questionnaire formation. In addition to this,
secondary data collection is utilized for accomplishing the literature review with utilization of
books, articles and others. In this research, both methods are utilized for gain effective and
appropriate data according to determined aim and objectives.
Sampling: This is considered as the process where particular sample is undertaken from
overall target population segment. Moreover, this is not a simple task for determining the huge
range of populations. Therefore, this is vital for researcher to opt respondent as per the needs to
attain specified aim and objectives. In addition to this, it is categorized into two kinds that are
probability as well as non- probability sampling method. Additionally, probability sampling is
regarded as methods which aids to chosen respondent from targeted population which is opted
through common procedures of researcher into lesser time duration. While non probability
sampling is undertaken as method where respondents are anticipated depends upon particular
needs. Respective procedures generally more time consuming for intent of identifying sample.
For it, 30 respondents are chosen from the respective organization.
Data analysis: This is considered as the procedures where data is to be determined
through usages of research analytical technique. With this research, there should have utilization
of quantitative data through utilization of questionnaires.
Time frame: Within respective research, the time frame is categorized based upon the
initial and ending date. Moreover, it is represented through utilization of Gantt chart that are
discussed below:

Potential Outcomes
For obtaining the potential outcomes, the researcher has to perform the data analysis with
assistance of frequency distribution analysis. For instance, questionnaires are formulated below:
Questionnaires
Q.1. Do you have any idea about the motivation within workplace?
Yes
No
Q.2. what are the various factors that motivate the employees within the retail sector?
Training and developing opportunities
Culture of recognition
Healthy workplace environment
Q. 3. What are the different strategies that an organization can implement in order to increase
employee motivation and satisfaction?
Promotion
Monetary rewards
Q.4. What are the challenges that an organization can face because of a lack of employee
motivation?
Felling under valued
Conflicts
Q.5. As per your view point, motivation have affect upon employee job satisfaction into
company?
True
False
Q.6. What are the effectiveness of personnel motivation for marks & Spencer?
Increased productivity
Increased employee commitment
Reduce employee turnover
Q.7. What do you think, Is motivation assists to enhance job satisfaction into Marks & Spencer?
Yes
No

INTERPRETATION
Q.1. Do you have any idea about the motivation within workplace? Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
5
Series1
Interpretation: According to above graph, it has been analyzed that among 30
participants, 25 are in favor of yes and rest 5 of them are responding towards no. It means that
more number of respondent have idea about the motivation within workplace.
Q.2. what are the various factors that motivate the employees within the retail
sector?
Frequency
Training and developing opportunities 15
Culture of recognition 5
Healthy workplace environment 10

Training and
developing
opportunities
Culture of
recognition Healthy workplace
environment
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
15
5
10 Series1
Interpretation: As per the above, graph, it has been interpreted that there are various
factors like training and development opportunities, culture of recognition and others which
encourages employee within retail industry. So, among 30 respondents 15 are agreed towards
training and development opportunities, 5 are responding towards culture of recognition. Rest 10
of them are in favour of healthy work environment.
Q. 3. What are the different strategies that an organization can implement in
order to increase employee motivation and satisfaction?
Frequency
Promotion 20
Monetary rewards 10
Promotion Monetary rewards
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
10
Series1

Interpretation: as per the above graph, it has been evaluated that there are different
strategies such as promotion, monetary rewards and others which an entity can implement in
order to enhance employee motivation and satisfaction. So, out of 30 respondents, 20 are
responding toward promotion as well as rest 10 are in favour of monetary rewards.
Q.4. What are the challenges that an organization can face because of a lack
of employee motivation?
Frequency
Feeling under valued 8
Conflicts 22
Feeling under valued Conflicts
0
5
10
15
20
25
8
22 Series1
Interpretation: As per the above graph, it has been interpreted that there are various
challenges such as feeling undervalued, conflicts and others. So, among 30 respondents, 22 are
responding towards conflicts and rest 8 is in favour of feeling under valued.
Q.5. As per your view point, motivation have affect upon employee job
satisfaction into company?
Frequency
True 26
False 4

1 2
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1
26 Series2
Series1
Interpretation: As per the above graph, it has been interpreted that motivation have
affect upon employee job satisfaction into company. As it plays essential role as without
motivational staff are not become competent for implementing its task practices effectively and
efficiently. As this directly related with improving job satisfaction within staff. So, among 30
respondents, 26 are responding towards true and rest 4 are in favour of no.
Q.6. What are the effectiveness of personnel motivation for marks & Spencer? Frequency
Increased productivity 12
Increased employee commitment 10
Reduce employee turnover 8
Increased
productivity Increased
employee
commitment
Reduce
employee
turnover
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
10
8 Series1

Interpretation: According to the above report, it has been interpreted that, among 30
participants, 12 are responding towards 12 and 10 are in favour of enhanced staff commitment.
Rest 8 of them is saying reduce employee turnover.
Q.7. What do you think, Is motivation assists to enhance job satisfaction into
Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
Yes 28
No 2
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
28
2
Series1
Interpretation: As per the above graph, it has been interpreted that out of 30 participants, 28 are
in favour of yes and rest 2 of them are responding towards NO.
CONCLUSION
As per the above report, it has been concluded that retail sector is one of the largest
industries across the world that comprises of various companies that sell goods as well as
services. Moreover, motivation plays vital role with retail industry. In addition to this, literature
review helps the researcher in identifying the gaps in the research as well as the ways in which
these gaps can be filled to make sure that there is an increase in the understanding of the readers.
Additionally, Research methodology is undertaken as the procedures which are applied through

investigator for intent of attaining the determined aim and objectives by accomplishing research
questions.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Aboli Mande, D.G.G., 2021. Various Motivational Factors and Its Impact on Employees’ of
Retail Sector in Pune Region. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 25(6),
pp.7831-7841.
An, M.A. and Han, S.L., 2020. Effects of experiential motivation and customer engagement on
customer value creation: Analysis of psychological process in the experience-based retail
environment. Journal of Business Research, 120, pp.389-397.
Korgaonkar, P. and et.al., 2021. Retail employee theft: When retail security alone is not enough.
Psychology & Marketing, 38(5), pp.721-734.
Mortimer, G., Fazal-e-Hasan, S.M. and Strebel, J., 2021. Examining the consequences of
customer-oriented deviance in retail. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 58,
p.102315.
Wiid, J.A., 2020. Employee engagement in retail organisations: the new normal post Covid-19?.
The Retail and Marketing Review, 16(2), pp.135-144.
Pandey, P., Singh, S. and Pathak, P., 2019. Factors affecting turnover intentions in the Indian
retail industry. International Journal of Human Resources Development and
Management, 19(2), pp.166-182.
Albors-Garrigos, J., 2020. Barriers and enablers for innovation in the retail sector: Co-innovating
with the customer. A case study in grocery retailing. Journal of Retailing and Consumer
Services, 55, p.102077.
Lloyd, A., 2020. Harm at work: Bullying and special liberty in the retail sector. Critical
Criminology, 28(4), pp.669-683.
Nadeak, B. and Naibaho, L., 2020. Motivation and HRM factors relation to the employee
loyalty. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 22.
Busu, M., Vargas, M.V. and Gherasim, I.A., 2020. An analysis of the economic performances of
the retail companies in Romania. Management and Marketing, 15(1), pp.125-133.
Ong, J.F.B., Tan, J.M.T., Villareal, R.F.C. and Chiu, J.L., 2019. Impact of quality work life and
prosocial motivation on the organizational commitment and turnover intent of public
health practitioners. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research, 8, pp.24-
43.
Özbük, R.M.Y. and Coşkun, A., 2020. Factors affecting food waste at the downstream entities of
the supply chain: A critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 244, p.118628.
Harris, L.C. and He, H., 2019. Retail employee pilferage: A study of moral
disengagement. Journal of Business Research, 99, pp.57-68.
Online
10 Ways to Motivate Your Retail Employees. 2021. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.fond.co/blog/10-ways-to-motivate-your-retail-employees/>.