Research Proposal: HRM Problems & Productivity in UK Businesses

This research proposal explores the problems of human resource management (HRM) and their impact on organizational productivity within UK businesses, focusing on the retail sector and specifically Marks & Spencer (M&S). It aims to identify HRM challenges, examine current practices, and propose solutions to enhance employee wellbeing, productivity, and retention. The methodology employs a quantitative approach with surveys distributed to M&S employees. The study acknowledges limitations such as resource scarcity and time constraints while highlighting the significance of HRM in maintaining competitiveness and retaining skilled employees. The expected outcomes include providing actionable strategies for HR professionals to address challenges and improve organizational performance, contributing both theoretically and practically to the understanding of HRM's influence on productivity in the UK retail industry. The proposal outlines the structure of subsequent chapters, including literature review, research methodology, data analysis, conclusions, recommendations, and a reflective summary of the research process.

Research Proposal
(Problems of human resource management
and their impact on organizational productivity
within UK business)

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................2
Chapter 1..........................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Chapter overview...................................................................................................................2
1.2 Background information........................................................................................................2
1.3 Problem statement and rationale of the research...................................................................2
1.4 Aims, research questions, and objectives .............................................................................2
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................3
Research Questions......................................................................................................................3
1.5 Methodology..........................................................................................................................3
1.6 Scope and limitation..............................................................................................................3
1.7 Significance of the study for the various reader....................................................................4
1.8 Summary................................................................................................................................5
1.9 Work structure.......................................................................................................................6
Literature Review............................................................................................................................7
References......................................................................................................................................15
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1
1.1 Chapter overview
This research report will focus on the problems of human resource management (HRM)
and their impact on organizational productivity within UK business (Armstrong and Taylor,
2020). This chapter will cover background information of research, problem statement and
rationale, research aim, objectives and questions, methodology, scope and limitation,
significance of study as well as work structure.
1.2 Background information
HRM is basically the management of people within the organisation in an effective and
efficient manner for achieving better outcomes. It deals with recruitment, training, conflict
resolution, safety of employees as well as with manpower retentions of an organisation with a
purpose of improving productive contribution of human resources. Employees are the most
important assets of the organisation, so development of personal with organisational
development is crucial factor. HRM plays an important role to manage the people of the
organisation. So much cost involves in hiring process so employee resignation or termination
badly effect the organisation. Organisation need to adopt the changes prevail in business
environment to maintain their existence. When other firms provide more salary, than employee
will attract towards them and leave the current organisation. Productivity of retail industry is
affected by problems of HRM, because if trained employee leaves the retail organisation, then it
will decrease the production level and overall decrease the productivity of the organisation. HR
department need to monitor the performance of each employee, and inspire them for work. There
are so many changes prevail in business environment and employee resist change as they are
habitual of current working style, in this situation HR will motivate the employees by telling the
benefits of adopting changes.
Profile of Marks and spencer
Marks and Spencer is the retail company founded by Michael Marks and Thomas
Spencer in 1884. Its headquarters in London, England and has approx 1037 stores in UK and 472
stores in all over the world. 78,000 employees are working in M&S currently. The company has
objective of building the business sustainably by consistent, regular and profitable growth. There
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basic aim is to keep the brand in the minds of the customers by providing quality goods and
services. Their brand can be improved by providing quality services, developing trust and
innovation of the product. They want to invest in digital technology so that they can develop
their business plan according to technological changes.
1.3 Problem statement and rationale of the research
The identified problem for the existing research is concerned with the aspect of human
resource management as it has been analysed that there are some of the problems which are
associated with HRM process that are to be faced by an organisation. Due to which the
productivity of the company gets hampered as it is not possible for the employees of the
company to face those problems and gain competitive advantage over them. In terms of personal
perspective, investigators will learn about various research methods to collect information so that
they can implement effectively in their further research. Further, the studies by Kroon et al.
(2009) and Ogbonnaya et al. (2017) show that HRM processes and activities may cause stress,
work overload, and exhaustion which leads to enormous negative impact on employee wellbeing,
and in turn productivity. The researcher's professional outlook will also be met during the
conduct of this research as they learn about the problems faced by human resource management
and some of the ways they can mitigate those issues that they can apply in its job role.
1.4 Aims, research questions, and objectives
The studies aim is to identify the problems of human resource management and their
influence on the productivity of UK retail industry related to M & S.
Research Objectives
 To explore the concept of HRM in context of UK retail business
 To examine the current HRM practice M&S meant to increase employee wellbeing,
productivity, and retention of well skilled employees and, thereby, increase the
performance and productivity of the business.
 To discern the problems faced by HRM and their impact on the productivity of M&S.
 To identify ways for reducing problems faced by M&S’s HRM.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of HRM in context of UK retail business?
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 What HRM practices does M&S currently employ to increase employee productivity, to
retain talented staff, and, thus, increase its company's revenue?
 What are the problems faced by HRM of M&S that impacts on its productivity?
 What are the ways for reducing problems faced by M&S’s HRM and to add maximum
value to the company?
1.5 Methodology
Research methodology covers philosophies, strategies, approach, method of collecting
data and many more. Quantitative research methodology has been selected in this existing study.
Positivism research philosophy is used for the systematic analysis and evaluation of information.
Investigator has used deductive approach and survey is chosen as research strategy for collecting
information. In this approximately 35 respondents will be selected by the researcher and
responses from the will be collected via questionnaire. All the respondents will be the employees
of M&S.
1.6 Scope and limitation
Within this current research, there are different problems that are faced by investigator at
time conducting research like scarcity of resources, time issues, high cost, choice of research
method and many more. In addition to this it has been invalidated that present research is having
wider set of scope as this is conducted on the concept of human resource management along with
the problems that organizations in UK retail industry can face. In addition to this research is also
having a wider range of scope as it helps in identifying the influence of human resource
management on organization productivity. With the help of this research organisations in the
retail sector such as Marks and Spencer and other small, medium and large scale companies in
retail industry can implement various strategies to overcome the problems faced during the
process of human resource management, in order to gain competitiveness in industry along with
maximum satisfaction of customers (Bratton, Bratton and Steele, 2021). Human resource
management plays important role as it with the help of this organization in retail sector can retain
skilled and talented employees which helps them to conduct their operations with experienced
and talented workspace. Furthermore, present research is also having wider scope as it will help
companies in the same sector to understand the influence of human resource management on
productivity of companies. However, there are some certain set of limitation that can be faced by
investigator during this research some of these are inclusive of time management as to a certain
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proper and authentic information and data investigator need to invest lot of time that can affect
research objectives accomplishment inappropriate time frame.
1.7 Significance of the study for the various reader
The results and recommendation provided enable human resources within the organisation
to adopt effective strategies to overcome the problems. Current research is important to the
researcher as it helps in fulfilling their personal and professional objectives. The present study
aimed at discussing the problems of human resource management along with their influence on
UK retail sector productivity of Marks and Spencer. In the research concept of human resource
management and their influence on productivity on retail industry there are various problems that
has been faced by human resource management and its impact on Marks and Spencer
productivity is being duly discussed (Marchington, Donnelly and Kynighou, 2016). In addition
to this research is also significant as it is inclusive of the role of human resource management of
Marks and Spencer on maximising the overall productivity and performance of business. With
the help of this the result will help other organisations in the same sector to evaluate the extent of
these problems and further assure higher growth and profitability, at the same time research
include the ways to reduce problems faced by human resource management within the company.
This will help companies in the same sector to utilise the strategy and further overcome the
challenges that can affect their decision making. In addition to this present research is also
beneficial as it is important for researcher in terms of enhancing the understanding level of
human resource management along with their impact and influence on productivity of company.
Thus the present research significantly contributes in both theoretical and practical way by
determining the problems of human resource management and their influence on UK retail
industry productivity.
1.8 Summary
The current study is based on the aspect of HRM which mainly covers the problems
faced by M&S organisational productivity. This chapter has covered the research problem, aims,
objectives and questions, and introduced the topic which will be discussed further discussed in
the next chapter. In addition to this it has been analyse that present study include in depth
analysis of the concept of human resource management in context of UK retail business which
defines that human resource management provide various benefits to company in which with the
help of these practices organization in the United Kingdom retail sector can secure top talent
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have a stronger on boarding, improve employee retention, have excess of wider best of
employees network and can gain wider range of benefits in terms of building relationship. In
today’s business environment there is aggressive competition among industries .iI context with
UK retail business sector it has been analyse that in this Marks and Spencer is facing intense
competitive rivalry from other companies such as Zara, Primark etc (Mathis, Valentine and
Meglich, 2016). To overcome this, competitive rivalry company needs to implement human
resource management strategies and approach through which they can enhance their overall
productivity in effective manner. This will also benefit organization to retain strong and talented
employees for longer period of time that will help organization to enhance the productivity at
higher scale. This will also benefit organization to stay competitive. In addition to this with
human resource management companies like Marks and Spencer can improve employee
productivity at higher rate and can also influence consumer behaviour towards the company with
the help of effective analysis of the problems as well as ways of reducing the problems this
research offers various advantages to researcher along with readers.
1.9 Structure of the remaining chapters
 Chapter 2: Literature Review - This section includes a review of the various literatures,
comparing the perspectives of different authors on topics related to the topic. It is the
main part of the dissertation in which information from various sources are critically
analysed to deeply understand the current knowledge state in the field of HRM.
 Chapter 3: Research Methodology - It justifies the various methods adopted which help
the researcher to conduct research study systematically and achieve the research
objective. Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Research Findings - In this part, the data is
analyzed, and the findings are discussed which help the researcher to draw the
conclusions of the study.
 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations - This section provides the conclusion
based on the findings in the previous chapter. It also includes some of the
recommendations towards the organization based on the findings of the study. It finally
provides suggestion for further research.
 Chapter 6: Reflection - In this the researcher provides a reflection on the overall
learning achieved by the study along with the future implications of the study. In
addition, it includes information on what went well, what didn't, the overall contribution
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the researcher made to the researcher's personal development, as well as the learnings that
the researcher learned.
Figure 1.1: Structure of the Dissertation
(Source: Self-Generated)
Literature Review
Concept of HRM in context of UK retail business
As per the view point of Noe, (2017) Human resource management is defined as a
practice of recruitment hiring deployment and managing an organization workforce. In simple
terms human resource management practices that HR department within organization undertake
in order to create a productive workspace environment. In today’s time period human resource
management is an important concept as it allows organizations to manage its one of the most
important assets employees which helps organization to undertake various operations in effective
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manner. Furthermore it has been underlined that human resource management process is also
inclusive of employing people, providing training and compensation and developing policies
associated to them. It is essential for human resource manager within organization to develop
strategies in order to retain talented and skilled employees for longer period of time. Human
resource practices is becoming important in todays time period as it allows organizations to
enhance its competitive edge in industry. With the help of managing employees company can
also provide maximum satisfaction to customers that will significantly benefit companies to
stand out in the market. In context with UK retail business there are various organizations
operating at roles and responsibilities in the market. In addition to this it has been underlined that
consumer satisfaction is one of the most important goal of companies in the sector. This
enhances the need of implementing strong inefficient human resource management practices that
will significantly help in managing employees at effective way (Stone and Deadrick, 2015).
Furthermore it has been underlined that with the help of taking advantage of various human
resource practices and measures organizations in UK retail sector can conduct various roles such
as staffing development of workspace policies compensation and benefits, training and
development in effective manner. Behind production of every product or service there is an
human mind, effort and man hours (working hours). No product or service can be produced
without help of human being. Human being is fundamental resource for making or construction
of anything. Every organisation desire is to have skilled and competent people to make their
organisation competent and best. With the help of this organization in this sector can not only
undertake the process of recruiting, selecting, inducting, providing orientation, providing training
and development, appraising the performance of employees in effective manner but can also
undertake various other activities such as providing benefits, deciding compensation, motivating
employees and maintaining proper relation in effective manner (Tyson, 2014). It is essential for
companies in today’s business environment to understand the role and concept of human
resource management and implement appropriate HRM process to assure long term growth and
sustainability. Thus according to the above mentioned analysis it has been evaluated that in order
to assure long term growth and sustainability in UK business environment, it is essential for
organization to implement strong and effective human resource management practices as to
assure long term growth along with high competitive edge in the industry (Stone, Cox and
Gavin, 2020). This will also significantly benefit them to provide higher satisfaction to
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consumers this will significantly enhance organizational ability to deal with the risk and
challenges present in the industry through which they can gain higher competitive edge.
Role of human resource management of Marks and Spencer on increasing the performance
and productivity of business
According to the viewpoint of Lertxundi, Barrutia and Landeta, (2019) human resource plays
important role in every organization irrespective of its size and scope. Without having a proper
and strong human resource management team organization could not be able to effectively retain
and recruit employees. Human resource management plays essential role in maximising
enhancing the overall productivity and performance of organization as it helps in maintaining a
healthy relationship among employees while providing them positive workspace. With the help
of human resource management organization can accept workplace culture and can make
improvement in the same through which companies can operate effectively. It has been analysed
that human resource management is important for organization and this department act as the
heart and soul for business. Human resource is basically a set of organizational activities that aim
towards attracting, developing and maintaining an effective workplace relationship. With the
help of taking appropriate and efficient use of human resource management organization can
conduct individual related activities with the provision of leadership and direction of employees
in their working. There are different type of phase and roles of human resource management of
Marks and Spencer which helps the company to enhance the overall productivity and
performance of business. Some of the roles of human resource management team of the
respective company is being in depth evaluated below:
 Marks and Spencer human resource management team plays important role in enhancing
the productivity and profitability of company, as this team assure the right quality and
quantity of individuals in the workplace. With the help of this team in M&S company
creates an opportunity which motivate and facilitate employees as well as individuals in a
group to grow and maximise their career. With the help of this team M&S aim towards
meeting individual career goal with directly influences productivity of organization. It
helps in reducing cost and maximise productivity and profitability of organization in
effective manner.
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 In addition to this human resource management of Marks and Spencer is playing
important roll on enhancing the performance and productivity of business while
producing employees who are easily adaptable to change. In this it has been underlined
that companies HRM department plays various functions such as offering training and
development of employees which is one of its important role (Farndale, Phillips and
Beamond, 2019). In these programs employees are updated with necessary knowledge
and skills to adjust with alteration within organization environment according to the
technology and structure. This helps in effectively maximising performance and
productivity of business at a significant rate.
 Human resource department of company is responsible to match demand and supply of
human resource. Within company the department in organization plays important role in
certain interval of time to determine the organization adequate number of workers which
is needed. This helps company department to conduct various activities like recruitment
and selection to balance the need (Sacchetto, Cretu and Morrison, 2019). It helps
organization to higher talented and skilled employees that directly impact on organization
productivity and performance at a significant rate.
 In order to assure higher competitive advantage to maximise overall performance of
business hrm department of M&S retain employees and motivate them to accomplish
organization goals. This department create feeling of belonging is as well as team spirit.
Within M&S the department of human resource in H&M resolve conflicts that arises
between parties or groups and helps in developing corporate image that allow
organization to maintain a good public image in the market.
From the above analysis it has been evaluated that human resource management of Marks
and Spencer is playing significant role in terms of enhancing performance and productivity of
business. It helps organization to manage the productivity and scale level of workers in the
workplace structure which helps company to maintain its leading position in the business
environment.
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Problems faced by HRM of M&S that impacts on its productivity
According to the viewpoint of Gooderham and Brewster, (2019) human resource management
plays many functions which helps organization to stay successful. This department perform
different operations such as recruitment and training to manage distributes and helps in
maintaining a healthy and positive workplace environment. The importance of human resource
management within an organization is immense as it not only helps in maintaining employees
satisfaction level but it also assure that organization is working according to the guidelines of
regulation and help in solving any liability issue that may arise. In context to this it has been
analysed that there are some certain problems that has been faced by hrm of M&S that directly
impacts on its productivity some of the issues are being Julie discussed below:
 HRM department face challenges in M&S in terms of recruiting and selecting, as there
are wider number of applicant base in the market which create challenges in front of
HRM to find the suitable match in appropriate time and conduct the selection procedure
to fulfil the job requirement (Hansen, Güttel and Swart, 2019). In this if the company
fails to get the candidate this can affect the quality results challenge affect human
resource management whole process and create challenges to attract top talent from the
industry.
 The other challenge that is being faced by hrm department of M&S is developing
emotional physical stability of employees. In this competitive business environment by
providing wages and salaries are not sufficient to retain talented and skilled employees
for longer period of time. In this human resource manager face challenges to maintain
proper emotional balance of employees which is leading towards employee turnover and
is affecting productivity of company.
 Hrm department of the respective organization is facing challenges in terms of embracing
change with an open mind. It is important for this department in the company to keep up
with continuous change in the world as it is not constant in this company human resource
manager face challenges to embrace the change and make employees motivated for the
same this is affecting organization productivity.
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 Furthermore it has been analysed that building a culture of continuous learning is also a
major challenge which is being faced by hrm department of M&S. In today’s period of
time it has been analysed that learning is a key factor in organization upskilling
employees. It helps organization to gain a competitive edge in the market however most
of the employees feel stimulated and engage which reference them to have continuous
learning. This create challenges in front of hrm to provide continuous learning to
employees and negligence of this is affecting organization overall productivity.
 In addition to this building a diverse team and looking after health and safety by
managing the turnover rate according to the globalization and complying with the laws
and regulation is also the major challenge that is being faced by hrm professional. In this
they need to stay updated with the changes in regulations according to the CSR practices
of organization (Sinha and Mishra, 2019). Due to globalization company needs to have
an inclusive workforce in this process company hrm department is facing challenges to
manage the turn over rates and looking after the health and safety of employees on the
same hand. It is also affecting organization hrm unit ability to build a diverse team which
is affecting organization overall productivity.
According to the above analysis it has been stated that these are some of the certain
problems that has been faced by hrm of M&S which impacts on its productivity in a direct way.
However it is important for organisations to implement changes in effective manner as to make
sure that these problems faced by hrm department does not impact on a greater extent, as this can
create a negative image of company in the environment and can affect their ability to recruit
talented and skilled employees from all around the globe.
Ways for reducing problems faced by M&S’s HRM and to add maximum value to the
company
According to the viewpoint of Desai, (2019) in order to retain competitive in a business
environment it is essential for an organization to utilise the effectiveness of hrm team in order to
add maximum value to the company, as with the help of maximum efforts of hrm team within
organization company can implement significant ways through which they cannot only retain
workers for longer period of time but can manage relationship that directly impacts on the
company productivity and profitability at a significant rate. There are number of problems that
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has been identified above that has been faced by M&S which is affecting company overall
productivity and efficiency. In this there are certain turn significant ways that will help
organization to reduce the problems that has been faced by M&S team through which company
can add maximum value to the organization.
 It is essential for hrm team to engage the workforce in order to evaluate the ongoing
matter of concern (Guttormsen, 2019). This will help in developing stronger relationship
ties between employee and employer that will help in increasing the transparency as well
as communication. This will not only motivate organization as well as employees to drive
a communication that helps in driving the business forward in a fulfilling organization
vision and vision but also helps in connecting daily work to the business strategy which
helps in improving employees efficiency to get engaged in the work.
 Company hrm department needs to embrace changes with the help of providing training
development in compensation inclusive of salary, bonus, allowance and another
incentives in a competitive way. There are many organizations in the industry which is
creating thread in front of M&S. In this company hrm needs to provide competitive pay
scale and other benefits in order to attract and retain talented and skilled employees for
longer period of time. This will help in increasing overall productivity of employees as
they keep motivated to get high reward and appreciation in the company.
 The organization hrm department needs to create a company culture which pleases
everyone/ With the help of taking advantage of virtual technology organization hrm
department needs to create a workplace relationship which helps employees to overcome
challenges that they face company (Prova, 2019). HRM department also needs to create a
long term hybrid remote working models as this will help organization to conduct their
operations even during the challenging period of time. The company hrm department also
needs to drive relationship and build awareness of different roles and culture.
It is essential for M&S to create a training and development strategies. In this hrm
department plays essential role to have rapid upskilling and reskilling of employees according to
the new economy. In this HR professional needs to identify new solution for training programs
and continuing professional development with the help of rapid changing technical skills.
Organization needs to have long term transferable skills among employees, in this company hrm
department needs to conduct critical thinking process to embrace emotional and social
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intelligence and communication within workplace. This will help organization to predict skill
gap and help employees to see path forward for training and development. This will help hrm
department to add value to the company by overcoming skill deficiency among employees. This
will help in enhancing overall productivity and performance of organization employees on the
same hand.
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