JD Wetherspoon PLC: Organizational Culture and Motivation Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the organizational culture adopted by JD Wetherspoon PLC. It examines various theories and models, including Edgar Schien's model for organizational culture, transactional and interactive communication models, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, McClelland's Needs Theory, Urwick's Theory Z, and Vroom's Expectancy Theory. The study explores how these theories influence employee behavior, communication, and motivation within the pub. Primary research, including interviews with employees, reveals the practical application and effectiveness of these concepts. The report highlights the importance of organizational culture, communication, and motivation in fostering a positive work environment, increasing employee satisfaction, and contributing to the overall success and growth of JD Wetherspoon. The report concludes by emphasizing the benefits of open communication, employee involvement, and a supportive work environment for maintaining a strong organizational culture.

WORD REPORT

Executive Summary
This study has covered various aspects of Organizational cultures adopted by JD
Wetherspoon PLC for better working of the pub. The theories and models embraced by the pub
for free flow of communication which helps in better understanding of human behaviour at each
level, so that the decision-making process becomes easy. And also the ways through which it can
motivate their employees so that they can work efficiently and help JD Wetherspoon to grow in
the market.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................2
Different Theories and Models from Secondary Research..............................................................2
Model for Organizational Culture................................................................................................2
Communication Models...............................................................................................................2
Theories of Motivation................................................................................................................3
Discovery from Theories.................................................................................................................4
Findings on Primary Research.....................................................................................................4
Importance of Organizational Culture along with Communication............................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
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INTRODUCTION
Organizational culture is the set of beliefs values which are adopted by an organization in
regard to various factors such as the customs, traditions, history, market and technology which is
being continued from years and accordingly it governs the employees. It strongly influence the
employees of a company which is reflected in their performance.
This report shows the study of overall culture of JD Wetherspoon through a research at
primary as well as secondary level of the organization. In this, the various theories and models
are adopted such as Transaction and Interaction Model for communication to reduce the
ambiguities. Also, Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Herzberg's Two Factor Theory is
also being embraced to motivate the employee to the fullest so that they efficiently contribute in
the progress of the pub. This report also highlights the drawbacks and benefits of the theories on
the culture and profitability of the company.
MAIN BODY
Different Theories and Models from Secondary Research
Model for Organizational Culture
It consists of the beliefs and assumptions and the way of dealing with different situations
through interaction and creating a positive environment. The model for organizational culture
explained by Edgar Schien is a practical tool which can be adopted by Wetherspoon, which
covers the behaviour, opinions of the employees.
And, through a study I found that it also covers the scope of mission and vision of the
pub and ways to fulfil them, which will be beneficial for the company in long-run
progress(Alvesson and Sveningsson, 2015). It has three levels which are Artefacts and Symbols
which includes the basic clothing and other tangible components, Espoused Values which I
believe is the most important stage which includes the ultimate objectives, strategies, goals
framed and adopted for growth of the pub and Basic Underlying Assumptions includes the self-
evidence behaviour of the pub which extremely hard to adopt but proves to be beneficial in the
long race for growth.
Communication Models
The communication model helps in better flow of communication throughout the
organization and by keeping all the components in order it helps the communication simple and
with no ambiguity.
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 Transactional Model: In this model both the receiver and sender plays a vital role and
are known as communicators. I believe that this model helps in overall up-bringing of the
culture and facing social reality by Wetherspoon(Barnlund, 2017). Also, through study is
found that is also focused on the gestures such as waving, indication and the body
language of the employee.
 Interactive Model: It is somewhat similar to the Transactional Model as both have two-
way communication process but it focuses more on new media such as online, internet.
From my view point, this is the best in today's advanced world, as it helps in responding
to all sort of mass communication by expressing one's ideas and point of views which is
beneficial for fast progress of Wetherspoon.
Theories of Motivation
Motivation is very necessary in an organization by enhancing the skills and practical
knowledge of the employee in order to improve the efficiency of their work which ultimately
results in growth of organization. Maslow's Needs Hierarchy Theory: I have learnt that it mainly focuses on the urge to
satisfy the needs from lower level to the highest level of pyramid(Fallatah and Syed,
2018). It mainly relies on the needs and their ultimate satisfaction and the thing which
motivates the employee of Wetherspoon is the unsatisfied needs accordingly. It is found
that it has five levels of need, which includes Physiological, safety, love, esteem and self
actualization, and i believe once the primary need is fulfilled the urge to fulfil the next
need arises which motivates the employee to work with more efficiency(Lee and Hanna,
2015). Herzberg Motivation and Hygiene Theory: I believe that this theory is not as general as
the Maslow's Needs of Hierarchy Theory, it in simple form focuses on the variables
which are present in Wetherspoon which ultimately results in employees satisfaction and
dissatisfaction at the workplace(Kotni and Karumuri, 2018). The needs and factors which
I have learnt that helps in hard-working of employees are motivation and hygiene. McClelland's needs Theory: Through the study, I have learnt that the focus of this theory
is on needs of employees, the higher the need to achieve something, the more effective
work they perform for Wetherspoon(Saracho, 2019). It consists of three types of needs
which are Power which include a desire to influence and control other employees in order
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to maintain a good leadership relations, Affiliation in which I have studied that there is a
strong need and desire to maintain harmony and warm relation between the employees by
valuing each employees feelings and Achievement which is the best need I believe as the
urge for achievement lets the employee work with more dedication. Urwick's Theory Z: After the proposition of Theory X and Y, The Urwick's Theory Z
was found, which is based on strong bonding between Wetherspoon and its employees so
that each and every employee has knowledge of the goals and objectives of the company
so they collectively put efforts and dedication for achieving the same(Günbayi and Sorm,
2019). I believe this can be done through active participation of employees in the
activities by the management So that they are motivated and a sense of positivity is raised
in themselves which will ultimately help in accomplishment of the goals of both the pub
and the employees accordingly.
 Vroom's expectancy Theory: I have learnt that this theory of motivation includes
cognitive process adopted by Wetherspoon. It consists of three key constructs for
building motivation in the employees, which are, Valence that describes the dedication
and strength of an employee towards a task allotted to him for the successful
accomplishment of the same, Expectancy relates with the real time efforts and attempts
towards the performance of employee and Instrumentality involves the beliefs and
confidence towards the performance which is directly related to the reward(Miner, 2015).
I believe that all the three variables are inter-related and by positively adopting this model
by Wetherspoon, employee can contribute in the performance of the activities for
accomplishment of goals with full dedication.
Discovery from Theories
Findings on Primary Research
In the context of primary research interview is being held for more knowing the
importance of effectiveness of culture, motivation and communication. This interview is being
help in the year of 2019 with main 3 pub employees. 2 employees were kitchen associate and 1
was kitchen manager. One employee who run the kitchen, she said that the organizational culture
of JD Wetherspoon is so effective. From the interviews questions which were mainly based on
organizational culture and communication. I knew that staff members of this company are treated
in a very good manner. They all are respected and motivated towards accomplishing this pub's
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goals and increase their brand image. From all questions and answers, I knew the importance of
effectiveness of organizational culture that includes beliefs, value. Kitchen manager Anita
Kincses said that the top manager listen to their needs and queries and give at most importance to
their thoughts. If they said that there is a requirement to modify menu then the top manager
modify it without taking a time. It shows respect and the way of motivation.
Further, I can also say that when employees feel secure and respected at workplace then it
reduces the chances of labour turnover. Less labour turnover increases the image of the pub and
increased goodwill attract wider range of customers towards buying their services. J D
Wetherspoon has approximate 900 pubs across UK along with 59 hotels. This number is
increasing rapidly. In the context of motivation, employees of this pub stated that the top
manager allow them flexible working hours or part-time facility. It is also stated that Anita
Kincses who is a kitchen manager, working for the last 5 years and this long term staying shows
that this pub is good at culture, communication and motivation. I knew from this primary
research and interview that flexible working hours plays an important role in accomplishing pre-
determined goals. It is the fact that when company focus on satisfying employees needs then the
company get all those things which they wanted to get with the 100% contribution of
employees(O’Sullivan and Carr, 2018).
This pub has shift leader, team leaders and pub associates and as per the working hours they are
being paid in a different manner. I learned the way that how training can increase self-esteem of
employees from this study. The top manager and HR of this pub not only give benefits but also
provide an effective training. The main aim of training is to increase those skills of employees in
which they lack by which they can perform all activities effectively.
As I have observed the culture of JD Wetherspoon which has over 900 pubs in UK and
the very growing. The founders of the pubs are very innovative and also taking an action about
converting the old buildings into the pubs. After taking the opinion from the J D Wetherspoon
employees about the work environment, the work culture and the interview is very effective to
take out the better and the creative personality. The strong culture of the organisation and taking
care and solving the problems of everyone makes this pub different from other.
The friendly environment and the atmosphere can easily attract to anyone and the highly skilled
employees an their strong skills in several ways in terms of verbal written and to handling the
customers and the loyalty reward and the benefits to all the customers at every stage and the
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motivational and the confidence in the culture of J D Wetherspoon makes it the the high on
demand.
I feel very great in the environment and cooperative nature of the employees makes this
pub progressive. I have seen some of the qualities of J D Wetherspoon is that it gives the open
platform to share their ideas and the views or any changes regarding the pub that can make the
organization highly productive. I have seen the owners that are regularly working on the
betterment of the pub and also taking the responsibilities and the initiatives to modify the
existing environment that demands the renovation.
The head always appreciates the ideas provided by the associates and the they always
communicate with the employees, their associates and the managers to know the ideas and keep
them more updated about the organization(O’Sullivan and Carr, 2018). Thus, the company
follows the interactive model to interchange the ideas and thoughts. The peaceful and the healthy
environment of the J D Wetherspoon makes this pub different from the other pubs. I have also
seen that the the hierarchy of this organisation is very effective and the communication with each
other is very easy and generous. The progressive environment of the J D Wetherspoon is the only
reason that the large no of the qualitative staffs is connected with this organisation and the each
and every person of this pub is involved in taking the decision regarding the betterment of the
pub. I found this place very great and the cooperative and the healthy environment of the J D
Wetherspoon is the best quality of this pub that make it different and unique from other.
Importance of Organizational Culture along with Communication
Relationship between Communication and Culture of organization plays an important
role in healthy upbringing and maintaining Stability in the targeted market(Saracho, 2019). The
roles and responsibilities should be clearly communicated to all the employees so that they are
aware of the tasks and work with full dedication for Enhancing the Performance.
This can be done by Wetherspoon through delegation of work in a Positive Culture in
accordance to the skills, interest and qualification of the employees. For encouraging the
employees in order to increase their efficiency motivation plays the key role in an organization.
The culture should be such that where the Liberty is given to each and every employee to
communicate and put forward their point of view so that their confidence is increased and
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sharing their innovative and creative idea may result in a solution which benefits the organization
as well as the employees.
The employees who have appropriate skills should also be included in the process of
strategy making so that they Feel Confidence and a Sense of Achievement which will enhance
their motivation(Shafritz and et.al. 2015). I believe that, Wetherspoon should provide such a
culture where the employee stay and performs consistently with full satisfaction.
Accepting the Opportunities And Challenges with smile and not finding faults in the co-
workers and other employees will result in more Flexibility and a sense of understanding. I have
learnt that in this situation, the employees will work with open mind and there will be only
harmony in the organization and no place for controversies at workplace.
The Superiors of Wetherspoon must be accessible which is only possible with Effective
Communication with all the employees, so that in case of any issue or query, they can approach
their seniors for solution, which will ultimately increase their morale and confidence. This will
help in effective working with full dedication and ultimately enhancing the position of the
company in the overall global market.
Also, I believe that, more focus should be emphasized on the Mass Communication as the
issues can be sort out within a less spn of time through emails, videos, online conversation, etc.
which directly helps in smooth working of the activities of Wetherspoon in order to achieve the
set goals and objectives.
Therefore, from the above study it is concluded by me that for better growth opportunity
and successful achievement of set goals, Wetherspoon's culture should be positive and free flow
of communication at all levels. This will help the employees in boosting their morale and work
with confidence and dedication towards the task allotted to then which will result in increasing
overall performance of both organization and its employees.
CONCLUSION
This is summarized from the above report that the organizational structure has a direct
impact on the employees and overall growth of the JD Wetherspoon directly. The application of
various theories for better performance in relation to achieving the goals and objectives of the
organization. Also, it is concluded that the outcomes of various theories adopted in regard to
proper organizational culture for creating positivity among employees. And also, the theories and
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models adopted for effective communication and the measures adopted for implementing the
same for better results is being stated. The company has also embraced the Urwick's Theory,
Vroom Expectancy Theory along with various other theories for motivating the employee for
improving the performance. Moreover, the aspects of impacts both positive and negative are
mentioned which helps the organization in taking proper steps and the improvements required so
that the work can be done with more effectiveness which will ultimately help Wetherspoon to
grow and prosper in the global market.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Alvesson, M. and Sveningsson, S. 2015. Changing organizational culture: Cultural change
work in progress. Routledge.
Barnlund, D. C. 2017. A transactional model of communication. In Communication theory. (pp.
47-57). Routledge.
Fallatah, R. H. M. and Syed, J. 2018. A Critical Review of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
In Employee Motivation in Saudi Arabia. (pp. 19-59). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Günbayi, I. and Sorm, S. 2019. PARADIGMS IN GUIDING MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
AND THEORIES: CLASSICAL, NEOCLASSICAL, MODERN AND
POSTMODERN THEORIES. International Journal on New Trends in Education &
their Implications (IJONTE). 10(2).
Kotni, V. D. P. and Karumuri, V. 2018. Application of Herzberg two-factor theory model for
motivating retail salesforce. IUP Journal of Organizational Behavior. 17(1). pp.24-42.
Lee, J. M. and Hanna, S. D. 2015. Savings goals and saving behavior from a perspective of
Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. 26(2).
Miner, J. B. 2015. Expectancy theories: Victor Vroom, and Lyman Porter and Edward Lawler.
In Organizational Behavior 1 (pp. 110-129). Routledge.
O’Sullivan, P. B. and Carr, C. T. 2018. Masspersonal communication: A model bridging the
mass-interpersonal divide. New Media & Society. 20(3). pp.1161-1180.
Saracho, O. N. 2019. MOTIVATION THEORIES, THEORISTS, AND THEORETICAL
CONCEPTIONS. Contemporary Perspectives on Research in Motivation in Early
Childhood Education. p.21
Shafritz, J. M and et.al. 2015. Classics of organization theory. Cengage Learning.
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