Analyzing Monetary Rewards and Employee Engagement at Marks & Spencer

This research proposal investigates the role of monetary rewards in employee engagement at Marks and Spencer. It aims to identify the need for reward systems, evaluate the role of monetary rewards in engaging employees, and analyze the impact of employee engagement on employee motivation and organizational performance. The study employs an interpretivism philosophy and an inductive approach, utilizing an exploratory research design. Data collection involves both primary (questionnaires) and secondary sources (books, journals). The sampling method is random, with a sample size of 30 employees. Data analysis will be conducted using a qualitative technique involving thematic analysis to derive meaningful insights into the relationship between monetary rewards and employee engagement. The research also includes a literature review discussing employee engagement, motivation, and the importance of communication and team interaction.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
RESEARCH PROBLEM.....................................................................................................................3
RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................3
RESEARCH QUESTIONS..................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................5
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY...........................................................................................................6
RESEARCH APPROACH..............................................................................................................6
RESEARCH DESIGN.....................................................................................................................6
DATA COLLECTION.....................................................................................................................6
SAMPLING.....................................................................................................................................7
DATA ANALYSIS...........................................................................................................................7
CRITICAL REVIEW...........................................................................................................................7
WORK SCHEDULE............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................10
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INTRODUCTION
Research Proposal is considered as a document that describes the idea for investigation on a
certain topic. It is also regarded as a concise and coherent summary of proposed research which
focuses on central issues of the research (Olsen, 2011). The main purpose of a research proposal is
to show that researcher's investigation is significant enough to sanction the investigation. Thus, in
such context the present research proposal will be conducted on identifying the role of monetary
rewards in employee engagement. Employees are considered as the major resources of the
organization since their efforts enhance organizational capability and productivity aspects (Doherty,
2010). In contemporary scenario, business entities have been introducing new techniques and
methods so as to encourage and retain the employees for longer time period and a few will be
discussed in the present research study.
The entire research work will be conducted on Marks and Spencer which is a retail
organization operating business in UK. In order to grab the data, primary and secondary research
will be conducted which will also enhance suitability of the research work. Several approaches,
philosophies and techniques will be used in the research work so as reach towards the defined aims
and objectives. The research proposal will also be focusing on particular time table and within the
scheduled time period, the entire study will be completed. Data will be analyzed through Qualitative
technique in which thematic analysis will be conducted and each theme will be discussed in detailed
manner.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
The present research study will be conducted for the purpose of identifying the role of
monetary rewards in employee engagement. It is a difficult task for the organizations to retain the
employees for longer span; therefore the study will be emphasizing on all such methods through
which better employee engagement can be facilitated. It has been observed that employee turnover
ratio has been increasing which impacts overall performance of the organization; thus the study will
be highlighting all those aspects through which the issue can be mitigated. Thus, the subsequent
research report will be analyzing all such dimensions that are related to employee engagement.
Further, the study will be emphasizing on the significant aspects for which organization typically
emphasizes on employee retention and engagement. Both the terms are imperative as that is directly
related to employee motivation and their productivity level. Motivation plays crucial role in
employee engagement and retention; therefore for such aspect monetary benefits should be
provided to the employees.
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RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Aim: The main aim of conducting the present research study will be to identifying the role of
monetary rewards in employee engagement. As per the aim, several objectives are also integrated
with the research study so as to give appropriate guidelines to the research work.
Research objectives: Research objectives will be developed herein for the purpose of
identifying the areas that are required to be included in the entire study. Research objectives for the
present study are mentioned in the below section:
 To ascertain the need of reward system in the organization
 To evaluate the role of monetary rewards in employee engagement
 To analyze the impact of employee engagement on employee motivation on organizational
performance
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Research questions will be developed so as to break the study in different parts. Research
questions will also be formulated for the purpose of conducting in-depth analysis about the current
research topic. In the below mentioned section, research questions are being stated.
 What is the need of reward and benefits in the organization?
 How monetary rewards can be used for employee engagement?
 What is the relationship of employee engagement with employee turnover?
 What is the role of employee motivation in employee engagement?
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to the views of Stredwick (2000), employee engagement is crucial for every
organization because it aids in meeting all the determined aims and objectives. Employee
engagement is directly associated with employee turnover and absence of such thing develops
different sorts of issues at workplace (Densten, 2002). Supporting the fact, Densten (2002), also
contended that employee involvement is necessary because that increases the opportunities of
reaching towards determined aims and objectives. However, on the other hand, Rabey, (2001)
argued that employee engagement is one such dimension that enhances efforts of the organization
(Stredwick, 2000).
Engagement in decision making process: It is essential for the employers to involve all the
employees in decision making process so as to motivate them and also to make them realize that
they are significant part of the organization. Involvement in decision making process helps the
employees to realize that their value in organizational dimensions (Schwartz, 2001). Employee
engagement plays a crucial role in employee motivation and this also aids in meeting motivational
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needs of employees.
Short term or long term motivational benefits: It is essential for the employees to derive
long term as well as short term motivational benefits through monetary and non monetary aspects. It
has been observed that motivated employees always work in prominent manner which is a
profitable state for the organization (Rabey, 2001). This could also reduce the opportunities of
employee turnover at workplace.
Availability of monetary rewards for the employees: Motivated employees always assist the
organization to manage their roles and responsibilities in prominent manner and up to a higher
extent, it reduces the opportunities of employee turnover. Employees should be appropriately
engaged in all the organizational processes so that they can contribute in productivity and success
aspects.
Frequent team interaction and meetings: Employers must have to organize team meetings
and interactive sessions so that proper coordination can be developed. While working in the team,
managers as well as leaders have to consistently employ the team participants which is also
essential in reducing challenges as well as issues (Lewis, 2000).
Proper communication with the employees: Employee retention as well as employee
motivation both the aspects are related to each other and both have a direct impact on organizational
performance and productivity. Employees must be allowed to properly communicate with others sot
that communication gaps can be reduced (Kerr, 2009).
The views of Kerr (2009), contends that there exists direct relationship among employee
engagement and organizational performance (Stredwick, 2000). When employees are engaged in
organizational work processes, they get more motivation which further assists them in conducting
all the business practices in effective manner. However, on the other hand, lack of benefits for the
employees leads to high turnover which certainly affects overall performance of the business entity.
Managers should recognize and encourage innovation facilitated by the employees so as to raise
their morale and also to amend their productive level (Doherty, 2010). Apart from this, there should
be adequate environment at the workplace so that employees can feel motivated and encouraged. In
order to facilitate employee engagement, managers have to ensure that employees are being
considered in organizational matters and decisions.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology helps in evaluating relevant issues about a particular topic and this
thereby ensures to derive variety of outcomes (Sapsford and Jupp, 2006). Various methods have
been used by the researcher in this part for the purpose of identifying the problem stated in the
research study. This part majorly focuses on collection of data so that it can be used for both
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practical and theoretical reports. Research Methodology should be integrated with research aims
and objectives and the study should be associated with the use of diverse tools and techniques. In
the below mentioned section, several modes are discussed.
Research Philosophy
Research Philosophy can be regarded as a principle through which data related to specific
research area can be collected and evaluated in proper manner. Research philosophies can be
segregated into two types such as Interpretivism and Positivism and in the present research study,
Interpretivism philosophy will be selected (Scruggs and Mastropieri, 2006). The main aim of
selecting this philosophy is to enhance understanding level of the subject matter. Further, it heavily
relies on qualitative data; therefore researcher has selected Interpretivism philosophy accordingly.
Research Approach
Research approach can be considered as a method through which particular set of research is
being carried out for the purpose of attaining desirable outcomes (Sen, 2010). It also supports in
conducting the research in accurate manner without being deviated from the determined aims and
objectives. Research approach can be categorized into two types such as inductive and deductive
and the present study will be using inductive approach. This subsequent approach will be selected
because it moves from particular situation to general situations. Results acquired from the approach
needs to be applied with different contexts and scenario (Sapsford and Jupp, 2006). Though, it is a
time consuming procedure, still it assists in gaining fresh viewpoints from the particular subject
matter.
Research Design
It is yet another imperative element of research methodology which assists in acquiring
better understanding about the subject matter. It is also regarded as a methodical examination that
offers logical understanding about the research topic (Saunders and et.al., 2007). Exploratory, Case
Studies, Experimental and Descriptive are some of the types of research design. In the present
study, researcher will select exploratory design which is being conducted over the issue upon which
problems have not been defined clearly and specifically.
Data Collection
The data included in the study will be collected through primary and secondary sources
(Scruggs and Mastropieri, 2006). Secondary sources will include collection of data from books,
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journals, newspapers and articles as this help the researcher to get towards the outcomes; whereas,
on the other side, primary sources will include collection of first hand data with the help of survey
method. A questionnaire will be designed by the researcher so that to reach to the desired outcomes
and this is the most convenient way for the researcher as well as for the respondents (Primary and
secondary sources, 2012). The main aim of forming a questionnaire is to get reliable and valid
information from both the sources. Both the sources have been utilized in the present study for the
purpose of enhancing accuracy aspects.
Sampling
Sampling is the technique through which researcher can select only those people who are
intended to participate in research study. Sampling plays crucial role in the study because through
this, relevant data can be acquired related to the subject matter. There are two basic techniques
through which sampling can be done such as probability sampling and non-probability sampling. In
the present study, sampling will be done through random sampling technique where in employees
will be selected randomly (Sen, 2010). For the present research study, sample size will be 30
employees of Marks and Spencer. Only confined people have been selected so that to get relevant
data from the study.
Data Analysis
Data Analysis is considered as one of the crucial sections of the research study in which data
can be analyzed on the basis of two major techniques (Olsen, 2011). Quantitative and qualitative
methods can be used to analyze a set of data. In qualitative method, outcomes are presented in a
statement form along with the results. Whereas, in quantitative method, researcher can use different
numerical tools like as Correlation, Regression, SPSS and MS-Excel to evaluate the data. In the
present report, the researcher will use Qualitative technique so that to collect appropriate data with
the help of thematic analysis and outcomes will be presented in same manner. To make the study
more presentable and comprehensive, findings will be stated in tables and charts (Sapsford and
Jupp, 2006).
CRITICAL REVIEW
The entire research work will be emphasizing on the role of monetary rewards in employee
engagement. Employee engagement is not only about involving workforce in the organizational
decision making process; but it is concerned with employee motivation as well. Apart from this,
organizational leadership is also one of the important aspects which influence the mindset of
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employees and as a result, it changes their attitude and behavioral facets. Stredwick, (2000)
contends that engaged employees are more likely to stay with the organization and they also show
greater commitment towards their job roles. Employee engagement is consistently shown as
something provided by employees that can benefit the organization through employee commitment
and advocacy.
However, apart from this, Densten (2002) said that engaged employees feel a sense of
attachment towards their organization; thus they contribute more efforts in amending organizational
performance and productivity. Nevertheless, there is an increasing awareness that employee
engagement is pivotal to business performance where engaged employees are the backbone of
healthy working environment. Schwartz, (2001) said that employee engagement is a psychological
and emotional state which drives people to contribute in success and prosperity. Hence, by
articulating the views of different authors, it is clear that employee engagement can be achieved
through creating proper organizational environment. Besides, monetary benefits, employers can
also provide non-monetary benefits such as rewards, recognition and appreciation. However,
monetary benefits are far essential in enhancing the performance level of the employees.
WORK SCHEDULE
According to the work schedule, all the activities will be conducted as per the sequence and
that will also assist the researcher to reach towards the predetermined aims and objectives. Thus, the
entire study will be completed within the period of 9 weeks (Sreedharan, 2007).
Activity Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Week
9
Completing the
Research Proposal
Study of several
literature
Preparation of aim
and objectives
Draft literature
review
Arrangement of
secondary data
Evaluating
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secondary data
Developing
research approach
Summing up
research
methodology
Design develop
questionnaire
Arrange the
questionnaire
Conduction of
survey
Collection of data
Evaluating the
Findings
Identifying data
Complete
remaining chapters
Submission to
mentor and waiting
for response
Modification of the
draft
Printing and
binding
Submission
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REFERENCES
Densten, I. L., 2002. Clarifying inspirational motivation and its relationship to extra effort.
Leadership & Organization Development Journal. 23(1) pp.40-44.
Doherty, R., 2010. Making employee engagement an end-to-end practice. Strategic HR Review. 9(3)
pp.32-37.
Kerr, S., 2009. Reward Systems: Does Yours Measure Up. Harvard Business Press.
Lewis, P., 2000. Exploring Lawler’s new pay theory through the case of Finbank’s reward strategy
for managers. Personnel Review. 29 pp.10-32.
Olsen, W., 2011. Data Collection: Key Debates and Methods in Social Research. SAGE.
Rabey, G. P., 2001. Motivation is response. Industrial and Commercial Training. 33(1) pp.26-28.
Sapsford, R. and Jupp, V., 2006. Data Collection and Analysis. SAGE.
Saunders, M. and et.al. 2007. Research Methods for Business Students. England: Pearson
Education.
Schwartz, A. E., 2001. Motivation: Linking Performance to Goals. Andrew E Schwartz.
Scruggs, E. T. and Mastropieri, A. M., 2006. Applications of Research Methodology. Emerald
Group Publishing.
Sen, T., 2010. Brands – vulnerable entities in an uncertain world. Journal of Indian Business
Research. 2(4). pp.256-261.
Sreedharan., 2007. A Manual of Historical Research Methodology. South Indian Studies.
Stredwick, J., 2000. Aligning rewards to organisational goals – a multinational’s experience.
European Business Review. 12(1) pp. 9-19.
Online
Primary and secondary sources. 2012. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.ithacalibrary.com/sp/subjects/primary>. [Accessed on 13th June 2016].
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