Influence of Employee Motivation on Organizational Productivity

This report investigates the critical relationship between employee motivation and organizational productivity, focusing on the John Lewis Partnership. The study aims to assess the impact of motivational factors on business performance within the retail sector. The research employs a qualitative methodology, including interviews with managers, to examine the tools and tactics used to enhance employee motivation. Key findings highlight the significance of intrinsic motivators, appreciation, rewards, and efficient working conditions in influencing individual performance and overall productivity, such as sales and customer satisfaction. The report explores various motivational elements and their influence on employee efficiency and productivity, offering insights into how to boost employee morale and improve business outcomes. The structure includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic and offering recommendations for enhancing employee motivation within the organization.

INFLUENCE OF EMPLOYEE
MOTIVATION ON ORGANIZATIONAL
PRODUCTIVITY: A STUDY ON JOHN
LEWIS PARTNERSHIP
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I am greatly thankful to all those who have supported me by providing motivation as well
guidance in completion the dissertation with an appropriate manner. Firstly, I owe my thanks to
mentor who provided me an opportunity to undertake this dissertation. Furthermore, I am
grateful to my team members, family and friends who helped me in all possible accords in
completion of dissertation and achievement of relevant results.
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ABSTRACT
In the contemporary business environment, employee motivation is termed as most
important element of business management that has direct impact over individual performance
along with overall efficiency of business entity. In the context of retail sector, each organization
is giving extra attention to influence motivation level of staff member. In this regard, the present
research is scheduled To assess the influence of employee motivation on organizational
productivity: A study on John Lewis partnership. As per the aim of investigation, researcher has
formulated some objectives that include assessment of several motivational factors, identification
of different tactics of employee motivation used by retail firm and impact on highly motivated
employees on business performance. This investigation increases understanding of management
about different tools through which retail firm encourages the performance of staff with
reference to organizational goals.
For completion of whole investigation with an appropriate manner, researcher has used
an appropriate research methodology in which researcher has applied different tools to generate
appropriate outcomes. As per the qualitative nature of study, different tactics such as qualitative
method, descriptive research design, interpretivism philosophy and deductive research approach
have been selected by investigator. Researcher has applied both primary and secondary sources
for collection of wide range of data. A sample of 12 managers who are working in John Lewis
partnership has been taken by using non-probabilistic sampling. Thematic analysis is carried out
to examine views of manager in the context of present investigation. On the basis of primary and
secondary assessment, researcher has concluded that consideration of interrensic motivators
along with different external elements such as appreciation, rewards, efficient working
conditions, equal opportunities to grow etc. provides an opportunities to business to influence
individual performance of staff along with productivity of firm in the from of sales, satisfaction
of consumers etc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................1
1.2 Rationale for the study...........................................................................................................2
1.3 Research aim..........................................................................................................................3
1.4 Research objectives................................................................................................................3
1.5 Research questions.................................................................................................................3
1.6 Chapter structure....................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................1
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................1
2.2 Definitions.............................................................................................................................1
2.3 Factors affecting the employee motivation in retail organization........................................1
2.4 Identification of different the tools for enhancing the motivation level workforce...............4
2.5 Evaluating the link between employee motivation and productivity of an organization......7
2.6 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................1
3.1 Research type.........................................................................................................................1
3.2 Research design ....................................................................................................................3
3.3 Research philosophy..............................................................................................................3
3.4 Research approach.................................................................................................................4
3.5 Data collection.......................................................................................................................4
3.6 Sampling technique................................................................................................................5
3.7 Data analysis..........................................................................................................................6
3.8 Validity and reliability of data...............................................................................................6
3.9 Ethical consideration..............................................................................................................6
3.10 Limitation of research ........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS.....................................................................8
4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................8
4.2 Results and analysis ..............................................................................................................8
4.3 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................22
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5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................22
5.2 Recommendation ................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................25
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................29
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The success of an organization is highly correlated with productivity and efficiency of
staff members. In this regard, motivation level of employees is being identified as a most
important element of the organizational success. The management of every organization always
tries to boost up the morale employees that increases efficiency of business entity along with
productivity of workers (Bessant, 2011). As per the current market trends, staff management is
one of the crucial tasks for an organization. This is because the organizational productivity and
efficiency of employees both are interrelated elements. To influence motivation level employees
along with productivity of employees, an organization considers several tools. Further, managers
are required to consider different elements while developing strategies to influence morale of
staff members. In this context, efficient working conditions, involvement of employees in
decision making process, appropriate incentive plans and other facilities are playing important
role for attainment of productivity objectives among staff members (Alsos, Ljunggren and
Pettersen, 2013). Employees of an organization is termed as key resource of firm and manager
can influence overall efficiency of workers associated with different departments by developing
several strategies as per the expectations of staff members.
Therefore, the present investigation is carried out to assess the influence of employee
motivation on organizational productivity. In this context, John Lewis partnership has been taken
as an organization for handling various tasks of investigation. It is a leading employee-owned
company of UK. As per the objective of investigation, researcher makes efforts to assess various
elements of employ motivation and the impact of highly motivated employees on the
productivity of company.
Background of company
John Lewis partnership is an employee-owned organization which is operating wide
range of departmental stores and supermarkets of John Lewis and Waitrose. This organization is
handled by a trust which is working on behalf of employees who are also known as partners.
Employees are also received some share of annual profit. Presently, business entity has
employed 88,700 permanent staff who are managing 45 John Lewis shops in all UK along with
342 Waitrose supermarkets (John Lewis partnership About us, 2015). The company was being
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found by John Spedan Lewis in 1864. The approach of employee-owned organization has been
found very effective tool to develop relationship with employees for long duration. Presently,
management has faced some reduction in productivity and efficiency of organization. In this
regard, the present research is carried out to assess the role of employee motivation to influence
overall productivity and efficiency of firm.
1.2 Rationale for the study
What is the research issue?
The issue of present research is to assess the influence of employee motivation on
organizational productivity. This investigation provides assistance to management of John Lewis
partnership in selection of most appropriate tools to influence morale of staff an per the business
objective (Erikson and Gjellan, 2008). The present research is scheduled to examine several
factors associated with staff motivation and its impact on overall productivity of retail
organization.
Why is it an issue?
The business entity has found reduction involvement of workers in various business
strategies as well as reduction in worker's efficiency has also addressed due to reduction in
motivation level of employees. All these factors are creating negative impact on the efficiency
and profitability of firm. In this context, the present investigation is tired to analysis various
elements associated with staff motivation to improve productivity of workers.
Why is it an issue now?
This present research is carried to examine several tools and tactics of staff motivation
that boost up the motivation level of employees who are working in John Lewis partnership that
helps management to resolve business issue of reduction in organizational productivity due to
decrease in the efficiency and productivity of employees (Peña, 2012). This study determines
various tactics and strategies to increase involvement and motivation level of staff member as per
the business goals.
What could this research shed light on?
This investigation is evaluating several factors that influence motivation level of
employees. This research tries to examine different elements of staff motivation that assists
manager of retail organization for linking up the motivational factors with different business
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operations through management is able to increase productivity of organization as well as
individual efficiency.
1.3 Research aim
The aim of present study is To assess the influence of employee motivation on
organizational productivity: A study on John Lewis partnership. In this regard, this
investigation examines several elements along with business operations of John Lewis
partnership.
1.4 Research objectives
For carrying out a research in a systematic manner, research objectives are playing most
important in scheduling of various activities along with collection of data. In the context of
present research, researcher is required to attain below mentioned objectives.
 To assess factors affecting the employee motivation in retail organization.
 To identify the tools employed by John Lewis partnership for enhancing the motivation
level of its workforce.
 To evaluate the link between employee motivation and productivity of John Lewis
partnership.
 To suggest effective ways to boost morale of employees within John Lewis partnership as
per the business objectives.
1.5 Research questions
For ensuring success of investigation with reference to aim and objectives, investigation
has to assess some feasible solutions and outcomes by focusing the research problems. In this
regard, it is essential for investigator to determine the research questions of present study which
are mentioned below:
1. What are the important factors affecting the employee motivation in retail organization?
2. What are the most effective tools that can be employed by John Lewis partnership for
enhancing the motivation level of its workforce?
3. How does the employee motivation influence the productivity of John Lewis partnership?
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1.6 Chapter structure
The efficiency of research outcomes is greatly influenced by the structure of
investigation. The structure of present investigation is mentioned below:
Chapter 1: Introduction
The section facilitates a basic overview and idea of investigation by discussing the
background of study as well as background of organization. In the present research work, this
portion of report evaluates some basic elements related to employee motivation and their impact
on productivity of retail firm. The section of introduction is playing important role to understand
the rationale of research by focusing aim and objectives of study.
Chapter 2: Literature review and conceptual frame work
The second chapter of report is Literature review in which researcher is carried out detail
theoretical analysis by evaluating various approaches and theories as well as past studies
associated with aim and objectives. In this section, researcher tries to examine various factors of
employee motivation and its role to efficiency of workers along with overall productivity of
business entity.
Chapter 3: Research design and methodology
The next section is considered as research design and methodology in which researcher
examines various research techniques and approaches that can be applicable for handling of
various tasks associated with current investigation. In this section, investigator is applied the
most appropriate and effective tools to develop a systematic framework to gain appropriate
outcomes and finding as per the objectives.
Chapter 4: Results, analysis and discussion
The fourth section of investigation is associated with data analysis in which researcher
applies different tools related data analysis for examining a wide range of information and facts
that have been acquired by primary and secondary sources. It is essential for researcher to
manage the evaluation and analysis of data with an appropriate manner and systematic for
generation and assessment of valid and reliable outcomes.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
The final section of this report is conclusion and recommendation in which researcher
provides an appropriate conclusion as per the findings of the section of data analysis. As per this
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section, investigator concludes whole investigation by considering the objectives. Some
recommendations are also provided by researcher to management as per the research issue.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review is termed as a most crucial task for researcher in which researcher tries
to examines wide range of facts and theories that have been published in various books, journals
and articles to draw appropriate conclusion by focusing aim and objectives of study. This section
provides in-depth knowledge and information associated with topic of investigation by carrying
out the detail analysis of views of different authors through which research is able to generate
appropriate research outcomes (Hall, 2008). With reference to current research, investigator
evaluates various theories and factors based on the employee motivation and their role to
influence productivity of workers. The section emphasizes on different findings and outcomes of
past researches through which researcher is able to influence effectiveness of outcomes of
investigation.
2.2 Definitions
According to Edwin and Robert (2007) “employee motivation is defined as the level of
energy, commitment of workers which are applied in their job. Therefore, employee motivation
is considered as a most important concern so as different theories related to incentives or
employee involvement are used by managers.”
Heibutzki (2015) has defined the motivation is employee's intrinsic enthusiasm that
influences an individual for accomplishment of various activities as per the requirement of job.
It is also termed as internal drive that influences to an individual towards the particular tasks.
According to Christopher and Pauls (2009) “Organizational productivity is defined as a
capacity of a business in the from of sales generation, fulfilment of employee's expectations,
handling of customers, management of wide range of business operations. All these factors are
considered as most important element of organizational productivity.”
Avery and et.al. (2007) have defined the productivity as a measure of efficiency of a
person, machine, factory and business as per the organization's ability for converting different
kinds inputs into useful output. It is considered as most important element of business operations.
2.3 Factors affecting the employee motivation in retail organization
The study of Chadwick (2008) has examined that retail organizations are facing tough
competition so as importance of highly motivated staff is increased. Author further has addressed
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that employee motivation directly influences productivity of business. Therefore, management
has to examine various factors associated with employee,s motivation for attainment of business
objectives with an appropriate manner. As per the researcher of Greasley and et.al. (2005) it has
been addressed that motivation level of employees within a retail organization is influenced by
several factors that include personal traits of an individual along with external factors. Personal
traits include attitude, social relationship, education, lifestyle etc. On the other hand, external
factors contain working conditions, monetary and non-monetary incentives, job position,
leadership, relationship with superiors etc (Afiouni, 2013). These factors are having significant
impact on motivation level of workers along with their efficiency.
Internisic Motivation
The research of Thomas (2010) has found that Intrinsic motivation among employees
come from the shear joy and pleasure of doing a task. In this regard, it is stated that the
motivation level of employees can be boost up by making work more interesting as per the like
and dislikes of an individual. Author further argued that an organization has to consider all
personal traits along with external factors while making different kinds of strategies for
improving performance and productivity of workforce by boosting morale of staff members
(Bakker and Schaufeli, 2008). For example: Satisfaction of employees through organization's
staff practices, wages system, performance measurement system etc. are influencing an
individual to give their best efforts. It is also considered as intrinsic motivation. Therefore, it can
be stated that retail organization has to consider personal interest of an employee while allocation
of different tasks and activities for boosting up the morale of employees.
Appreciation and recognition
Marrelli (2010) has addressed the appreciation and recognition as most important element
of staff motivation. In this context, author has determined the appreciation as a deepest desire in
nature. By providing regular appreciation for various task and activities along with proper
recognition, the management of business entity is able to establish good image of company
(Herzberg, Mausner and Snyderman, 2011). This approach has been found as a great tool to
influence the morale of employees for completion of different tasks and activities with an
appropriate manner. As per the investigation of Beck (2003) it has found that when an
organization involves employees belong from different departments in creation of business
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