Ethics Application: Impact of Reward System on Employee Retention

This ethics application outlines a research project investigating the impact of a performance-based reward system on employee retention and motivation within Sainsbury. The project aims to understand the concept of such a reward system, identify its role in employee motivation and retention, and analyze the benefits Sainsbury derives from employee retention. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a focus on ethical considerations such as participant consent, confidentiality, and data storage. The application details the research methodology, including primary and secondary data collection methods, and addresses potential ethical issues, including those related to vulnerable populations and data security. The student plans to use questionnaires for primary data collection and existing information from various sources for secondary data. Data will be stored securely on computers and hard drives, adhering to data protection policies. The application also includes a checklist to ensure all aspects of the research have been considered, including health and safety protocols. The project seeks to enhance academic skills and explore motivational techniques within the context of the retail sector's competitive landscape.

The completion of this form should not be seen as an end in itself but as a vehicle to ensure that you
have gone through a process of considering the ethical implications of your research in detail and that
you are able to communicate this clearly.
PLEASE CHECK THE RELEVANT BOX (NB: double click on the box and select ‘checked’)
SECTION 1: PERSONAL DETAILS & DECLARATION
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE
I confirm that this submission accords with the University Code of Conduct / BPS /
Other Body / and that all information supplied on this form is correct
Applicant’s Signature:
Please use an electronic signature or type your name
Date:
SUPERVISOR’S SIGNATURE
Please tick the box to confirm that you have approved the application as ethically sound,
and the participant-facing documentation as appropriate
Please tick the box to confirm that student has contacted Finance if travelling overseas
Please tick the box to confirm that the appropriate DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
check via Roehampton has been applied for (if appropriate – please contact the DBS team
in Student Admissions at you are unsure whether this is required).
Signature:
Please use an electronic signature or type your name
Print Name:
Date:
SECTION 2: PROJECT DETAILS
Title of project:
“To analyse the impact of performance based reward
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ETHICS
APPLICATION FORM
(Taught Student)
Oct 2017

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system on employee retention and motivation in Sainsbury.
Research Objectives:
 To understand the concept of performance based reward
system.
 To identify the role of reward system in motivating and getting
long time retention of employees by Sainsbury.
 To analyse benefits availed by Sainsbury through employee
retention.
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Proposed start date &
duration:
Purpose of the proposed investigation (500 – 1000 words):
This section should include the material which outlines the rationale for the project, i.e. why this study needs to
be done. This should be done in a way that is both accessible and scholarly, i.e. have proper cited sources.
Purpose of the report – The main motive of this research project is to determine effectiveness of
reward system for motivating employees to give their contribution in achievement of business
objectives. In order to gain high efforts of employees and their long time retention, management of
Sainsbury needs to provide rewards to workers on the basis of level of performance. It will encourage
other employees also to give their best for getting high satisfaction of customers. In context with
Sainsbury, as there is an intense competition in retail sector. Therefore, present report will help in
evaluating ways by which it can retain its employees for longer period. By working on this project,
researchers also gain opportunity to enhance their academic skills and learns about different
motivational techniques including performance based reward system.
Rationale of project –As human resource are the main assets of a company therefore, it is essential to
concern on their benefits also, while running business organisation. In order to gain retention of
workers and enhance performance level of employees, Sainsbury must recognise their contribution in
achievement of customer satisfaction. For this process, managers need to recognise their performance
while giving rewards and incentives. This would provide job satisfaction under employees and
motivate to work hard and stay in same company for longer period. Along with this, measuring
performance level of each employee also aid managers to identify their weaknesses. Through this
process, they can determine need of training for reducing weaknesses and improving performance of
workers. It also give chance to workers for career development by enhancing skills.
Outline of the project:
This section should include the details of methodology i.e. what will be done, how, where and how long. Please
also confirm:
 that if the study requires lab and/or technician support, the allocation of resources has been/will have to
be agreed by the Subject Head via your supervisor
 whether any University Ethics Approval is already in place for the whole (or part) of this study (please
discuss with supervisor)
Type of investigation – In this section, researcher required to collect and gather accurate data of
investigation report through this they can easily implement effective tools and methods in order to gain
benefits. There are two type of research method which includes qualitative and quantitative. In this,
qualitative research can be used for gain understanding of relevant reasons, opinions and
encouragements. This will provide insights into issues and it will help them in developing ideas and
hypotheses for desired quantitative research method. On the other hand, quantitative method of
research is used for identify major problems and issues in the form of generating numerical data and it
can be changed into common statistics. In this report, qualitative research method is used for selecting
relevant data and information in better manner.
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Research philosophy – It is the value or belief which can be used for collecting and gathering accurate
data at the time of completing such report. This section deals with sources, nature and development of
knowledge or information. In general terms, a research philosophy is beliefs about the ways where data
should be collected, used and analysed. Positivism believe that actuality is stable and this can be
determined from major objectives point of view without intervention of researchers. Another is
interpretivism intend to be subjective evaluation and interpretation which are required to be described.
In this research project, positivism philosophy is used for collecting and assembling appropriate facts
an figures while completion of project.
Research approach – It is the plan or procedures that will consist with stages and conduct
assumptions and predictions to explain different data collection method, analysis and interpretation.
Research approach is the vital part of scientific investigation which will assist in examining and
analysing whole areas in effective way. This includes inductive and deductive approach. In inductive
approach, there are different types of new theories can be used and it is based on various kind of
models and estimations as per the possible results. On the other hand, deductive approach analyse
numerical data and information which is being determined and based on observation. In the existing
report, deductive approach is used by firm in order to gather and collect accurate facts and figures
effectively.
Primary method – It is the method which help in collecting and gathering fresh data when data about
specific subject that is assembled for first time then research is called as primary research.
Questionnaire method will be used for analysing various respondents views and opinions towards firm
goods and services. There are around 30 participants who are given their reviews and responses
regarding company products and services. The place where researcher collect data and information is
safe and secure for example, they are conduct research in an office or cafe which help in follows health
and safety policies and procedures.
Secondary method – It refer to data which is collected by someone who is someone other than the
users. They are collected and gathered from internet, through market research and conduct survey. In
this, data has been gathers from existing information through available sources and methods.
SECTION 3: ETHICS ISSUES
Ethical issues raised by the project and how these will be addressed:
Points that should be considered include:
 Participants and consent. Please include consent form (and information sheet if applicable)
 Confidentiality and anonymity
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 Whether any special/vulnerable populations are involved (including under 18s)
 Whether sole research with a child is involved (in this case confirmation of insurance cover from
Finance would be required)
 Right to withdrawal
 Deception
 Permissions from organisations involved
 Please complete a Health & Safety Risk Assessment Form for Ethics Applications and a Health &
Safety Compliance Declaration for Ethics Applications
 Please complete an Ethics Overseas Background Information Form if researching overseas.
 Please also mention Health & Safety issues in the section below, including any risks to participants
and/or researcher, sole working and working overseas (Please discuss this with your Supervisor, who
should contact the Health, Safety & Environment Office if there are any queries regarding this)
Please note that if your project includes overseas travel (including travel to your home country, if that is
overseas) then you should submit an ATO (Authority to Travel Overseas) form to Finance Department at least
eight weeks prior to the departure date
It is required for participants is to understand the main motive of research and its importance for
conducting investigation. This is necessary for an investigator is to provide them questionnaire sheet
for analyse their views or reviews regarding company goods and services. The main issues occur
while conducting research which includes budget, cost, technology, resources and workers who help
them in developing appropriate report. The researcher requires to make confidentiality at the time of
collecting and gathering data because they required to make fresh information which is not read by
anyone. In confidentiality, an investigator does not share data collection with others and its should be
kept private.
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SECTION 4: RESEARCH INVOLVING PARTICIPANTS
 You should download the attached Participant Consent Form template and amend as necessary; you
should also attach any other information to be given to participants
 You should consider carefully what information you provide to participants, e.g. scope of study,
number of participants, duration of study, risks/benefits of the project. It is recommended that the
participant has two copies of the consent form so they can retain one for information.
 If images or anything else which might allow the identification of participants is to be publicly
accessible (e.g. on the web), a separate section regarding this should be included on the participant
consent form
Give details of 1) the method of recruitment, and 2) potential benefits or incentives to
participants if any (include any financial benefits where appropriate).
(NB: Please remember that written permission – or in some cases ethics approval – will have to be sought
from any organisations where recruitment is carried out or posters placed (e.g. if you recruit in GP’s surgeries
you will require NHS approval)
1) The method of recruitment is Random Sampling which is used to select small
number of group among large population. This will help them in selecting such
respondents who are under age of 18 and they are give their views and opinions
regarding company goods and services.
2) Sainsbury company offer potential benefits and incentives to their participants which
help them in reaching with desired goals. With the assistance of rewards, they are
motivated and encouraged to do work in better manner. Along with this, researchers
are perform business functions and activities in order to satisfy all needs and
demand of respondents.
Will your research involve participants who are aged under 18?
YES NO
Will you be approaching participants who might be considered to be vulnerable (please give
details if not addressed elsewhere on this form)?
YES NO
If you have answered ‘Yes’ please refer to the Ethics Guidelines (especially section 3.4.j) if
your research involves participants who are aged under 18 and highlight the particular
issues raised by working with these participants and how these issues have been
addressed.
If you have answered yes to either of the above you may need to obtain DBS clearance
through
SECTION 5: STORAGE OF DATA
Data for Undergraduate, MA and MSc projects should be stored according to programme
requirements (e.g.18 months); however, if work is to be published data should be stored for
10 years.
Data should be collected and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the
University’s Data Protection Policy and the University’s IT Policy.
Describe how and where the following data will be stored and how they will be kept secure:
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Raw and processed data
The data will be stored in computers, hard disc and laptop of researchers.
Documents containing personal details of any participants
The data and information will be secured in the personal computers.
SECTION 6: CHECKLIST
Project Details
Have you completed your personal details? Yes
Have you outlined the project and ethical issues? Yes
Working with Participants
Have you completed details of how you intend to recruit participants and
whether they will receive any reimbursement?
Yes
If you are working with under 18s or participants who might be considered to be
vulnerable have you addressed the particular ethical issues involved in working
with these participants?
Yes
NA
Have you amended the Participant Consent Form (Template) for your project? Yes
Have you attached any other information to your form that may be needed for
participants, e.g. Debriefing Letter, Information Sheet?
Yes
Have you attached any other participant-facing materials to your form, e.g.
recruitment posters, questionnaire, interview questions?
Yes
Health and Safety
Have you considered the risks associated with the project and discussed these
with your supervisor? (Your Supervisor should contact the Head of Health &
Safety if there are any queries regarding this)
Yes
Have you completed the Health & Safety Risk Assessment Form for Ethics
Applications and the Health & Safety Compliance Declaration for Ethics
Applications?
Yes
If your project is taking place outside the UK, have you noted on the form where
the project will take place, considered risks in relation to this, and also sent the
ATO (Authority to Travel Overseas Form) to Finance to advise them of the
project? (An Overseas Background Information Form may need to be
completed). Please provide translations of documents if required.
Yes
NA
If your project involves interviews in a participant’s home or lone-working have
you considered the risks and control measures? (E.g. advising a
colleague/supervisor of the timings of visits, ringing before/after interview and
developing a contingency plan if contact is not made)?
Yes
Does your project involve clinical trial/s, abnormal levels of risk, working with
animals, or human tissue samples? If so, please provide details
Yes
No
If working off site, have you confirmed that local guidelines will be followed? Yes
NA
Publication of Results
Are your findings to be published? Yes
No
Have you described how you will ensure the anonymity of participants, or asked
them for explicit consent in your consent form to identify them in your research?
Yes
Storage of Data
Have you described how and where your data will be stored at the University
and how this will be kept secure?
Yes
External Guidelines
Have you noted any relevant subject-specific ethics guidelines (e.g. from a Yes
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professional society) and considered how these will inform your research?
Have you considered whether you have to apply for ethical approval through
another organisation (e.g. NHS)? (Section 4)
Yes
NA
Applicant’s Confirmation
Have you added an electronic signature or typed your name and date in the
applicant’s signature box?
Yes
Has your supervisor checked your application form and added an electronic
signature or typed their name and date on the form?
Yes
Presentation Have you proof-read your application form and documents? Yes
SECTION 7: ETHICS DECISION
Application approved
Application approved subject to conditions
Applicant to make substantial revisions and resubmit the application
Application to be referred to the Ethics Committee
Details of Decision
Making Panel:
Signature & Position:
Please use an electronic signature or type your name
Print Name:
Date:
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PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
Title of Research Project: “To analyse the impact of performance
based reward system on employee retention and motivation in
Sainsbury”.
Brief Description of Research Project, and What Participation Involves:
This research project is going to analyse the impact of performance based
reward system in a company for getting high retention of employees. For this
purpose, Sainsbury has been chosen which deals in retail sector and seeks to
provide best customer services. To achieve this objective, its managers motivate its
workers for getting high satisfaction of customer satisfaction. In this regard, under
present research literature review is done by extracting various articles from
secondary resources. For collecting different reviews and opinions of respondents,
researchers select adults, youngsters and specialists. An investigator select
respondents through Random Sampling method and there are around 40 participants
who are share their views regarding firm goods and services.
For interview based studies: State any limits on confidentiality
Please use wording along the lines of:
The interview will be tape recorded, and transcribed with any identifying details
removed. The transcript, or extracts from, may appear in my report and in
publications arising from it. The tapes may be heard by my supervisor and others
who might be involved in examining the report.
Everything you say will be treated confidentiality, but there is a limit to this: if you
disclose a risk of serious harm then I may need to take appropriate action (this
adheres to the ethical guidelines of the …………).
For questionnaire based studies:
State that the data will be collected in a way that makes it fully anonymous.
Please use wording along the lines of:
No identifying details will be recorded on your questionnaire response so that your
data will be completely anonymous and it will therefore not be possible to link your
consent form to your questionnaire response or to the data arising from it. You will be
asked to assign a code number to your data which only you will know, so if you wish
to withdraw your data you will be able to do this by providing the research with your
code number
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Investigator Contact Details:
Name
Department
University Address
Postcode
Email
Telephone
Consent Statement:
I agree to take part in this research, and am aware that I am free to withdraw at any
point without giving a reason, although if I do so I understand that my data might still
be used in a collated form. I understand that the information I provide will be treated
in confidence by the investigator and that my identity will be protected in the
publication of any findings, and that data will be collected and processed in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and with the University’s Data
Protection Policy.
Name ………………………………….
Signature ………………………………
Date ……………………………………
Please note: if you have a concern about any aspect of your participation or any
other queries please raise this with the investigator or the Supervisor. However, if
you would like to contact an independent party please contact the Head of
Department.
Supervisor Contact Details: Head of Department Contact Details:
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*** Form to be used if appropriate ***
Participant Number: __________
PARTICIPANT DEBRIEF
Title of Research Project: “To analyse the impact of performance
based reward system on employee retention and motivation in
Sainsbury”.
Thank you very much for taking part in our study, we greatly appreciate your
contribution.
This study is designed to examine the factors that might … Brief Description of
Research Project, and your participation is extremely valuable.
All data gathered during this study will be held securely and anonymously. If you wish
to withdraw from the study, contact us with your participant number (above) and your
information will be deleted from our files.
Should you have any concern about any aspect of your participation in this study,
please raise it with the investigator in the first instance or with the Project Supervisor
or Head of Department.
Investigator Project Supervisor Head of Department
Name Name Name
Department Department Department
Address Address Address
Email: Email: Email:
Tel: Tel: Tel :
If you are a student at Roehampton University and are troubled or worried about any
aspect of the study, or issues it may have raised, you may find it helpful to contact
one of the following who will be able to advise you on agencies that can deal with
your particular concern:
Student Welfare Officers:
…………….
…………….
…………….
If you feel your concerns are more serious or complex you may wish to contact the
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If you are a non-student you may find it helpful to contact your GP or one of the
following who will be able to advise you on agencies that can deal with your particular
concern:
[Agree with supervisor on appropriate agencies]
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