Research Design

The current research is based on the impact of employee motivation on organizational performance, a case study of Woolworths Australia. Here, a research methodology is prepared where Research philosophy, Research approach, Research design are discussed with justification. Sample design, Method of data collection, Method of data analysis, and ethical requirements are highlighted. In the research approach, a multidisciplinary, cross-functional type is applied, and the survey questionnaire is applied that has been carried out with employees of the specified company.

Research can be conducted through three types of philosophy such as positivism, interpretivism, and realism (Creswell & Poth, 2017). In this research, positivism philosophy has been taken as this philosophy adheres to the view that stresses on factual knowledge. This knowledge is gained by observation, including proper measurement.

Justification for choosing positivism research philosophy

Here, the researcher only needs to consider data collection along with interpretation in an objective manner. In addition, research outcomes are basically quantifiable and observable. As stated by Flick (2015), positivism philosophy relies on certain quantifiable observations which lead to statistically conducted analyses. Required knowledge originates from experience, and it recognizes ontological along with an atomistic view of the surrounding. Furthermore, in positivism, the researcher can continue concerned research in an independent way.

Specified philosophy follows certain principles such as-

a) Aim of the research is to predict and to explain

b) Research is empirically observable through human senses, and inductive reasoning is used to formulate hypotheses or statements. These statements are tested at the time of the research process.

c) Positivism philosophy does not entertain common sense as it can bias findings of the research.

d) Concerned philosophy only considers scientific measurements that can be judged by logic.

Progress of research is based on deductions and hypotheses (Ganeshpurkar et al. 2018). Concepts of this philosophy are needed to become operationalized for proper measurement. Additionally, this philosophy analyses data through the simplest terms, and generalization is done by statistical probability. Random selection of large numbers is doing this research conducting in an easier way. The researcher only needs to recognize facts, fundamental laws, and casualties. A vital advantage of this philosophy is phenomenon can be reduced to the simplest elements.

In context of selected research, cross-functional, multidisciplinary approach has been chosen. The reason behind this choice includes multidisciplinary approach performs most effectively in companies that need to deal with a fast-evolving market. In addition, this approach is accurate for research on Woolworths that value speed, adaptability. As propounded by Kumar (2019), specified approach sets intense concentration on responses to customer requirements.

Justification for choosing a cross-functional and multidisciplinary approach

This approach is taken for certain advantages like-

Speed- Multidisciplinary approach decrease time for doing activities such as the process of product development.

Complexity- It improves the ability of an organization to resolve complex issues by gathering multiple perspectives.

Focus on customers-this approach focuses on coordination of resources of the organization for satisfying needs of customers.

Creativity- Through accumulating people with different backgrounds and experiences, cross-functional approach enhance Woolworths' creative capacity.

Learning of organization- Members following this approach are available readily to develop professional and new technical skills. As stated by Meyers, Gamst & Guarino (2016), learning is perceived in the case of other disciplines. Furthermore, it is discovered the process of work with employees who apply different styles as well as come from different cultural backgrounds.

Single contact point- Multidisciplinary approach promotes efficiency by identifying a single person. Chosen person is responsible for making decisions along with gaining information about customer or project.

Constructing a cross-functional approach

This approach adheres in current research as it recognizes four important factors such as efficient members of the team, development of the team, communication, and task delegation. Choosing efficient members is emphasized as it brings diverse complementary skills in a balance. Team development is done through steps of performing, norming, storming, and norming. In view of Patten & Newhart (2017), for getting maximum output, proper support and time are provided as this support enhances performance through every team formation stage. In case of task delegation, confusion is reduced through distributing responsibilities among team members. Furthermore, clear, effective communication is a major advantage for the success of this approach.

Figure 1: Research philosophy, approach, and design

Research can be conducted through three types of research design, such as exploratory, explanatory, and descriptive. However, for performing present research, the descriptive design has been chosen. In view of Quinlan, Babin, Carr & Griffin (2019), this research design reflects conclusive nature as it considers quantitative data. Unlike exploratory design, the descriptive type is structured as well as replanned. As a result, collected information can be inferred statistically on the selected population. The main objective of this type involves defining behavior, attitudes, and opinions that are held through a group on a provided subject. This design describes the subject, situation, phenomenon, and behavior in an elaborate way.

Justification for choosing a descriptive research design

Though this type evaluates such questions which do not provide unique insights, however, a grouping of responses is beneficial for research. Grouping these responses in predefined choices provide inferable data that are collected statistically. As stated by Walliman (2017), under these circumstances, it allows measurement of significance regarding results. These results are gained from a selected population of study and attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of respondents over time. Furthermore, it has been observed to be effective for analyzing non-qualified issues.

This process has widened possibility for observing the phenomenon in an unnatural and natural environment. It opens up the opportunity for integrating quantitative as well as qualitative methods to collect data. Over and above, this design type provides a deeper and better understanding of a given phenomenon, depending on the in-depth study. Manager of this particular company can be benefitted by base business decisions through this method.

Sample design can be classified into five types such as systematic, stratified, clustered, convenience, and purposive, or judgmental sampling. In context of current research, systematic sampling is applied as it represents a statistical method. As stated by Abdulkadiroğlu, Angrist, Narita & Pathak (2017), it involves element selection from the sampling frame, which is constructed in a systematic way. This is the probability sampling where elements of research are selected from the target population. This selection is made by choosing a random initiation point and other members of sampling after fixation of the sampling interval.

Justification for choosing systematic sample design

This sample design is chosen as it opens opportunity in an equal way for every population member to get selected. In addition, it is justified to choose this design as it is easy to understand and execute. This process of design is sensed and controlled comfortably, and it eliminates clustered selection. Apart from these advantages, it has comparatively low factors of risk. It can determine population size, and it considers natural degree regarding randomness.

Population

The population of employees has been selected for this research without discriminating against employees on the basis of gender or race. Men, as well as women employees, have been given equal priority in selecting population.

Sample

A sample of 50 individuals has been chosen for collecting data, and these individuals refer to be employees of Woolworths Company.

Justification

The main notion of this research includes analyzing employee motivation impact on the performance of the organization. In order to increase revenue generation and profitability of the company, employees need to be motivated. This motivation acts as a driver for achieving goals of concerned company in a specified time span. Hence, the concerned company is implementing certain strategies for motivating employees. In this regard, analysis of strategies requires to be done to evaluate whether those strategies are actively working on motivation or company needs to modify those strategies. In this regard, employees are asked questions to know their responses if they are motivated to work in this company.

Sampling method

Common form regarding this kind of sampling is the equiprobability method which is utilized in the present research. As propounded by Creswell & Poth (2017), in this sampling method, progression is treated through a circular list. Equi-probability is implemented in this research as it is a beneficial property to collect events which have the same occurring probability. Moreover, it corresponds to the concept which allows research to assign the same probabilities to results in case of judged with equipment possibility.

In order to collect data, the primary method has been applied where the questionnaire has been prepared, and these questions are asked to 50 employees of Woolworths.

Justification of choosing primary data collection method

Primary research refers to be processed to gather data in a direct way from original resources (Buswell, Webb, Mitchell & Leder Mackley, 2017). This method of data collection is applied as information is obtained through observation. This experience of observation is extracted by conducting a questionnaire of employees. Advantages of primary data are the reason for choosing this method as data are relevant and original to the topic. As a result, the accuracy degree becomes high in a research study by this method. Moreover, researchers can collect data for particular purposes of the study. In this regard, questions of the researcher can be tailored for eliciting data which help to conduct the study.

The primary data collection method is implemented due to the advantage of enhanced efficiency. Researching organization may be asked for concentrating efforts to collect data on a particular market in spite of considering the mass market. In the constancy, data interpretation can be conducted in a better way. Primary information becomes an accurate tool as data collected in this method is useful for the researcher.

For analyzing quantitative data, certain methods can be applied, such as regression analysis, simulation of Monte Carlo, hypothesis testing. However, for conducting this research, T or Hypothesis testing is taken into account.

Justification of choosing hypothesis testing

This method is implemented as this method lets concerned researcher to compare data with respect to assumptions and hypotheses. It facilitates to forecast process of decision making that may be beneficial for the organization. In view of Fletcher (2017), this testing procedure allows comparison between two variables for finding base decisions and a correlation on key findings. For example- in a company, it can be assumed that more working hours is equivalent to greater productivity. Before applying long working hours, a real connection between productivity and time is ensured.

Hypothesis tests are useful for the discerning effect of a single factor on the alternative factor through exploring the statistical significance of the relationship. As propounded by Flick (2015), in the context of business, the hypothesis test is set up for explaining the productivity of labor effects. Thus, this testing serves for exploring relationships among two or greater variables through an experimental setting. The business manager of the specified organization can use utilize results of hypothesis while making decisions regarding management. Additionally, managers are allowed to examine effects along with causes before making a crucial decision of management. For being statistical exercise, data has been collected from employees. After that, information is compiled regarding the given hypothesis. Hence, if Woolworths wants to explore how its strategies are reflecting on employees, management may carry out this testing.

Certain ethical requirements are considered such as-

Respecting privacy and confidentiality

Upholding rights to maintain privacy and confidentiality is a central ethical requirement. Hence, it is ensured that confidential data are stored safely in a secure area, and stripping is considered through identifying information. Having a confidential discussion in the soundproof room and putting names of participants in a systematic way are certain measures regarding privacy maintenance.

Figure 2: Ethical requirements

Gaining informed consent

In this research, fundamental research ethics of informed consent is maintained where participants understand the necessities of research. As stated by Manroop & Richardson (2016), such information involves research purpose, methods, and possible results of research. Associated discomforts, demands, risks, and inconveniences are considered in conducting this research.

Discussing intellectual property

For avoiding disagreements regarding decision making of research, intellectual property is discussed frankly. This ethical requirement improves working relationships, as this discussion includes monetary issues and research instruments. As propounded by Ganeshpurkar et al. (2018), plans are formulated for avoiding disputes as different people involved in research visualize the same condition in a different way.

Avoiding the deceptive practices

In order to avoid such practices, informed consent can be avoided by research participants. In this case, confidentiality and anonymity of research participants are protected. In the context of knowing the research requirements and roles of research participants, deception may take place. In order to avoid these practices, participants are provided with adequate information to consent voluntarily.

Providing a right of withdrawing

Research participants are allowed to withdraw their participation from the process of research if participants do not find it feasible. When any participant wishes to step back from the research process, she or he are not coerced or pressurized.

Hence, it can be summarized that for analyzing the impact of motivation on the performance of the organization, effective research methodologies are applied. In this regard, positivism philosophy is taken as it seeks to measure, evaluate, and identify phenomenon. It has provided a rational explanation regarding this topic. In the case of the research approach, the multidisciplinary, cross-functional approach is applied. It is found that this approach has concentrated on speed, complexity, and focus on customers, creativity, and single contact point.

The descriptive design has been selected, and it is observed that grouping of responses is done in an effective way. Systematic sample design is applied, and it has widened equal opportunity before every participant. The questionnaire has been successfully formulated with 50 employees of a particular company. They have clearly expressed their views regarding motivation to work in this organization.

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