Investigation into Staff Motivation in Beauty Therapy Industry - Research Proposal Example

Lecturer Research Proposal Research Investigation into Staff Motivation in Beauty Therapy Industry 2. Introduction Staff motivation has over the years been observed to be an important element in the measure of success in any given industry, as it ensures the employee remains committed towards achievement of organisational goals (Kruse, p 44). It can be argued that other factors of production in a line of business preside in importance over staff motivation but at the end of the day it is the human resource available that makes meaning of the factors of production available. The beauty therapy industry just like any other industry is also heavily influenced by the level of motivation of the staff at the work place, more so because it is a service industry (Nordmann, 2007, p.63). The beauty industry has undergone tremendous transformation over the years; becoming one of the biggest businesses in the world today (Bensouilah, p135). As a result, due to the growing customer numbers and the popularity, the amount of work to be done by the staff employed in the industry is greater thus creating the need for well-motivated staff to keep up with the numbers while still maintaining the quality of the service provided (Scott & Harrison, 2006, p.99). The purpose of this research paper hence is tied to the fact that the beauty industry has grown significantly over the years and thus the paper seeks to establish whether staff motivation in the industry has had major impact on its growth and performance over the years. The major areas that will be under focus in the research are job satisfaction and fulfilment by the staff, the degree of staff performance dependent on the level of satisfaction, client satisfaction and the rate of employee turnover in the industry over the years. I would like to establish whether there is a clear cut relation between staff motivation and performance of the employees in the industry. 3. Existing Knowledge Staff motivation has been a topic that has been studied widely over the decades. It can be possibly argued that there are as many theories related to staff motivation as there are scholars to it (Mernagh-ward & Cartwright, 1997). To narrow down and draw applicable concepts and theories related to the service industry, particularly the beauty therapy industry, I shall base my propositions based on works by authors who have majorly focussed on the British market. Prior to citing from any literature, there are some basic existent facts which are almost intuitive to all players in the industry. It is general knowledge to parties involved to the industry especially the service providers that the quality of service is perhaps the core part of the business (Lauby, 2005, p.111). Since the major part involves service delivery, the degree of customer satisfaction is based on the quality of work that the staff put in at the work place. Staff motivation, without further emphasis comes into play in influencing the quality of service delivered (Wingfield, 2009 p.98). With this respect and in finding out more information I will draw theories from a variety of authors but particularly on the book: “Professional Beauty Therapy” by Lorraine Nordmann. Literature Review Motivational leadership entails a practice where the leader implements a strategy that will influence individuals to follow them. Motivational leaders are interested in providing a safe and trusting environment, and also ensuring that an organization is positioned to succeed in the industry. The core principles of motivation leadership require that the leaders possess; strong ethics, definable values, clear vision, authentic communication, and ensure collaboration and positive energy in the whole organization (John, 2009). There are certain basic issues for a motivational leader. A motivational leader must start by motivating him/herself towards an appropriate course of action. The leaders should be confident that they can successfully lead a group. The leaders must set appropriate goals; this will enable their team members to work towards achievement of that goal. Motivational leaders see failure as opportunities for learning. True leaders should responsible and accountable for their actions, and the actions of the teams they lead. Effective leadership entails collaboration with his/her group, so as to get the opinion of all the group members. This assists in effective team decision making. In, business, management is the function which coordinates efforts of people, so as to accomplish goals effectively and efficiently, using available adequate resources. Management entails; planning, organizing, staffing, directing/leading, and controlling the organization, so as to effectively and efficiently realize a desired goal. Management manipulates the human capital of an organization, so as to realize enterprise success. Management succeeds in organizations due to several reasons. Effective communication between the organizational members will ensure management success. This is because team members will share ideas appropriately during decision making. Also, proper planning will ensure management success. This is because planning ensures that adequate resources are sources, so as to effectively perform activities that will lead to realization of the set goals. Finally, teamwork is necessary in any management activity. Teamwork enables team members to share ideas on the most appropriate method of effectively and efficiently meeting the goals of the enterprise. The major issue for management’s failure entails setting unrealistic goals. These are goals which cannot be effectively achieved within the expected limits. Teams should ensure that the goals they set are achievable (Meredith, 2010). Effective motivation entails the act of furnishing appropriate incentive to employees, so as to realize positive action which will ensure achievement of organizational goals. It is the responsibility of organizational leaders and managers to ensure that the enterprise environment is favourable to enhance motivation of staffs. Understanding issues that ensures people are motivated is significant in maintaining a productive relationship with team members and other staff members. There are several approaches of ensuring better performance of employees. Employees should be encouraged to set their own work targets. This will ensure positive commitment and energy to goal accomplishment. A work environment of open communication and trust should be created. This is because greater levels of motivation are realized organizations encouraging openness in decision making, and trust in resource planning and usage. The managers must also show confidence n work performance of employees. Employees expected to show good performance, usually achieve their work targets (John, 2009). 4. Research Methodology In carrying out the research, I will use a methodology that will be broken down into four major components, which include: The design of the research The methods of data collection The population and Sample Methods used in data analysis Research design A research design can be explained as a logical model outlining proof that enables the researcher to form assumptions and hence draw valid inferences regarding the relationships between all the variables that are being studied (Kothari,2004, p.103). The main methods of which to draw valid conclusions from a research process are Induction and Deduction. Induction is the process by which a researcher observes a particular phenomenon and based on the observation, he forms a conclusion. Deduction, however, is a process by which the researcher arrives at a valid conclusion through the local generalisation of a previously known fact (Salkind, 2007, p.24). This research will apply the deductive approach as it aims to study a relationship that is already established, the impact of staff motivation in the beauty therapy industry. Methods of Data collection Intuitively, data collection basically involves the means and methods used to gather all the necessary information relevant to the study (Odgers, 2005, p.114). In data collection, Primary data collection and secondary data collection are the two major methods of acquiring data (Pawar, 2004, p.36). Secondary data comprises all the information collected second hand by the researcher. It would be all the information that has been collected previously by other individuals to fulfil a need or an objective that is different or in line with that of the researcher (Stewart & Kamins, 1993, p. 85). This method involving the collection of secondary sources of data may have both its pros and cons. A major advantage of secondary data is that it provides a wider basis for the researcher to draw conclusions by enabling him/her to formulate and have a better understanding of the research problem. Nevertheless, care should be taken regarding the source from which the secondary data is obtained as some sources may not be relevant to the current research (Bolner & Poirier, 2004, p.77). In this proposed research, the secondary sources to be used will include: scholarly articles, textbooks, relevant websites and journals relating to staff motivation in the beauty therapy industry. Also, various other internet resources will be used where books provide shallow information. Primary data on the other hand comprises all the information that will be obtained first-hand by the researcher in the circumstances that secondary sources of data are not available or the information drawn from them is insufficient to fully contribute to the objectives of the research being carried out (Blaxter.et.al 2006 p.87). The collection of primary data is aided by various research aids and instruments such as interview schedule, questionnaires and personal observations. For purposes of this research, primary data will be obtained through the use of questionnaires and scheduling interviews. Questionnaires 250 questionnaires will be produced; therefore 250 respondents are expected too participate in this data collection exercise. I’m sure that the respondents will provide research data, through filling the questionnaire, because I will act ethical by explaining the information provided will be treated with a lot of confidentiality, and purely for academic purposes. The number of respondents in this research exercise is adequate. This is because one respondent will be chosen from each of the existing beauty therapy establishment. The major limitation in the data collection process is time constraints. The data collection process requires additional two weeks duration, because locating 250 beauty establishments requires a lot of time. Gender representation in this research exercise is equal; therefore 125 respondents are male and 125 respondents are female. Staffs in the beauty sector comprise both males and females. The genders experience unique motivation factors. Therefore, to ensure research gets fair findings, ideas of both genders must be taken into consideration. Population and Sample The population under study will be drawn out of the various players in the beauty therapy industry in Britain. Sampling will be carried out on the population from which generalisations will be made on the whole population. A sample is defined as a portion of the whole population with the size is determined by the objectives and the nature of the study (Walford, 2004, p.123). For this research, samples will be obtained from the whole population due to the constraint posed resources disposable to the study. 5. Data Analysis Data obtained from the research process will be analysed using to major methods which are: Parametric testing and Hypothesis testing. Parametric testing will be applied in the determination of the significance between any two independent samples while hypothesis testing will be put into use when testing the differences between the two categories of players in the beauty therapy industry, one in which there are proper motivational strategies for the employees and another where the employees are not well motivated. 6. Outcomes In conducting the research, various outcomes will be expected to arise from it. In analysing the possible outcomes of the research process, the outcomes will be broken down into two major categories which are either positive or negative (Maree & Van der Westhuizen, 2009, p. 256). The outcomes associated with this research process will be more positive than negative. Some expected outcomes from the study include: Identification of the relationship between staff motivation and their performance in the beauty therapy industry Identification of the elements that motivate the staff in the industry The influence of staff motivation on client satisfaction 7. Ethical Issues In carrying out any research process, the researcher has to take into consideration any ethical issues involved in research (Sales and Folk man, p 132). This serves to ensure that the research is conducted in proper way in accordance to a predetermined set of standards. To assist in the understanding of ethics in research, ethics can be defined as a general code of conduct that distinguishes between what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour (Gregory, 2003, p.105). There are various reasons that explain why it is vital to adhere to ethics when conducting a research. Firstly, the norms promote the core objectives of the research, such as honesty, knowledge and also assist in avoiding unnecessary errors. For example, restrictions against the falsification, misrepresentation and fabrication of data tend to enhance truth, honesty and minimisation of any errors that may arise during the research process (Elliott & Stern, 1997, p.48). Second, since the research process is wide and diverse and hence involves the co-ordination and relation between various participants in different disciplines and institutions, the standards of ethics provides and promotes the values that are key in facilitating the efficient collaboration of people in several different disciplines. Values in this respects are those such as equity and fairness, trust, accountability and the presence of mutual respect between the parties involved in the research. For example, particular norms in research such as guidelines relating to rights of authorship, patents and copyrights, data and information interchange policies and confidentiality rules are designed to ensure that intellectual property rights are protected whilst at the same time allowing for smooth collaboration (Oliver, 2010, p.156). It is only natural that most researcher would want to take the credit for their hard work and do not want their ideas or contributions to be stolen or disclosed illegally. Further, many of the ethical norms that are applicable to research stand to ensure that the researchers can be held accountable to public interests. For example, policies set on research misconduct, the protection of human subjects involved, animal care polices among others serve to ensure that researchers, especially those funded by the public funds can be made answerable to the public for any of their actions. Moreover, norms pertaining to ethics in research assist in building the general public support for the research process (Gregory, 2003, p.125). Generally, people are more likely to fund a project whose trustworthiness and credibility is held in high regard. Finally, the norms in the research process promote other key moral and social values in the community for which the research is being conducted. Values promoted include those ones such as legal compliance, social responsibility, human rights, and animal care and welfare as well as health and safety requirements. Lack of ethical considerations in the research process can lead to significant harm of any research participants. For this research, the ethical considerations will be broken down into four major categories which include: Consent, Harm, Privacy and deception Consent Consent is the general procedure used by research subjects to decide whether or not they want to participate or to be included in the study. Consent would involve three major elements which are: capacity, Information and voluntariness Capacity Capacity in this perspective is the ability to acquire or retain data and information. It also comprises of legal qualification or authority to perform a certain act. Questions to be asked are such as: Is a participant able to make a conscious decision of whether he wants to participate in the study. Information This involves the aspect of disclosure. It aims to ensure that any research participants are told and they understand the objectives of the study and how their role fits in as subjects. Voluntariness This serves to ensure that any subjects have the power to exercise their own free will to decide whether or not they want to take part in the study and they can also choose to leave at their own convenience. There should not be any elements of coercion or solicitation of any other form that will force an individual to participate in the study. Harm A key requirement in any research process is that subjects should not suffer harm of any kind from the study either physical or emotional. With respect to this, the dignity of the participants will be held in high regard. In some cases however, the risk of harm may always be present, and as such a judgement call by the researcher would be necessary. The guideline to be followed under this research would be: does the risk of harm outweigh the potential good to be obtained from the study? If it does, it will not be studied. Privacy Under privacy, any participants are entitled confidentiality as to whether they participated in the study and that the information obtained from them should not be linked to them by any means. Any violation of the promise of the privacy of the participants of the study would lead to harm and hence breach of the ethical considerations of research. Deception Deception would involve any falsification, misrepresentation or withholding any information that is vital to the purpose, nature, outcomes or consequences of the study. I essence, the research participants need to have full disclosure prior to obtaining their consent to participate in the study. There are several significances of adhering to ethical research norms. To begin with, norms enhance aims of research; for instance avoidance of error, knowledge and truth. Ethical principles also encourage collaborative work like mutual respect, accountability, trust and fairness. This requires adequate cooperation and coordination among different individuals who participate in the research process. Ethical principles and norms also ensure that researchers are held accountable to the public, as far as their research process is concerned. Many researchers are funded using public money; therefore, they must show accountability to the members of the public (Gregory, 2003, p.130). The ethical principles also ensure public support in the research process. People are most likely to support research projects; if they trust or believe the integrity and quality of the research process. Although ethical principles, codes and policies are important; they do not adequately cover all the situations, they require a lot of interpretation, and they usually conflict. Therefore, it is necessary for researchers to understand how to apply, interpret and assess several research rules, and how to make appropriate decisions. Majority of research decisions entails straightforward or direct application of the ethical rules (Gregory, 2003, p.128). 8. Resource Requirement Any research process needs to have the necessary and adequate resources for the study to be conducted effectively and efficiently. Resources required by any research process can be categorised as either technical resources, time, money, and other miscellaneous ones such as equipment and special resources required for the a particular study (Vithal & Jansen, 1997 p. 79). For this study, the resources will be classified under technical resources and time. Technical Resources The technical resources required for this research are include data collection and analysis equipment. Items such as computers and printers that would be used to print out the required number of questionnaires and other print outs that would be relevant to the study. In addition to the material items, the research process would require the technical knowledge and skills that will be applied in the aspect of data analysis and presentation after all the information from the research has been gathered. Financial Resources Every research process has financial implications. Expenses to be catered for usually fall under transport, all equipment required for the research inclusive of stationary and those ones of extra personnel required to facilitate the ease of the process. For this research process, the major expenses would fall on transport over the region, the equipment for data analysis and collection and for any consultancy by experts all budgeted for in advance Time Time is an inevitable resource in any research process. For the purposes of this research process time is a limited resource and it is allocated effectively based on prioritisation. All activities to be carried out in a research process have to allocate a time schedule that should be adhered to but with a reasonable provision for unforeseen circumstances. 9. Research Plan The research plan outlines all the activities to be carried out by the researcher and the time frame allocated to each activity precisely (Walford, 2004 p.89). This enables the researcher to be able to work within a proper time schedule and complete the research process in proper timing which will also save on resources. This research process will be expected to be fully completed within two months after its approval. The activities to be undertaken during the research process and the associated time frame are: Reconnaissance—1 week Data collection—5 weeks Data organisation and Analysis—2 weeks Presentation of findings—2 days The final draft of the research documents should be ready within two weeks after fieldwork to make an allowance for the analysis of findings but it should be finalised one week before the expiry of the two month time frame. Bibliography (EDUCA House, Malmesbury Rd, Kingsditch, Cheltenham, Glos. GL51 9PL), Stanley Thornes (Publishers) Ltd. Bensouilah, J. “The History and Development of Modern-British Aromatherapy.” International Journal of Aromatherapy 15.3 (2005): 134–140. Print Blaxter, L., hughes, C., & Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Berkshire, England, Open University Press. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=316254. Bolner, M. S., & Poirier, G. A. (2004). The research process: books & beyond. Dubuque, Iowa, Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co. Cressy, S. (2003). Business management for hairdressers and therapists. London, Heinemann. Elliott, D., & Stern, J. E. (1997). Research ethics: a reader. Hanover, NH, Published by University Press of New England for the Institute for the Study of Applied and Professional Ethics at Dartmouth College. Gregory, I. (2003). Ethics in research. London, Continuum. http://www.lib.sfu.ca/cgi-bin/validate/books24x7.cgi?bookid=12182. John, A. (2009). Effective Motivation. NY: Kogan Page. John, A. (2009). Leadership and motivation. NY: Kogan Page. Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology methods & techniques. New Delhi, New Age International (P) Ltd. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=431524. Kruse, Kevin. Employee Engagement 2.0: How to Motivate Your Team for High Performance. 2nd ed. New York: CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2012. Print. Lauby, S. J. (2005). Motivating employees. Alexandria, Va, ASTD Press. MERNAGH- MAree, K., & Van der westhuizen, C. N. (2009). Head start in designing research proposals in the social sciences. Lansdowne, Cape Town, Juta. Meredith, B. (2010). Management teams: Why They Succeed or Fail. NJ: Butterworth Heinemann. Mernagh-ward, D. (2004). Health and beauty therapy: a practical approach for NVQ level 3. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes. Nordmann, L. (2007). Beauty therapy: the foundations : the official guide to NVQ level 2. London, Thomson. Nordmann, L. (2007). Professional beauty therapy: the official guide to level 3. London, Thomson Learning. Odgers, P. (2005). Administrative office management: complete course. Mason, Thomson. Oliver, P. (2010). The students guide to research ethics. Maidenhead, Berkshire, Open University Press. Pawar, M. S. (2004). Data collecting methods and experiences: a guide for social researchers. Elgin, IL, New Dawn Press. Sales, Bruce Dennis, and Susan Folkman. Ethics in Research With Human Participants. Chicago: American Psychological Association, 2001. Print. Salkind, N. J. (2010). Encyclopedia of research design. Thousand Oaks, Calif, SAGE Publications. Scott, J., & Harrison, A. (2006). Spa: the official guide to spa therapy at levels 2 & 3. London, Thomson Learning. Stewart, D. W., & Kamins, M. A. (1993). Secondary research: information sources and methods. Newbury Park, Sage Publications. Vithal, R., & Jansen, J. (1997). Designing your first research proposal: a manual for researchers in education and the social sciences. Kenwyn, Juta Walford, G. (2004). Doing qualitative educational research: a personal guide to the research process. London [u.a.], Continuum. Ward, D., & Cartwright, J. (1997). Good practice in salon management. Cheltenham, Stanley Thornes. Wingfield, A. H. (2009). Doing business with beauty: black women, hair salons, and the racial enclave economy. Lanham, Md, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Appendix Questionnaire 1) What is motivation? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2) How motivated are you in your work place (salon)? • High • Low • Very low • None 3) What methods of motivation are used within your salon? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4) How likely you work extra hours when asked at last minute within your salon? ...................................................................................................................................................... 5) How satisfied do you feel working at your salon? …………...................................................................................................................................... 6) Are you happy from your job? • Yes • No 7) What would you like to improve in your salon? ……………………...................................................................................................................... 8) What age range are you? 1) 16-25 2) 25-35 3) 35-40 9) You are Male Female 10) What is your job title? …………………………………………………………………………...................................... 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