This case study investigated the work-environment related reasons behind employee tardiness in a recently established fast food joint, ‘Burger’s Hut’. It was found, after observation sessions and interviews that late night work shifts and non-flexible leave scheduling were the main reasons for the problem. It is recommended that the Burger’s Hut develops a strict policy to prevent tardy employees before the problem lead to other withdrawal behaviors like absenteeism and turnover.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction / Rationale
2. Problem statement
3. Objectives
4. Literature Review
4.1 Evolution of Human Food Consumption
4.2 The boom of the Fast Food Industry
4.3 Labour sourcing in the Fast Food industry
4.4 Challenges faced by Fast Food employees
4.5 Employee Tardiness
4.6 Effects of Tardiness
4.7 Factors affecting Tardiness
4.8 Determining the degree of Tardiness
5. Methodology
6. Findings and Analysis
7. Conclusion
8. Recommendations
9. Limitations and Further Research
10. References
Research Objectives and Focus
This research investigates the work-environment factors contributing to employee tardiness at the fast-food outlet 'Burger’s Hut' and provides evidence-based recommendations to management to mitigate this issue.
- Identify factors influencing overall employee tardiness in a professional context.
- Analyze specific work conditions at Burger’s Hut that contribute to late arrivals.
- Evaluate the impact of scheduling and operational policies on staff punctuality.
- Develop actionable recommendations for the management to control and reduce tardiness.
Excerpt from the Book
Challenges faced by Fast Food employees
Though might be fair in the MNC perspective, the rights of the actual worker is often overlooked or if brought to the limelight, quickly silenced by the MNC itself(Drapp, 1998; Colton, 1998; Bernstein, 1998). Most grievances raised by the fast food workers are understaffed shifts, unpredictable schedules, late night work, wage inequalities, routinized work and tyrannical supervision (Royle, 2002).
Routinization has made fast-food work be considered unskilled labour, on the contrary, to perform well it requires dexterity, endurance and capacity to keep many things mind at once, particularly to those who serve food and interact with the customers. There is substantial ‘emotional labour’ involved during busy periods which makes work hard and exhausting (Leidner,1993).
A common complaint made by fast food workers is that scheduling of work times and time off is unfair and unpredictable. The situation aggravates when the worker is asked to skip his/her time off because of peak season or to make up for an unplanned absence.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction / Rationale: Outlines the background of Burger’s Hut and the emergence of the research problem regarding employee tardiness and its negative impact on operational revenue.
2. Problem statement: Clearly defines the core research question focusing on which specific working conditions affect the punctuality of employees at the outlet.
3. Objectives: Lists the specific goals of the research, including the identification of tardiness factors and the creation of control recommendations.
4. Literature Review: Provides a comprehensive overview of existing theories and studies on fast food industry labor, employee withdrawal behaviors, and causes of tardiness.
5. Methodology: Describes the qualitative, exploratory case study approach involving observation and structured interviews with all staff members.
6. Findings and Analysis: Presents the gathered data, showing that late night shifts and rigid leave policies, rather than job dissatisfaction, are the primary drivers of tardiness.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings, noting that while staff are stressed, the lack of an absenteeism trend indicates that tardiness is a specific, manageable operational issue.
8. Recommendations: Proposes systematic changes, including the introduction of clocking records, a formal disciplinary policy, and improved leave management to reduce tardiness.
9. Limitations and Further Research: Acknowledges constraints like the small sample size and suggests future longitudinal studies to measure the efficacy of proposed changes.
10. References: Compiles the academic sources and industry reports used to ground the study's claims and recommendations.
Keywords
Employee Tardiness, Fast Food Industry, Work Environment, Shift Work, Organizational Behavior, Labor Management, Absenteeism, Turnover, Job Satisfaction, Employee Scheduling, Operational Efficiency, Case Study, Workplace Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The study examines the specific work-environment related reasons for employee tardiness at a fast-food outlet called Burger’s Hut and evaluates how management can address these issues.
Which key areas are covered in the literature review?
The review covers the evolution of the fast-food industry, labor sourcing challenges, the nature of fast-food work, and psychological theories regarding tardiness as a withdrawal behavior.
What is the core research question?
The study aims to answer: "Which working conditions in Burgers Hut affect the tardiness of its employees?"
What research methodology was employed?
The researcher used an exploratory case study approach, utilizing non-participatory observations and structured, open-ended interviews with the entire staff to gather qualitative data.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers the context of the business, a thorough literature review, a detailed methodology, an analysis of interview and observational findings, and a final set of management recommendations.
Which keywords define this work?
The study is characterized by terms like employee tardiness, fast-food industry, work environment, shift work, and labor management.
Did the research find a link between tardiness and job dissatisfaction?
Interestingly, no. The study found that while staff are stressed by late-night shifts, they are generally satisfied with their pay, and the organization does not show signs of high turnover or absenteeism.
What is the specific role of 'off-the-clock' work mentioned?
The study notes that punctual employees are often forced to perform extra work to cover for those who are tardy, which increases their hours without extra compensation and leads to fatigue.
Why did the researcher focus on both tardy and punctual employees?
Including non-tardy staff allowed the researcher to gain insights into the conditions that successfully keep some employees on time, providing a balanced view of the workplace environment.
- Quote paper
- Ruhaim Izmeth (Author), 2013, Employee Tardiness and Working Conditions in Burgers Hut, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/285101
