The main aim of this dissertation project is to critically examine the chosen organization KFC and to study the effect of its leadership on the motivation of its employees. The research question is "How can management develop their leadership style to motivate staff members to achieving their organizational roles?"
Attracting and retaining employees in the current business world has become a big challenge for the organizations. Due to increase in competitors and new entrants, it has become a tough task for the organizations. Globalization has also added a new dimension to the challenge. The workforce is now comprised of people from different countries and different cultures. As a result, keeping them motivated to give a high performance is a big task for the managers. There have been many research and theories of leadership and motivation. However, these are not still fully understood and the relationship between leadership and motivation still needs in depth research. Leaders need to find ways to motivate their subordinates by catering their individual needs and move away from the traditional methods.
For the purpose of explaining the causal relationship between leadership and motivation, the researcher pursued an action research strategy and followed an inductive approach as the researcher had to work closely with the organization. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using an employee survey questionnaire and a focus group interview of the managers.
The data analysis gave information about leadership and motivation of KFC. The managers stressed on having clear communication, independence and decision making for them. The staff stressed on communication, recognition, rewards, improved work condition and self satisfaction. The results revealed that KFC should look to employ some new strategies to increase the motivation of its staff. The researcher has made some recommendations at the end of the report. However, as this research was conducted in a small location, it may require further in depth research to come to an exclusive conclusion.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PROJECT OVERVIEW
- 1.1 Research Topic
- 1.2 Research Question
- 1.3 Research Opportunity
- 1.4 Factors Behind The Research Opportunity
- 1.5 The Organization
- 1.6 Aims and objective
- 1.6.1 Research aim
- 1.6.2 Research Objectives
- 1.7 Research Methodology
- 1.8 Rationale and Expected Benefits
- 1.9 Dissertation Road Map
- 1.10 Summary
- CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Scope of the Research
- 2.2 Theories of Motivation
- 2.2.1 Current Situation
- 2.3 Leadership Theories
- 2.3.1 Review of Early Leadership Theories
- 2.3.2 Current Leadership Theories and Practices
- 2.4 Characteristics of Leadership
- 2.5 Leadership Attitude and Motivation
- 2.6 Qualities of a high performing team
- 2.7 Common Theme of Leadership and Motivation
- 2.8 How the Research Add to the Literature Review
- CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS
- 3.1 Research Purpose
- 3.2 Research Approach
- 3.3 Research Strategy
- 3.4 Generalisability
- 3.5 Sampling Technique
- 3.6 Time Horizons
- 3.7 Data Collection
- 3.8 Limitations
- CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH STUDY RESULTS
- 4.1 Questionnaire Survey Results
- 4.2 Focus Group
- 4.3 Research Results
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to critically examine the effect of leadership on employee motivation within five selected KFC stores in Central London. The research seeks to understand how management can adapt their leadership styles to better motivate staff towards achieving organizational goals. An action research strategy with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed.
- The relationship between leadership styles and employee motivation.
- The impact of various leadership characteristics on employee performance.
- Effective strategies for motivating employees in a fast-food environment.
- Analysis of employee perceptions of leadership and motivational factors.
- Recommendations for improving leadership practices to enhance employee motivation.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PROJECT OVERVIEW: This chapter introduces the research topic, focusing on the challenge of attracting and retaining employees and the impact of leadership on motivation. It lays out the research question ("How can management develop their leadership style to motivate staff members to achieving their organizational roles?"), the research aim, objectives, methodology (action research with inductive approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data), and the rationale behind the study. It also provides a brief overview of KFC as the chosen organization and outlines the structure of the dissertation. The chapter establishes the context and importance of understanding the connection between leadership styles and employee motivation in the competitive fast-food industry.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter explores existing theories of motivation and leadership, examining both historical and contemporary perspectives. It reviews various leadership theories and their associated characteristics, analyzing how these theories relate to employee motivation. The review also delves into the qualities of a high-performing team and explores common themes linking leadership and motivation. The chapter sets the stage for the research by providing a foundational understanding of the relevant theoretical frameworks and existing research in the field. It highlights the gap in the literature that this research aims to address.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS: This chapter details the research design employed in the study. It outlines the research purpose, approach (inductive), strategy (action research), and justifies the chosen methods for data collection (employee surveys and focus group interviews with managers). The chapter explains the sampling technique and time horizon of the research, acknowledging limitations inherent in the chosen approach and sample size. The methodology is justified in terms of its appropriateness for exploring the complex relationship between leadership and motivation within the specific context of the selected KFC stores.
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH STUDY RESULTS: This chapter presents the findings from the data analysis, obtained from both the employee survey questionnaires and the focus group interviews with managers. It details the results from both data sources, highlighting key themes and patterns that emerged regarding leadership styles, employee perceptions of motivation, and the relationship between the two. The chapter presents quantitative and qualitative data side-by-side, offering a comprehensive overview of the empirical evidence collected. The presentation of the results lays the groundwork for the recommendations in the following chapter.
Keywords
Leadership, employee motivation, KFC, fast food industry, action research, qualitative research, quantitative research, employee surveys, focus groups, leadership styles, motivation theories, organizational behavior, employee engagement, performance management.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this dissertation?
This dissertation critically examines the effect of leadership on employee motivation within five selected KFC stores in Central London. It investigates how management can adapt their leadership styles to better motivate staff towards achieving organizational goals.
What is the research question?
The central research question is: "How can management develop their leadership style to motivate staff members to achieve their organizational roles?"
What research methods were used?
An action research strategy was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. These included employee surveys and focus group interviews with managers.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
Key themes include the relationship between leadership styles and employee motivation; the impact of leadership characteristics on employee performance; effective motivation strategies in a fast-food environment; analysis of employee perceptions of leadership and motivational factors; and recommendations for improving leadership practices to enhance employee motivation.
What leadership theories are reviewed?
The dissertation reviews both early and contemporary leadership theories, exploring their characteristics and relevance to employee motivation. Specific theories are not explicitly named, but the review covers a range of historical and current perspectives.
What are the main findings of the research?
The findings, presented in Chapter 4, detail results from both employee survey questionnaires and focus group interviews with managers. They highlight key themes and patterns regarding leadership styles, employee perceptions of motivation, and the relationship between the two. Both quantitative and qualitative data are presented.
What are the limitations of the research?
Chapter 3 acknowledges limitations inherent in the chosen research approach and sample size. These limitations are discussed in detail within the chapter, providing transparency about potential constraints on the generalizability of the findings.
What is the overall structure of the dissertation?
The dissertation is structured into four chapters: Chapter 1 (Introduction & Project Overview); Chapter 2 (Literature Review); Chapter 3 (Research Methods); and Chapter 4 (Research Study Results). Each chapter is summarized in the provided preview.
What type of research approach was used?
The dissertation employs an inductive approach within its action research strategy.
What is the target population of the study?
The study focuses on employees and managers within five selected KFC stores in Central London.
What are the key takeaways or recommendations?
While not explicitly detailed in this preview, the dissertation likely concludes with recommendations for improving leadership practices to enhance employee motivation within the context of the fast-food industry, based on the research findings.
- Quote paper
- Salamun Adnan (Author), 2012, Employee Motivation. A Case Study from the Fast Food Chain KFC in Central London, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/477497
