1! The Effect of Non-Monetary Rewards on Employees' Performance at the Princess Nourah University Name Institution Date
2! Table of Contents 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY... 3 3.1. Introduction... 3 3.2. Research question and research objectives... 4 3.3. Research Approach... 4 3.4. Sampling... 10 3.4.1. Characteristics of Respondents... 11 3.5. Data Collection and Sampling Strategy... 13 3.5.1. Secondary Data... 13 3.5.2. Primary Data... 15 3.6. Advantages and Drawbacks of Primary Data... 16 3.7. Design of the Research Instruments... 16 3.7.1. Questionnaire and Interview Designs... 17 3.8. Data Analysis Strategy... 20 3.9. Presentation of the Findings... 21 3.10. Ethical Considerations... 22 3.11. Limitations of the Study... 23 3.12. Conclusion... 24
3! 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1. Introduction The use of non-monetary incentives can be traced back to the times of scientific management, which was introduced through the principles of Fredrick Taylor early in the 20 th century. Many researchers hold the view that incentives are important in motivating workers and improve the general performance of organizations. Shigang particularly claimed that it is not only rewards and valued awards that motivate the employees, but non-monetary incentives are also critical in improving the workers commitment and loyalty to their organization. As such, this third section provides detailed description and explanation of how the required data will be collected. The research aims to look at the impact of non-monetary incentives on the performance of organization, and the related role played on the motivation and attitudes of workers. This research methodology provides explanation of the research design that will be used when collecting the data. The section further explains the techniques used in sampling the respondents for the study and certain considerations to ensure that the sample is valid and reliable. Prior to that, it is important to provide a deep explanation of the research philosophy that guides the selection of the approaches and the study design. Further, it is necessary to provide a detailed explanation of how primary data will be collected to show the originality of the study. Markedly, the research aims to achieve four main objectives including the effects of non-monetary incentives on the performance of employees and determine the impacts of the incentives on job satisfaction and attitudes of the employees. Additionally, the research assesses the merits and demerits of the non-monetary incentives on the organizational performance. Most critically, the
4! research will look at the impacts of the non-monetary incentives on the motivation of employees at Princess Nourah University. 3.2. Research question and research objectives This study aims to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the effect of non-monetary incentives on the employee s performance? 2. Does Princess Nourah University utilize non-monetary reward? 3. Does Princess Nourah University have motivated staff than those using monetary Incentives alone? 4. Do non-monetary incentives affect employee s performance and attitude? 5. To what extend do non-monetary incentives promote employee job satisfaction? The above research questions build on the objectives of the study. One of the objectives is to investigate the impact of non-monetary incentives on the performance of employees. Additionally, the study focuses on Princess Nourah University to examine if the organization uses non-monetary rewards. Further, the research investigates whether the organization understand has motivated its employees using non-monetary incentives than the others that only use monetary incentives. Moreover, the research explores if non-monetary incentives have influence on the attitude and performance of employees. Furthermore, the study investigates the extent to which non-monetary incentives promote employee job satisfaction. 3.3. Research Approach Empirically, the study will use a quantitative research approach. However, to provide a detailed rationale for the choice, it is necessary to give an in-depth explanation of common research
5! philosophies. A research philosophy is defined as a belief expression concerning the mode in which occurring information should be collected, organized, analyzed, interpreted, and implemented. Mostly, there are two main research philosophies recognized and implemented consistently. They include the positivist and the interpretivist philosophies. According to Creswell (2013, p 105), the research philosophy allows determination of the strategy of the research and enables the researcher to identify the main assumptions that guide the overall research process. That is, the choice of the approach to a research is strongly dependent on the chosen study philosophy. According to Finch (2011, p. 101), the positivist philosophy uses scientific approaches by applying the ability of observing and describing reality objectively. The objective nature of the philosophy enables the observations to be repeatable; hence, gaining validity using a scientific context. Markedly, the core contrast of the philosophy is that knowledge is gained through human experience; hence, the world is made up of discrete factors that are in regular interaction and organized in an observable manner. Creswell (2013, p.106-7) added that the positivist philosophy on the separation of the researcher from the phenomenon of the study; thus, the researcher should exclusively concentrate of the acquisition of data and deriving meaning to the facts. Notably, the positivist philosophy depends on the ability of the researcher to explain and predict a particular phenomenon by basing on the derived data. As such, Hair (2015, p. 133) revealed that the rule of a positivist approach is to use a deductive reasoning approach. A deductive reasoning entails development of hypotheses so as to prove given assumptions. The current
6! theories are used as the basis for formulating the hypotheses, which the researcher is expected to prove by accepting or rejecting based on the evidence collected. Finch (2011, p. 102) noted that a deductive reasoning moves from a particular to general perspective. In contrast, the interpretive researchers work with the assumption that knowledge is gained through social constructions, which include the shared meanings and language. In essence, the interpretive view is against the positivist notion as the former rejects the aspect of objective collection of facts. The idea of this philosophy is that observations are made in the absence of consciousness. Markedly, the researcher is allowed to involve in the study and appreciating the different views and opinions of the respondents. In most social researches, the researchers expect varied opinions and encourage the differences in people s perspectives. As opposed to the positivists views, the interpretivists use an inductive reasoning approach. As such, observations are made in order to develop the hypotheses. The existing theories are used in reinforcing the hypotheses. Most importantly, it is important to understand that the inductive reasoning is an approach that moves from a general to specific perspective. Pegged on the nature and requirements of this study, it will implement a positivism approach. That is, the observations of the study will be designed to provide the hypotheses that guide the overall study. The hypotheses are developed after a critical evaluation of the literature and guided by the four research questions. A deductive approach will be deemed suitable for the study, where the data collected will be used to approve or disapprove the hypotheses. Notably, statistical tools will be used in providing evidence for approving or disapproving the hypothesis.
7! The derivation of data for the study will be devoid of any qualitative notion; instead, it will exclusively focus on scientific perspectives and generalization of the conclusions. The choice of a strategy for a research is pegged on the range of situations or phenomenon being observed, and the methodologies to be used. For instance, a strategy such as a case study requires a single organization or entity, whereas lab experiments are applicable when there are few variables being studied (Crowther and Lancaster, 2008). The focus of the two strategies is on the use of specific variable, and the findings cannot be generalized to a larger population because of the differences in characteristics. Field experiments are also limited to a limited range of phenomena; however, they are more open than the lab experiments (Easterby-Smith et al., 2008, p. 130). The activities always happen in controlled environments; hence, the observations may differ if there are no controlling elements. In this case, the study will use the survey strategy. According to Creswell (2013, p. 155), a survey research entails the collection of data concerning practices and views on various occurrences a particular point in time. As such, the researcher is able to study more than a specific variable in related places or a particular phenomenon within a given time. Standardization is often used to prevent some degree of errors while implementing the cost effective survey strategy (Crowther and Lancaster, 2008). While it is true that a survey strategy has certain weaknesses such as difficulties in measuring insights and bias, it is an effective approach when collecting a wide range of data at limited time. Because of the requirement of conducting a quantitative data analysis, it is important to ensure that the data collection method is
8! suitable to the data required. As such, the survey strategy will be used alongside a quantitative research design. Neelankavil (2015, p. 331) stated that qualitative and quantitative designs are different regarding the data they deliver and the subsequent analysis techniques to be used. For example, the qualitative design always uses a subjective notion, which seeks to analyze life events and derive meaning (Engel and Jann, 2014, p.15). Additionally, it is confined towards an exploratory perspective as opposed to a descriptive approach. Hair (2015, p. 134) added that the qualitative design leans towards examining the uniqueness and differences of every response and aims at understanding the reality. In a nutshell, the qualitative design results in a qualitative data, which involves an inductive notion of reasoning as opposed to deduction. As a result, the outcomes of the study are often subjective and demonstrate the understanding and perspectives of the researcher concerning the phenomenon. On the other hand, a quantitative research design uses severe, impartial, and systematic approaches for creating and refining information (Easterby-Smith et al., 2008, p. 130).The design mainly uses a deductive reasoning and often generalizes the findings of the observation. According to Hair (2015, p. 163), generalization is recognized as the extent to which the conclusions of a research about the sample population can be extended to the larger population. Notably, the generalization can only be done if there is a similarity between the sample population and the entire environment. Therefore, the variables under study must exist in the two populations. In essence, the use of a quantitative design enables the researcher to use a deductive
9! data collection method and allow determination of the relationships between the variables under study. Markedly, there is a lot of information on how rewards and other monetary incentives influence the performance and motivation of employees in workplaces. However, little knowledge is known about how non-monetary incentives influence the motivation, attitude, and performance of workers, especially in educational institutions. The limitation of data provides the need for more description of information about non-monetary incentives and employee motivation. Such description will provide a comprehensive understanding of the variables and how they interplay in the educational setting. Therefore, the research will apply a descriptive quantitative study design with the purpose of answering questions on how and when the non-monetary incentives influence the motivation of the employees. This study will apply the use quantitative research methodology to provide answers to the questions guiding the research. Quantitative design will be vital in illuminating the impacts of non-monetary incentives on the performance of workers. The research instrument in the data collection will be semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Markedly, the study will use the quantitative research design since it enables accurate estimation of the population parameters and subsequent generalization and allows the use of research instruments such as questionnaires. Further, the design will be used in the collection of data from a sample set in a relatively short duration (Creswell 2013, p. 155). The collection of data will involve the use of structured questionnaires and interviews.
10! 3.4. Sampling Since it will be impossible to collect information from all employees of the Princess Nourah University, it will be necessary to sample a subset of the overall population of employees. Zikmund (2012, 121) noted that sampling is conducted to reduce the cost, process, and time of conducting the research. According to Creswell (2013, p. 157), a sample is defined as a subset or a part of a given larger population. The author emphasized that it is imperative for the research to ensure that the sample is representative of the overall population by showing similarities in characteristics of the two populations. Markedly, a sample of a research is often drawn by using two methods called probability and non-probability sampling processes. According to Creswell (2013, p. 160), a non-probability sampling procedure is often used in exploratory research, and when the data should be collected fast and at limited cost. Nonetheless, the procedure lacks adequate representativeness of the sample to the entire population, which makes it challenging to generalize the findings of the study. As such, this research will employ a probability sampling method, which provides equal chances when selecting the research participants. It also allows the researcher to generalize the findings to the entire population because of the similarities between the sample and larger populations. The choice of the respondents will also be developed to fit given criteria. Markedly, the research will include the employees of the Princess Nourah University. By the use of an automated calculator to determine the sample size, it will be achievable to select adequate number of research respondents for the study. As mentioned, the target population in this study will be the workers at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A simple random sampling will be used in selecting the respondents sampled in this study. The simple random sampling will be
11! easy to implement and provides equal changes of selection to the eligible participants. Saunders et al. (2009, p. 272) also noted that using a random sampling reduces bias and increases the representativeness of the study population to the general environment. The similarly of characteristics within the two samples will allow generalization of the findings to the larger population. The research sample will precisely consist of 20 respondents randomly selected from the Princess Nourah University. The respondents who will complete the questionnaire will be consulted. Analysis of data will involve the application of descriptive and inferential statistics. Researcher s biasness is likely to influence the outcome of the study. Dealing with huge volume of data will be a hard task. Organizational bureaucracies while seeking data on performance and incentives given to employ is likely to be a major hindrance in the success of the study. 3.4.1. Characteristics of Respondents Criteria are important to provide prescription for the characteristics of respondents to be included in the study. The respondents will be 20 employees working as faculty members and administrative staff. They will be inevitable 18 years and above and must have worked in the organization for at least 2 years. The experience is to enable them understand the influence of non-monetary incentives, particularly as the givers or receivers. Princess Nourah University was chosen as the research setting because the researcher has a friend in the organization and easy access to the university. Additionally, the university has a long history of using non-monetary incentives such as promotion of experienced employees, leaves, rests, training of employees, and orientation programs amongst others.
12! There 20 respondents have other qualifications, for example, 3 of them hold Masters level education in Business Management, 4 hold middle level management job responsibilities for more than 3 years, 3 hold senior level management job authority, and the rest are faculty members that have worked for the organization for at least 3 years. Such qualities show that the respondents have the skills, knowledge, and experience to answer the questions. It is necessary to not that the questions can only be appropriately responded to by people who understand business management issues, or know how managers use incentives to motivate them. Zikmund (2012, p. 126) highlighted seven stages of conducting a sample so as to appropriately select the research subjects. This research will use the seven steps to select the respondents by first defining the target population. As noted, the research will target all the employees of Princess Nourah University to determine how the managers use the non-monetary incentives to motivate them. Secondly, it will be necessary to draw the sample frame, which is the list of all employees of the university. The list will provide all the employees from which the research will use a probability sampling procedure to select respondents. A simple random sampling procedure will be used to select the respondents. The automated sample size determinant will be used to make an approximation of the number of the respondents to be included in the study. As noted, the research will include 250 people, which is at least 30% of the total number of the total population. The figure 1 below outlines the steps that will be followed to select the sample.
! Proposal Methodology 13! Figure 1: The stages in selecting the sample of the research 3.5. Data Collection and Sampling Strategy 3.5.1. Secondary Data Zikmund (2012, p. 128) noted that secondary data is collected from the present or previous books, journals, government and non-governmental reports, websites, and other publications for the purpose of understanding the main concepts. In fact, the literature review of the study, which will entail a systematic analysis and evaluation of the works of other researchers, is an
14! imperative section of the study. According to Saunders et al. (2009, p. 316), researchers borrow ideas and concepts from the works of other researchers so as to allow a deeper conceptualization of the main concepts and theories of the study. The conceptualization is important in allowing the researcher to identify the main variables that impinge on the study. In other words, it could be seen that the literature review helps the researcher to construct the conceptual framework of the study that highlights the dependent and independent variables of the study. The framework also provides the insight about the relationship between the identified variables, which built the foundation of stating the research hypothesis. Moreover, it is important to note that the secondary data helps the researcher to state the research problem in detailed. Nevertheless, there are three main factors that will be considered when selecting the sources of secondary data. The three issues include reliability, suitability, and adequacy of the data. Zikmund (2012, p. 134) noted that reliability is the measure of consistency or repeatability of the data. That is, the information collected will only be considered if different authors provide the same perspectives or notions about the concepts or variables. Nonetheless, varied opinions will also be taken into account so as to allow the researcher understand the varied perspectives of the same concept or variables. Saunders et al. (2009, p. 317) added that reliable information is provided in the same or related manner by different authors. Additionally, the suitability of the data will be very necessary because the concepts and theories required should be related to the research topic. Therefore, the researcher will search for information about the factors that influence the motivation of workers and how such factors impact on their performance. The main takeaway message is that the research variables will be the main guide for the selecting the sources of secondary data. Further, to allow a conclusive study, it will be necessary to select
15! sources that provide detailed information. An in-depth study allows the researcher to unravel all the necessary aspect and avoid ambiguity or creating certain gaps in the study. Sampling 3.5.2. Primary Data There are numerous possibilities available when using the survey strategy in this research, particularly the use of questionnaires or/and interviews. Nonetheless, it is necessary to make certain considerations such as the number of respondents, available funds, and distance to the study area, and suitability of the data collection method. While the use of interviews provides more insightful and in-depth responses, they offer limited chances for quantitative data analysis. Zikmund (2012, p. 136) noted that interviews are more suitable when implementing a qualitative research design. The use of interviews also requires a lot of time as the researcher has to give substantial time when interviewing the respondents. The approach also proves to be more costly due to the need for travelling to meet the respondents and making online calls. On the other hand, the questionnaires are more suitable when applying a quantitative research design and aiming to conduct statistical analysis. The use of questionnaires limits the number of respondents and limits the cost incurred during travelling. However, the questionnaires also have certain weaknesses, especially when they are not well structured and if certain clarifications are missing. The researcher is, therefore, expected to provide multiple choice questions to guide the participants on the expected responses. Additionally, the researcher often uses a scale continuum to provide a range within which the respondents can make choices. Neelankavil (2015, p. 165) noted that the respondents find it faster to fill out the questionnaires. Due to the close proximity
16! to the research area, it will be possible to apply interviews. Therefore, the study will integrate the two instruments; that is, the questionnaires and the interviews. 3.6. Advantages and Drawbacks of Primary Data Saunders et al. (2009, p. 354) mentioned that primary data collection is often conducted to show the originality of the research. The author outlined the advantages to include recency of the data, addressing the issues of target, better interpretation of the data, and propriety issues. First, primary data collection means that the information collected is original; hence recent. With that, the new information is added and the primary data helps the researcher to fill the knowledge gap. Additionally, primary data allows the researcher to appropriately present and interpret the findings. Since the study is conducted according to the understanding and perspective of the researcher, he or she has easy time in interpreting the information. The researcher is also capable of targeting a particular population, which in turn result in tailored research findings and implementation. Further, the researcher also has the right of claiming the ownership of the research, which means an individual contribution of a person in the study. However, Saunders et al. (2009, p.355) mentioned primary research also has certain drawbacks such as high cost, time consumption, inaccurate feedbacks, and the need of other resources, materials, or instruments. 3.7. Design of the Research Instruments Markedly, in order to ensure efficient collection and analysis of the research, it will be important to design the research instruments well. As noted, the research will use both questionnaires and
17! interviews to collect data. In most cases, researchers collect inappropriate information because of poor design of the research instruments. The following subsections describe who the instruments will be designed to enable proper and complete collection and analysis of data. 3.7.1. Questionnaire and Interview Designs Zikmund et al (2012, p. 123) highlighted the significance of concern in developing the survey questions. The researchers noted that it is essential to ensure that the questions are adequate and reflect the kind of data required for the research. As a result, the hypotheses developed pegged on the review of the literature, and the key research questions, will act as the foundation for developing the content of the questionnaire. The focal point of this research entails quantitative features, which means that nominal data is significant to the research than any likely ordinal data (Crowther and Lancaster, 2008). Therefore, percentages and frequencies will be essential and the replies will guide the development after conducting data analysis. The questionnaire consists of 10 major questions; however, certain questions are subdivided so as to seek for more specific answers. Notably, the questions will consist of multiple choices to allow the respondents to properly understand the questions in addition to choosing from varied alternatives. The closed-ended questions will limit the time spent on answering and allows specificity. It is necessary to note that each question will have meaning and contributes to the achievement of the research aims and objectives. For instance, question one ask about time the respondents have worked in the organization so as to know their experience and knowledge about the firm. The second question is examines the different departments that the respondents work in so as to understand how the organization implements non-monetary incentives in different departments and the views of the employees in those sections. The third question is
18! about the opinions of the respondents on implementation of non-monetary incentives to know the rate at which the organization allies it. Questions 4 and 5 are subdivided into sections that require answers provided in a 5-scale continuum. The ordinal choices provide the insights about the opinion of the respondent on how non-monetary incentives influence their attitudes, job satisfaction, and performance. Questions 6 and 7 aims to reveal the various rewards systems used in PNU, and the perceptions of the respondents towards the rewards. That is, which ones work for them? The last three questions mainly focus on non-monetary incentives and how they affect the satisfaction, attitudes, and performance of workers. The questionnaires will be deliberately developed to be closed-ended. The data analysis will be pegged on few set of variables, which will direct the hypothesis and allow development of the research questions. The respondents will be limited from giving an excessive possibility ranges. As a result, it will allow the researcher to accurately create the relationships of variables. As such, all questions will mainly be directed by ranking possibilities in a scale continuum (1-5) or multiple choices from which the respondents will provide the answers. With the execution of this approach, the researcher will be able to prepare for the analysis before receiving the ultimate responses and needed to fill up the data for subsequent analysis. Zikmund (2012, p.122) mentioned that many researchers prefer to use the questionnaires because they elicit certain advantages that improve the overall validity and reliability of the research findings. The author mentioned that questionnaires are free from the bias caused by the interviewer. In a nutshell, there is no subjective influence of the researcher on the respondents, as the latter have their own time to fill the questionnaires without the influence of the researcher.
19! Further, respondents have adequate time to respond to the questions, which often takes lesser time as compared to the use of the questionnaires. As a matter of fact, the use of interviews consumes a lot of time because the researcher is bound to listen and appreciate the varied opinions and suggestions of different respondents. Creswell (2013, p. 153) also noted that the use of questionnaires is convenient and allows easy approach to the respondents. On the other hand, the interviewers are forced to make long-distant travel to the setting of the research and meet the respondents in time. This does not only consume time, but also money. However, Saunders et al. (2009, p. 437) mentioned the disadvantages of using the questionnaires by noting that they might result in insufficient or incomplete data, particularly if the respondents do no duly respond to the questions. The control over the questionnaires is also passed and lost to the respondents once they are sent. That is, the researcher will not have the obligation of ensuring that the respondents answer the questions appropriately and in time. In fact, there are cases when the respondents refuse to respond to the questions or provide incomplete answers, which retard the inclusivity of the research findings. Additionally, the respondents may be faced with certain difficulties, especially when clarifications are required on the question. The situation might result in incorrect and unreliable responses. Creswell (2013, p. 153) also added that the questionnaires are inflexible once sent to the respondents. It becomes challenging to make changes or adjustments to the already sent questionnaires. As noted the research will also use structured interviews. According to Shigang (2011, p. 15), structured interviews are often used to measure job-related competencies by conducting a systematic inquiry about the behaviors and subjects of the research subjects. The interviews will be structured to ensure that the respondents have equal opportunities of providing information,
20! which in turn allows consistent and accurate analysis. Just as the questionnaires, the interviews will involve few and well-structured questions to ensure that the respondents understand and appropriate provide answers to the question. Notably, complicated and lengthy questions often provide difficulties and need clarifications. 3.8. Data Analysis Strategy In correspondence to the choice of the data collection method, the research is expected to employ the same method to analyze data. According to Zikmund (2012, p. 199), the quantitative data analysis varies. For instance, descriptive statistics entails the application of numerical analyses to develop the relationship that exists between the research variables. As such, appropriate measurement parameters should be developed to allow the researcher to use the descriptive statistics. Shigang (2011, p.19) noted that for successful analysis, the researcher should use various statistical tools and inferential notions with the help of graphing, probabilities, percentages, or involve various correlational aspects. It is significant to note that the statistical analysis helps the researcher to provide conclusive evidence of approving or disapproving the research variables Notably, previous studies that focused on investigating about improvement of motivation and performance of the employees have used inferential statistics to analyses their findings. There are various non-monetary incentives such as promotion, appreciation, training, leaves, and other variables, which will be tested if they have relationship with the satisfaction, motivation, and performance of the workers. Through employing a multivariate analysis of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables, the researcher will be able to approve or
21! disapprove the set hypotheses. To prove the hypothesis, the researcher will use a one way ANOVA analytical tool. One way ANOVA is always used to determine if there are any statistically significant differences that exist between the means of 3 or more independent groups. The idea is to determine if the means are significantly different from each other. It is inappropriate to use several t-tests because the number of tests often increases as the groups increase. There may also be a highly likelihood of commit the Type 1 error. 3.9. Presentation of the Findings After the analysis of the data, it will be necessary to present the findings and allow proper reporting of the information. Since the study used a quantitative research approach in data collection and analysis. Most importantly, the analysis will involve summarizing the mass quantitative data to show the frequencies of variables and show the similarities and differences between the variables. Statistical tests will be used estimate the level of significance of the findings and ascertain the relationship between the identified variables. Additionally, the study will employ the use of charts, tables, graphs, and images so as to allow the researcher to summarize and illustrate the information into figurative perspectives. This will provide an easy time for the research audience to grasp and understand the main findings of the study. The study will also use words to express the findings and provide a deeper conceptualization of the results. As a matter of fact, the use of word will be instrumental in interpreting the research findings and communicating the results to the audience. The communication will also explain the extent to which the findings are generalized to the entire population.
22! 3.10. Ethical Considerations The ethical and professional principles are mandatory considerations that every researcher should make. As Zikmund (2012, p. 120) noted, every study should be designed in a way to minimize harm to the research participants. The essence is that the researcher will ensure that the purpose and the potential harm or risk of participating in the research is communicated to all potential participants. Additionally, the researcher will have to seek the authority of conducting the research from the Research Bureau and the university under study. This is meant to provide permission for participating in the study. A part from the authority, it will be necessary for the researcher to seek the consent form the research population. That is, the respondents should not be forced to participate in the study. However, the principle of voluntary participation will eliminate any event of pressuring or coercing the potential respondents to involve in the study. With that, the questionnaires will have a letterhead that explains that the respondents have the choice of participating or withdrawing from the study. In fact, the questionnaire will be designed in a way to first alert the respondents on the purpose of the study. That is, all the potential respondents will get involved in the study after understanding the objectives, which will be highlighted at the top of the research questionnaire. The letterhead will also assure the respondents that the information collected is confidential and secured from the access of the unconcerned persons. With that, it will be unnecessary to collect sensitive or personal data of the respondents so as to ensure the safety of the research participants. The note on top of the questionnaire will also highlight the fact the participation of the research subject is voluntary and any potential participant has the right and choice to get involved or withdraw from the study.
23! Further, the research will target the employees of the university under study, which means that all the respondents included in the study must be of sound mind and without any form of incapacitation. The consideration will ensure that the rights of the incapacitated employees are not breached. Moreover, the research will avoid infringement of the privacy of the respondents by ensuring total confidentiality and autonomy of the participants. In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to ensure that the data collected is only used for the research purpose and the used questionnaires stored in a safe place that cannot be accessed by other unconcerned parties. In a nutshell, the rights of the respondents must be respected and any sensitive information shall not be disclosed to the third parties. The findings of the research will also be communicated to the university members to allow the managers to institute new measures of improving the performance of the employees. 3.11. Limitations of the Study The implementation of the research will pose various challenges and limitation especially during the development and execution of the research design. The main limitation is that the setting of the study is in Saudi Arabia, where some of the expected respondents cannot speak in English. However, the research is written in English language and the subsequent analysis and communication will be completed in English. As such, it will be prudent to add a translating feature, which will add on to the overall costs. The translation may also pose other challenges especially if the words cannot be directly transposed into the second language. The situation may lead to misunderstanding or the questions and inaccurate answers.
24! Another constraint to the study will be the closed-ended questionnaires. Even as these questionnaires are suitable for a quantitative research, they significantly minimize the range of choices given to the respondents. The limitation means that the participants might suggest responses that very much equal their sentiments; however, not truly their responses (Hair, 2015, p. 294). As a result, it will be tricky to absolutely give the effects of the research as the exact results because of the likelihood of having no chance for accurate answers. Additionally, the idea means the option of unclear questions, such as having to respond although without experiencing the incident in question (Easterby-Smith, et al., 2008, 133). Other limitations will be internal. The portioning of time for conclusion of specific sections of the study will impose on the course of data collection, analysis, and meeting the schedule. Since participation will be voluntary, compelling fast responses will seem to be impossible. Therefore, the time period will be a major hindrance to successful implementation of the study and quality analysis of the data. Also, while the choice of approach is cost-effective, it will be expensive to complete the survey. The investigative process and the arrangement of the findings will also cause added expenses to the research. The last restraint for this study will be the use of deductive reasoning approach, which seek requires generalization of the outcomes and advancement of the current theory. It becomes complicated in this research as the setting in Saudi Arabia. That is, the findings might not be generalized to other populations outside the country or with different characteristics. 3.12. Conclusion This paper represented the third section of the thesis proposal. It provides a detailed description of the research philosophies, especially the positivist and interpretive approaches. Because of the
25! nature of the paper, the study will adopt a positivist approach and a quantitative design. The design is appropriate due to the need of conducting statistical analysis and description of the findings. A survey strategy will be used to sample 250 respondents, employees of Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sampling process will be done randomly to select the respondents from a sampling frame provided by the university. The primary data collection will entail the use of questionnaires and interviews to provide data to analyze the relationship between the study variables. Statistical and descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the results. Notably, the study will be limited by various aspects of cost, time, design, and generalization of the results. More critically, the research will consider various ethical measures including voluntarism, open consent, confidentiality, seeking permission, and open communication.
26! Reference List Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. Sage publications. Crowther, D. & Lancaster, G. (2008). Research Methods: A Concise Introduction to Research in Management and Business Consultancy. New York: Butterworth-Heinemann. Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. & Jackson, P. (2008). Management Research. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Engel, U. & Jann, B. (2014). Improving Survey Methods: Lessons from Recent Research. 1st ed. New York: Routledge. Finch, H. (2011). Methodology of Social Sciences. London: Transaction Publishers. Hair, J. (2015). Essentials of Business Research Methods. Washington, M.E Sharpe. Neelankavil, J. P. (2015). International Business Research. Armonk: M E Sharpe. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Shigang, Y. (2011). Core Competence and Performance of Construction SMEs in China. Melbourne, Australia, s.n., pp. 309-14. Zikmund, W. G. (2012). Business Research Methods. Mason: Cengage Learning.