Research Proposal - Project Team #5

Transcription

1 Research Proposal - Project Team #5 Human Resources Consulting, Inc. Name 1. Name 5 Professor Scott Adams

2 Human Resources Consulting, Inc. I. Executive Summary One of the main roles of Human Resources (HR) departments is to ensure that employees are sufficiently satisfied with their jobs. Typically research has shown that satisfied employees or corporations are thought to be more productive. On the other hand, if workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, they are thought to be less productive and more prone to absenteeism and turnover. So HR departments need to measure employee job satisfaction and examine the correlations between these three variables (productivity, absenteeism, and turnover) with regard to possible extraneous variables. Human Resources Consulting, Inc. is hired by a medium-sized financial firm to conduct a survey addressing these topics. The survey, which is administered to the entire worker population, quantifies job satisfaction and employee behavior (defined as perceived level of productivity, the degree of absenteeism and the lack or presence of an intention to turnover). The general job satisfaction feedback will help HR in identifying the percentage of satisfied employees and the percentage satisfied in the areas of compensation, benefits, training, and supervisor relations. Significant correlations will provide the HR department with strategic direction and assistance in determining job satisfaction initiatives. Both the percentages and correlations are potential means to achieve the ultimate goal of maximizing productivity and minimizing costs for the company, while boosting employee morale. II. Problem Statement The primary research objectives identified by the firm for investigation by Human Resources Consulting, Inc. include overall job satisfaction and whether job satisfaction is related 1

3 Human Resources Consulting, Inc. to the degree of absenteeism, intention to turnover, and perceived level of productivity among the employees. Specifically, this study aims to: 1) Determine the percentage of employees who are satisfied, overall, with their jobs and with which particular areas of job satisfaction (compensation, benefits, training, and supervisor relations). 2) Determine whether there is a correlation between the degree of absenteeism and job satisfaction and, if a correlation is found, determine the particular areas of job satisfaction that are significantly related to the degree of absenteeism. 3) Determine whether there is a correlation between the lack or presence of an intention to turnover and job satisfaction and, if a correlation is found, determine the particular areas of job satisfaction that are significantly related to the lack or presence of an intention to turnover. 4) Determine whether there is a correlation between the perceived level of productivity and job satisfaction and, if a correlation is found, determine the particular areas of job satisfaction that are significantly related to the perceived level of productivity. With respect to the potential benefits of conducting the study, the best case scenario is that statistically significant relationships between employee behavior and job satisfaction are discovered. Meaningful data can then be used to justify devotion of resources, such as time and money, to strategic efforts based on the findings. If the information from the survey is used in a productive way, there is potential to boost employee satisfaction, increase productivity, reduce turnover, and minimize absenteeism. These favorable trends will likely result in reduced costs and greater profit for the employer. 2

4 Human Resources Consulting, Inc. In addition to benefits specific to the objectives highlighted above, the job satisfaction data may assist in identifying practical and strategic focus areas for Human Resources (HR). Even if statistical relationships are not apparent, HR can use the results and attempt to address areas of low job satisfaction. For example, if responses consistently indicate that levels of training are unsatisfactory (regardless of participant responses concerning absenteeism, intention to turnover, and perceived productivity), this information may be used to probe further into employee training needs and wants. A long-term plan to increase the amount or alter the types of specific training opportunities for employees may result. Through effective evaluation, planning and implementation efforts, HR can counter adverse employee actions and cut company costs. Also, this survey may provide a benchmark for a continual yearly job satisfaction survey. Providing this survey to employee respondents each year and comparing the results to those of previous years can assist HR in identifying where actual improvements were made and where they need to be directing future strategic efforts in order to maximize job satisfaction and, in turn, company performance. III. Research Design Sample Questionnaire: The questionnaire, distributed to all employees at the firm, is presented on the next four pages of this report. Groups of employees, by department, will be called to a conference room and given a survey. Each name will be checked off a checklist, as they receive a survey. They will be given a set period of time to complete the survey. After completing the survey, each employee will seal the survey in an envelope and place it in a collection box. The envelopes will then be sent directly to Human Resources Consultant, Inc. If any employees miss the set appointment, they will be rescheduled. 3

5 Associate Opinion Survey Please take time to honestly complete this survey. The input you provide will be used to identify opportunities of improvement for the company. Your survey will be sent directly to the Human Resources Consultant, Inc. and no individual responses will be given to your organization. Your responses to the survey will be kept strictly confidential. Demographics Responses to the demographic questions below will only be used for tracking and reporting response patterns. To protect confidentiality, demographic categories with fewer than five respondents will not be shown. Only group responses, sorted by one demographic at a time will be presented to your organization. Please fill in the best response that applies to you for each of the following questions: - Use a blue or black ink pen only. - Make an X in the appropriate box. CORRECT MARK: X 1. Which option best describes your role? 1 Management 2 Non-management 2. What is your employment status? 1 Salaried 2 Hourly 3. How long have you been employed with your present company? 1 Less than 2 years years years 5 16 years or longer years 4. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed? 1 Less than high school diploma 4 Associate s degree/apprenticeship program 2 High school diploma/ged 5 Bachelor s degree 3 Some technical school or college 6 Post-graduate degree 5. What is your gender? 1 Female 2 Male 6. What is your race/ethnicity? 1 African American 4 Hispanic/Latino 2 Asian/Pacific Islander 5 Native American/American Indian 3 Caucasian 6 Other 4

6 Associate Opinion Survey 7. What is your age group? 1 Under 20 years years years years years 6 60 years or more 8. What is your marital status? 1 Never Married 3 Separated/Divorced 2 Married 4 Widowed 9. How many dependents do you have? 1 None More than 4 Opinion Survey For each statement pick the answer that best describes your experience, using the following response code: - Use a blue or black ink pen only. - Make an X in the appropriate box. CORRECT MARK: X IF YOU CANNOT ANSWER FOR ANY REASON, LEAVE THE ITEM BLANK. 1. Please indicate to what degree you agree or disagree with the following statements: Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Agree Disagree Overall, I am satisfied with my current job. I am satisfied with my immediate supervisor. I am satisfied with the amount of training that I have received in my current position. I am satisfied with my total compensation. I am satisfied with my benefits package. I am satisfied with my company s healthcare. I am satisfied with my pension plan. Overall, I am productive at work. I am committed to doing quality work. I know what is expected of me at work. I have the opportunity to do my job the best that I can every day. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work properly. I contribute more to the company than my coworkers do. 5

7 Associate Opinion Survey 2. Please indicate how often you do the following: Always Often Sometimes Rarely I meet all of my expected deadlines I am committed to doing quality work Often Sometimes Rarely Never I have been warned for my lack of progress I am absent from work I have been disciplined for my absenteeism Please fill in the blank: During the past 6 months, approximately how many days were you absent from work? During the past 6 months, approximately how many days were you unable to work because of your physical or mental health problems? During the past 6 months, approximately how many days were you unable to work because you were caring for a dependent child or adult? Number of Days 4. Please choose yes or no in response to the following questions: Do you feel your job is important in achieving the mission/purpose of your company? Does management make unreasonable demands on your time? Yes No Does your supervisor seem to care about you as a person? 1 2 Is there someone at work who encourages your development? 1 2 Do you believe there are career advancement opportunities at your company? 1 2 Is your work schedule and number of hours that you work acceptable to you? 1 2 Do you feel you are treated fairly as compared to your other coworkers? 1 2 Do you believe your company has care and concern for its employees? 1 2 Do you feel your ideas and work are appreciated at your company? 1 2 6

8 Associate Opinion Survey 5. If you feel that a following statement is extremely unlikely, pick a number from the far left side of the scale (1). If you feel that a statement is extremely likely, pick a number from the far right side of the scale (5). If you feel that a statement is between those extremes, pick a number between 1 and 5. Extremely Extremely Unlikely Likely I plan on working here until I retire. I will be retiring in the next five years. I plan on remaining at this company and pursuing career advancement opportunities. I intend to leave this company in the near future. Comments Please provide us with sincere responses to the following open-ended questions. Your responses will be used to identify opportunities of improvement for the company. Individual demographic information will never be associated with your comments. 1. What do you find most satisfying about your current position? (Be as specific as possible.) 2. What do you find least satisfying about your current position? (Be as specific as possible.) 3. What could the company do to increase your job satisfaction? (Be as specific as possible.) THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION. 7

9 Human Resources Consulting, Inc. Data Analysis: Upon receiving the completed surveys, Human Resources Consulting, Inc., will compile and analyze the data. The surveys will be post-coded. Data will be entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet where it will be calculated and analyzed. Employee satisfaction percentages and statistically significant correlations will be noted. Survey results and recommendations will be presented to the firm in a report format with the data graphically displayed where appropriate. IV. Schedule Job Satisfaction Survey September October November December TASK Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Definition of problem Research proposal and survey design Implementation of survey Coding of survey data Data cleaning and preliminary analysis Data analysis/ hypothesis testing Reporting of results Interpretation and presentation 8