Research Methodology
A research methodology states the general approach that guided the research on the effect of training on employee motivation and job satisfaction in the hospitality industry. The methodology entails the research philosophy, approach, methods, strategy and tools employed in the research. Also, the methodology specifies the applied time horizon in the case study of Ritz Carlton Hotel. The methodology elaborates the underlying concepts and theories to support our choice of approach as shown below:
Research philosophy
This research was guided by the realism philosophy which postulates that entities and associations exist as given and are independent of theories and perceptions about them (Sowell, 2001). The research philosophy is a belief that guided our data collection, data analysis and the eventual usage of the data. Under this philosophy, the observed associations between training and job satisfaction were described objectively. To establish relationships, individual independent variables were varied to manipulate reality so as to develop relationships. We then made predictions based on previously observed facts and the interrelationships (Newman & Benz 1998).
Research approach
We used a deductive research approach in which we strived to test the existing theories on the impact of training on job satisfaction as opposed to developing new theories on the same (Ketchen and Bergh 2004). This approach was informed by the wealth of empirical and theoretical literature available currently. In this approach, we developed hypotheses from the existing theories and patterns. We then formulated the hypotheses in operational terms and proposed associations between variables. We then used relevant methods to test the hypotheses; the outcome of the tests would determine whether to accept or reject the hypotheses and when the theory is not confirmed we would modify the theory accordingly. Inductive approach is the alternative to deductive in which researchers seek to develop new theories and patterns (Kumar 2005).
Research strategy
The research used a case study strategy in which we focused on a single entity, the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Korea, in attempting to establish the relationship that exists between training and motivation or job satisfaction in the organization and drawing inferences for the relationships in the real world. This strategy helped us to capture greater details about the organization and to analyze more variables than is possible in a survey or experimental research. Moreover, the approach enabled us to study the relationships in their natural setting, to probe and utilize multiple data collection methods to gain insights into the complexities of job satisfaction and motivation. It also allowed us to focus on the contemporary events surrounding employee training (Sowell 2001).
The managers and supervisors at Ritz Carlton Hotel were sampled as respondents in the study. This is because they stood in a better position to avail accurate data on the impact of training on job satisfaction. The research strategy was geared towards collecting views of the respondents on how training conducted by the company had impacted on employee motivation and job satisfaction levels and if there was any room for improvement. The respondents were allowed adequate time to understand and conceptualize the questions to give informed responses
Research method
The research used a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection. We used qualitative research to delve into the problem and comprehend the underlying opinions and thoughts towards employee training and job satisfaction so as to develop hypotheses and ideas (Slevitch 2011). This explains the small sample since qualitative methods give an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Qualitative methods explain the meaning of existing phenomena rather than seeking to establish the relationships. On the other hand, quantitative data was used to measure the opinions, thoughts, and the specified variables so as to generate useful statistics. The quantified data was then used to develop patterns and formulate facts (Beiske 2007).
Research tool
The main research tool in the study was the questionnaire. Questionnaires targeted about 24 respondents who were employees of Ritz Carlton Hotel either at managerial or supervisory levels. The respondents were required to fill the questionnaires and provide any additional information they deemed necessary to aid the research. Also, the questionnaire had some open-ended questions to allow the respondent the freedom to express their opinions fully. The questionnaire was reviewed by researchers in the hospitality sector and other stakeholders to ensure that it addresses the intended objectives and is devoid of complexities and bias that would reduce the response rate.
The questionnaires were designed to be brief to minimize the time breaks from work. It was divided into three sections; the first part required respondents to fill in information on their age, gender, years of work and the duration of training. The second part consisted of open-ended questions in which the respondents were allowed to express freely their sentiments on some questions. The third part of the questionnaire asked respondents to rank on a Likert scale, the impact of the various components of training such as training methods, length of training, follow ups and job orientations on the respondents’ motivation and job satisfaction.
Time horizon
Time horizon is the time frame in which a research is expected to be completed (Slevitch 2011). The research employed a cross-sectional time horizon in which data was to be collected at a specific point in time. This approach was used since the respondents were managers and supervisors who have to schedule time outside the workplaces, so the research had to be conducted at specific times agreed upon with the respondents.
Bibliography
Beiske, B. (2007). Research methods: Uses and limitations of questionnaires, interviews, and case studies. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH.
Ketchen, D. and Bergh, D. (2004). Research methodology in strategy and management. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Kumar, R. (2005). Research methodology. London: SAGE.
Newman, I. and Benz, C. (1998). Qualitative-quantitative research methodology. Carbondale, Ill.: Southern Illinois University Press.
Slevitch, L. (2011). Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies Compared: Ontological and Epistemological Perspectives. Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 12(1), pp.73-81.
Sowell, E. (2001). Educational research. Boston: McGraw-Hill. [Accessed 18 Mar. 2016].
