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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – Chapter V
CHAPTER V
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CONTENTS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Need for the study
5.3 Objective and Scope
5.4 Hypothesis
5.5 Theoretical Framework
5.6 Significance
5.7 Research Design
5.8 Data Collection
5.9 Sampling Design
5.10 Statistical Analysis
5.11 Limitations
5.12 Conclusions
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – Chapter V
CHAPTER V
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
5.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the research objective, significance of the study, methodology undertaken
in relation to justification of the research paradigm, questionnaire design, sampling process and
data collection and administration. In addition, this chapter introduces the intended analysis
strategy as to test the propositions of this study. Finally, the ethical consideration pertaining to
data collection and relevant to this research is discussed.
5.2 Need for the study
Human Resources Development is the crux of Human Resources Management. One of the best
methods to develop a company’s own people is to give them responsibilities and challenges. But
for the best in man to come out, it is necessary for him to know why he is doing certain things
and not the others, and participation is precisely a quest towards that end (Ramaswamy, 2000).
All the studies mentioned in Chapter II, clearly indicate that there is a research gap in identifying
the factors affecting WPM. The key determinants of Workers Participation in Management
remained unexplored till date. Hence, this study is intended to fill this existing gap.
5.3 Objective and Scope
The reason for conducting this particular research is to fulfill following objectives, which are as
follows:
1. To investigate the existing schemes of Workers’ Participation in Management and its
forms.
2. To investigate the key determinants of WPM.
3. To do a comparative study of industry on functioning of WPM.
4. To understand the perception of workers towards WPM
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5. To suggest an effective system/strategy of workers’ involvement in the process of
decision-making.
5.4 Hypothesis
With reference to the literature review done in previous chapter II, the following hypothesis were formulated and tested empirically.
H1: Involvement in WPM is dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education, Job
Position and Work Experience)
H2: There is equal awareness about WPM schemes among workers
H3: Awareness about WPM is dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education, Job
Position and Work Experience)
H4: All the forms of WPM provide equal opportunity of participation to the workers
H5: All areas of WPM are equally important to workers
H6: WPM is equally effective in all the industrial units of study
H7: Effectiveness of WPM is dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education, Job
Position and Work Experience)
H8: Determinants of WPM are dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education, Job
Position and Work Experience)
H9: WPM is considered equally important by workers of all industrial units under
study
H10: Perceived Benefits of WPM is dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education,
Job Position and Work Experience)
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Determinants of WPM
Effectiveness of WPM
Benefits of WPM
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – Chapter V
5.5 The Proposed Theoretical Framework
Fig. 5.1 Theoretical Framework
5.6 Significance of Study
This study is an attempt to explore the salient variables that can improve the effectiveness of
participatory approach and can help in motivating the workers to build a favorable attitude
towards WPM schemes. However, it is a new subject for research in India. Looking towards all
the research studies completed in India, it is observed that there is lack of sufficient research
work on this area which has created a wide gap, and this needs to be filled up by the present and
the near future human resource management research scholars.
Today's knowledge economy demands investments in human capital of the organization and to
create a work environment where employees excel at their jobs but it is strongly perceived that
practices like workers participation are intentionally or unintentionally ignored in India so
research is the last solution to find out the truth, cause and solution.
Justification of Research Paradigm
A paradigm is described as a holistic approach underlying a research methodology (Kassim
2001). It reflects the philosophy of knowledge or how we reach the knowledge while
methodology focuses on the practicalities of how we come to know (Trochim 1998). In essence,
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the paradigm that is fundamental to this study can be categorized as post-positivist, or what is
also known as realism (Hunt 1990; 1991; Perry et al. 1998; Trochim 1998). Realism deals with
an external reality which cannot be known perfectly, that is in reality no one can claim to have
perfect knowledge of what contributes to job satisfaction, employee productivity and
commitment. This study proposes that, firstly, data are collected and analyzed from various
sources including literature, exploratory research, pilot study, and by a final survey. Secondly, a
Factor Analysis, Kruksal Walis test, and Z statistics of the surveyed data incorporates complex
interdependencies using multi-item scales to measure latent, unobservable variables.
5.7 Research Design
Subsequent to establishing a paradigm, the development of an appropriate research design is
pursued. A research design, which is a function of the research objectives, is defined as “…a set
of advance decisions that makes up the master plan specifying the methods and procedures for
collecting and analyzing the needed information” (Burns & Bush 2002, p.120). An appropriate
research design is essential as it determines the type of data, data collection technique, the
sampling methodology, the schedule and the budget (Hair et al. 2003). Primarily, it helps to align
the planned methodology to the research problems (Churchill & Iacobucci 2004; Malhotra
1999).
There are many frameworks of research designs and they can be classified into three traditional
categories: exploratory, descriptive and causal (Aaker et al. 2000; Burns & Bush 2002; Churchill
& Iacobucci 2004; Hair et al. 2003). As depicted in Figure 3.1, this study applies these research
designs as to achieve the research objectives. Although not compulsory, it is common that
researchers utilize multiple research designs (Burns & Bush 2002). That is, a researcher may
begin with an exploratory study which will provide essential background information needed
preceding a descriptive study. In turn, information obtained from a descriptive study may help
the researcher design a causal experiment.
The aim of this study is to identify impact of workers participation on job satisfaction, employee
productivity and commitment. To achieve these objectives, the research design of this study has
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Explored the problem and Identified issues
Exploratory Research (including focus interviews)
-Formulation of specific research objectives
-Drawing out research issues
Investigating variables and their relations
Descriptive Research
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – Chapter V
been conducted in two phases (figure 4.1). Phase one dealt with an exploratory study and the
latter involved descriptive research. These phases are discussed next.
Figure 5.2: Research Method
Phase 1
Phase 2
In phase one, exploratory research was conducted to develop initial insights and to provide
direction for any further research needed (Malhotra 1999; Parasuraman 1991). An exploratory
study is essential when a researcher needs to define the problem more precisely and identify any
specific objectives or data requirements to be addressed through additional research.
Any such study begins with an exploration phase, the goal at the end of this first phase is a plan
describing how to collect the data, what variables will be taken to measure participation of
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worker, what measurement scales will be used. To prepare the data collection plan, it needs to
decide how the data will be collected, determine what employee segments to include in the
study, decide if a pilot study is needed.
Exploratory research is the foundation of a good study (Churchill & Iacobuci 2004) and it is
normally flexible, unstructured and qualitative (Aaker et al. 2000; Burns & Bush 2002) and
serves as an input to further research (Malhotra 1999). In addition to reviews from the literature,
an experience survey, also known as key informant technique, taps the knowledge of those
familiar with the subject matter, in this case, the impact of Workers Participation in
Management. In this study interviews were conducted with HR Managers at ONGC, Balrampur
Sugar Mills, HPCL, and few other organizations. Few of the interviews were conducted at the
campus of University of Petroleum & Energy Studies with following HR experts: Shri Raina,
General Manager HR – GAIL India Ltd; Mr. Abhishek S., HR Manager – Mahindra &
Mahindra, Haridwar; Ms. Vandana Sharma, Senior HR Manager – Hero Honda Motors Ltd; Mr.
Pankaj Kumar Singh Dy. GM – HR Secure Meters, Jaipur; Mr. Manish Kumar Jain HR Manager
– Shree Cement, Rajasthan. These discussions were conducted during the placement week of
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun.
The outcome of the study helped in developing the scales for the survey instrument in the
subsequent descriptive research (phase two). In brief, based upon the literature an experience
survey was conducted and in consequent the survey allowed for the subject matters to be refined.
5.8 Data Collection
Survey Method: In this study, a questionnaire based survey was used as the method of primary
data collection. The structured survey involved several steps from designing the questions to
field work and assessing the reliability of the measurement used.
The objectives of the first stage were two-fold: identify the information requirements and
determine the source from which the information could be obtained. This stage begun with
identifying the information needed to meet the research objectives. As such an exploratory study
was carried out as discussed in previous figure. From these interviews, insights were sought on
the variables identified and on an initial format of a questionnaire. While designing the
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questionnaire the language (hindi) was kept in mind as the respondents being blue –collar
employees/workers were well-versed and comfortable with this language. It was also taken care
of that the no. of questions are not too much so as to make the workers tired. The questions were
simple in nature so that they are easily understandable by the respondents.
Measurement Scale: The next step involves selecting appropriate measurement scales, question
wording and content, response format and finally the sequence of questions. The questionnaire
was written in hindi language so that it can be easily understood by the respondents.
As this study aims to measure workers perception towards WPM, multiple-item scales were
deemed appropriate as it is frequently used to measure attitudes (Parasuraman 1991). The use of
a multi-item scale would ensure that the overall score, which was a composite of several
observed scores, was a reliable reflection of the underlying true scores (Hayes 1998).
Three types of measurement scales were used in this research: nominal, ordinal and interval.
Nominal scales were used for identification purposes because they have no numeric value
(Kinnear et al. 1993). For example, respondents were asked to answer the type of employment
they are getting, types of participative schemes available at their work place. On the other hand,
ordinal scales were used to rank the various areas of participation (health and safety, working
conditions, welfare amenities, schedule of working, holidays, training needs, shift in technology,
disciplinary procedure) on the basis of their importance. Further interval scales were used to
measure the effectiveness of WPM.
Response Format: In relation to question content and wording, the questions were designed to
be short, simple and comprehensible, avoiding ambiguous, vague, estimation, generalization, and
leading, double barrelled and presumptuous questions (Kassim 2001). Two types of response
format were chosen: dichotomous close-ended and labelled scales. In order to obtain information
pertaining to respondents’ demographics and types of unions and committees close-ended
questions were used and in order to obtain the effectiveness WPM labelled scales were used.
Secondly, Open ended questions were used for taking suggestions and investigating issues
specific to unit of study.
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For this research, labeled Likert scales were appropriate to measure responses. This scale was
adopted based on the following reasons (Kassim 2001):
In relation to the number of scale points, there is no clear rule indicating an ideal number.
However, many researchers acknowledge that opinions can be captured best with five to nine
point scales (Aaker et al. 2000; Malhotra 1999; Sekaran 2000). In fact, researchers indicate that a
seven-point scale is just as good as any other (Malhotra 1999; Parasuraman 1991; Sekaran 2000).
That is, an increase in scale does not improve the reliability of the ratings (Elmore & Beggs
1975) and may cause confusion to the respondents (Aaker et al. 2000; Hair et al. 2003). Thus, a
seven-point Likert scale was used in this research.
Sequence of Questions/ Questionnaire: The questionnaire began with less complex and less
sensitive questions and progressed to opinion-sought questions. The questionnaire consisted of
three parts. Section A, B & C.
Section A: - Demographics
This section aimed at collecting the demographic details of the respondents like their age, sex,
qualification, work experience etc. It consisted of questions related to,
personal profile of workers,
job profile of workers, and
Information regarding various unions.
Section B: - Schemes of Participation
The second section consisted of questions related to the schemes of WPM, the objective was to
identify the different types of participative schemes functioning at different organisations and the
level of awareness among workers about the different schemes. The questions included:
Types of participative schemes,
Awareness level of workers about participative schemes,
Areas of participation according to their importance
Section C: - Functioning of WPM
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The third section of the questionnaire consisted of questions related to the measures of:
Determinants of WPM
Perceived benefits of WPM
Table 5.1 Selection of Variables in the Questionnaire
Variable Reference1. There is a committee of management &
employees who meet on a regular basis to
consult over workplace issues
Cabrera, E. F., Ortega, J. and
Cabrera, A. (2003)
2. WPM in my organization is beneficial to me Mills (1977)
3. Exposure to participative system (or WPM) is
given in the meetings of the committees
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
4. The time allotted for meetings is sufficient Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
5. WPM is a motivating factor Singh, K. (2000)
6. The committee members consult their colleagues
before meetings
Cabrera, E. F., Ortega, J. and
Cabrera, A. (2003)
7. The committee members share the information
with their colleagues after meeting
Cabrera, E. F., Ortega, J. and
Cabrera, A. (2003)
8. Your suggestions are forwarded to the
management
Jarrar, Y. F. and Zairi, M. (2002).
9. WPM increases my capability and productivity Bhatti Khalid Komal, and Qureshi
Masood Tahir (2007)
10. The decisions taken at committee meetings are
implemented
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
11. Management implements the suggestions
provided by the workers reasonably
Jarrar, Y. F. and Zairi, M. (2002).
12. WPM increases my commitment level in the
organization
Bhatti Khalid Komal, and Qureshi
Masood Tahir (2007)
13. The top management is not interested in the
decisions of committee meetings
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
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14. Employee suggestion scheme is an effective way
of WPM
Jarrar, Y. F. and Zairi, M. (2002).
15. Workers are involved in the decision making
process as committee members
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
16. WPM in my organization is more in comparison
to the others
Singh, K. (2000)
17. Participative committees addresses the day to
day issues
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
18. Committee listens to the problems and resolves
them
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
19. These committees are capable of helping the
workers in their issues
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
20. I trust the participative committees Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
In order to identify the importance of WPM, 11 statements were formulated in question no 6.
The statements were formed on the basis of literature review and interactions with the industry
experts.
Table 5.2 Selection of Variables in the Questionnaire
Variable Reference1. WPM Increases Motivation Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
2. WPM increases Productivity Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
3. WPM increases Commitment Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
4. WPM gives a sense of belongingness Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
5. WPM helps in involving workers in decision
making
Singh, K. (2000)
6. WPM is an effective way to communicate
between workers and management
Singh, K. (2000)
7. WPM maintains cordial relations among workers
and management
Singh, K. (2000)
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8. WPM develops trust among workers Jarrar, Y. F. and Zairi, M. (2002).
9. Participative forums must work in the
organization
Bhatti Khalid Komal, and Qureshi
Masood Tahir (2007)
10. I would recommend my friend/relative to work
in this organization
Verma, R.K. and P. R. Syha. (1991)
11. Participative committee helps to minimize
industrial unrest
Bhatti Khalid Komal, and Qureshi
Masood Tahir (2007)
Pre-test survey and revision of questionnaire
Separate to an exploratory survey (respondents were industry experts and academic researchers)
which was conducted in Phase one, an early draft of the questionnaire was pre-tested in this
pursuing stage. The aim of a pre-testing is to ensure that the questions are eliciting the responses
required, uncover ambiguous wording or errors before the survey is launched at large (Burns &
Bush 2002; Zikmund 2000). Prior to pre-testing, three HRM professors were asked to review the
questions and give their opinions seeking content validity. Some overlapping questions were
detected and hence were removed from the questionnaire.
The final surveys were personally administered after revising the questionnaire, a total of 350
questionnaires were collected. After screening, 101 of the questionnaires were found to be
unusable because of missing values, which resulted in 249 usable samples for analysis.
5.9 Sampling Design
Mixed sampling technique has been used for this study. In the first phase purposive sampling has
been used to select the two major segments of the industry i.e. sugar industry and fertilizer
industry. The two segments were selected due the fact that these are the two biggest segments of
the industry in Uttar Pradesh. Out of the two segments random selection was made to select three
industries from each sector.
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The units selected included three sugar factories (Roza Sugar Mills, Roza; Balrampur Chini
Mills Ltd, Balrampur, Sarsawa Sugar Mills, Saharanpur and three fertilizer factories
(KRIBHCO, Sultanpur; IFFCO, Bareily and Phoolpur (Allahabad).
In the second phase using random sampling 350 Questionnaires were distributed out of which
only 249 usable questionnaires were received back (Table 5.2). The list of workers during the
shift visit was conducted was taken from the Time Office and random selection was done using
systematic sampling, every fifth worker was selected for the study.
The present work is descriptive in nature and based on the primary data. For the selection of
appropriate sample size the researcher is using following formula which is used under the
condition of very large known universe. The formula (Kothari, 2006) states that:
n = 2 .P.q.N
e2 (N-1) 2 .P.q.
Where n is the required sample size.
Z is the Confidence coefficient, assuming 95 percent level of confidence because the universe is
very large and table value of Z at 95 percent confidence is-
Z = 1.96
e is the allowable error , i.e. + or – 3%
P is the sample proportion of workers showing involvement in WPM.
P = .7 or 70%
q= is the proportion of workers having no involvement in WPM
(1-P) = (1-.7)
= .3
N= is the total universe workers in Sugar and Fertilizer Industry of Uttar Pradesh
Total No of workers in sugar industry = 2,50,000 (approx) (Source: Indian Sugar Mills
Association, Uttar Pradesh Chapter, 2010)
Total No of workers in fertilizer industry = 2,00,000 (approx) (Source: Annual Newsletter
Fertilizer Industry Association of India, 2009)
Total N = 2,50,000 + 2,00,000
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= 4,50,000
Putting the above values in the formula:
n = 2 .P.q.N
e2 (N-1) 2 .P.q.
(1.96) 2 (.7) (1-.7) 4,50,000
= (.003) (0.03)(4,50,000-1) (1.96) 2 (.7)(.3)
= 233.33
Table 5.2: Response Rate
Name of UnitQuestionnaires
distributed
Usable
Questionnaires
Recd
Number of
Workers (Total)
Sample Proportion
in Percentage
Roza Sugar
Mills, Roza60 42 822 17
Balrampur
Chini Mills
Ltd
50 36 686 14
Sarsawa
Sugar Mills55 41 820 17
KRIBHCO,
Sultanpur65 41 890 19
IFFCO,
Bareily60 47 828 17
IFFCO,
Phoolpur50 42 754 16
Total 350 249 4800 100
5.10 Statistical Analysis
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Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Walis Test, Factor Analysis and ANOVA. For the
purpose of analysis SPSS 15.0 was used.
Range, Means and standard deviations have been used for the purpose of investigation.
Workers were asked to rank the various areas of participation (health and safety, working
conditions, welfare amenities, schedule of working, holidays, training needs, shift in technology,
disciplinary procedure) on the basis of their importance. Kruskal Wallis Test is used to find
whether there is a significant difference between the importance of areas of participation or not.
It was also examined whether all the forms of WPM provide equal opportunity of participation
or few areas are more effective. Kruskal Wallis test was used to confirm the hypothesis.
Kruskal Wallis Test is used to find whether there is a significant difference between the
importance of areas of participation or not.
Factor analysis was used to extract the significant variables that make WPM effective in an
organization. 20 variables were reduced to a four factor solution using varimax rotation.
Factor analysis was also used to identify the significance or perceived benifits of WPM on 11
variables which were reduced to three factor solution.
Further to check the statistical significance of descriptive related variables measuring
importance of WPM one sample t – test is used.
One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests has been used to investigate the association
between demographics and degree of involvement in WPM schemes, similarly demographics
and awareness about WPM schemes. It has also been used to compare the effectiveness of
WPM across the six units of study and dependence of determinants of WPM on
demographics. Finally, ANOVA was used to find out the association between significance of
WPM and demographics.
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5.11 Limitations of the study
The limitations of the current study are discussed below:
The first limitation was the limited sectors of study. Only two sectors were included i.e., sugar
and fertilizer due to constraints of resources and time.
Secondly, this study is based on primary data which was collected from the respondents
assuming that they have given their genuine responses to the questions. But it may be possible
that, the respondents have not disclosed few facts.
Finally, it was very difficult to get the questionnaires filled from the workers. Every point was
explained to them in their language. There is a possibility that workers might not have
understood the questions properly and the responses may be incomplete.
5.12 Conclusions
This chapter illustrates the research design, significance of the study, process taken in the
questionnaire administration and introduction to the data analysis strategy. In the following
chapter, results of the data analysis are presented.
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