Compensation and Benefits Final Report - Telenor (1)

57
2012 SUBMITTED TO: MA’AM ASFIA OBAID SUBMITTED BY: BENISH KHALID JUNAID NASIR QURAT UL AIN SULEMAN MARIAM KHAN RAZA MUBARAK SYEDA SIDRA SHABBIR COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Transcript of Compensation and Benefits Final Report - Telenor (1)

  • 2012

    SUBMITTED TO:

    MAAM ASFIA OBAID

    SUBMITTED BY:

    BENISH KHALID

    JUNAID NASIR

    QURAT UL AIN SULEMAN

    MARIAM KHAN

    RAZA MUBARAK

    SYEDA SIDRA SHABBIR

    12/24/2012

    COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Page 2 of 57

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    Starting with the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most compassionate; we would like to

    thank Allah Almighty for giving us the strength and the opportunity to successfully carry out and

    complete this project. We are thankful to our project supervisor, Ms. Asfia Obaid, under whose

    encouragement, guidance and support we were able to understand the subject and cope with any

    difficulties faced during this project. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our

    Parents and our friends who provided us with their objective and honest opinions. Lastly, we

    thank all of those who supported us in any respect for the entire duration of the project.

  • Page 3 of 57

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 2

    INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4

    Scope of the Study .................................................................................................................................... 4

    Objective of the Study .............................................................................................................................. 4

    Research Design and Methodology .......................................................................................................... 4

    LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................. 5

    THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................................. 17

    COMPANYS PROFILE- TELENOR ................................................................................................... 19

    RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF PAY SATISFACTION AT TELENOR ............................................... 20

    QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 20

    Equity Theory and Pay Satisfaction ........................................................................................................ 20

    Fixed Pay and Pay Satisfaction ................................................................................................................ 23

    Sense of Belonging and Pay Satisfaction ................................................................................................ 27

    Benefits and Pay Satisfaction .................................................................................................................. 35

    Variable Pay and Pay Satisfaction .......................................................................................................... 42

    KEY FINDINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 45

    RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 46

    LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 48

    REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 48

    APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................. 52

    Respondent Information ................................................................................................................... 52

  • Page 4 of 57

    INTRODUCTION

    Scope of the Study

    The scope of the study is to determine what criteria of compensation and benefits are considered

    by employees as being vital parts of their pay satisfaction.

    Objective of the Study

    The purpose of this study was to examine the existing compensation and benefits present in the

    company in order to infer its effect on satisfaction of employees with regards to pay.

    Also, to analyze what previous researches articulate about the key components affecting

    employees in a workplace and then compare it to the current situation of Telenor. In doing so, we

    will see the difference between the ground realities and what the literature suggests and based on

    that we will give recommendations accordingly.

    Research Design and Methodology

    The sector chosen for this study was telecommunication Industry and within it, the aim was to

    study Telenor as the chosen organization. The reason to choose this organization was the fact

    that it had a stringent Human Resource Department and also that it is rated as the top

    Telecommunication Company. The goal to be achieved was to evaluate the compensation and

    benefits structure in the organization and the employees perspective towards their pay.

    1. Hypothesis testing study

    This research is mainly based upon hypothesis testing. Weve made different hypothesis

    for different set of variables, made their statements and after putting them in the

    questionnaires, weve calculated their answers. Those answers either rejected or approved

    our hypothesis, making our research fall in the category of hypothesis-testing study.

    2. Unit of Analysis

    The unit of analysis for this research is individual employees of Telenor.

    3. Data Collection Method

    In order to achieve the goal, questionnaires were administered (attached in the appendix).

    Likert scale was used and no open-ended questions were asked which mightve resulted

    in varying responses.

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 5 of 57

    LITERATURE REVIEW

    This chapter thoroughly sketches out the entire process of research conducted using references

    such as journal articles, books and other published sources. It provides an overview of the

    relevant literature on the key areas of compensation and benefits and how they play an essential

    role in pay satisfaction ultimately leading to a high performance of an organization. Satisfaction

    of employees can ensue both from the job they do and the pay they get and since this research

    tries to extrapolate the effect of pay on employees satisfaction, variables according to that are

    measured. We will briefly discuss the variables of compensation and benefits and then the

    literature will lead towards pay satisfaction and the theories that have been studied overtime for

    it. In this research, compensation is the combination of Fixed Pay and Variable Pay and is

    different from Benefits which is considered as a separate variable which will be discussed later

    in the literature.

    Monetary incentives have an important function of a mediator for motivation and have a

    considerable role in enhancing the overall performance of employees. Compensation systems

    have an effect on both the compensation policies of an organization and the behavior of

    employees (Lawler, 1995). Pay satisfaction is becoming an important issue during the past years

    because of the leveling and decreases in salaries and wages occurring in the previous years

    (Heneman & Schwab, 1985; Heneman, Greenberger & Strasser, 1988; Judge & Welbourne,

    1994). It influences employees engagement, the desire to stay with the organization and general

    job satisfaction. When employees are more satisfied with pay and understand how it is

    determined, they are less likely to question it. Pay satisfaction not only has an impact on job

    satisfaction and motivation of employees but is also an important factor in the competition for

    talent by offering competitive salaries. Considering the present economic crisis it is difficult for

    organizations to attract, retain and motivate talent by offering competitive total rewards, hence it

    is important to consider other determinants of pay satisfaction such as compensation and

    benefits. These determinants will substitute competitive salaries and will increase the job

    satisfaction of employees which will further lead to better organizational performance.

    Job satisfaction is perceived to be linked directly towards the productivity of an employee which

    in turn enhances the organizational effectiveness. This is the reason that a lot of articles and

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 6 of 57

    studies have been published and many dissertations have been written on this subject. Job

    satisfaction is a pleasurable or positive emotional state, resulting from the appraisal of ones job

    experiences (Malik, 2012). It tells about the extent to which the employees like to perform

    work. It shows the positive and affective orientation of employees towards the organization in

    which they are performing. Therefore, it can be said that job satisfaction is an emotional state

    that results from employees perception of their jobs and of the fulfillment of important functions

    of the job. Job satisfaction also refers to the employee attitude. High level of job satisfaction

    means a positive attitude towards the job and low level of job satisfaction means negative

    attitude of the employee towards the job. Workers with high level of job satisfaction are more

    likely to be creative, innovative, flexible and loyal and it further results in a workforce that is

    motivated and committed to higher quality of performance (Currall et al., 2005). The affect of

    job satisfaction on the organizational performance and effectiveness makes the exploration of job

    satisfaction very important and one of the most important elements that lead to high levels of job

    satisfaction is compensation and benefits. On the other hand, evidence suggests that

    dissatisfaction leads to negative affectivity in behavior such as detachment from work, turnover

    and increasing intentions to leave and absence (Motowidlo, 1983; Currall et al., 2005). Further

    division of satisfaction has been made as intrinsic and extrinsic in literature where intrinsic

    satisfaction is more oriented towards a persons level of actualization in terms of their

    performance in the job that they are liable for and sense of accomplishment. However, extrinsic

    satisfaction ensues from rewards and recognition (monetary and non-monetary) as well as career

    advancement. The focus of the present study is on extrinsic satisfaction (Naumann, 1993; Suutari

    & Tornikoski, 2001).

    Compensation and Benefits

    Total compensation includes cash compensation and benefits. For the sake of this research, well

    use the term compensation for cash compensation. According to Deluca (1993) and Rajkumar

    (1996), compensation is defined as pay, reward, remuneration or salary and wage management.

    Compensation can be direct and indirect payments, monetary and non-monetary rewards and

    cash and non-cash payments, which are primarily used to reward employees for their

    performance in the organization (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 2004). Compensation in

    monetary form is seen as a measure of justice; therefore, mostly it is seen in the form of financial

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 7 of 57

    returns and tangible services and is considered as the major source of financial security by the

    employees (Milkovich & Newman, 2008). Chen and Brian (2004) proposed that mostly

    compensation in organizations has the components of base pay; overtime pay (OT), bonuses,

    commissions, the dollar value of restricted stock awards and gains from exercising stock options,

    profit sharing, and so on.

    Benefits on the other hand are non-financial form of compensation to better the lives and

    working experience of an organizations employees (Nazir, 2010). These are the most important

    motivator of employees. They are one of the major financial expenditure that an organization

    incurs and plays a significant role in motivating employees as well, which is why significant

    amount of research has been done on it (Rynes & Gerhart, 2000; Lawler, 1990; Henderson,

    2000; Weathington & Jones, 2008). A job should suit with the creativity and the talent of an

    employee and more importantly it should compensate the employee both in terms of salary and

    other benefits in accordance with the job.

    In an organization controlling, planning and organizing of pay systems is emphasized by

    compensation which makes it a very important human resource management function. However,

    compensation alone cannot direct an employees performance to a certain level unless it is

    accompanied by employee benefits. According to Beam and McFadden (2000), employee

    benefits are all the benefits and services other than wages paid to employees for time worked,

    that are provided to employees by the employer in whole or in parts. When World War 2 ended

    and Europe was completely destroyed, none of the powers emerged as victorious and financial

    crisis was there in every nation; in such a situation it was very difficult for the employers to

    reward their employees with a competitive salary. This effected employees job satisfaction and

    in turn had a profound effect on their performance. This job dissatisfaction was then countered

    by the employee benefits in order to enhance organizational effectiveness. There are employee

    benefits that are mandated by law while some are provided by the employers to enhance the

    employees job satisfaction. Employee's benefits include disability income protection, retirement

    benefits, work-life balance (for example sick leave, vacation, jury duty and et cetera), allowances

    (dental, insurance, medical, transportation, housing, mobile phone et cetera), and so on.

    In todays fast moving world, where competition is so strong that if an organization does not

    perform, it is ousted of the business, the organizations need a well informed, involved and highly

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 8 of 57

    motivated work force and this is possible only when they have a strategic, holistic and integrated

    approach to compensation and benefits (Chen & Hsieh, 2006).

    Compensation paid to employees serves the employer or the organization many important

    objectives. The most important objectives served by compensation are to attract, retain and

    motivate high-potential employees but at the same time there are certain constraints that the

    organization faces and should be taken into consideration while planning a compensation

    strategy for the employees such as the maintenance of equity, cost control and legal requirements

    (For example, wage and salary legislation) (Steven & Loring, 1996). Compensation rewards

    performance relative to others and there is progressive improvement in year-to-year results.

    Compensation also provides regular measures of success or progress of the employees which in

    turn reflects the organizational performance. It also balances rewards with risks and provides

    capital accumulation opportunity to the employees. Therefore, compensation is very crucial to

    both, the employees and the employers or organizations (Yale & Donald, 2002).

    Fixed Pay

    A very important component of compensation is fixed pay. Diener and Seligman (2004) argued

    that with a much lower pay, pay satisfaction can be a little higher. Mostly sales people who were

    remunerated through fixed salary demonstrated higher level of job satisfaction and fewer

    turnovers was observed contrary to their fellow employees who were remunerated through

    incentive pay, who showed dissatisfaction with their pay (Chaudhrya, Sabirb, Rafi, & Kalyarc)

    Different perception prevails about the pay. Employees with positive thinking appear to be more

    satisfied with pay as compared to employees with negative thinking (negative affectivity).

    Negative affectivity may result in employees being dissatisfied with certain aspects of their jobs

    which in return may have an effect on organizational outcome. Other factors determining pay

    satisfaction may include ownership of the organization. Employees having the sense of

    ownership of firm may seem satisfied with pay as compared to others lacking sense of

    ownership. (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011)

    Flatherty and Pappas (2002) argued that people who are paid fixed salary show higher

    satisfaction and lower intentions of employees for leaving the organization during exploration

    while salespeople in establishment demonstrated the same higher satisfaction and lower turnover

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 9 of 57

    when given incentives. Employees who were hired by organizations that were pursuing analyzer

    or prospector strategy showed higher satisfaction than those who were employed in defender

    firm in establishment stage. Pappas (2002) proposed that employees compensated through fixed

    salary showed higher job satisfaction and decreased turnover rate than their counterparts who

    were numerated via incentive pay. (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011)

    Job security also plays an important role in pay satisfaction. Employees who want security are

    more satisfied from job than those who want pay increase. Kathawala et al., (1990) argued that

    some employees preferred increase in pay rather than job security. (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011)

    Many others authors of behavior school of thought argued that pay satisfaction also depends

    upon age and seniority. Lawler and Porter (1963) proposed that many factors affect pay

    including seniority, time in position, organizational size and age. Seniority can also be used as a

    predictor to determine the actual pay. It can be argued that age and seniority do lead to increased

    performance, as an employee seeks experience his or her ability to perform a job increases which

    would lead to a better organizational outcome. The correlation between pay and seniority depict

    that organizations are compensating for merit (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011).

    Seniority bonuses also are the component of fixed salary which is usually given to employees

    after serving the organization for certain time period (experience). Merit increments are also

    added in base pay after evaluating the past performance of an employee. These are not earned

    again as in the incentive case, in which incentives are re-earned because they are given to

    achieve certain objectives.

    Variable Pay

    Pay is considered as an essential factor or variable for determining job satisfaction. It is a relative

    thing as discussed in the theories above. A certain amount of pay, to meet ones needs, is crucial

    for people however, beyond that level flexible pay schemes play a significant role in pay

    satisfaction. Organizations performance is enhanced if the flexible benefit scheme is aligned

    with both the HR and business strategy of the organization.

    Flexible benefits concept originated from North America in the 1960s. Today, many

    organizations use flexible pay as a reward for high productivity of its employees. Flexible reward

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 10 of 57

    schemes impacts recruitment, selection, retention, employment relationship, organization and

    individual performance. Traditional fixed pay reward system (one-fits-all benefits package) will

    eventually phase out as it doesnt meet the need and demand of increasing diversified employees.

    Flexible pay system could be achieved by increasing the variable pay and short/medium term

    deferred income in the compensation package of the employee. Variable pay distribution is

    uncertain and it consists of bonuses, incentives, goal-based pay, overtime, gain sharing, et cetera,

    where as deferred income are sums that are blocked for a certain period of time before becoming

    available and it includes employee stock ownership plans, company saving schemes, profit

    sharing. Financial incentives will get people to do more of what they are doing (Calvin, 1998).

    This means that employees will do a better job if they have been promised some sort of

    incentive.

    There exists a relationship between variable pay schemes with employees job satisfaction and

    organization performance. Flexible pay corresponds to the need of the organization and

    employee. The whole idea behind flexible pay system in an organization is to cut the fixed

    costs/variable cost ratios. Flexible schemes or benefits decreases employees turnover and helps

    to attract candidates. This results in reducing costs of recruiting, selecting and training workers.

    It allows the organization to use the savings into developing the existing experienced workforce

    and will result in improved individual and company performance.

    Researchers discovered that flexible pay schemes can result in a positive relationship and

    increased employee satisfaction (Barber, 1992). The increased employees satisfaction with

    benefits, will promote a higher level of motivation and productivity (McFadden, 1988).

    However, flexible pay schemes approaches differ considerably from one organization to another.

    This indicates that they are tailoring programs to fit their needs of the workforce and the

    workplace. Flexible benefits providing staff with a choice to adopt, or flex their reward

    package, in order to meet their personal circumstances (Hutchinson, 2004).

    Based on expectancy motivation theory, a flexible benefits system has relevance in context of

    expectancy of motivation because it allows employees to choose the best rewards system that

    most fits their needs. (Mckenna, 2000). This means in order to attain desired performance or

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 11 of 57

    result, organization should go for a customer-driven approach to their benefits program to

    achieve personal circumstances.

    Flexible pay schemes have considerably impacted organizations as whole. The scheme helps to

    build up a good relationship through employee empowerment, engagement and involvement.

    Flexible benefits offer many benefits to both work force and work place in the form of work-life

    balance, financial incentives and organization performance. Flexible schemes also have

    drawbacks in terms of difficulty of administration and enormous running costs. For its successful

    implementation, transparency and communication should be insured. If flexible benefits reward

    strategy integrated seamlessly with the business objective and HR strategy, it will improve

    employees motivation level and raise the organizations performance

    Benefits

    Like compensation, benefits also have importance for both the organization and the employees.

    Benefits are crucial for the organizations because they are used to attract and retain good and

    talented workers. On the other hand, for employees, benefits carry more importance because they

    rely on benefits such as medical subsidies, vacations, and retirement et cetera. to secure their

    financial well-being. Benefits vary with respect to the seniority of the employees in the

    organization and this makes the workers reluctant to change their jobs (Gerhart & Milkovich,

    1992). Employee benefits are used by the organizations to recruit and retain talented employees.

    In the present day, almost all the economies of the world are facing financial crisis and in times

    like these it is not possible for the organizations to offer their employees pay raises and bonuses.

    It is here at this point where employee benefits become an important tool for the employers to

    increase loyalty, productivity and job satisfaction.

    Benefits are made up of three major components. Firstly, benefits consist of the allowances part

    which are mainly the housing, food and transportation allowances. The second part of benefits

    consists of employee welfare programs and recreational opportunities concerning tickets for

    various entertainment events, family assistance, scholarships. Included in this are also flexible

    work timings (telecommuting, nonpaid time off et cetera), drug counseling, jury duty, vacations,

    child and elder care and a fulfilling work environment. Lastly, it includes pension plans, disabled

    workers allowance, medical insurance, retirement plans, life insurance and savings plan. The

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 12 of 57

    types and levels of benefits package that is provided by the organization to its employees and the

    employee contributions determine the satisfaction level with the pay. Keeping a check on how

    benefits satisfy the employers is the key to keeping employees happy. If employees work hard

    and put effort in order to gain better benefits and are also rewarded then they will perform better,

    have higher levels of pay satisfaction. Therefore, benefits create an economic exchange with

    organizations because employers get better quality work and employees want better benefits in

    their pay package to be satisfied and are willing to put time and effort for it (Faulk, 2002). The

    traditional approach for measuring employee satisfaction with benefits was to measure the

    benefit as a part of the pay satisfaction and therefore measuring the replies provided by the

    employees to the benefits package provided by the organization (Balkin, 1993).

    Benefits satisfaction is comprised of two parts, the satisfaction associated with the benefits cost

    and the quality of the provided benefits. Both of these components are measured by comparisons

    with the referent other and also what employees perception are towards the organizations ability

    to provide benefits. These perceptions are influenced by the overall benefits provided, the actual

    use of these benefits by the employees, the cost associated with them and the contribution from

    the employers side. Along with this, an employees values, expectations and their personality

    also affect the benefits package. An employee also needs to be aware of the total available

    benefits accessible to them which are enhanced through proper communication by their

    employers (Lust, 1990). Benefits play a vital part in the total reward package hence impacting

    the organizational performance in the total reward system (Lin, 2010). Therefore benefits are an

    important part of the pay package. Employees also view benefits as entitlements for

    organizational membership. They need to be individual specific which will enhance its

    acceptance and give the highest satisfaction. Those employees who are satisfied with their

    benefits are therefore less likely to quit the organization which in turn results in better

    organizational performance and better turnover. Flexible benefits plans demonstrate the

    significance of benefits congruence to employee needs. For high employee satisfaction,

    managers who provide benefits need to collaborate with employees to identify the personal needs

    on the basis on which they can provide them with benefits. Theory of Reasoned Action claims

    employees belief over the value benefits provide and how it develops a positive attitude of

    employees towards these benefits which in turn determines the satisfaction level. This

  • Page 13 of 57

    satisfaction then leads to their commitment with the organization which is based primarily on

    their pay satisfaction (Markova, n.d.).

    Their satisfaction with the benefits component of pay is also determined by how quickly

    reimbursements take place. Employees who perceived that the process of disbursements of

    benefits by managers were fair also contributed to the overall satisfaction level with the benefits

    specially in the case of sick leave and vacation time. There was less satisfaction with individuals

    who perceived the process as less fair. Also employee participation in benefits decision as well

    as individuals perception that their preferences for the benefits plan was taken into account,

    created a high degree of pay component satisfaction (Williams, 2002).

    Pay Satisfaction

    Pay is considered as episodic payment to an employee due to the employee and employer

    relationship (employment contract). On the contrary piece wages are paid separately, rather than

    on periodic basis. Pay is considered as an important tool to motivate employees and direct their

    attitude and behavior towards the organizational goals and objectives. There are many other tools

    present to motivate employee and increase their job satisfaction but satisfaction from pay is

    necessary. Katzell (1964) stated that pay satisfaction depends on the difference between the

    perceived pay and the amount of pay a person received. (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011; Chaudhrya et

    al., n.d).

    Pay satisfaction has a narrow scope than job satisfaction but it is the most important factor that

    can affect organizational outcomes. Dissatisfaction with pay may lead to reduced motivation and

    performance of employees and increased absenteeism and turnover. During many years

    observations, it was noticed that monthly pay, that were obtained by employees, were favored in

    contrast to incentive pay which varied in context. (Sharma & Bajpai, 2011)

    Empirical evidence on pay satisfaction has significantly increased and research suggests that,

    despite it being a part of job satisfaction, it still has various dimensions to itself as well.

    Heneman and Schwab (1995) have been considered the first amongst researchers to identify the

    multiple dimensions of pay satisfaction and gestate its constructs including pay level, pay raises,

    benefits structure and administration where these are measured by the Pay Satisfaction

    Questionnaire (PSQ) (Fong & Shaffer, 2003). However, some authors opinion differs and they

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 14 of 57

    argue that pay satisfaction is has no further dimensions (Miceli, Near and Schwenk, 1991; Faulk,

    2002). Due to this variance in research on pay satisfactions own dimensionality, it has been

    suggested to investigate the association of pay satisfaction with other variables as it results in

    more significance towards organizations (Faulk, 2002; Heneman and Judge, 2000).

    With the investigation and research of pay satisfaction for the past 3 decades, it being an

    interesting dimension affecting the organizational performance as well as employee behavior and

    attitude, several theories and models have been formulated and applied since its introduction in

    the field of research. The most common and well-known models which help in determining pay

    satisfaction is the Equity Theory (Adams, 1963) and Discrepancy Model (Lawler, 1971). These

    models elucidate employees drawing out satisfaction from their compensation plans.

    Equity theorys roots lie in the concept of social comparison where an employee equates the

    amount of input they give and the resulting output they get with that of others. This comparison

    of input/output ratio can be done with employees in the same organization as well as other

    organizations and if the ratio is lesser or smaller than that of another employee, it results in

    inequity and dissatisfaction and employees are motivated to lessen the inequity. These perceptual

    comparisons can be done with factors such as pay, time-off, benefits and recognition (Adams,

    1963, 1965; Faulk, 2002).

    The theoretical basis of the discrepancy theory, proposed by Lawler in 1971, lies in the concept

    of social comparison, just the same as equity theory. In addition to that, Vrooms expectancy

    theory is also utilized to formulate discrepancy theory. According to Vroom (1964), employees

    behavior is motivated by pay if it leads to desirable outcomes and the employee gives it a high

    valence. Discrepancy theory focuses on what an employee expects and the reality and the

    discrepancy between the two affects the employees satisfaction levels. It is basically the

    perception an employee has and the difference between those two perceptions regarding the

    characteristics of the tasks he/she considers worthy. This highly depends upon the personal needs

    and aims of the employee as well as what he values, his beliefs and expectations from the

    outcomes of the job. Hence, the satisfaction from such aspects of a job results when the

    employee perceives the reality of these aspects and what they should be (Igalens & Roussel,

    1999; Lawler, 1971). This was the one dimensional aspect of pay satisfaction in literature after

    which Heneman and Schwab (1985) built upon Lawlers work and modified the theory to

  • Page 15 of 57

    conceptualize the multi-dimensionality of pay satisfaction with 4 dimensions and developed

    PSQ. Implications of this study suggested that these dimensions of pay satisfaction might affect

    the outcomes in a different manner (Faulk, 2002).

    Pay satisfaction differs according to levels of management and departments as the job

    descriptions also vary from level to level and department to department (Dreher, 1981). In formal

    organizations, pay is considered to be one of the most significant components as it affects

    significant organizational behavior variables. According to the hypothesis of the article by

    Tames A. Roberts (1996), pay satisfaction (money) is the basic motivator for employees

    (including bonuses and commissions). In other cases, financial motivation might not be

    necessary, like research employees might give more importance to the fringe benefits, career

    progression and learning opportunities.

    Another important factor for employees is the equity and fairness of rewards amongst coworkers

    following internal equity and their perception. The perception of fairness also depends on the

    comparison with other organizations if followed external equity. These comparisons mount to

    the perception of fairness and ultimately pay satisfaction. Roberts (1996) also emphasizes that

    employees, such as salespersons, are more prone to commission based salaries with a fixed

    salary which increases their motivation and in return helps the organization to achieve high

    (individual as well as team) performance related to pay.

    The pay satisfaction as said for the operational level employees is mainly monetary, increasing

    the probability of high performance which in comparison to knowledge workers is variant as the

    pay satisfaction for them would ensue from opportunities to develop themselves and such.

    Monetary pay satisfaction is vital for every level of employees but here the focus is more on

    fringe benefits along with career development and learning opportunities. Research level

    employees are not too much concerned with the equity aspect of the pay as their main concern

    are the flexible benefits that they would get on the basis of their competencies, skills, job

    contribution and education.

    Pay satisfaction is affected by a number of variables which as identified by Heneman and

    Schwab (1985). The performance level increases with pay raises as the affect is direct between

    the two. The raise in most of the organizations is considered to be a promotion or a step forward

  • Page 16 of 57

    in taller hierarchies, showing increase in cumulative pay. However, in many organizations the

    increase in the pay can be non-cumulative depending upon targets or if the pay structure is

    commission-based. The pay raises are different at senior, middle and lower level of management.

    The benefit sets can also be fixed or flexible depending upon the pay package for the employees.

    Mostly flexible benefits basket is used by the organic organizations and fixed benefits in

    mechanistic structure. Generally defined benefits at all levels are considered easy to monitor but

    increases cost, providing all benefits to all employees even when they do not require it. Such

    benefit plans also fail to provide meaningful benefits to employees as they have varying age,

    needs, interests and lifestyle. The employees at high and senior level want their pay benefits to

    be flexible choosing from the basket and generally low level employees have fixed and defined

    benefits. So pay compensation is dependent on level, raise and benefits which in turn effects the

    organizational commitment of employees. According to research, the empirical evidence for both

    the samples taken in a study by Tremblay (2008) proves that these four variables are important

    for pay satisfaction. These factors act as motivators, increasing positive correlation of high

    performance and high commitment from bottom to top that is for low to senior levels of

    employees maintaining a high performance organization.

  • Page 17 of 57

    THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

    1 Theoretical Framework

  • Page 18 of 57

    This theoretical model explains the relationship of compensation and benefits (independent

    variables) on pay satisfaction (dependent variable). Compensation and benefits have either a

    positive or negative relationship with pay satisfaction.

    Compensation is further divided into two main components .i.e. fixed pay and variable pay.

    These two are then separately linked with pay satisfaction in order to deduce that either one or all

    positively contribute towards pay satisfaction. These two are further explained below:

    Fixed Pay

    Fixed pay is further divided into three subcomponents which are base pay, seniority bonuses and

    merit increments. Base pay is the fixed amount paid monthly. Seniority bonuses are the

    incentives received by employees due to the experience or time period spent with the

    organization. Merit increments are incentives given to employees on their past performance

    evaluation which is usually added to base pay.

    Variable Pay

    Variable pay is the component of compensation which is varied according to individual

    performance. It is sub divided into various components like goal sharing, profit sharing, gain

    sharing et cetera.

    In the light of above literature, this study is focused towards measuring the relationship of

    various components (discussed above) of compensation and benefit and pay satisfaction. Thus,

    hypothesis for this study are as follows:

    H1: Fixed pay is positively related to pay satisfaction

    H2: Benefits are positively related to pay satisfaction

    H3: Variable pay is positively related to pay satisfaction

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 19 of 57

    COMPANYS PROFILE- TELENOR

    Telenor was established in the year 1855 in Norway. It ranks as the worlds seventh leading

    mobile operator with above 150 million subscribers. Telenor is owned by Telenor ASA and adds

    on to its operations in Asia together with Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh. It is an

    international provider of high quality voice, content, data and communication services.

    Telenor Pakistan was launched in the year 2005 as a single major European investment in

    Pakistan. Telenor Pakistan has now become a leading mobile communication services provider

    of the country. Its corporate headquarters are located in the capital city Islamabad and its

    regional offices are in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad and Peshawar

    In the beginning of the year 2012, Telenor Pakistan had a reported market share of 24% and a

    subscriber base of 28.47 million, making Telenor the second largest mobile operator of the

    country. Telenor is growing at a great pace and is present in many remotest areas of Pakistan as

    well. Telenor is investing deeply in infrastructure expansion in order to stay ahead of other

    cellular network companies operating in the country. Telenor has already invested USD2 billion

    and has further extended agreements with vendors for network expansion and services.

    Telenor has created 2,500 direct and more than 25,000 indirect employment opportunities across

    Pakistan. The company has coverage in 3500-plus cities and towns throughout the country,

    making it the second largest GSM service provider in Pakistan. Telenor has over 7000 cell sites

    in Pakistan and offers GPRS and EDGE services

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 20 of 57

    RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF PAY SATISFACTION AT TELENOR

    QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS

    Equity Theory and Pay Satisfaction

    Do you think that the annual salary of your peers when compared to yours is more?

    Figure 2

    Analysis

    First question depicts whether the equity is being catered to or not. 50% agreed that they are receiving

    less as compared to their peers and 33% respondents disagree with it. So it is more of a moderate view

    and is varying among employees but as more employees disagree hence, we deduce that employees at

    Telenor are putting more efforts than their counterparts but receiving less, which results in pay

    dissatisfaction and inequity. This may also have bad impact on organizational performance. This showed

    that there is a difference between employees perceived pay and the actual pay which would result in

    demonization and reduced individual performance. There could be various reasons for it as explained

    during an interview from one of the Telenor employees that every job has varying pay ranges. One

    employee in Telenor might be at a start-up stage while another might have more time and skills to get

    results hence leading to more pay.

    The estimate average annual salary in your region for people holding jobs

    comparable to your own is less.

    15

    4

    10

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 21 of 57

    Figure 3

    Analysis

    This question asks about the estimated average annual salary of employees in the respondents

    region who are holding jobs comparable to theirs and if it is less than theirs or not. The response

    to this question shows that almost 52% of the respondents disagreed with this statement showing

    that the employees at Telenor seem to be considering other organizations to be paying the same

    or may be more for the same kind of jobs.

    According to literature, equity theory states that employees compare their input and the output

    they get for that input with employees in other organizations. Such comparisons may result in an

    increase in motivation or it may also have a negative effect on the motivation of employees

    depending upon the nature of the result that comes out of the comparison, that is, if the

    employees consider their salary greater than that of employees in another organization, they will

    be motivated but if the average annual salary is considered lower than the employees in other

    organizations than the motivation level of employees will be negatively affected.

    Keeping in view the above description from literature and the data collected, it shows that

    majority of the employees do not consider their estimated annual salaries greater than those

    employees working in other organizations in the same region. As the question does not give the

    detailed information about whether they considered their salaries on the same level or lesser than

    the salaries that employees get in other organizations so it cannot be directly stated that the

    employees at Telenor are satisfied or not but it can be inferred from the fact that 48% employees

    either stayed neutral or agreed with this statement that the satisfaction level of the employees is

    7 6

    17

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 22 of 57

    not negatively affected by this comparison. A positive result would have showed a greater level

    of pay satisfaction which would have further enhanced the organizational effectiveness because

    although pay satisfaction is a part of job satisfaction but it has a very crucial role in directing

    organizational effectiveness.

    Please think of one person at work with whom you most compare yourself. Is the

    salary of that person more?

    Figure 4

    Do you think that the minimally acceptable annual salary for people holding jobs

    comparable to your own should be more?

    Figure 5

    Analysis

    The above two questions in the questionnaire asked the employees to compare their salaries with

    one person performing the same work as was performed by the respondent in the same

    14

    8 8

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    20

    8

    2

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 23 of 57

    organization and to state if the salary of that employee was greater. This question was asked in

    order to get information about the level of internal equity in Telenor. The employees were asked

    to compare themselves with an employee in the same organization. The response showed that

    44% of the respondents agreed with the statement which means that when they compared

    themselves with an employee with a job comparable to his, the employee considered the salary

    of the other employee greater than his salary. Again this is due to the fact, as explained during

    analysis of question one, that employees may have same job level but different pay as one might

    be at a start-up stage and other might have more skills and time spent with the company. While

    on the other hand 24% respondents disagreed to this statement and 32% stayed neutral which

    shows that almost more than half of the respondents didnt have a positive response to this. So it

    can be inferred that 56% of the respondents were satisfied with their salaries while comparing

    their salaries with the employees in the same organization.

    According to equity theory and the data collected, it can be said that the ratio of effort employees

    put in their work to the rewards that they get in response for their input is in balance for majority

    of the respondents and from this it can be inferred that there is no negative effect on the

    satisfaction level of the employees in Telenor.

    Fixed Pay and Pay Satisfaction

    Hypothesis 1: Fixed pay is positively related to pay satisfaction

    I am receiving fair salary if considered the experience I have.

    Figure 6

    9 6

    15

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 24 of 57

    Analysis

    The question I am receiving fair salary if considered the experience I have shows that

    employees at Telenor are not compensated on the basis of experience or seniority mostly. 50 %

    of respondents disagree with it which shows that there is no such rigid or bureaucratic hierarchy

    where employees are remunerated just on the basis of their relationship (time spent in a position)

    with the organization, rather employees are remunerated according to their contribution towards

    organization. Pay for performance concept prevails in this organization which indicates a flexible

    and somewhat flat structure which would be needed in todays competitive environment. This

    was also supported by the interviewee that they have pay grades with salary bands. This pay

    structure laid emphasis on employee contribution towards organization rather than just spending

    time period with organization.

    Seniority bonuses given to employees are market competitive

    Figure 7

    Analysis

    Second question regarding whether seniority bonuses are market competitive or not indicates

    neutral responses from the respondents. This means that this factor doesnt contribute towards

    pay satisfaction as confirmed by the interviewee that they don`t consider the seniority bonuses

    because their focus is on Total Reward instead of individual offerings and also they have pay

    for performance culture which negates the seniority bonus concept. Pay for performance as

    explained by the interviewee at Telenor is contributing towards organization either financial or

    non-financially. Non-financial means that at operational level for instance, human resource

    4

    20

    6

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 25 of 57

    department might get the task to reduce turnover rate to say 10% and if the employees achieved

    it regardless of the fact that he/she is new or old (say ten years experience) in the organization,

    he would still get the rewards.

    Merit increments awarded for performance are satisfiable.

    Figure 8

    Analysis

    Third questions Merit increments awarded for performance is satisfiable depicts the pay

    satisfaction among employees through merit increments. About 66% employees are satisfied

    with the merit increments which they received as a result of their past performance evaluation.

    Employees are satisfied with company merit increments policy which results in high motivation

    and enthusiasm to work for the company resulting in high organizational performance. Merit

    increments reward the individual performance in order to maintain the equity environment which

    results in high morale of the employees and have positive effect on organizational outcomes.

    They are cumulative in nature and are added in base pay each year and then next increment is

    based on new pay. This result shows that employees at Telenor are satisfied with this component

    of fixed pay which would result in increased individual performance.

    Merit increments are given frequently

    16

    10

    4

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 26 of 57

    Figure 9

    Analysis

    Last question for fixed pay Merit increments are given frequently shows that approximately

    50% of employees receive the merit increments on frequent basis, which has a positive impact on

    employees satisfaction. This helps in creating positive line of sight towards performance and

    reward. If the reimbursements are not frequent this might lead to dissatisfaction among

    employees.

    As our first hypothesis was:

    H1: Fixed salary is positively related to pay satisfaction

    From the above discussion it is clear that our H1 is valid because merit increments are part of

    fixed pay which contributed towards the pay satisfaction of employees. Rewarding past

    performance motivates employees to continue his/her performance up to the mark in order to

    gain these increments on regular basis which in return help the organization to meet its goals

    efficiently. Seniority bonuses were not cratered to because of the fact that the company has a

    flexible pay structure of salary bands (six bands) which mostly competitive companies adopt in

    order to cope with the changing market demands. It has importance in contrast to seniority based

    culture because it empowered employee which results in quick and effective decision making.

    Through it the major issue of grade drift is also catered.

    14

    10

    6

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 27 of 57

    Are you satisfied with the average annual salary over the past 5 years?

    Figure 10

    Analysis

    It determines the overall picture of the employees satisfaction with their salaries in the past

    periods as well. 50% agree to the fact that they are satisfied with the pay raises associated with

    the annual salary they accumulated in the past years. Heneman and Schwab (1995) have

    identified the multiple dimensions of pay satisfaction and gestated its constructs including pay

    raises where these are measured by the Pay Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ). This is a major

    indicator of low turnover rates and workers putting in effort towards achieving work.

    Generally speaking, I am very satisfied with the salary I am receiving.

    Figure 11

    15

    8 7

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    16

    6 8

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    Sense of Belonging and Pay Satisfaction

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 28 of 57

    Analysis

    The next question determines the current state of mind of the employees and whether they are

    satisfied with their salary or not. According to the hypothesis of the article by Tames A. Roberts

    (1996), pay satisfaction (money) is the basic motivator for employees (including bonuses and

    commissions), which means that the employees are satisfied with their pay.

    As fixed pay is a large component of the salary of employees it means that the compensation

    structure that is being followed at Telenor, more than 50 percent of the employees are happy

    with it, however around 25 percent seem not to be happy with the current remuneration they are

    receiving

    I am content with the kind of work I do in this job.

    Figure 12

    Analysis

    100 percent of the employees seem to have job satisfaction at the organization which means that

    their job contains enrichment and keeps them motivated. Job satisfaction is integrally related to

    pay satisfaction and therefore this would mean that all the employees feel content and own their

    work. Job satisfaction is perceived to be linked directly towards the productivity of an employee

    which in turn enhances the organizational effectiveness. Job satisfaction is a pleasurable or

    positive emotional state, resulting from the appraisal of ones job experiences (Malik, 2012).

    Their work must provide them with growth opportunities as well as hold interest for them. And

    30

    0 0

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 29 of 57

    therefore this must lead them to contribute towards achieving organizational goals and in return

    display contentment about their compensation package.

    Most of the people in this company are satisfied with their salary.

    Figure 13

    Analysis

    This question depicts the employees perception of pay satisfaction among other employees. This

    could be due to a general level of contentment by peers and the fact that the there exists pay

    satisfaction among different levels of pay. Only one third agree to this fact while a high

    percentage remained neutral.

    I would be very pleased to spend the rest of my career with this organization in

    terms of salary.

    Figure 14

    10

    14

    6

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    10

    16

    4

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 30 of 57

    Analysis

    This response indicates that around 50 percent refused to agree or disagree which means that

    salary is not only the component that matters when you stay with an organization. The benefits

    as well as variable components affect the decision making.

    I do not feel a strong sense of belonging to my organization.

    Figure 15

    Analysis

    The employees refute the fact that there is no sense of belonging. This clearly depicts that not

    only are they satisfied with the work being provided by the organization but also by the salary

    and benefits they are receiving.

    I would switch to other company if I am offered more salary than I am receiving in

    this organization.

    Figure 16

    2

    6

    22

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    8 10

    12

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 31 of 57

    Analysis

    This question depicts the fact that 40 percent would not switch to another organization even if

    their salary was increased which clearly shows that the salary is not only the determinant of

    employee being in an organization; there are several other factors which might be the work that

    employees are given, benefits, variable pay or culture. However for 25 percent of the employees,

    salary is a major factor for them when considering their satisfaction level with the organization.

    I feel that I have too few options to consider leaving this organization.

    Figure 17

    Analysis

    An organization tries to retain its employees by providing good pay packages and benefits.

    However, employees still might consider leaving the organization if better opportunities exist.

    Looking at the response to this question, it is evident that employees consider it to be a good

    place to work for as other than this they consider the market has few options if they were to

    consider leaving Telenor.

    If I had not already put so much of myself into this organization, I might consider

    working else where

    18

    4

    8

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 32 of 57

    Figure 18

    Analysis

    Around 33 percent of employees agree that they are with organization only because they believe

    that they have put a lot of effort in the organization and perhaps they wouldnt like to switch to

    another organization. On the other hand around 46% are happy with their current job and pay

    level and have no desire to leave the organization. This shows that they are content with their

    salary package including the benefits and variable component.

    It seems there is not much salary progression if I remain with the organization

    indefinitely.

    Figure 19

    10

    6

    14

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    12

    4

    14

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 33 of 57

    Analysis

    There seems to be discontentment in the salary progression of the organization as it is mostly pay

    for performance. However, 46% of the employees disagree that their chances of salary

    progression are less. They believe that the more an employee stays with an organization, more

    are their chances of salary progression.

    There's not too much to be gained (other than salary) if I remain with this

    organization indefinitely

    Figure 20

    Analysis

    This once again reiterates the fact that salary is not the only component that contributes towards

    satisfaction for employees. There are other factors that may account for employees staying with

    the organization and the employees seem to be satisfied with these other components. This

    shows that generally the employees of Telenor are satisfied not just with the organizations

    compensation system but also because it provides them with career growth and development

    opportunities.

    I am receiving fair reward for the effort that I put forth.

    5 2

    23

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 34 of 57

    Figure 21

    Analysis

    50 percent of employees perception is that they are not receiving fair remuneration for the

    amount of hard work they are putting in their jobs. This means they consider the salary to be less

    than what they expect. However only around 26 percent believe that the salary they are receiving

    is in lieu with the effort they are putting in. It is stated that pay satisfaction depends on the

    difference between the perceived pay and the amount of pay a person received. (Sharma &

    Bajpai, 2011; Chaudhry et al., n.d.; Katzell (1964). So there might be some evidence of this in

    the minds of the employees.

    I receive appreciation as well as monetary reward for what I have done well.

    Figure 22

    8

    17 15

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    14

    9

    7

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 35 of 57

    Analysis

    Around 45% of the employees are content with the relational return of appreciation and the

    monetary reward which includes their fixed pay as well as variable pay given by the

    organization.

    Benefits and Pay Satisfaction

    Hypothesis 2: Benefits are positively related to pay satisfaction

    The medical, transportation, mobile and house allowances are not sufficient.

    Figure 23

    Analysis

    Benefits play a vital part in the total reward package hence impacting the organizational

    performance in the total reward system. Around 53% of employees think that the current benefits

    being provided by Telenor are sufficient and account for their benefits satisfaction. However

    there are around 26% of employees which agree to the fact that Telenor could provide better

    benefit packages.

    Disability income protection concept is not prevailing in this company

    8

    5

    16

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 36 of 57

    Figure 24

    Analysis

    This question analyses the fact that do employees sense a need for more benefits than they are

    currently getting with regards to disability income protection. Employees have a perception

    towards the organizations ability to provide benefits. However employees preferred to have a

    neutral opinion on this question which depicts their benefit satisfaction on the whole without

    disability income protection or their lack of knowledge about it.

    Types of employee welfare programs provided could be increased by the

    organization.

    Figure 25

    2

    18

    10

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    21

    2

    7

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 37 of 57

    Analysis

    This shows that employees want that the benefits under the employee welfare program be

    increased. To them it serves more as an entitlement than the benefits provided because of their

    employment with the organization rather than being tied to their pay level.

    Recreational opportunities provided are Satisfactory.

    Figure 26

    Analysis

    In this question 73% employees seem to be fairly content with the recreational opportunities

    provided by Telenor which shows that they are satisfied with this component of the benefits.

    All sorts of benefits are important part of my salary.

    Figure 27

    22

    4 4

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    30

    0 0

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 38 of 57

    Analysis

    This shows that employees consider benefits as an important of their pay and it contributes

    towards pay satisfaction. All the employees consider benefits contributing vitally to their overall

    pay package

    Hypothesis 2: Benefits are positively related to pay satisfaction

    On the whole, it is still not clear whether the employees consider benefits as an entitlement or

    related to their pay level. However employees show that they nonetheless think its am important

    part of their compensation and are majorly satisfied with it.

    Personal intentions or bias of top management influence salary decisions.

    Figure 28

    Analysis

    43.7% agree to the statement; however 31% showed a neutral response to this. The high

    percentage of respondents that agreed to the statement shows that some level of biasness by the

    top management is perceived to be present in the culture of Telenor.

    Decisions about salary are made ethically.

    14

    10

    6

    0

    5

    10

    15

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    Series1

  • Page 39 of 57

    Figure 29

    Analysis

    Only a minute percentage of employees (12.5%) believe that the decisions about their salaries

    are not made ethically. About 50% of employees were neutral to this statement, where as 31.2%

    employees agreed to it. As the percentage of employees who agreed to the statement is more than

    the ones who disagreed, we conclude that the decisions regarding the salary of employees are

    made ethically at Telenor.

    Accurate information (meeting criteria) is used to make decisions that influence

    salary.

    Figure 30

    10

    16

    4

    0

    2

    4

    6

    8

    10

    12

    14

    16

    18

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    Series1

    14

    8 8

    0

    5

    10

    15

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 40 of 57

    Analysis

    43.7 % of respondents agreed that Telenor consider accurate information to make salary related

    decisions which shows the transparency of Telenors systems. The employees seem satisfied

    with its Compensation system as they believe that precise and correct information is considered

    for their salary.

    My input is obtained prior to making decisions (salary and value adding input).

    Figure 31

    Analysis

    For the statement, My input is obtained prior to making decisions(salary and value adding

    input), we receive clashing responses by employees as about 46% respondents believes its true

    where as 40.6% disagreed to the statement. So we are unable to conclude the response.

    I am given the opportunity to modify decisions that have already been made.

    15

    2

    13

    0 2 4 6 8

    10 12 14 16

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    Series1

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 41 of 57

    Figure 32

    Analysis

    A huge percentage of employees i.e. 62.5% disagreed to this statement. This shows that the

    employees of Telenor consider that it doesnt take input from all employees once the decisions

    have been made.

  • Page 42 of 57

    level of percentage i.e. 37% agreed. However, because of the overall high number employees

    agreeing to the statement as compared to others, we conclude that Telenor mostly explain the

    reasons behind their decisions to the employees.

    Concern is shown for my rights.

    Figure 34

    Analysis

    37% respondents believe that concern is shown for their rights at Telenor, which is a slightly

    high percentage as compared to 28.1% neutral and 28.1% disagreed response by the employees.

    Considering the result, we conclude that Telenor considers its employees as an important part of

    the organization and shows concern for their rights.

    Variable Pay and Pay Satisfaction

    Hypothesis 3: Variable pay is positively related to pay satisfaction.

    I am satisfied with the profit sharing policies in this company.

    12

    9 9

    0 2 4 6 8

    10 12 14

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 43 of 57

    Figure 35

    Analysis

    Financial incentives will get people to do more of what they are doing (Calvin, 1998). Profit

    sharing policy is a great way to give employees a sense of ownership in the company. However,

    in the survey we conducted at Telenor, majority of the employees i.e. 46 % showed neutral

    response regarding the profit sharing policies of the company. 26% were satisfied and only 20%

    were dissatisfied with such policies at Telenor.

    Stock options are exercised exceptionally (when compared to competitors).

    Figure 36

    8

    14

    6

    0

    2

    4

    6

    8

    10

    12

    14

    16

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    8

    13

    9

    0

    2

    4

    6

    8

    10

    12

    14

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

  • Page 44 of 57

    Analysis

    The response we got regarding the Stock Options was mostly neutral. 43% of the respondents

    were neutral to this question as policy has not yet started in the organization but it is in the

    process of its implementation. In the interview we conducted at Telenor, we were told that

    Telenor is planning to launch Stock Ownership Plan in 2013. So after our analysis we conclude

    that most of the employees showed a neutral response to it as they all are aware of the fact that

    the organization knows the importance of such schemes and this is the reason why the

    organization is working on it.

    Mostly goal based pay concept is exercised.

    Figure 37

    Analysis

    Telenor offers its employees a total package. It believes in awarding its employees according to

    the goals achieved by them. The employees here are paid for performance which means that the

    individuals are made responsible for contributing in gaining the organizations goal and in return

    the employees are rewarded with incentives. According to the survey results, majority of the

    employees i.e., more than 50%, agreed that Telenor mostly exercises goal based pay. Such

    policies encourage employees to work for the goal assigned to them and help them keep

    motivated throughout the process.

    Short term incentives are enough to motivate employees towards goal.

    16

    5 9

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 45 of 57

    Figure 38

    Analysis

    Short term incentives are simply a means of reward for hard work. Such employee incentive

    programs can be used in a company to boost productivity. From the survey it shows that 40% of

    the respondents agreed to it 36.6% disagreed while 23.3% of the employees showed neutral

    response. This shows that employees at Telenor appreciate such incentives as it helps in creating

    a better work environment and entice the employees to implement their work duties to the fullest

    extent possible.

    KEY FINDINGS

    After the analysis on the information gathered by Telenor, it is clear that the practices followed

    by the organization on the whole are satisfactory providing culture that values equity,

    competitive pay scales, pay for performance, sense of belonging and recognition. The entire

    analysis helped us to link the formulated hypothesis with the information proving the relevance

    of the variables to one another.

    This research was conducted to find out whether total rewards accumulated by employees result

    in their satisfaction with pay or not. The survey was conducted via questionnaires on a sample of

    30 employees of various departments and job groups.

    According to the analysis done, we find that all of our hypothesis are proven to be true. As

    studied in the literature, operational level as well as knowledge workers satisfaction increases if

    12

    7

    11

    0

    2

    4

    6

    8

    10

    12

    14

    Agree neutral disagree

    Reply By Respondants

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 46 of 57

    compensated appropriately, but for knowledge workers quality of work matters as well which

    has been proven by the answers given in the questionnaire.

    We can see that pay for performance is mostly exercised in this organization where certain goals

    are set which are meant to be achieved. In the total rewards given, 15-20% is variable pay in

    Telenor. During the interview conducted, the HR representative mentioned that any employee

    who performs exceptionally is rewarded exceptionally as well. The measurement of performance

    is done by conducting regular reviews and factors such as ability, aspiration and engagement is

    considered for promotion of employees.

    Focus of Telenor on the market competitiveness and internal equity is huge. They conduct their

    pay competitiveness every year and currently their pay system is anchored on the 75% percentile

    in the market. From our research, the perception of employees and that of the company are found

    to be aligned which might have resulted in the high sense of belonging to this organization as

    well according to the results.

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    Long-term Incentives:

    The external pay equity followed by Telenor emphasizes the fact that the employees are paid

    competitively when compared to the employees in other organizations. According to the

    information provided external equity is followed. Considering the competition in the Telecom

    sector more specific variable pay criteria in terms of long term variable component should be

    implemented. The employee interviewed also admitted that more profit sharing and stock options

    should be given to employees further strengthening the commitment. Telenor has a fair

    understanding of incentive and sorting effects of pay on employee and employer behavior so the

    introduction of stock options and profit sharing plans would not be difficult to institutionalize

    and the advantages would include:

    sense of ownership and improved performance

    Linking executive pay to company performance ultimately increasing

    stockholders' returns

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 47 of 57

    The introduction of long-term incentives would further enhance the retention power of Telenor

    which would help them to continue the lead market pay philosophy. The intrinsic and extrinsic

    satisfaction of employees at Telenor is positive as the pay form has a balanced fixed and variable

    component so the addition of long term incentives would further benefit the organization.

    Communication:

    The pay delivery model used in Telenor inferred is a hybrid of broadband and broad grade as the

    zones are identified. The pay delivery is aligned with the pay philosophy, pay form, pay

    assessment and pay plan design. As employees in the organization are skeptical about:

    the pay progression

    fair reward given compared to effort (large percentage believes so)

    Employees are skeptical about it as it is inferred that the benefits of broad band and broad grade

    implemented is not communicated properly to the employees. The pay delivery form emphasizes

    the following which should be communicated to employees:

    Involves collapsing salary grades into a few broadband each with a sizable range in

    the case of Telenor it has specified 6 bands which progression and lateral movement

    defining zones too

    Pay for performance

    Skill / competency development

    provides greater latitude in management pay decisions for exceptional contributors

    within zones and bands

    promotes lateral moves or in-grade promotions

    reduces use of promotions to increase pay

    promotes career development / learning

    focus on the person instead of the job

    If benefits of the hybrid pay structures are communicated to the employees completely to would

    be more satisfied if again measured on the same parameters used in the questionnaire. Hence the

    communication can well satisfy the concerns of employees in terms of progression and gains if

    they remain with Telenor.

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 48 of 57

    Participative Pay Plan Design:

    According to the prevalent culture in pay system analyzed, pay plan design should be

    participative as it would be aligned with the pay philosophy at Telenor. According to the

    information we infer that the employees feel their feedback for decisions implemented is not

    taken. Besides there is a clash of agreement noticed when input to make decisions is required

    (salary, value adding). It is therefore recommended that the process should be more participative

    and should strike a balance of centralization and decentralization. Also the percentage of

    employees agreed to the reasons not communicated properly for the decisions taken about them

    is high, from which we infer unbalance of centralization and decentralization.

    Transparency:

    Transparency should be exercised in an organization as lack of transparency lead to demotivated

    employees with low trust. The employees should be clearly communicated about the procedural

    justice as in case of Telenor we infer that top management exercises bias which if continued

    would influence organizational effectiveness. Such situations if continued also raise politics in

    organization which can filthy the culture at large.

    LIMITATIONS

    There exists certain limitation in this study. Firstly a small sample size was used so an increased

    validity of information imparted might not be seen. Secondly there were certain questions that

    could not be asked as to the restriction by the organization to its employees on revealing certain

    aspects of their pay. Lastly the study is restricted to the workings of Telenor in Pakistan only and

    the results cannot be applied to the organizations worldwide.

    REFERENCES

    Barber, A. D. (1992). The impact of Flexible benefits on Employee Satisfaction: A Field Study.

    Burton, T.B. and McFadden, J .J. (2000). Employee Benefits.Dearborn Real Estate Education.

    welcomeHighlight

    welcomeHighlight

  • Page 49 of 57

    Chaudhry, M. S., Sabir, H. M., Rafi, N., & Kalyar, M. N. (n.d.). Exploring the relationship

    between salary satisfaction and job satisfaction: a comparison of public and private sector

    organizations. The journal of commerce, 3(4).

    Chun-Hsien, L., Mu-Lan, H. & Nai-Hwa, L. (2006). The impacts of benefit plans on employee

    turnover: a firm-level analysis approach on Taiwanese manufacturing industry. International

    Journal of Human Resource Management, 17(11), 1951-1975.

    Currall, S.C., Towler, A.J., Judge, T.A. and Kohn, L. (2005). Pay satisfaction and organizational

    outcomes. Personnel Psychology, 58, 613-640.

    David B. Balkin, R. W. (1993). The determinants of employee benefits satisfaction. Journal of

    Business and Psychology.

    Deluca, M.J. (1993). Handbook of compensation management. New Jersey, US: Prentice-Hall.

    Faulk, L. H. (2002). Pay satisfaction consequences: development and test of a theoretical model.

    (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Louisiana State University, Louisiana.

    Fong, S.C.L. and Shaffer, M.A. (2003). The dimensionality and determinants of pay satisfaction:

    a cross-cultural investigation of a group incentive plan. International Journal of Human

    Resource Management, 14(4), 559-580.

    Gerhart, B. & Milkovich, G.T. (1992). Employee compensation: research and practice. In

    Dunnette, M.D. and Hough, M. (Eds), Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology,

    Consulting Psychologists Press, Palo Alto, CA, 481-570.

    Ghazanfar, F. S. C. (2011). A Study of Relationship between Satisfaction with Compensation

    and Work. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(1).

    Hutchinson, P. (2004). Flexible benefits. CIPD, 18-25.

    Henderson, R. I. (2000). Compensation management in a knowledge-based world. Upper Saddle

    River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

  • Page 50 of 57

    Heneman, III., Herbart, G. & Schwab P. D. (1985). Pay satisfaction: its multidimensional nature

    and measurement. International Journal of Psychology, 20(1), 129-141.

    Heneman, R.L., Greenberger, D. B., & Strasser, S. (1988). The relationship between pay for

    performance perceptions and pay satisfaction. Personnel Psychology, 41, 745-759.

    Igalens, J. and Roussel, P. (1999). A study of the relationships between compensation package,

    work motivation and job satisfaction. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 20, 1003-1025.

    John A.Lust, C. D. (1990). Models of satisfaction with benefits: Research implications based on

    the nature of the construct. Journal of Business and Psychology .

    Judge, T.A. & Welbourne, T.M. (1994). A confirmatory investigation of the dimensionality of

    the pay satisfaction questionnaire. Journal of Applied Psychology, 79(3), 461-466.

    Lawler, E.E. (1995). The new pay: a strategic approach. Compensation & Benefits Review, 27(4),

    14-21.

    Markova, G. F. J. (n.d.). Attitude Formation of Benefits Satisfaction: Knowledge and Fit of.

    Internationl Journal Of Business Research and Management , 8.

    Mckenna, E. F. (2000). Business Psychology and Organization behavior: A Student handbook.

    Muhammad Ehsan Malik, R. Q. (2012). The Impact of Pay and Promotion on Job Satisfaction:

    Evidence from Higher Education Institutes of Pakistan. American Journal of Economics.

    Margaret L. Williams, S. B. (2002). Benefit System and Benefit Level Satisfaction: An

    Expanded Model of Antecedents and Consequences. Journal of Management , 22.

    Milkovich, G.T. & Newman, J.M. (2008). Compensation, (9th Ed.). McGraw Hill International

    Edition, USA.

    Motowidlo, S.J. (1983). Predicting sales turnover from pay satisfaction and expectation. Journal

    of Applied Psychology, 68, 484-489.

    Naumann, E. (1993). Organizational predictors of expatriate job satisfaction. Journal of

    International Business Studies, 24(1), 6180.

  • Page 51 of 57

    Rajkumar, K. (1996). Paying for performance: Designing effective compensation strategies.

    Malaysia: Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd.

    Rynes, S. L. & Gerhart, B. (2000). Compensation in organizations: Current research and

    practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Sharma, J. P., & Bajpai, N. (2011). Salary satisfaction as an antecedent of job satisfaction:

    Development of a regression model to determine the linearity between salary satisfaction and job

    satisfaction in a public and a private organization. European Journal of Social Sciences, 18.

    Steven H. A. and Loring, M. (1996). Compensation in the year 2000: Pay for Performance.

    Health Manpower Management, 22(3), 31-39.

    Suutari, V. and Tornikoski, C. (2001). The challenge of expatriate compensation: the sources of

    satisfaction and dissatisfaction among expatriates. International Journal of Human Resource

    Management, 12(3), 389-404.

    Weathington, B. L. & Jones, A. P. (2006). Measuring the value of nonwage employee benefits:

    building a model of relation between benefit satisfaction and value. Genetic, Social and General

    Psychology Monographs, 132(4), 292-328.

    Vroom, V.H. (1964). Work and Motivation. Wiley, New York.