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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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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


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


H8: Determinants of WPM are dependent upon Demographics (Age, Education, Job


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


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


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, A. (2003)

7. The committee members share the information

with their colleagues after meeting


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


11. Management implements the suggestions

provided by the workers reasonably


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


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14. Employee suggestion scheme is an effective way

of WPM


15. Workers are involved in the decision making

process as committee members


16. WPM in my organization is more in comparison

to the others

Singh, K. (2000)

17. Participative committees addresses the day to

day issues


18. Committee listens to the problems and resolves

them


19. These committees are capable of helping the

workers in their issues


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


Masood Tahir (2007)

10. I would recommend my friend/relative to work

in this organization


11. Participative committee helps to minimize

industrial unrest


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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