Research methodology 3.

0 Chapter overview This chapter evaluates and considers the researcher methodological choices and justification. The chapter discusses the overall approach along with the philosophical choices made during the data collection methods followed by aftermath effects of the outcome based on the work presented within the type of research chosen. For the purpose of this dissertation the researcher has chosen to use deductive, positivism quantitative methodology where the sampling population rests upon convenient sampling technique laid within the structure of British Petroleum. 3.1 Rationale for the research Before discussing the actual methodological choices and their suitability it is important to re-present the works rationale. Feedback is seen as an integral part of growth within organisations, big, small, large or medium sized enterprises (Griffin and MoorHead, 2011). Feedback is the link that binds leaders and employees and potentially facilitates a working relationship that should enhance the productivity of an organisation (Undung, De, 2009). Job loss has been attributed to employees underperforming (Keller 2009), subsequently in order to reinstate and to build confidence within the potential employees 360-degree feedback as been used widely and in relation to this research used by BP to negate staff attrition, increase staff motivation and enhance productivity. BP believes that such measures align staff with corporate values and beliefs and bridges the gap between the employees experience and expectations (B.P, 2011). With the above in mind this research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the 360 program in relation to its meeting the criteria as set out by BP and the central proposition that such objectives raise awareness among

employees (Leanne et al., 2007) and stimulating growth (Undung and Guzman, 2009). 3.2 Aim and Objectives 3.2.1 Aim The Primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 360-degree feedback from an employee perspective rather than a managerial approach, normally associated with this field, at British Petroleum, Cranford.

3.2.2 Objectives 1. To analyse the impact of 360 degree on employee performance while exploring those potential areas that needs considerable attention in terms of development and implementation within the British Petroleum. 2. Has 360 degree feedback mechanism met the standards set by British Petroleum in bridging the gap between the employee

expectations/performance based on revised theories proposed by Maslow, Hertzberg and Barnard towards their developmental activities. 3.3 Research question 1. Do past 360degree feedback affect the employee performance in developing their professional activities? 2. How far 360-degree feedback be held responsible for producing an attitudinal change within the employees based on Maslow, Hertzberg and Barnard theories in meeting British Petroleums goals and objectives developing their professional activities.

3.4 0 Overall approach 3.4.1 Inductive Unlike deductive approach inductive is based on collecting empirical data within a given context and then making generalised statement to cover all situations (McMurray, 2004). Inductive method is normally used in qualitative method and takes a naturalistic approach within a given context where people are put to test noting their behavioural changes generally termed under ethnography (Paul G Nester 2011). Here observations are taken into consideration as a manner of arguments carried out in an informal manner (Ben Beiske, 2003). The greatest advantage of having an inductive method is its open ended, process oriented, does provide constant comparison and narrative description however on the down side it can be highly subjective as it does not consider general masses and theories during its research process. 3.4.2 Deductive For the purpose of this study it is important to have the right approach in order to ensure that the data collected be interpreted within the given context. The former deals with more systematic logical approach based on calculations where a theory is built on accepted truths (Jon Curwin, 2008). Deductive unlike inductive begins with general and moves to more specifics where conclusion follows logically after premises. Here arguments are based on laws, regulations generally accepted and used in a more formal setting. The advantage of the deductive methods is that it is objective, questions are pre-qualified, outcome oriented and analysis is based on numerical or statistical inference (Aqil, 2008). Disadvantage is that it moves from too

general as this does not represent the entire population at hand and may not represent the views of the entire community under research.

3.4.3. Your overall approach (justification reason for choosing deductive method , how it suitable for ur study ) 3.5 Philosophical approach 3.5. 1 Interpretivism Unlike positivism in this process the researcher is passionately involved and might be influence the given situation and context using qualitative analysis. Here the research is being facilitated by an understanding of how things work however the down side is that due to passionate attachment of the researcher the data collection will take a longer time, uncertainties during the research process and finally seen as less credible (Robert, Kaplan, David, Norton,2007) 3.5.2 Positivism Within this research positivism plays a vital role in recognizing and understanding the way relationships are interconnected while analysing the 360degree feedback in a more scientific way. Unlike interpretivism focuses upon the human perceptions which could be subjective (Creswell, 2009, 35). In doing so the researchers views and opinions be not coloured by opinions based on data collected. In order to get as much closer analysis of data the researcher has used Maslow, Hertzberg and Barnards theories that confine to the desired results hence quantitative data is being used here. Thus it becomes easy for the researcher to collect, analyse and use the data as one is dispassionately separated during the analysis process. However the downside it is inflexible and hard to change.

3.5.3 Justification in choosing Positivism your stance (how positivisem method suitable for study ) 3.6 Data collection 3.6.1 Qualitative 3.6.2 Quantitative (using this method) Quantitative method has its philosophical roots in naturalistic and positivistic approaches: the former deals with individual aspects in understanding the given problem while the latter focuses upon the common phenomenon upon which people agree based on values, behaviours within a given context (Family Health International, 2011). With the quantitative methods within this research the researcher uses questionnaires; surveys followed by structures observation which are close ended. The data format for quantitative approach rests on numerical data. Unlike any other methods flexibility existing within this model which allows the researcher to do a meaningful and comprehensive report based on the responses generated within the given context in particularly relating to British Petroleum. Once can cite various advantages in following a philosophical approach that clarifies, refines guides the researcher to include the type of evidence needed and its interpretation based on the research questions. It also helps in identifying and utilizing appropriate methodologies knowing its limitations at an early stage. Finally it assists the researcher to go beyond the methods to explore ones creativity and innovativeness thinking beyond experience (Smith et al 2007). 3.6. 2 Reasons for Chosen Quantitative Approach 3.7 Research design This paper takes into consideration based on the framework given by Bryman and Bell (2003) based on theoretical sampling in conjunction with literature review

and analysis. The primary purpose is to get a detailed analysis and answers based on quantitative analysis based on data analysis. 3.7.1 Sampling Process (people you conduct, total population, sample methods ( convenient sampling method remove simple random method and use convenient sampling method ), how you conduct,, why yoy conduct ) Process of collecting the data, total people contacted 80 responded 50.

As mentioned earlier that for the purpose of this research the data rests upon both primary and secondary data. Secondary data rests upon journals, articles, books, internet sources while primary data comprises of interviews and surveys within the British Petroleum. During the data process all the confidentiality of the data is maintained at all times and one is free to withdraw at any time of the research process. No deception of any kind or misleading of information has been done.

3.7.2 Participant respondent (bio grapic bata , respondents age, genter, job title, employment etc) remove phd and structure of the company, put sales assistant 40, deputy manager 2, duty manager 3, store manager 1. The response rate depends upon the participants however for the time being 50 employees were being contacted and confirmed through British Petroleum, Cranford branch .The population forms 80% of the total employee strength of the organization.

3.8 Actual data collection method (discuss your construction of your questinaire , why you choose this questinaire, how it related to ur topic, how it related to ur thories) add methodology aims and objectives questionnaire 3.9 Data analysis ( how u r going to analyse, eg. Spses , or excel sheet, spread sheet) 3.10 Reliability (only measerable , obsverable that time only )

3.11 Validity 3.12 Ethics (no one is under 18, and discuss our ehics form ) This study involves human considerations in terms of experimental procedures and it is important to ensure that no statutory rights of human beings be harmed in anyways either psychologically or physically. Following the guidelines provided by UWIC that the participant is free and willingly supports ones participation voluntarily without any external pressure as the content relates to motivational and employee performance developmental activities within the British Petroleum. No participant has been coerced and the questionnaire does not delve into personal and controversial topics that may offend the participant and is free to withdraw at any given stage of the research. A consent form has been signed by all participants to ensure that they have the ability to make informed decision and has been notified of any potential risks involved outlining the purpose and the objectives of the survey, identification of the researcher and an option to provide a copy of the research if applicable assuring that all data is treated with strict confidentiality and ensuring that the researcher has fulfilled all the ethical obligations as to how the data be collected, used and processed. However the study has been overseen by an external invigilator to ensure that confidentiality and the sensitive nature of the data is protected at all times under ethical considerations. All the participants are more than 18 years old and have voluntarily offered to be a part of this research process.

3.13 Limitation Just like any other research methodological analysis even this dissertation is not devoid of limitation(s). Nevertheless the participation of the employees has been

moderate and been carefully invited to take part within the research process on a volunteer basis. The sample population chosen is small and represents only a minute population and does not represent the views of the entire British Petroleum. As this research is based on inductive method and there is no comparison being made in terms of deductive method. There were other limitation encountered with regards to time and resources as a single researcher it is hard to conduct interviews and surveys and engaging in complex techniques of sampling within the work frame work along with financial difficulties in getting the photocopies of the articles, books and printing. 3.8 Chapter Summary This chapter focused upon the type of research methods to be used in collecting the data in reaching the desired end of answering the research questions in line with aims and objectives. The methodology is a quantitative data are selected due to its flexibility based on human interactions. The next chapter focuses upon the results generated through research methods in line with aims and objectives of this dissertation in noting how far 360-degree has been beneficial or not to British Petroleum in comparison with the data generated with that of BP followed by discussions and interpretation of the data.