Improving Organisational Performance and Staff Motivation

Assignment Brief

Using the following case study – write a 2000-word report to answer the questions concerning the case study

Case Study: BUNI Travel

BUNI is a local Travel agent based in Bolton, it has a relatively small workforce which has been working with a traditional Personnel department. The senior management have identified the need to improve organisational performance for the company to expand and have recently discovered the difference Human Resource Management tools and techniques can make. They have employed a new Human Resources Manager and given them the opportunity to re shape the People function of the business concentrating on improving staff performance and motivation.

In your role as the new Human Resources manager; the senior management at BUNI have asked for a report focusing on the following issues including possible external factors that could impact the organisations future progress:

1. What tools and techniques will help improve organisational performance?

2. The role of employee wellbeing in improving motivation and performance

3. Include a PESTLE analysis for the organisation as an appendix for your report

Sample Answer

Improving Organisational Performance and Staff Motivation at BUNI Travel

Introduction

In today’s competitive business world, effective people management is not just a support function but a key driver of organisational success. BUNI Travel, a local travel agency based in Bolton, faces the challenge of transforming its traditional personnel department into a modern Human Resources Management (HRM) function that aligns people strategies with business growth. The company’s small workforce has served it well for years, but expansion requires a shift towards a more structured and strategic approach to people management.

This report explores how HRM tools and techniques can be used to improve performance, motivation, and overall wellbeing at BUNI Travel. It examines the connection between effective people management and organisational performance, evaluates key development tools and methods, and discusses how external factors could influence HR strategies in the future. The analysis concludes with a PESTLE review of the external environment, identifying opportunities and challenges that may shape BUNI Travel’s people management strategy.

The Importance of Effective People Management for Organisational Performance

People are at the heart of every service organisation, and for BUNI Travel, the quality of customer experience depends heavily on employee engagement, competence, and morale. Effective people management ensures that employees are motivated, supported, and developed in ways that align with the company’s goals.

In traditional personnel management systems, the focus tends to be administrative, dealing with pay, attendance, and compliance. However, Human Resource Management (HRM) goes further by strategically linking people practices to performance outcomes. Research by Armstrong and Taylor (2020) highlights that HRM contributes to productivity and service quality by aligning employee goals with organisational objectives.

At BUNI Travel, this shift in mindset means transforming basic personnel administration into proactive people management. Effective HRM can help BUNI improve staff retention, increase motivation, and create a culture where employees take ownership of performance. Practices such as performance appraisal, training, and reward systems should be aligned with measurable performance indicators such as customer satisfaction, sales growth, and staff turnover rates.

Furthermore, effective people management enhances wellbeing, which is closely tied to motivation. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to deliver better customer service, a key competitive advantage for a travel business. The introduction of structured HR processes will also create fairness and consistency, reducing workplace conflicts and improving employee trust.

People Development Tools and Techniques

Employee development is essential for building competence, confidence, and long-term commitment. For a growing company like BUNI Travel, which operates in a fast-changing sector, adopting modern development tools can create a significant performance advantage.

One of the most effective tools is Performance Appraisal. A well-designed appraisal system helps assess individual performance against defined objectives, provides constructive feedback, and identifies areas for development. According to Torrington et al. (2019), appraisals should focus on both performance and potential, ensuring employees understand how their work contributes to company goals.

Another valuable technique is Training and Development. BUNI Travel should provide targeted training programmes on customer service, sales techniques, destination knowledge, and digital booking systems. Upskilling employees improves efficiency and ensures consistent service quality. Using e-learning platforms can make training cost-effective and flexible for staff with varied schedules.

Coaching and Mentoring are also powerful development methods. Pairing less experienced employees with senior staff can help transfer tacit knowledge and build confidence. For a small business like BUNI, mentoring supports succession planning and strengthens internal communication.

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