Research Design and Methods Module

RATIONALE (500 words)

• Context and scene setting
• Professional basis of work with evidence emerging from your experience (if appropriate)
• Possible theoretical basis of the topic (key authors)
• Intellectual grasp of the literature (well cited)
• Justify and make the case for the research project
• Potential value, importance and impact of the research

RESEARCH FOCUS (100 words)

Any one of the following:

1. One key question then a list of sub-questions to be answered
2. Aims and objectives to be achieved
3. Hypothetical propositions to explore
4. Hypotheses to be tested

RESEARCH DESIGN (700 words)

• Theoretical basis of the research design. Quantitative/qualitative.
• Inductive or deductive approach
• Intellectual grasp of the research methods literature (well cited)
• A justification of methodological issues and data collection techniques to be employed strongly linked to research focus
• Data to be collected
• Analytical framework
• Validity and or reliability issues
• An account of how the work is going to be completed
• What, why, how, where, when, and who questions
• Resources required including selection of participants if appropriate
• A Table can help – Data to collect / Research Method / Justification with obvious links between columns

ETHICAL ISSUES (200 words)

• Specific ethical dilemmas relating to your research project e.g. power relationship with fellow employees/interviewees (well cited)
• General issues e.g. consent, data storage and confidentiality
• Explain how they will be addressed

KEY REFERENCES (about 10)

• Cited in text using the Harvard method
• List these references at the end of the text in alphabetical order

Do not write a long bibliography.

WORK PLAN

A plan of action containing, processes, actions and products, with time-scales, milestones and critical points.  This is an outline plan of what will be done in the Dissertation Module.  This is particularly useful for those completing the dissertation in the next few months, but is not an important part of this module.

• Perhaps a Gantt chart or flow diagram (float time)
• Writing strategy

Sample Answer

Research Proposal

Indicative Title: Improving Employee Motivation through Organisational Culture in Healthcare

Rationale

Employee motivation is widely recognised as a key factor influencing the quality of care and organisational performance in healthcare settings. Motivated staff are more engaged, provide better patient care, and are less likely to leave the organisation (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In contrast, low motivation often results in high turnover, absenteeism, and reduced productivity, which can undermine both organisational efficiency and patient outcomes. This research proposes to explore how organisational culture shapes employee motivation within healthcare institutions.

The topic is of professional interest because healthcare systems globally face challenges such as staff shortages, burnout, and increasing patient demands. In my own professional experience, I have observed how a supportive culture that values teamwork, recognition, and professional development helps staff to remain motivated despite heavy workloads. Conversely, a negative or hierarchical culture reduces staff morale and increases disengagement. These real-world observations reinforce the need to understand the cultural determinants of motivation more systematically.

The theoretical basis of this research lies in motivation theories and organisational culture frameworks. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (Herzberg, 1959) emphasises hygiene factors (e.g. salary, working conditions) and motivators (e.g. recognition, responsibility). Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) suggests that motivation is fostered when employees experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Meanwhile, Schein (2010) defines organisational culture as a set of shared values, assumptions, and practices that shape employee behaviour. Linking these perspectives provides a strong theoretical foundation for examining how cultural factors influence motivation.

A review of the literature highlights increasing interest in this intersection. For example, Lok and Crawford (2004) found that supportive organisational culture is positively associated with employee commitment and motivation, while Ogbonna and Harris (2000) highlighted that culture change can directly influence organisational performance. Recent studies in healthcare show that cultures promoting collaboration, communication, and professional growth result in higher staff satisfaction (Mannion & Davies, 2018). However, gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms through which specific cultural elements (e.g. leadership style, communication norms, recognition practices) affect motivation.

Continued...