Exploring Frontline Management Strategies Used to Improve Employee Engagement

Exploring Frontline Management Strategies Used to Improve Employee Engagement by Michael P. Wise MS, Belhaven University, 2003 BA, Lewis University, 1996 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University July 2017 Abstract Managers who foster at least 65% employee engagement, based on employee engagement surveys conducted by Hewitt Associates, Inc., provide a 19% higher return to shareholders than managers who do not foster a 65% or higher employee engagement level. The purpose of this single site case study was to identify strategies that frontline managers used to build employee engagement, leading to higher organizationalManagers who foster at least 65% employee engagement, based on employee engagement surveys conducted by Hewitt Associates, Inc., provide a 19% higher return to shareholders than managers who do not foster a 65% or higher employee engagement level. The purpose of this single site case study was to identify strategies that frontline managers used to build employee engagement, leading to higher organizational performance. The transformational leadership theory was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews from a purposeful sample of 3 frontline managers at a beverage manufacturing facility in the Midwest of the United States. Data also included performance metrics from the organization to identify the leading facility within the organization. Using data triangulation and Yin’s explanation building analysis method, several themes emerged, including the need for open and honest communication, setting and understanding expectations, maintaining professional relationships, and including employees as an important part of the organization. These findings may contribute to social change by enhancing the training for frontline managers. Such enhancements may build employee engagement, decrease workplace stress, and boost work-life balance and quality of life. Exploring Frontline Management Strategies Used to Improve Employee Engagement by Michael P Wise MS, Belhaven University, 2003 BS, Lewis University, 1996 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University July 2017 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my wife, Jill. Throughout the project, my wife provided encouragement, while providing an atmosphere of opportunity and example of perseverance and dedication to reaching a goal. The example my wife sets, on a daily basis, toward accomplishing goals and the importance of such, is the basis of my completing this project. If it were not for her love, support and leading by example, this study would not have been possible. Thank you, Jill, for being strong for me. Acknowledgments I would like to thank the many professors and staff in the Walden community for their support and guidance. I would especially like to thank Dr. Irene Williams. Your guidance, wisdom, support, and care for your students is extraordinary and greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Dr. Cheryl McMahan whose input and support was exceptional. Dr. Kenneth Gossett, my URR provided critical help and advice, and I