The Effects of Management on Commitment in the Retail Industry

The Effects of Management on Commitment in the Retail Industry by Terrance Dwayne Smith MBA, Grantham University, 2011 BS, Saint Vincent College, 2005 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Abstract The lack of employee commitment costs retail organizations billions of dollars annually in the form of decreased effectiveness, profits, and retention rates. The purpose of this case study was to identify effective strategies used by retail store managers that lead to employee commitment to increase business performance. The study population was 8,230 retail store managers in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. The conceptual framework for this study was the Meyer and Allen 3-component model of commitment. Participants were purposefully selected for their knowledge, experience and success in implementing effective retention strategies. Data were collected via face-to-face semistructured interviews, indirect participant observations, and archival document reviews with 5 retail store managers. The data analysis process involved organizing the interviews, color coding themes, and using NVivo software to interpret the data. Three themes emerged: Employee engagement increased employee commitment to the organization, managers decreased employee turnover by taking a personal interest in employees, and employee empowerment increased organizational commitment. Increasing employee commitment contributes to social change by providing organizational managers and leaders with important insights. Enhancing employeeThe lack of employee commitment costs retail organizations billions of dollars annually in the form of decreased effectiveness, profits, and retention rates. The purpose of this case study was to identify effective strategies used by retail store managers that lead to employee commitment to increase business performance. The study population was 8,230 retail store managers in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. The conceptual framework for this study was the Meyer and Allen 3-component model of commitment. Participants were purposefully selected for their knowledge, experience and success in implementing effective retention strategies. Data were collected via face-to-face semistructured interviews, indirect participant observations, and archival document reviews with 5 retail store managers. The data analysis process involved organizing the interviews, color coding themes, and using NVivo software to interpret the data. Three themes emerged: Employee engagement increased employee commitment to the organization, managers decreased employee turnover by taking a personal interest in employees, and employee empowerment increased organizational commitment. Increasing employee commitment contributes to social change by providing organizational managers and leaders with important insights. Enhancing employee commitment contributes to society through increased organizational profitability resulting from improved retention strategies. The Effects of Management on Commitment in the Retail Industry by Terrance Dwayne Smith MBA, Grantham University, 2011 BS, Saint Vincent College, 2005 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Dedication The completion of this doctoral journey was made possible by my personal Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I owe everything to him and the strength he provided me to endure everything I have went through to finish. I want to dedicate this doctoral study to my family and loved ones who supported me throughout the entire process. My mother, Sharon Johnson, receives a special dedication because of the influence on my life that she has had. Her hard work and dedication to our family and her own education continues to be an inspiration to me, which drives me to strive for more. This doctoral study is also dedicated to all of the mentors I have had throughout my professional and academic career. I would not be where I am today without you. Thank you. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my doctoral study committee for all of the guidance and mentorship throughout the doctoral study process. Dr. John Hannon (Chair), Dr. Rocky Dwyer (SCM), and Dr. Carol-Anne Faint (URR) were instrumental in my completion of this long and strenuous journey. I appreciate the patience and dedication you displayed in ensuring that I successfully achieved this important goal in my life. Your wisdom and knowledge will certainly stay with me as I emulate the same dedication and passion for the success of my own students. Thank you.