Midlevel Manager Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement in Small Businesses

Midlevel Manager Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement in Small Businesses by Patricia Ann Silva MBA, Upper Iowa University, 2004 BS, Upper Iowa University, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University September 2016 Abstract The ability to improve employee engagement in small businesses is critical, not only to workers but also to midlevel managers who want to retain productive employees in the workplace. Supervisors who lack efficient managerial practices also risk decreases in productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The conceptual framework for this qualitative, exploratory single-case study was Kahn’s theory of personal engagement andThe ability to improve employee engagement in small businesses is critical, not only to workers but also to midlevel managers who want to retain productive employees in the workplace. Supervisors who lack efficient managerial practices also risk decreases in productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The conceptual framework for this qualitative, exploratory single-case study was Kahn’s theory of personal engagement and disengagement. The population consisted of 2 midlevel managers from a single, small, franchise company in metropolitan Alabama, both of whom used engagement practices, and managed at least 5 subordinates in the company. Data collected, analyzed, and triangulated were from semistructured interviews, direct observations, and a review of company documents. Coded interview responses aligned with the research question, conceptual framework, and emergent themes resulted in identifying successful engagement strategies that midlevel leaders to use. Two critical themes that emerged were management and communication. Supportive management behaviors and leadermember exchange yielded positive employee engagement and increased job performance and productivity. These results could be used to help midlevel managers develop strategies that improve employee enagagement and job performance. Social change implications included leaders developing new strategies that encourage positive relationships among top-level and midlevel leaders, lower level employees, and customers. Midlevel Manager Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement in Small Businesses by Patricia Ann Silva MBA, Upper Iowa University, 2004 BS, Upper Iowa University, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University September 2016 Dedication I am dedicating this doctoral study to my loving husband and mother, Deloris. Without their unconditional love, accomplishing my personal and professional goals would not be possible. I also dedicate this study to my four children Kenny, John, Crystal, and Michael. May they one day understand that without love, happiness, peace, balance, and knowledge of self, one cannot truly experience life. Acknowledgement The completion of this doctoral study would not be possible without the support of so many people. I would first like to thank God for granting me the strength, knowledge, ability, and understanding to complete this study. Without God nothing is possible. I would also like to offer a special thanks to my husband, children, and mother for their unconditional love, continued support, and sacrifice during this journey. Life is what we make it. We must win in our minds, before we win in our lives. I would like to acknowledge my amazing committee. Dr. John House, thank you for your patience, push, and constant encouragement. My success is a reflection of your knowledge, wisdom, and commitment. Dr. Ify Diala and Dr. Judith Fisher-Blando, thank you for your support and expertise. Dr. Freda Turner thanks for believing in my work and assisting me throughout my journey. Lastly, thank you to my colleagues. Your constant support and encouragement will forever remain in my heart. Thank you all for believing in me.