Leadership Strategies for Enhancing Employee Engagement

Leadership Strategies for Enhancing Employee Engagement by Ada Bradley MBA, DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2008 BS, University of Phoenix, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2018 Abstract In the food manufacturing industry, employee engagement is critical to the survival of organizations because engaged employees increase productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Using the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies that leaders in the food-manufacturing industry in the northeastern region of the United States use to engage employees. Participants were purposefully selected based upon their experience implementing effective employee engagement strategies. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews with 7 food manufacturing leaders and the review of organizational documents on employee engagement. Data were analyzed using inductive coding of phrases, word frequency searches, and theme interpretation. The 3 themes that emerged were: involving employees in decision-making increased employee engagement, open and honest communication promoted employee engagement, and recognition and compensation increased employee engagement. The findings from this study contribute to social change by providing food manufacturing leaders with insights that can promote organizational growth, enhance sustainability, and increase productivity and profitability. An increase in profitability and productivity might lead to new employment opportunities and promoteIn the food manufacturing industry, employee engagement is critical to the survival of organizations because engaged employees increase productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Using the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies that leaders in the food-manufacturing industry in the northeastern region of the United States use to engage employees. Participants were purposefully selected based upon their experience implementing effective employee engagement strategies. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews with 7 food manufacturing leaders and the review of organizational documents on employee engagement. Data were analyzed using inductive coding of phrases, word frequency searches, and theme interpretation. The 3 themes that emerged were: involving employees in decision-making increased employee engagement, open and honest communication promoted employee engagement, and recognition and compensation increased employee engagement. The findings from this study contribute to social change by providing food manufacturing leaders with insights that can promote organizational growth, enhance sustainability, and increase productivity and profitability. An increase in profitability and productivity might lead to new employment opportunities and promote prosperity for local families and the community. Leadership Strategies for Enhancing Employee Engagement by Ada Bradley MBA, DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2008 BS, University of Phoenix, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2018 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my Heavenly Father for his grace and mercy and for giving me the endurance to complete this doctoral program. I also dedicate this degree to my loving and devoted husband Master Sergeant Leslie Bradley, for continually providing me spiritual uplift, personal encouragement, patience, and financial contribution to embark on this journey. Your support, prayers, an encouraging burst of inspiration allowed me to succeed. You never lost faith in me during my darkest hours or when I wrestled with giving up. Your faith in our Heavenly Father has been my guiding star. Additionally, I would like to dedicate this study to my sons Ernest Jr. and Travis, my grandson Travis Jr., and my mom Ada Frierson. This trajectory has been tough, long, yet worthwhile and would have not been achievable without your prayers, cheers, and understanding. I dedicate this study to Dr. Gergana Velkova, my chair who pushed me to get it right and not give up. I also dedicate this study to my high school English teacher the late Dr. Rosella G. Toney who established the standards for my success from the moment I met her. Finally, to all my Walden colleagues who never gave up on me and encouraged me every step of the way although our paths have never crossed. Acknowledgments First, I acknowledge my Heavenly Father. It is because of His divine interventions, grace, and mercy I completed this doctoral journey. Secondly, I acknowledge my closet friends and supporters, Pastor Micah Holland, Tyra Salapeh, Leila & Reginald Abraham, Delores Sansbury, and Joan Hills. I also would like to acknowledge the late Ernest Canty, Sr. (husband) and Ray Frierson (brother) who have always encouraged me to reach for higher heights and to make a difference in all that I pursue. I acknowledge my childhood role model Delphine Peterson who insisted and instilled in me that education was my path to all life wonders and achievement, and my chairperson Dr. Gergana Velkova for her guidance, feedback, coaching, and support during this process. I also want to thank my second committee member Dr. Jepma who provided recommendations and professional support during my doctoral journey. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge all my classmates that were in my 9000 courses with me, who motivated and coached me and never gave up on me even when I thought the end was impossible.