How Correlational Research Plays into Employee Satisfaction.

So what in the world is Correlational Research?

           Correlation can be described as a relationship that is observed between two variables (Editorial Board, 2012). Therefore, correlational research can be defined as the action of finding a relationship between two or more variables in an experiment (Li & Lomax, 2009). Since a researcher would begin with an idea that two different variables may be in fact related, they would then measure each of the variables for numbers of occurrences (Price & Oswald, 2006). This would tell the researcher or statistician if there is a relationship. Thus; we have correlational research.  

 Practical application: applying correlational research variables in the workplace.

           The one variable I would choose to study correlational relationship with my workplace is position. In this study, there was 86 hourly and 14 salary participants. At my own workplace, at times those numbers could be reversed. I would use correlational research to see if this is related to my own workplace or not. In this day and age of efficiency planning, six sigma, and continuous improvement, I would want to make sure the appropriate manpower is focused in the right areas. This may mean making some potentially difficult decisions to avoid my organization being “top heavy” on the salary side, or “bottom heavy” on the hourly side. This would help ensure my business’s sustainability for years to come. 

How would the results of this survey be used in the workplace?

           Intrinsic job satisfaction deals with the specific kind of work, or tasks the worker does (Jones, 2013). Extrinsic job satisfaction deals with pay, coworkers, office conditions, travel to and from work, etc. (Jones, 2013). Realizing the relationship between these two studies, a manager will be able to determine if both hourly and salary workers are engaged, empowered, and find their work rewarding. This would also tell if the manager if there are issues with the pay rewards, workplace harmony, and more. The manager would have a decision to make if pursuing the job satisfaction improvements are worth it or not. 

References

Editorial Board (2012). Elementary Statistics. Words of Wisdom. 2nd                        Edition. Retrieved from            https://wow.coursesmart.com/9781934920657/firstsection

Jones, L. (2013). Job Satisfaction. The Career Key. Retrieved from         https://www.careerkey.org/career-options/job-satisfaction.html

Li, J. & Lomax, R. (2009). Correlational Research. Education.com. Retrieved from            https://www.education.com/reference/article/correlational-research/  

Price, D. & Oswald, D. (2006). Research Methods by Dummies. California State University,     Fresno. Retrieved from           https://psych.csufresno.edu/psy144/Content/Design/Types/correlational.html