The objective of
this chapter is to offer a context for the paper by explaining the background
of the study while defining objectives and questions of the research. The
significance of the study will also be discussed in this chapter.
In the modern era of business,
where dynamics have changed in so many ways, the need for more capable and
satisfied human resource is increasing. The businesses may have great ideas,
but they cannot be executed without skilled, efficient, satisfied and committed
human resources. But the issue in hand for business organizations is how they
can retain employees and get best out of them. The answer to this question lies
in the aspects of job satisfaction, which are associated with a job. The
research has looked at job satisfaction and employees performance in so many
ways, as they are certainly closely related to each other. Job satisfaction is
crucial in enhancing the level of performance of employees (Mafini & Pooe,
2012).
It was mentioned earlier that new
era of business with changing the competitive landscape is throwing various
challenges for businesses. So, there is nothing different for the banking
sector as well (Garth, 2014). In recent global business era, the retail banks
have to deal with so many challenges like facing threats from even
institutions, which are not related to banking sector. It is true that new
business dynamics are also coming with so many opportunities for banks, but
they are also facing various competitive challenges, and one of these major
challenges is managing their employees effectively so that they remain
committed and loyal to the organizations and use their utmost skills and
capabilities to achieve organizational aims and objectives. Employees are the ones, who will serve the
purpose of an organization like any plan and strategy will be implemented
through employees. So, if employees are satisfied from their employer, they
will show their utmost commitment and loyalty to their organization.
Employee satisfaction is
significant for the efficiency and success of any bank or business. A high rate
of satisfaction of employee is related directly to the lower rate of turnover.
Therefore, ensuring the satisfaction of employees with their careers must be
the priority for each and every employer. In various countries including Oman,
this fact is often ignored even though it is well-known that employee
satisfaction results in enhanced organizational efficiency. Actually, there are
countless reasons why workers can be discouraged and decide to leave their jobs
or underperform. Some of these reasons include a lack of communication with
banks, high stress, limited growth opportunity, and lack of recognition. In the
modern world, it has become critical for management to focus on these factors
and try to lower the rate of turnover while improving organizational success.
There are several definitions of
job satisfaction, one of the simplest is that job satisfaction is concerned
with a feeling which a person has regarding his job. In the past, researchers
have tried to determine several components of satisfaction, evaluate the
relative significance of each component, and examine the influence of these
components on the productivity of workers. Other than the above-described
factors, some other factors include level of benefits and pay, promotion
system’s fairness, job itself, social relationships and leadership, involved
tasks, and the challenges which are generated by the job. With an increase in
the happiness of people, their satisfaction with their job increases. The happier
they are with their employment, the more satisfied they will be. Job
satisfaction has gained importance and attention ever since the approach of
human relations has become popular. Complex variables, behavioral tendencies,
and feelings are involved in job satisfaction.
Dissatisfaction and satisfaction
with the job not only seems to depend on the job nature but also on the
expectations of the employee about what the job will be supplying. Job
satisfaction will be increased by higher intrinsic, social, and organizational
reward with lower costs of convenience. The concept of job satisfaction is
quite complex as it involves multi-facets and is affected by factors including
organizational commitment, communication, autonomy, working environment, and
salary. For instance, compensation is interpreted differently by different
people. Wages, recognition, reward, and compensation are the terms which are
utilized in different situations. American Association defines compensation as
non-cash and cash remuneration offered by the employer for different services
obtained from employees. Generally, salary is the prime factor which influences
the motivation and satisfaction of an employee in terms of job regardless of
the industry.
It can be said happy employees
are productive and productive employees tend to be happy. Job satisfaction of
an employee is necessary for facing the ever-increasing and dynamic challenges
of creating and maintaining organizational productivity by keeping the
workforce constantly motivated and engaged. In addition, several workforce
needs, rising costs of health, and environmental pressures seem to pose a
challenge for bank management. These issues can be resolved by creating an
environment which is effective in maintaining the job satisfaction of employee
while motivating them to produce exceptional outcomes. Since employee
satisfaction is necessary for each and every sector, the banking sector is also
benefitted from it. However, there haven’t been significant research on the
lack of employee motivation and satisfaction in the Omani banking sector.
Factors which influence the satisfaction of workers seem to vary with
geographical locations and cultures and thus, several factors which might be
effective in affecting the satisfaction of workers in the Omani banking sector
are still unknown (Harzing & Pinnington, 2010).
It has been determined that
employees in the Bank of Muscat underperform and it creates significant issues
for the organization. For instance, employees are capable of meeting the required
expectations, but they are unable to perform in collaboration with others. In
addition to the underperformance of employees, employee dissatisfaction exists
in the bank. Although there haven’t been significant studies in this context,
this study will further explore the issue of employee satisfaction in Bank of Muscat
(Kumar & Shehryar, 2017).
1.2 Significance of the Study
of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of
Muscat Bank in Oman
This study will be beneficial for
the banking sector of Oman providing insights about the condition of the work
environment in Oman banks. It will try to determine what attributes are more
prevailing for job satisfaction of employees, and which banks are leading the
way with great work environment. The study will also allow Oman’s bank sector
to get insight on good procedures to follow, which positively impact job
performance as well as job satisfaction of employees. Moreover, individual
employees will also get insight that which banks are more suitable to work than
the others. The study will also be important one for overall research sphere
revolving around the topic of job satisfaction and employees performance.
The study will be presented in
the banking sector of Oman; the performance of the employees will be decreased
when they are not satisfied with their job. It is imperative for banks in Oman
to know that what impact is made by job satisfaction on employees’ performance,
and if this impact is positive then what attributes were associated with it,
and if job satisfaction is not impacting employees performance in a positive
manner, then what reasons are behind that. All of these reasons have been
discussed in detail in the next chapter of study. In any workplace, it can be
seen that job satisfaction is among the most important factors that contribute
in the performance of the employee in a great amount. There are many factors
involved in affecting the performance of the employees so due to this their job
satisfaction is decreased. Then after this, there is a comprehensive literature
review is presented on the employees’ job satisfaction who are working in
banks. There is a totally different situation in the banks that are located in
Oman. The main reason is that it is an underdeveloped country and in that
country mostly the employees are not satisfied with their job especially when
they are working in banks (Kaur, 2013).
1.3 Research Justification/Gap of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat
Bank in Oman
There are several research
studies that are conducted to measure satisfaction levels of the employees in
various organizations but there is lack of research study for the job
satisfaction of the employees of Oman particularly who are working in banking
sectors of Oman. The banking sector is having various opportunities but few
challenges at the same time (Gold & Wooldridge, 1995). The major problem
for banks is to keep their employees satisfied with their jobs as their job
satisfaction can impact their performance. So, it is imperative for banks in
Oman to know that what impact is made by job satisfaction on employees’
performance, and if this impact is positive then what attributes were
associated with it, and if job satisfaction is not impacting employees
performance in a positive manner, then what reasons are behind that (Dalluay,
Jalagat, Al-Zadjali, & Al-Abdullah, 2017).
1.4 Research Aim, Objectives and
Questions
1.4.1 Research Aim of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat Bank
in Oman
The purpose of the study is to
investigate the issue of job satisfaction that how it plays its role in
employees’ performance in the banking sector of Oman It means that study will
cover two major elements, first is job satisfaction, and the other is
importance of job satisfaction in keeping the performance of employees on a
good level.
1.4.2 Research Objectives
of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of
Muscat Bank in Oman
●
To critically evaluate
current literature on employee satisfaction with a particular focus on the
banking sector.
●
To critically assess
major factors that can possibly influence the level of job satisfaction among
banking employees.
●
To investigate the
present strategies within practices of employs motivation among the banking
sector with the Sultanate of Oman.
●
To recommend
motivational factors that will influence employee satisfaction leading to
competitive advantage in Bank Muscat.
1.4.3 Research Questions
of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of
Muscat Bank in Oman
Four research
questions emerged from a critical evaluation of the literature review will be
addressed. These questions are;
●
What is the major
issue of job satisfaction that is playing its role in employee’s performance in
banking sector of Oman?
●
What are the major
parameters that impact the level of job satisfaction among banking employees?
●
How the present
strategies will be investigated within practices of employs motivation among
the banking sector with the Sultanate of Oman?
●
What are the major
motivational factors that will influence employee satisfaction leading to
competitive advantage in Bank of Muscat?
1.5 Overview
of the Study
1.5.1 Chapter
1: Introduction and Background
This
chapter provides fundamental information about the concept of employee
satisfaction and explains its importance as well. Employee satisfaction is
considered important in the banking sector and this significance is emphasized
upon in this chapter. In addition to it, background information on the issue is
also provided in the context of Bank of Muscat.
1.5.2 Chapter
2: Literature Review of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat Bank in Oman
In
this chapter, previous studies conducted by researchers on the topic of employee
satisfaction and bank of Muscat are summarized. Such studies are researched and
critical information is taken from those studies. Literature review is
considered an important method of finding facts and figures represented by
other researchers. And in this chapter, relevant information about customer
satisfaction in the context of bank of Muscat has been offered.
1.5.3 Chapter
3: Research Methodology of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat
Bank in Oman
This
chapter provides information about the research methodology or techniques of
research adopted in this research for collecting data and information required
for accomplishing the research objectives. The part of research methodology is
considered integral in both scientific and non-scientific researches.
1.5.4 Chapter
4: Additional Research of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat Bank in Oman
This
chapter provides further or additional information about the concept of
employee satisfaction and its significance in the business world regardless of
the nature of business. The information provided in this chapter can be
utilized by researchers for exploring the concept of employee satisfaction and
what influences it.
1.5.5 Results
and Discussion of Employee Satisfaction in Banking Sector of Muscat Bank in Oman
Similar
to the chapter of research methodology, this chapter is considered a
significant part of a study. This chapter summarizes the findings obtained
through the application of research methods. In addition to summarizing the
results, this chapter discusses the implications of those results.
1.5.6
Conclusion and Recommendations of Employee Satisfaction in
Banking Sector of Muscat Bank in Oman
In
this research, the chapter of conclusion and recommendations is the last
chapter and just as the name suggests, it concludes the research. This chapter
summarizes the overall findings and determines whether research objectives have
been accomplished or not. Other than just concluding the research, it offers
suggestions which can be considered for improving the current situation.