Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Deborah Nattress
Abstract
Fifty-one percent of American workers in the restaurant industry are not engaged or committed to their work, resulting in high turnover. Business owners are concerned with the lack of commitment of employees because there can be a negative financial impact on the business and increased employee turnover. Grounded in the situational leadership theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies business leaders use to increase employee engagement. Participants consisted of four restaurant business leaders in Virginia who implemented strategies to increase employee engagement. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and company websites and analyzed using thematic analysis. The four themes that emerged were: selling, telling, participating, and delegating. A key recommendation for business leaders is to lead by example and incorporate inclusion strategies to recognize the needs of diverse individuals. The implications for positive social change include findings that may help managers create a positive working environment for employees that facilitates their professional growth. The implications for positive social change have the potential to lower turnover among restaurant employees and improving their financial stability.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Jo Ann, "Strategies Business Leaders Use to Increase Employee Engagement" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13525.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13525
