Best practices in rewarding and recognising employee achievements : submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy, Institute of Technology and Engineering, College of Sciences, Massey University

Abstract

Managers and Human Resource professionals are constantly seeking answers to the issue of how best to reward and recognise (R & R)their employees. Whilst there is a raft of international information the need for New Zealand-based research has been identified. The focus of this study is on Reward and Recognition (R & R) practices in New Zealand organisations so that key findings, best practices and/or recommendations in this important area can be identified and shared with other New Zealand organisations. This study involved a three phase methodology (1) a review of international and national literature on R & R, (2) the collection and analysis of quantitative data using an electronic e-mail survey, and (3) the collection and analysis of qualitative data using a structured interview process with eight organisations considered to be best practice. This thesis provides discussion on: • The impetus for this study; • Key themes from the literature; • The development of a model for rewarding and recognising employees; • Quantitative results from the survey. • Qualitative findings from the interview process; and • Key findings for organisations wishing to implement a R & R strategy.