CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presented the research design, study population, sample size determination, sampling technique, data collection instruments, data processing and presentation, ethical procedures, and limitations of the study.
3.2 Research design
The study used a cross-sectional research design where a quantitative approach of data collection was applied. It was believed that it was appropriate for obtaining data and easy analysis of information expressed in numerical format. This helped the researcher to get data from the hotel employees.
3.3 Study population
The study population was 360 employees in selected 4-star rated hotels in Kampala metropolitan.
Table 3.1: Study population
| Four-star hotels in Kampala | Population (Employees) | Percentage |
| Speke Resort and Conference Centre | 72 | 20.0% |
| Royal Suites Bugolobi | 56 | 15.6% |
| Hotel Africana | 59 | 16.4% |
| Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala | 61 | 16.9% |
| Golf Course Hotel | 33 | 9.2% |
| Imperial Royale Hotel | 79 | 21.9 |
| Total | 360 | 100% |
3.4 Sample size
The sample size of the study was 186 hotel employees and was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970).
Table 3.2: Sample size determination
| Four-star hotels in Kampala | Population | Sample size |
| Speke Resort and Conference Centre | 72 | 𝑥 186 = 37 |
| Royal Suites Bugolobi | 56 | 𝑥 186 = 29 |
| Hotel Africana | 59 | 𝑥 186 = 30 |
| Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala | 61 | 𝑥 186 = 32 |
| Golf Course Hotel | 33 | 𝑥 186 = 17 |
| Imperial Royale Hotel | 79 | 𝑥 186 = 41 |
| Total | 360 | 186 |
3.5 Sampling Technique and Procedure
A simple random sampling technique was used to ensure that each respondent had an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study. At the hotels, the researcher randomly selected hotel employees from a predetermined list obtained from the human resources departments of individual hotels. The names were alphabetically arranged, and only those with odd numbers were chosen until the desired sample size was achieved.
3.6 Data Collection Methods
Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Closed-ended questionnaires were designed for the study to facilitate quick responses from a large number of respondents. The questionnaires were arranged on a 5-point scale: strongly agree (SA), agree (A), not sure (NS), disagree (D), and strongly disagree (SD).
3.7 Data Processing and Presentation
The data was edited and checked for quality, accuracy, and completeness. It was then entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22). The data was presented in terms of descriptive statistics.
3.9 Ethical Considerations
The researcher introduced himself to authorities in hotels before data collection, using a letter from the University to explain the nature and purpose of the study. During the introduction, the researcher informed participants that their participation was highly voluntary and that they were free to withdraw from the study at any time without any repercussions. The names of the respondents were withheld to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.
3.10 Limitations of the Study
Some respondents were reluctant to participate in the study, fearing that management might punish them for revealing information about the organization. However, the researcher assured all respondents of maximum confidentiality regarding the information provided, which encouraged them to freely provide the required information.
