CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the research design, study population, sample design, study procedures, data types and sources, data collection instruments, reliability and validity of instruments, research ethical considerations, data analysis and presentation, and limitations and delimitations of the study.

3.1 Research Design

A cross sectional survey research design was used to identify a proportion of respondents from whom data will be collected. It was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. Quantitative methods were used to collect data on measurable variables like loan recovery rates, number of clients, and savings. The qualitative methods were used to appreciate variables that could not easily be quantified; and it did involve flexible approaches so as to evaluate data collected. This design did aid in the collection of factual and accurate data, and in the descriptive presentation and analysis of the study findings.

3.2 Area of the Study

The study was conducted at HOFOKAM-Hoima Branch as it was conveniently located. HOFOKAM has a rich mix of incentives to motivate and reward its employees to raise their performance levels.

3.3 The Study Population

This involved clients, staff, and management of HOFOKAM-Hoima. They play different roles in the inception, design, implementation, and review of employee motivation schemes in the MFI.

3.4 The Sample Size

A total of 40 respondents was drawn from the planned study population as follows;

Table 1: Sample Size Distribution

3.5 Sampling Procedures

The study did use purposive and simple random sampling techniques among the target population. For clients, simple random sampling was used to render each of them eligible for the study, Purposive sampling was used to select staff and management of HOFOKAM. These were used to save time, minimize costs, and target potential providers of useful information

3.6 Research Procedures

Before collection of data from the field, the researcher did ensure the approval of the research instruments especially the questionnaires; obtained the introductory letter from the university; and finally undertook data collection among the study population using the approved methods,

3.7 Data Collection Instruments

3.7.1 Self-Administered Questionnaires: The questionnaires did consist of open-ended and close-ended questions to be administered to target respondents to extract information. The questionnaires were distributed to those who could fill; then collected after an appropriate time when duly filled.

3.7.2 Personal Interviews: The researcher did get first-hand information by making appointments with individual respondents to answer questions related to the study topic.

3.8 Sources of Data

3.8.1 Primary Data: This data was gathered from respondents by the researcher by use of the data collection instruments -questionnaires, interviews and observation.

3.8.2 Secondary Data: The secondary data for this study was got from among others, journals, reports, previous research projects, newspapers, and text books, and most importantly, the records of the financial institutions to be surveyed.

3.9 Reliability and Validity of Research Instruments

To establish validity of the questionnaires and interview guide, pre-testing was done amongst selected respondents to eliminate ambiguities. The research instruments were also reviewed jointly by the researcher and supervisor and later administered.

3.10 Research Ethical Considerations

The researcher collected data upon seeking respondents’ consent after revealing the type of information needed and the purpose. The researcher also maintained confidentiality of respondents’ information; and reported the true findings of the study without any bias.

3.11 Data Analysis

3.11.1 Qualitative Data

Data processing involved editing raw data to detect errors and omissions, classifying data according to common features, and tabulation to summarize and organize it. Data analysis involved the qualitative approach of identifying the major themes arising respondents’ answers; assigning of codes to the themes: classification of the themes under the main theme; and integrating the responses into the report in a more descriptive and analytical manner.

3.11.2 Quantitative Data

Manual editing of questionnaires was done to eliminate errors. After coding, tabulation was done to clearly present various responses and the interpretation. Frequencies and percentages were used to portray statistics used to analyze and interpret the findings of the study. Frequency tables, graphs and charts aided in presenting the data using statistical packages like Microsoft excel.

3.12 Limitations of the Study

1. Obtaining accurate and objective information from the target respondents was problematic.
2. As such, they may have concealed vital information that could have added value to the study. The time factor was another challenge since the study required a lot of time to be conducted, yet the researcher had other key commitments especially attending lectures.

• The study did involve costs such as transport to and fro the field, communication, stationery, and printing of the research work.

3.13 Delimitations to the Study

1. The researcher provided adequate assurance to the respondents about the high degree of confidentiality with which their responses would be treated.
2. In order to overcome the time constraint, the researcher drew a clear schedule amongst the different tasks such that every task was conducted in a planned way.

• The researcher did solicit tor funds from parents and other sources; and as well sought ways to minimize the cost constraint that were anticipated to affect the study