The aim of this chapter is to describe the methods used for data collection and analysis of the three case studies and integrating the results into a strategy map. The study design and statistical analysis of each case study will be discussed . 4. 1 Methods and the Research Problem The study generally followed the grounded approach, formulating the research questions as the research progresses with a perspective of distilling principles and theories pertinent to developing a more accurate scorecard reflective of the importance of health status and fitness level , in an effective work force.
To expound on the research questions in this study, a management survey , three case studies, as well a systematic evaluation and integration of productivity models were conducted with the results of the case studies as guide in inclusion or exclusion of indicators or measures in the integrated model. The indicators were deduced from the general theoretical foundations (Aristotle, Kaplan and Norton, Flood and Booth) as adapted in this study.
4. 2 Time and Place of Study The research investigates three levels of management ( lower, middle, and upper) and three different occupational groups within a large international oil company with a total of 52,000 employees. The entire employees were divided into three social groups, namely: high risk firefighters and security officers, moderate risk medical laboratory workers and low risk administrative and medical workers.
The study was conducted in the Core Area ( main headquarters of the organisation’s core business) of the company in the years 2004 until 2007. 4. 3 Framework for Identifying the Population of the Study The population was stratified using the spectrum of occupation groups and was juxtaposed with an occupational risk continuum. The selection scheme was based on a study completed by Bourbonnais & Mondor (2001) which provided the link between job demands and sickness absenteeism.
Occupational demand continuum at an operational level, as seen in figure 8, is based on the strain hypotheses of the demand –control – support model which postulates a link between job demands, job control, and support on one side and the etiology of health complaints on the other side ( Janssen et al,2003). The occupational groups categorized into low, medium and high risk groups (Figure 8) illustrates the spectrum of occupational groups related to risk based on demand, strain and work related health conditions ( Bourbonnais & Mondor,2001)