To identify and acknowledge behaviours supporting diversity and equality at workplace: A study on Marks & Spencer

This research proposal aims to identify and understand behaviours that support diversity and equality in an organization, specifically focusing on Marks & Spencer. The proposal includes research objectives, literature sources, and an overview of the research methodology.

BUSINESS RESEARCH
PROJECT

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Research Proposal............................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................4
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................4
2.2 Literature review..............................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................6
3.1 Research Approaches.......................................................................................................6
3.2 Methodologies..................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 4: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS..............................................................8
4.1 Data collection..................................................................................................................8
4.2 Data analysis, presentation and discussion.......................................................................8
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................23
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................23
5.2 Recommendations..........................................................................................................23
CHAPTER 6: PERSONAL REFLECTIVE STATEMENT..........................................................25
6.1 Reflect on research methods used in project..................................................................25
6.2 Consider research methods that could have been used..................................................25
6.3 Areas for further research...............................................................................................25
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................27
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................29
OVERVEW OF THE RESEARCH...............................................................................................29
SECTION 1: Research aims, questions and objectives.................................................................29
Research title........................................................................................................................29
Research aim........................................................................................................................29
Research Objectives.............................................................................................................29

Research Questions:.............................................................................................................30
SECTION 2: Major reason behind selecting this topic.................................................................30
SECTION 3: Literature sources searched......................................................................................30
SECTION 4: Activities and time scale..........................................................................................31
Work breakdown structure...................................................................................................31
Gantt chart............................................................................................................................31
SECTION 5: Approaches and methodologies of research............................................................32
Approaches to research methodology..................................................................................32
Method to conduct research..................................................................................................33
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................34

TITLE: “To identify and acknowledge those behaviours which support aspects of diversity and
equality at workplace in an appropriate manner”. A study on Marks & Spencer.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Proposal
1) Overview of the research
Diversity and equality in a company assure that staff members are to be treated equally and
also they are provided the right treatment to perform work at workplace (Cottrill, Denise Lopez
and Hoffman, 2014). This research proposal is based on M&S, a UK based retailer of cloth and
food that perform their activities globally. This proposal is going to mention about research title,
objectives, aim and question. Also, literature source to support objectives will be discussed.
Other than this time scale will be mentioned and overview of research methodology will be
provided.
2) Research Aim and Objectives
Research aim
“To determine and understand behaviours which denotes the support towards equality
and diversity in an organisation”. This research aim has the purpose to acknowledge those
factors which assure that elements of diversity and equality are incorporated in M&S.
Research Objectives
 To understand concepts of diversity and equality in business organisation.
 To determine appropriate strategies used by management in M&S to support D&E in
their workplace
 To acknowledge various benefits gained by an organisation while maintaining diversity
and equality at their workplace
Research Questions
 What do you understand by concepts like diversity and equality in context with a
business organisation?
 What can be potential strategies used by management in M&S to support D&E in their
workplace?
 What are the various benefits gained by an organisation while maintaining diversity and
equality at their workplace?
1

3) Reasons for choosing this research project
Major reason of working on this topic is to determine what is right behaviour for
maintaining diversity and equality in an organisation. This topic will help in identifying those
practices which can create inequality in a firm due to which overall performance of firm can be
hindered. Thus, manager of a company is needed to formulate various strategies so that equality
and diversity can be maintained in proper manner (Glatthorn and et. al., 2018). Also, this topic
will benefit the researcher in learning and understanding information about right behaviour,
managing diversity and equality etc. This will help the researcher in performing future researches
appropriately.
4) Activities and Timescales
Work breakdown structure
This is basically project deliverable that assist in dividing a bulky project into small
chunks of manageable section. In this technique, a project is bifurcated into small sections so that
each activity can be given proper consideration and work can be performed in desired manner
(Kirton and Greene, 2015).
Gantt chart
This is basically a visual and graphical presentation of a project in the form of tasks along with
their time period so that all the work can be completed within expected time. This chart
2
Illustration 1: Work-breakdown structure

breaks down a project and denotes the required time to accomplish work. By this, project
manager is able to perform those task before which are on priority. By this, overall efficiency of
a project is maintained (Adamson and et. al., 2016).
3
Illustration 2: Gantt chart

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
It is related to scholarly paper that include the current knowledge involving theoretical
contribution and substantive findings to particular research field. Under this part, information is
gathered by using secondary sources like books, articles, internet sources, journals etc. It is easy
and cost saving to collect information from using secondary sources (Altman, 2018).
2.2 Literature review
Diversity and equality in a business organisation
According to opinion of Dr. Kelly S. Meier (2019) Diversity is range of the ethnic,
generational and cultural differences present in workplace. On the other hand, equality is treating
all the staff members with the equal consideration, race, disability and some other factors. In
United Kingdom, organisations are legally needed to be fit practices which assure discrimination
is eliminated and also equality met with the expectations at workplace. In an organisation, it is
necessary to treat all staff members equally and provide them opportunities regardless of their
gender, disability, race etc. that may be discriminated against. On the other hand, having diverse
workforce, company can provide wide range of resources, skills and ideas to business to provide
it competitive edge (Ashe and Nazroo, 2017).
Strategies used by management in M&S to support D&E in their workplace
On the basis of Diane Lynn (2020), At workplace, Equality and diversity are necessary to
healthy and growing an organisation. employing the people of all races and gander can make
company stronger. On the other hand, sometimes diversity arises issues which negatively impact
on performance level of employees along with company. To support the equality and diversity,
Marks & Spencer uses some strategies at workplace which mention below:
Put equality policies- It is necessary that everyone in company should be fairly treated in
daily activities and the work related decisions such as hiring, promotion training etc. There is a
need to Marks & Spencer to develop effective discrimination policies and also information all
employees regarding the policies of equality (Kirton and Greene, 2015).
Use objective criteria- At the time of recruitment, training and promoting, Marks &
Spencer should be assuring about the clear objective criteria and make decisions on the basis of
4

merit. Conduct audit or encouraging the group decision making id there is concern regarding
manager and specific team (Konrad, Yang and Maurer, 2016).
Benefits gained by an organisation while maintaining diversity and equality at their
workplace
According to Lynn, D. (2019) In order to perform work appropriately, it is important for
a company to treat their workers in equal manner. If workers will not be treated equally and feel
discriminated in terms of race, gender, religion, caste, nationality etc. then it is not possible for a
firm to maintain right kind of behaviour in an organisation. Diversity and equality in a company
is very essential as it help the workers in getting fair opportunities so that no employee can feel
discriminated. By this, overall productivity of Marks & Spencer will be high and company will
be able to achieve expected outcomes. But, if diversity and equality will not be maintained then
workers will not be happy and unleashing their full working potential will not be easy.
5

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is defined as framework which aids researcher in performing their
work in a systematic manner so that high possible efficiency can be gained while working on a
project (Kumar, 2019). There are different kind of research approaches and methods which are
mentioned below:
3.1 Research Approaches
Qualitative approach: In this approach, a research is conducted without using any
statistics and mathematical formulae. This approach is based on theory and main methods to use
this approach are observations, focus groups (Quinlan and et. al., 2019).
Quantitative approach: Under this kind of approach, mathematical calculations and
formulae’s are used. Due to this, this approach is time consuming. Methods for this type of
approach are questionnaire, interview, surveys etc.
Present investigation considered qualitative approach because it gives detailed
description related to specific field and positive results.
3.2 Methodologies
1) Sampling
This is selection of specific group that denote entire population. In general, probabilistic
sampling and non-probabilistic sampling techniques are used. In probabilistic kind of sampling,
each respondent is given opportunity share thoughts whereas in non-probabilistic method of
sampling, each individual is not an equal part of sample (Roulstone and Williams, 2014). Here,
researcher will use probabilistic sampling. Under this sampling approach, researcher is going to
select the respondents on random basis. There are 30 respondents has been chosen through
implementing random sampling method.
Data collection is method of gathering data from using reliable sources. Primary and
secondary are two types methods of data collection which mention below:
Primary methos: In this type of method, information is gathered for first time and use for
a specific reason. This method is very cost and time consuming (Larrieta‐Rubín de Celis and et.
al., 2015). This research can be conducted in form of questionnaire, surveys, focus groups etc.
6

Secondary method: In this kind of research, a person collects required data from books,
internet, magazines, Journals etc. This data is already collected by some individual for their
research. Due to this, conducting this research is very cost and time effective.
2) Data analysis
It is related to inspecting and modelling data with aim of finding useful data and
supporting decision making. Under this, an investigator will analyse the data and information for
the success of project or research. Data analysis refers to procedure of exaining data through
using statistical as well as analytical tools in order to find authentic information in process of
decision making (Marinova, Planteng and Remery, 2016). In order to analysing data, thematic
analysis will be used and it aids in interpret information by questionnaire. The gathered
information is segregated in different themes which will assist in conducting analysis of
information.
3) Cost, access and ethical considerations
In an investigation, ethics is main area that need to be consider while conducting any
research activities effectively. Ethics is explained as values, principles, beliefs and norms which
require to be adopt while including the research activities. It is necessary to keep the data and
information of respondents confidential so that proper trust can be build. On the other hand,
investigator is responsible in arrange money so that all the activities involved in research can be
completed and proper outcomes attained. It is essential that sources to gather information and
data should be reliable and confidential (Martinsson and Griffin, 2016). Researcher is
responsible to conduct research work according to developed guidelines and principles.
7

CHAPTER 4: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data collection
It is explained as collecting and analysing accurate information through using effective
techniques. In this, researcher can examine the hypothesis on the basis of collected information
and data. Two different types of data collection are mention below:
Primary method- Under this, researcher gather fresh information and it is original in nature.
Sources to gather primary information are questionnaire, focus groups, observations etc. In
present investigation, questionnaire method has been used to collecting reliable information on
particular subject (Mertkan and et. al., 2017).
Secondary method- In this, information and data has been gathered already through someone.
Sources to collecting secondary data are journals, articles, internet sources etc. it is used in doing
the literature review through considering viewpoints of various authors on specific area (Moor
and Tailby, 2015).
4.2 Data analysis, presentation and discussion
Data will be analysing by using thematic analysis. The themes will be developing along
with interpretation. The data will be analysing on the basis of information included in
questionnaire. In relation to this, questionnaire is communication to the management of a team in
Marks & Spencer (Schachner and et. al., 2016). They will be more interested in research
outcomes because this assist in identify effectiveness of company products, to communicating
with management, email is better method.
QUESTIONNAIRE
On Quantitative basis
Q1) Do you have information related to equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) In which manner, equality and diversity impact on productivity of organisation?
a) Positive manner
b) Negative manner
Q3) What are the benefits of equality and diversity to Marks & Spencer?
a) Promotes innovation
8

b) Improve brand reputation
c) Add new skills to teams
d) Opens up new talent
Q4) On which basis company discriminated employees at workplace?
a) Age
b) Gender
c) Race
d) Ethnicity
Q5) Does diversity impact on Marks & Spencer performance of staff members?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6) What complexities Marks & Spencer company faces related to equality and
diversity at workplace?
a) Arising conflict
b) Reduce employee morale
c) High employee turnover
d) Minimize organisational productivity
Q7) What are the different strategies management of Marks & Spencer can use to
support Diversity and Equality at workplace?
a) Prevent unconscious bias
b) Put equality policies
c) Use objective criteria
Q8) What are the benefits gained by Marks & Spencer organisation while maintaining
diversity and equality at their workplace?
a) Reduce employee turnover
b) Positive working environment
Q9) What are the different ways to promote diversity at workplace?
a) Give diversity training
b) Build diverse teams
c) Develop diversity friendly policies
Q10) According to your opinion, does equality and diversity impact on organisational
9

productivity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q11) What are the various policies related to equality and diversity Marks & Spencer
should be implemented to prevent workplace environment from discrimination issues?
a) Physical disabilities are not restrictive
b) Age is not a restrictive
c) Male and female doing same job
On Qualitative basis
Q12) What are the reasons of arising diversity issues at workplace?
DATA SHEET
Q1) Do you have information related to equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 28
b) No 2
Q2) In which manner, equality and diversity impact on organisational
productivity?
Frequency
a) Positive manner 25
b) Negative manner 5
Q3) What are advantages of equality and diversity to Marks & Spencer? Frequency
a) Promotes innovation 5
b) Improve brand reputation 10
c) Add new skills to teams 10
d) Opens up new talent 5
Q4) On which basis company discriminated employees at workplace? Frequency
a) Age 12
b) Gender 5
c) Race 7
d) Ethnicity 6
Q5) Does diversity impact on the performance level of Marks & Spencer Frequency
10

staff members?
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
Q6) What complexities Marks & Spencer company faces related to
equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Arising conflict 15
b) Reduce employee morale 8
c) High employee turnover 5
d) Minimize organisational productivity 2
Q7) What are the different strategies management of Marks & Spencer
can use to support Diversity and Equality at workplace?
Frequency
a) Prevent unconscious bias 10
b) Put equality policies 10
c) Use objective criteria 10
Q8) What are the benefits gained by Marks & Spencer organisation while
maintaining diversity and equality at their workplace?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee turnover 10
b) Positive working environment 10
c) Enhance organisation profit 10
Q9) What are the different ways to promote diversity at workplace? Frequency
a) Give diversity training 10
b) Build diverse teams 10
c) Develop diversity friendly policies 10
Q10) According to your opinion, does equality and diversity impact on
organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
Q11) What are the various policies related to equality and diversity
Marks & Spencer should be implemented to prevent workplace
environment from discrimination issues?
Frequency
a) Physical disabilities are not restrictive 12
11

b) Age is not a restrictive 8
c) Male and female doing same job 10
On quantitative basis
THEME 1: Information related to equality and diversity at workplace
Q1) Do you have information related to equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 28
b) No 2
Interpretation: On the basis of 28 respondents that they have better knowledge regarding
equality and diversity at the workplace. They have the understanding regarding this. Remaining
2 respondents do not have information regarding this and they cannot able to give information
properly.
THEME 2: Equality and diversity impact on organisational productivity
Q2) In which manner, equality and diversity impact on organisational
productivity?
Frequency
a) Positive manner 25
b) Negative manner 5
12

Interpretation: Equality and diversity impact on organisational productivity in a negative and
positive way. There are 25 respondents which said that equality and diversity positively impact
on productivity of company because it creates innovation and also treat all employees equally so
that they can work effectively and give their better performance. On the other hand, according to
5 respondents that people belong to different background and they are unaware about different
culture so chances of conflict arise and negative environment can be developed.
THEME 3: Benefits of equality and diversity to Marks & Spencer
Q3) What are the benefits of equality and diversity to Marks & Spencer? Frequency
a) Promotes innovation 5
b) Improve brand reputation 10
c) Add new skills to teams 10
d) Opens up new talent 5
13

Interpretation: From mention graph, equality and diversity provide some advantages to
company. There are 5 respondents and according to this, equality and diversity promoted
innovation because people belongs to different background have different mind-set and by
working together they can make innovation. On the basis of 10 respondents that at workplace
equality and diversity make improvement in brand reputation through bringing up the new talent.
There are 10 respondents which said that it aids in ad the new skills in to teams. 5 respondents
are agreeing with open up the new talent.
THEME 4: Basis company discriminated employees at workplace
Q4) On which basis company discriminated employees at workplace? Frequency
a) Age 12
b) Gender 5
c) Race 7
d) Ethnicity 6
14

Interpretation: From given graph, this has been shown that there is different basis on which
company can discriminate the employees at workplace. According to opinion of 12 respondents
that according to age factor company makes discrimination. The age discrimination includes
treating workers less favourable due to age. 5 respondents said that discrimination among the
male and female arising issues. According to 7 respondents that race discrimination consist
treating someone unfavourably due to personal characteristics. 6 remaining respondents are
agreeing with ethnicity basis.
THEME 5: Diversity impact on staff member’s performance
Q5) Does diversity impact on performance of Marks & Spencer
employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
15

Interpretation: Diversity is related to treating employees differently in determining features
between members of defined group. There are 20 respondents and according to them, diversity
impact on employee’s performance. In this, employer judge the people on the basis of different
factors and this reduces the morale of employees. There are 10 remaining respondents which
disagree with this statement and as per their opinion that diversity gives benefits to company and
develop positive impact on the performance level of staff members.
THEME 6: Complexities Marks & Spencer company faces concerned to equality and
diversity
Q6) What complexities Marks & Spencer company faces concerned with
equality and diversity in company?
Frequency
a) Arising conflict 15
b) Reduce employee morale 8
c) High employee turnover 5
d) Minimize organisational productivity 2
16

Interpretation: From the equality and diversity, some complexities arise in an organisation.
According to 15 respondents that equality and diversity is a main reason of arising conflict due to
the differences at workplace. 8 respondents said that diversity minimizes morale of staff
members. 5 respondents said that equality and diversity reduce the morale of employees because
employer does not treat employees equally. There are 5 respondents and according to them
diversity enhance the employee turnover rate. 2 respondents are agreeing with reduce
organisational productivity.
THEME 7: Strategies management of Marks & Spencer can use to support Diversity and
Equality
Q7) What are different strategies management of Marks & Spencer can
use to support Diversity and Equality at workplace?
Frequency
a) Prevent unconscious bias 10
b) Put equality policies 10
c) Use objective criteria 10
17

Interpretation: To support the Diversity and Equality at workplace, Marks & Spencer company
uses different strategies. There are 10 respondents and according to them company should
prevent the workplace environment from any kind of biasness so that employees can not feel
demotivated. As per opinion of 10 respondents that Marks & Spencer need to put it all equality
policies. 10 remaining respondents are agreeing with use of objective criteria.
THEME 8: Benefits gained by Marks & Spencer organisation while maintaining diversity
and equality
Q8) What are the benefits gained by Marks & Spencer organisation while
maintaining diversity and equality at their workplace?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee turnover 10
b) Positive working environment 10
c) Enhance organisation profit 10
18

Interpretation: From managing or maintaining the diversity and equality, Marks & Spencer
firm gained some advantages. There are 10 respondents and they said that from removing the
diversity issues at workplace, the employee turnover will be reduced. 10 respondent said that
from managing the equality and diversity, the positive working environment will be developed.
10 respondents are agreeing with increasing the profit of company.
THEME 9: Ways to promote diversity
Q9) What are the different ways to promote diversity at workplace? Frequency
a) Give diversity training 10
b) Build diverse teams 10
c) Develop diversity friendly policies 10
19

Interpretation: According to 10 respondents that providing the diversity training is helpful in
give diversity training at workplace. Training is helpful in enhancing skills and understanding
about the core areas. 10 respondents are agree with developing diverse teams so that they can
think in better manner. 10 remaining respondents are agree with create the diversity related
policies.
THEME 10: Equality and diversity impact on organisational productivity
Q10) According to your opinion, does equality and diversity impact on
organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
20
a) Give diversity training
b) Build diverse teams
c) Develop diversity friendly policies
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10 10 10
Column B

Interpretation: There are 25 respondents which said that equality and diversity helps in develop
the impact on organisational productivity. If the employees of different background work
together and think innovative the it helps in develop positive impact. Other than this, 5 remaining
respondents are disagree with given statement.
THEME 11: Policies related to equality and diversity Marks & Spencer should be
implemented
Q11) What are the various policies related to equality and diversity
Marks & Spencer should be implemented to prevent workplace
environment from discrimination issues?
Frequency
a) Physical disabilities are not restrictive 12
b) Age is not a restrictive 8
c) Male and female doing same job 10
21
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
5
Column C

Interpretation: According to 12 respondents that the physical disabilities are not to be
restrictive in order to prevent the workplace environment from any discrimination problems.
There are 8 respondents which agree with age is not to be restrictive. On the basis of 10
respondents that company should offer the similar job and responsibilities to make and female
employees.
On qualitative basis
Q12) What are the reasons of arising diversity issues at workplace?
Interpretation: According to 10 respondents that the main issue of arisen diversity at workplace
is cultural and ethical differences because the culture of every country is different and it is
complex to employees to accept it effectively. Remaining 20 said that from the language
differences diversity related problems arise at the workplace environment.
22
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
8
10
Column B

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion
With the help of mentioned investigating report, this is being concluded that equality and
diversity is said to be something that mainly plays an important role for a business organisation
when it comes to grab a good position within the market for long time period. Including this, it is
said that different behaviour along with the culture followed by a diversified employee group of
a business organisation may go through ample number of problems, which may lead to face
various losses in regards to profit, sales and revenue. Including this, considering appropriate
strategy like developing an effective policy linked with all the different needs and requirements
of customers could enhance the performance level along with the employee engagement as well
towards common goals and objectives.
Away with this, it is also summarised that for a business organisation's management, it is
needed to monitor the problems faced by staff and keep on resolving them as this would lead
firm to reduce the high employee turnover ratio. Including this, it is also said that diversified
workforce needs proper attention as well that is directly linking with number of goals and
objectives in a short span. Along with this, it is also said that treating staff equally could also
help a firm in treating fairly as this will increase employee’s motivation and so on. Through
developing or creating a much more effective and inclusive culture for all staff would help firm
in gaining good reputation among customers and staff as well.
5.2 Recommendations
Considering the above mentioned information, there are number of recommendations that
can be delivered and these are:
 It is recommended that, it will be required by assuring to providing the equal
opportunities so that employees can participate in process of learning. Through this,
Marks & Spencer may also sustain within market, as it will enhance the engagement of
staff towards particular goal or objectives as well.
 Another crucial recommendation that is being given to Marks & Spencer is that it will be
required by them to keep on training staff towards each other's culture and offer them
right opportunities like group discussions and so on, which may aid them in building
relationship with each other.
23

 Including this, ensuring procedures, policies and processes are also needed proper control
and monitoring as well so that no discrimination is taking place at workstation.
 Marks & Spencer may also require to develop knowledge of various field of community
as this would easily be utilised to maintain the right decorum of workstation.
 Including this, it is also said that different appearance will be encouraged, that can lead to
make improvement in team productivity and business organisation success like Marks &
Spencer in sustaining at market for long time period.
24

CHAPTER 6: PERSONAL REFLECTIVE STATEMENT
6.1 Reflect on research methods used in project
Present report is based on to identify and acknowledge those behaviors which support
aspects of diversity and equality at workplace in an appropriate manner. In conducting the
investigation, I learned about the equality and diversity concepts at workplace. At the workplace,
equality and diversity helps in motivating the staff members and also develop positive image of
company in mind of employees as well as customers. From developing equally in organizations,
employees are able to sustain for long period of time. My learning skills and core competencies
has been enhanced and I can able to conduct any investigation in an effective manner. Under this
investigation, research methods have been used for conducting an investigation effectively.
There has been literature review part conducted and it is one the basis of research objectives. I
collected information in the literature review by consisting secondary sources for an instance
books, articles, journals, magazines and others. The research methods are helpful in give the
better direction about conducting an investigation and also provide the tools and techniques
through which data can be collected in a better manner. There has been qualitative research
approach and primary data collection method used. The main reason behind using qualitative
methods is that it provides the detailed information regarding the specific subject area and also
provides the positive outcomes effectively. I used the primary method of data collection to gather
fresh and relevant information regarding specific subject area and also getting the positive
outcomes. For gathering information, I developed questionnaire on the basis of research
objectives. My main reason behind using questionnaire is that it is easy to gather the information
from large number of people within less time period.
6.2 Consider research methods that could have been used
The research methods are methods which help in gathering the data and information and
also analyzing them for conducting an investigation in a better manner. Research methods are
mainly used to collect the information and data so that an investigator can search answers of the
research questions. There are research methods for collecting and analyzing the data and
information for an instance questionnaire, observation, focus group and others. In the present
investigation, questionnaire has been used as research method to gather information from chosen
respondents regarding the particular area. The main reason behind selecting the questionnaire is
25

that it helps in collect the information from large sample size and within less time period. The
questionnaire method is helpful in collecting the data within less time period and in minimum
cost. In order to collect data from questionnaire, there have been 30 respondents chosen because
they have the better understanding about the research subject area and they can able to give their
pinion on an effective manner. Other than this, Interview research method that could have been
used. In an interview, interviewer and interviewee are involved. An interviewer coordinated
process of conversation and also asks some questions from interviewee. In is an appropriate
research method because there is requirement of gather in-depth information on experiences,
feelings and opinions of people. In the investigation, interview has not been used because this is
expensive and complex for an investigator to collect the data and information from large number
of population.
6.3 Areas for further research
Given research is based on identify and acknowledge those behaviors which support
aspects of diversity and equality at workplace. Conducting the present research helps in give the
right direction about performing research activities in significant way. From this, researcher can
able to conduct any investigation in future without facing any hurdles and also get the positive
outcomes. In this, reason to conducting an investigation is to address conflict through examining
information gathered from various sources. Present research taken in to consideration on identify
and acknowledge those behaviours which support aspects of equality and diversity in an
appropriate way. This provides the relevant information and increasing knowledge related to
equality and diversity and issues arisen from this at workplace. It is wider investigation area that
assist in developing knowledge of research in particular area. This will develop value in
improving personal and professional abilities in an effective way. Through conducting
investigation, knowledge regarding research methodologies and data collection which help in
carried put an investigation effectively. In future, this research helps in increasing the skills and
able to gain positive outcomes effectively.
26

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Adamson, M. and et. al., 2016. The quality of equality: thinking differently about gender
inclusion in organizations. Human Resource Management International Digest.
Altman, J., 2018. Beyond closing the gap: Valuing diversity in Indigenous Australia. Canberra,
ACT: Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), The Australian
National University.
Ashe, S. and Nazroo, J., 2017. Equality, diversity and racism in the workplace: A qualitative
analysis of the 2015 race at work survey. Online: http://hummedia. manchester. ac.
uk/institutes/code/research/raceatwork/Equ...(accessed: 7 April 2017).
Cottrill, K., Denise Lopez, P. and C. Hoffman, C., 2014. How authentic leadership and inclusion
benefit organizations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.33(3).
pp.275-292.
Glatthorn, A. A., and et. al., 2018. Curriculum leadership: Strategies for development and
implementation. SAGE publications.
Kirton, G. and Greene, A. M., 2015. The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach.
Routledge.
Kirton, G. and Greene, A. M., 2015. The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach.
Routledge
Konrad, A. M., Yang, Y. and Maurer, C. C., 2016. Antecedents and outcomes of diversity and
equality management systems: An integrated institutional agency and strategic human
resource management approach. Human Resource Management. 55(1). pp.83-107.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Larrieta‐Rubín de Celis, I. and et. al., 2015. Does having women managers lead to increased
gender equality practices in corporate social responsibility?. Business Ethics: A
European Review. 24(1). pp.91-110.
Marinova, J., Plantenga, J. and Remery, C., 2016. Gender diversity and firm performance:
Evidence from Dutch and Danish boardrooms. The International Journal of Human
Resource Management. 27(15). pp.1777-1790.
Martinsson, L. and Griffin, G. eds., 2016. Challenging the myth of gender equality in Sweden.
Policy Press.
Mertkan, S. and et. al., 2017. Diversity and equality in academic publishing: the case of
educational leadership. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International
Education. 47(1). pp.46-61.
Moore, S. and Tailby, S., 2015. The changing face of employment relations: equality and
diversity. Employee Relations. 37(6). pp.705-719.
Quinlan, C., and et. al., 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage
Roulstone, A. and Williams, J., 2014. Being disabled, being a manager:‘glass partitions’ and
conditional identities in the contemporary workplace. Disability & Society. 29(1). pp.16-29
27

Schachner, M. K. and et. al., 2016. Cultural diversity climate and psychological adjustment at
school—Equality and inclusion versus cultural pluralism. Child development. 87(4).
pp.1175-1191.
Sheehan, M. and Anderson, V., 2015. Talent management and organizational diversity: A call
for research. Human Resource Development Quarterly. 26(4). pp.349-358.
Thompson, N., 2016. Anti-discriminatory practice: Equality, diversity and social justice.
Macmillan International Higher Education.
Online
Callister, L., 2020. 7 Tips to Promote Equality & End Workplace Discrimination. [Online].
Available through: <https://www.skillcast.com/blog/7-tips-promote-equality-end-
workplace-discrimination>.
Lynn, D., 2019. How to Promote Equality & Diversity in the Workplace. [Online]. Available
through: https://careertrend.com/how-to-promote-equality-diversity-in-the-workplace-
5497866.html
Meier, K.S., 2019. Equality & Diversity in the Workplace. [Online]. Available through:
<https://work.chron.com/equality-diversity-workplace-18485.html>.
28

APPENDIX
PROPOSAL FORM
TITLE: “To identify and acknowledge those behaviours which support aspects of diversity and
equality at workplace in an appropriate manner”. A study on Marks & Spencer.
OVERVEW OF THE RESEARCH
Diversity and equality in a company assure that all the employees are treated equally and
they are given right treatment to perform work at workplace (Cottrill, Denise Lopez and
Hoffman, 2014). This research proposal is based on M&S, a UK based retailer of cloth and food
that perform their activities globally. This proposal is going to mention about research title,
objectives, aim and question. Also, literature source to support objectives will be discussed.
Other than this time scale will be mentioned and overview of research methodology will be
provided.
SECTION 1: Research aims, questions and objectives
Research title
“To identify and acknowledge those behaviours which support aspects of diversity and equality
at workplace in an appropriate manner”. A study on Marks & Spencer.
Research aim
“To determine and understand behaviours which denotes the support towards equality
and diversity in an organisation”. This research aim has the purpose to acknowledge those
factors which assure that elements of diversity and equality are incorporated in M&S in a proper
way.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concepts of diversity and equality in a business organisation.
 To determine appropriate strategies used by management in M&S to support D&E in
their workplace
 To acknowledge various benefits gained by an organisation while maintaining diversity
and equality at their workplace
29

Research Questions:
 What do you understand by concepts like diversity and equality in context with a
business organisation?
 What can be potential strategies used by management in M&S to support D&E in their
workplace?
 What are the various benefits gained by an organisation while maintaining diversity and
equality at their workplace?
SECTION 2: Major reason behind selecting this topic
Main reason of working on this topic is to determine what is the right behaviour for
maintaining diversity and equality in an organisation. This topic will help in identifying those
practices which can create inequality in a firm due to which overall performance of firm can be
hindered. Thus, manager of a company is needed to formulate various strategies so that diversity
and equality can be maintained in proper manner (Glatthorn and et. al., 2018). Also, this topic
will benefit the researcher in learning and understanding information about right behaviour,
managing diversity and equality etc. This will help the researcher in performing future researches
appropriately. Under this research, there are some other units which need to be completed like
literature review, methodology, analysis and interpretation, conclusion and recommendations.
These all are the necessary part of research which help a learner to conduct an investigation in
future in a systematic manner.
SECTION 3: Literature sources searched
On the basis of Dr. Kelly S. Meier (2019) Equality is related to treating everybody
equally. Diversity is concerned with treating differently against due to characteristics. Workplace
equality and diversity is promoting quality of opportunities and also giving a person with equal
opportunity to achieve potential and discrimination free. The diverse workforce will assist
company to understand consumers in a better manner. Treating employees equally helps in
provide the benefits to enhance productivity as well as profitability of company.
According to Lynn, D. (2019) In order to perform work appropriately, it is important for
a company to treat their workers in equal manner. If workers will not be treated equally and feel
discriminated in terms of race, gender, religion, caste, nationality etc. then it is not possible for a
30

firm to maintain right kind of behaviour in an organisation. As per the opinion given by Kelly S.
Meier (2019) diversity and equality in a company is very essential as it help the workers in
getting fair opportunities so that no employee can feel discriminated. By this, overall
productivity of M&S will be high and organisation will be able to achieve expected outcomes.
But, if diversity and equality will not be maintained then workers will not be happy and
unleashing their full working potential will not be easy.
SECTION 4: Activities and time scale
Work breakdown structure
This is basically a project deliverable which helps in dividing a bulky project into small
chunks of manageable section. In this technique, a project is bifurcated into small sections so that
each activity can be given proper consideration and work can be performed in desired manner
(Kirton and Greene, 2015).
Gantt chart
This is basically a visual and graphical presentation of a project in the form of tasks along
with their time period so that all the work can be completed within expected time. This chart
breaks down a project and denotes the required time to accomplish work. By this, project
31
Illustration 3: Work-breakdown structure

manager is able to perform those task before which are on priority. By this, overall efficiency of
a project is maintained.
SECTION 5: Approaches and methodologies of research
Research methodology is a framework which helps an investigator in performing their work
in a systematic manner so that high possible efficiency can be gained while working on a project
(Kumar, 2019). There are different kind of research approaches and methods which are
mentioned below:
Approaches to research methodology
Qualitative approach: In this approach, a research is conducted without using any
statistics and mathematical formulae. This approach is based on theory and main methods to use
this approach are observations, focus groups (Quinlan and et. al., 2019).
Quantitative approach: Under this kind of approach, mathematical calculations and
formulae’s are used. Due to this, this approach is time consuming. Methods for this type of
approach are questionnaire, interview, surveys etc.
32
Illustration 4: Gantt chart

Research Philosophy- Two different types of research philosophies are interpretivism
and positivism. In given investigation, researcher will use interpretivism because this gives
detailed description and proper explanation regarding the research area effectively.
Research Approach- Deductive and inductive are two research approaches. In
conducting present investigation, inductive approach will be used because this helps in analyse
the opinion of different authors significantly and give positive results.
Strategy- Under this, there are many different research strategies like case study, survey
etc. Among all the strategies, survey is more effective because through using this opinions of
respondents can be examined.
Time- Cross sectional and longitudinal are two different time horizons. In present
investigation, cross sectional time horizons will be used because it conduct the activities with in
specific period of time and gives positive outcomes.
Method- Under this, questionnaire method will be use to collection of relevant data
related to equality and diversity at workplace.
Method to conduct research
Primary methods: In this type of method, an information is collected for the first time
and use for a specific reason. This method is very cost and time consuming. This research can be
conducted in the form of questionnaire, surveys, focus groups etc.
Secondary method: In this kind of research, a person collects required data from books,
internet, magazines, Journals etc. This data is already collected by some individual for their
research. Due to this, conducting this research is very cost and time effective.
Sampling: It is selection of specific group that denote entire population. In general,
probabilistic sampling and non-probabilistic sampling techniques are used. In probabilistic kind
of sampling, each respondent is given opportunity share thoughts whereas in non-probabilistic
method of sampling, each individual is not an equal part of sample (Roulstone and Williams,
2014). Here, researcher will use probabilistic sampling. Under this sampling approach,
researcher is going to select the respondents on random basis.
33

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cottrill, K., Denise Lopez, P. and C. Hoffman, C., 2014. How authentic leadership and inclusion
benefit organizations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.33(3).
pp.275-292.
Glatthorn, A. A., and et. al., 2018. Curriculum leadership: Strategies for development and
implementation. SAGE publications.
Kirton, G. and Greene, A. M., 2015. The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach.
Routledge
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Quinlan, C., and et. al., 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage
Roulstone, A. and Williams, J., 2014. Being disabled, being a manager:‘glass partitions’ and
conditional identities in the contemporary workplace. Disability & Society. 29(1). pp.16-29
Online
Lynn, D., 2019. How to Promote Equality & Diversity in the Workplace. [Online]. Available
through: https://careertrend.com/how-to-promote-equality-diversity-in-the-workplace-
5497866.html
Meier, K.S., 2019. Equality & Diversity in the Workplace. [Online]. Available through:
https://work.chron.com/equality-diversity-workplace-18485.html
34

35