Impact of Equal Opportunity Employment on Job Satisfaction in UK Retail Industry: A Study on John Lewis

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of equal opportunity employment on job satisfaction in the UK retail industry, with a focus on John Lewis. The proposal includes a literature review on the concept of equal employment opportunity, benefits associated with it, and the relationship between equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction. The research methodology includes a qualitative approach with an inductive research type and interpretivism research philosophy.

Research proposal

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Background.............................................................................................................................3
Research aim and objectives..................................................................................................3
Rationale.................................................................................................................................4
Significance of the current study............................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................5
Theme 1: concept of equal employment opportunity.............................................................5
Theme 2: different benefits associated with equal employment opportunity within retail
industry...................................................................................................................................6
Theme 3: identify the relationship between equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction
within John Lewis...................................................................................................................7
RESEARCH METHDOLOGY.......................................................................................................8
Research type..........................................................................................................................8
Research approach..................................................................................................................9
Research philosophy...............................................................................................................9
Data collection methods.........................................................................................................9
Data analysis.........................................................................................................................10
Sampling...............................................................................................................................10
Ethical considerations...........................................................................................................10
Research limitations.............................................................................................................11
Research validity and reliability...........................................................................................11

Gantt chart............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

Topic: To investigate the impact of equal opportunity employment upon job satisfaction
within UK retail industry: A study on John Lewis.
INTRODUCTION
Background
In this competitive era, companies do not provide equal opportunities to the employees
and this in turn affect the entire performance of the company into negative manner. Most of them
discriminate employees on the basis of different aspects and do not provide equal opportunity to
women as well. Thus, equal employment opportunity is refers to that principle that everyone has
equal way to pursue a job so that they can meet the business outcomes. The entire proposal is
based upon John Lewis which is one of the top leading firm in UK and deal with homeware,
furniture and fashion products at global level. With the help of current study, scholar shed a light
upon how treating all the employees equally creates a positive impact over the business
performance as well as job satisfaction. This in turn assist to determine different benefits
associated with the equal opportunity so that company can implement effective outcome in order
to gain the better outcomes.
Research aim and objectives
The aim of the study is to determine the impact of equal employment opportunity upon
John Lewis job satisfaction.
Objectives:
 To understand the concept of equal employment opportunity.
 To ascertain different benefits associated with equal employment opportunity within
retail industry
 To identify the relationship between equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction
within John Lewis.
 To recommend the best ways through which John Lewis can implement to satisfy their
customers.

Research questions:
Q1: What is the concept of equal employment opportunity?
Q2: What are the different benefits associated with equal employment opportunity within retail
industry?
Q3: What is the relationship between equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction within
John Lewis?
Rationale
The reason for opting this topic is such that it helps to determine impact of equal
employment opportunity so that it lead to satisfy the job and employee performance. There are
different ways where company do not implement effective way to treat the employees equally
and that is why, it affect the business performance into negative manner. Therefore, this in turn
recognized as a key issue where company’s job satisfaction level has affected. So, it can be
stated that the current study will shed a light upon different ways through which company can
improve the business performance by providing equal opportunity to the employees.
Another rationale for conducting the study on this topic is such that scholar have their
own interest and that is why, it helps to gain better understanding and knowledge pertaining to
equal opportunity so that they can use the same in their near future. Further, through this study,
different benefits related to equal employment opportunity can be determine that helps to meet
the defined aim of the study. That is why, opting this topic over other is beneficial in order to
generate a better outcome and improve the knowledge as well.
Significance of the current study
The present study is beneficial for John Lewis because through this, company can
determine how business can use effective ways through which entire employees can be satisfied
within job. Also, all the companies operating with retail industry also get benefitted with the
entire research and this in turn causes positive impact over the business performance. Apart from
this, most of the other scholars who want to study on this topic also get benefitted from the
research so that they can use the information as a secondary source and improve the outcome as
well. Therefore, it can be stated that they entire research will be beneficial for different people so

that they come to know about the advantage of using equal employment opportunities within a
business.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theme 1: concept of equal employment opportunity
According to the views of Rodgers (2019) equal employment opportunity is the principle
where everyone has equal way to get a job on the basis of their merit without consider other
characteristic like race, sex, sexual orientation etc. However, there are different laws made in
order to realise the employees so that effective outcome can be generated like Equal employment
opportunity that ensure about different people and no one will be treated discriminated on the
basis of race, color and religion. Therefore, it can be stated that it is considered as a baseline for
the people with regard to how they actually treat each other at work either employee-employer or
employee-employee. That is why, by providing equal opportunity at workplace, employees will
remain satisfied and generate a ways through which they can collect further level of success.
O'Brien (2020) examined that if the company is fails to comply with the laws defined under this
will affect the business performance and dissatisfied the customers as well. Hence, it has been
also reflected that having a diverse workforce always improve the business performance and
make the people learn through each other. That is why, majority of the companies complied with
the act prescribed under equal opportunity act in order to improve the business performance and
remain successful.
Theme 2: different benefits associated with equal employment opportunity within retail industry
As per the views illustrated by Gude (2019), equal employment is a term denoted with providing
the equivalent employment opportunity to all employees irrespective to any social or physical
differentiation between the human being. At the time of interview process it is necessary for the
organization to look at all candidate in equal manner than only right candidate who are eligible
also will be having a position role in the organization. The benefit of offering the equal
employment opportunities to candidate is such that it allow the organization to hire and appoint
the right candidate over the position role in the company. Having the right suitable candidate
eligible for the position allow and support to the business to effectively grab the better growth
and development opportunities for the organization. This practice also support diversity in the

organization. Diversity in the business play a vital role for the businesses to support the overall
growth and development opportunities in favor to the organization. People belong to different
religious, social background will favor to more diversified practices in the organization.
Diversity also allow the organization to launch different and unique practices that can favor to
the organization to establish more favor brand image in respective target market. Dhir, Dutta and
Ghosh (2020), has mentioned in the study that equal employment opportunists also favor the
right development opportunities to the employees in the organization. Development and growth
of employees is highly based on the equal employment practice followed by the organization.
This specific policy allow every employee in the company to facilitate its individual growth and
development at an organization level. Companies only get to offer the right growth and
development opportunities to the employee if they are offering the equal employment
opportunities to its work force. The impact of this policy is also over establishing the right and
favorable culture at the organization level. Culture of any company put a direct impact over its
individual growth and development in respective target market.
The criticism has been designed by the Carvajal, Popovici and Hardigan (2018), on the ground
that there is not any fundamental technique that can specify whether the organization is
supporting the equal employment practice or not. Also, the personal interest always hamper the
overall interest of the organization which most of the time lead to the employees of company to
adopt this policy where they interfere in employment. Internal politics at company directly affect
or influence to the ability of the company to set an equal employment opportunities at the
organization.
Good reputation of company is one of the set advantage or benefits associated with the equal
employment opportunities set by the company. Janićijević, Nikčević and Vasić (2018), has stated
the fact that equal employment policy adopted by the organization will put a direct impact over
the reputations of the organization. This practice end up cherishing the reputation of the business
in front of the stakeholders. The one of the major benefit identified of the equal employment is
such that this also elevate employee engagement at a workplace. This is one of the core
advantage associated with the equal employment opportunities. Cultivation of the employee
engagement at a work place will involve employees get to interact with each other and such
related benefits. Operational effectiveness also get to improve due to this practice adopted by the

business. This practice favor to the organization to appoint the right employee at a right position
role which end up having a more effective operations and functions performed by the business.
Theme 3: identify the relationship between equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction
within John Lewis.
Paais and Pattiruhu (2020), has stated the views on the ground that the relationship between the
equal employment opportunities and the job satisfaction is direct. Equal employment opportunity
favor to the organization to appoint the right candidate over the right position role in the
organization. IN respect to the organization operation effectiveness can only be approached if the
company get to appoint the potential and right candidate over the eligible position in the
organization. The job role interest more will certainly allow and favor to the company create a
better job satisfaction level in the organization. Also, the equal em, employment involve
promotion the right and eligible candidate over higher designated roles in the company. There is
not any influence at an internal level due to politics are witnessed in this which could favor to the
organization to motivate the employees to put the extra efforts to achieve better level of
productivity and efficiency. If the employee in the company get in return the desired outcome as
per the efforts and results such an employee could derive this will certainly improve to the level
of job satisfaction employees are witnessing in the organization. Panggabean (2020), has stated
the opinion on the ground or fact that in John Lewis Company every company get the equal
employment opportunity at an organisation which motivate to the employees to achieve a better
level of job satisfaction in the organization. Offering the equal opportunity motivate every
employee in the company to put extra efforts so tat more productive operations and functions can
be performed by the organization. Management of the company get to boost the individual
morale of every employee work in the organization due to adoption of this particular practice.
Every human resource in the organization are ready to put the extra efforts to achieve better level
of productivity and job satisfaction level. Promoting the right and eligible candidate is one of the
core motivation that aspire to the employee in company to provide the best level of job
satisfaction which could further transform into a greater career growth opportunities at the
organization.
The Chin (2018), has criticized on the ground that many times even if the company is offering
the equal employment opportunity internal politics hamper to the promotions and such related

practices followed by the company. The effect of this is directly over the level of job satisfaction
such employees get in the organization.
RESEARCH METHDOLOGY
The current section will help to identify different methods that are used by scholar to
conduct the study in more authentic manner. Further, research methodology is specific procedure
that is used to determine, select, process and analyse information related to a topic. It is also
allow to reader to critically determine the study’s overall validity as well as reliability. In this
different sections will be presented that helps to determine which methods will be beneficial for
the researcher to attain the aim.
Research type
There are mainly two types of research which can be used by scholar in order to meet the
defined aim. Such that qualitative that considers only theories in order to gain in-depth
understanding to the social phenomena (Pandey and Pandey, 2021). Further, quantitative study is
deals with numbers and facts that helps to conclude the valid results by using effective software.
From these, scholar will consider only qualitative research type in order to evaluate the theories
pertaining to equal employment opportunity and focus to understand the participants from
surrounding that influence their behavior. In the present study, scholar also determines the results
by considering theories and respondents views that helps to attain the defined aim.
Research approach
It is a plan and procedure that is mainly consist of steps of broad assumption into detailed
manner by considering all the effective research methods. This in turn helps to understand the
nature of research problem that can be addressed. There are two types of approaches like
inductive and deductive (Mohajan, 2018). Under inductive approach, scholar involves a set of
empirical observation that assist to help pattern involved in observation whereas deductive is
mainly deal with testing of hypothesis to determine the relationship between the variables.
In the present study, scholar will opt only inductive research approach because it helps to
used qualitative data only that assist to evaluate the impact of using equal employment

opportunities to job satisfaction. That is why, it is far beneficial for the researcher in order to
derive better results and answer research questions.
Research philosophy
It is a notion about a method through which information is collected about a phenomenon
so that effective data is gathered and analysed in order to meet the effective outcome. It is also of
two types such as interpretivism and Positivism. Under interpretvism, researcher only integrates
about the study and determines the results accordingly (Snyder, 2019). Whereas positivism is
mainly deals with numeric facts and assist to test the hypothesis as well. In the present study,
only interpretivism research philosophy will be adopted that helps to understand the views of all
the selected participants so that they can generate a better outcome and perform the specific role
to observe the social world. In this, scholar also create a better outcome by using this
methodology and also conduct the entire study in precise manner by answering the research
question such that relationship between the equal employment opportunity and job satisfaction.
Data collection methods
For the present study, there are two types of data collection methods adopted by the
scholar and this in turn helps to attain the defined aim. Data collection is done with the use of
two different techniques one is primary method of data collection and the other one is secondary
method of collecting the data and information (Rahayu, Rasid and Tannady, 2019). Primary
method will involve questionnaire, surveys, interview and such other techniques tat can favor to
the scholar to collect the most effective primary data and information. Secondary method of data
collection involve scholars, articles, journals and such other. The current study will use both the
methods of collecting data primary as well secondary. Questionnaire will be followed to
approach the primary method of data collection. Literature review will conduct to execute the
secondary research.
Data analysis
Data analysis is a process of analyzing the data and information in the study executed. The data
that has been collected in the current study will analysis with the use of excel charts, pie chart,
graphs and such other methods. All these techniques will allow the scholar to effectively analysis

the entire information and data in the study. Excel charts and graphs are the best way to analysis
the information and further to present the same.
Sampling
Sampling is a technique of segregating the primary sources so that relevant intimation and data
under the primary study can be collected by the scholar. Sampling is of different types simple
random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling and such other methods or
techniques. The current study will be based on the simple random sampling method. 30
employees of John Lewis will be approached as a part of simple random sampling method or
technique.
Ethical considerations.
This study will support each and every ethical consideration principle. Every person approached
in the study will be respected by the scholar to achieve the research aim and objectives.
Principles of beneficence and non maleficence will also be supported in the Duty executed.
Justice Principe is also respected which executing or conducting the respective study area.
Informed consent principle is also respected in the current study (Pandey, Singh and Pathak,
2019). Confidentiality and data protection is also one of the core principles related top the ethical
considerations have been respected in the current study. Integrity is also plied. Principle related
to conflict of interest will also support in the research conducted. Ethical consent forms will also
fill in the research.
Research limitations.
This study will be executed in the limited amount of time and resources. Finances and time
factors are the two major limitation associated with the study executed by the scholar. Sourcing
appropriate sources to collect the required information to carry out the study are also limited for
the scholar that might influence and affect to the overall outcome of the study conducted
(Wikaningrum and Yuniawan, 2018). Limited experience ion carrying out the similar study is
also one of the major limitation associated with the study conducted.

Research validity and reliability.
Reliability will involve meanderings the consistency of the reserved study executed. Validity
involves the accuracy of the whole research is executed by the scholar. Reliability and validity
are the two core terms that will be supported in the study conducted or executed. Both the
aspects will also cover in order to conduct the study.
Gantt chart
Main activities 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
0
1
1
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4
Progress
Selection of
topic
To be updated
waiting for
approval
To be updated
Developing aim
and objectives
To be updated
Selecting
sources for the
study
To be updated
Conducting
literature
review
To be updated
Developing
research
methodology
To be updated
Selection of
data collection
To be updated
Analysis of data To be updated
Interpretation
and finding
To be updated
Conclusion and
recommendatio
n
To be updated

formatting and
submission
To be updated
waiting for
feedback
To be updated
modification
and submission
To be updated

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Carvajal, M. J., Popovici, I. and Hardigan, P. C., 2018. Gender differences in the measurement of
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Dhir, S., Dutta, T. and Ghosh, P., 2020. Linking employee loyalty with job satisfaction using
PLS–SEM modelling. Personnel Review.
Gudep, V. K., 2019. An empirical study of the relationships between the flexible work systems
(fws), organizational commitment (oc), work life balance (wlb) and job satisfaction (js)
for the teaching staff in the united arab emirates (uae). International Journal of
Management, 10(5).
Janićijević, N., Nikčević, G. and Vasić, V., 2018. The influence of organizational culture on job
satisfaction. Economic Annals. 63(219). pp.83-114.
Mohajan, H. K., 2018. Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related
subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People. 7(1). pp.23-48.
O'Brien, C. N., 2020. Twenty-First Century Labor Law: Striking the Right Balance Between
Workplace Civility Rules that Accommodate Equal Employment Opportunity
Obligations and the Loss of Protection for Concerted Activities Under the National Labor
Relations Act. Wm. & Mary Bus. L. Rev.. 12. p.167.
Paais, M. and Pattiruhu, J. R., 2020. Effect of motivation, leadership, and organizational culture
on satisfaction and employee performance. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics,
and Business. 7(8). pp.577-588.
Pandey, P. and Pandey, M.M., 2021. Research methodology tools and techniques. Bridge Center.
Pandey, P., Singh, S. and Pathak, P., 2019. Factors affecting turnover intentions in the Indian
retail industry. International Journal of Human Resources Development and
Management. 19(2). pp.166-182.

Panggabean, P. C., 2020. The Influence of Incentives and Employee Satisfaction Performance
Against Job Loyalty at PT. Catur Mitra Sejati Sentosa. Journal of Management Science
(JMAS). 3(1). pp.7-12.
Rahayu, M., Rasid, F. and Tannady, H., 2019. The effect of career training and development on
job satisfaction and its implications for the organizational commitment of regional
secretariat (SETDA) employees of Jambi provincial government. International Review
of Management and Marketing. 9(1). p.79.
Rodgers, W. M., 2019. Race in the labor market: The role of equal employment opportunity and
other policies. RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences. 5(5).
pp.198-220.
Snyder, H., 2019. Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and
guidelines. Journal of business research. 104. pp.333-339.
Wikaningrum, T. and Yuniawan, A., 2018. The relationships among leadership styles,
communication skills, and employee satisfaction: A study on equal employment
opportunity in leadership. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research. 13(1).