Equality and Diversity in the Workplace

This report focuses on the impact of gender pay gap on employee performance in the workplace, using a case study on Marks and Spencer. It discusses the concept of gender pay gap, potential benefits of reducing it, and strategies to eliminate the gap. The report also includes a project management plan, WBS, and a discussion on qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Equality and diversity in
the workplace

Table of Contents
TOPIC: - “To identify the impact of Gender pay gap on employee’s performance of an
organisation within a workplace”. A study on Marks and Spencer................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1...........................................................................................................................................3
P1 Project aim and objectives..............................................................................................3
P2. Develop effective project management plan....................................................................6
P3. WBS and Gantt chart......................................................................................................8
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................10
P4 Qualitative as well as Qualitative research.....................................................................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................14
P5 Examine research and data by using appropriate tools...................................................14
P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations..................................................................19
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................20
P7 Reflection.................................................................................................................................20
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................23
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TOPIC: - “To identify the impact of Gender pay gap on employee’s performance of an
organisation within a workplace”. A study on Marks and Spencer
INTRODUCTION
The gender pay gap is mainly a metric that states difference between pay of women and men. It
is a formative measure of inequality in which women mainly get paid less than men at workplace
(Key facts about the gender pay gap. 2019). In order to counter this, Equality Act 2010, has
been framed by government that states equal pay to women and men for same work (Equal pay
for equal work: what the law says. 2019). Thus, it becomes essential for organisation to offer
complete pay and benefits package in the ‘equality of terms’ provisions of the Equality Act
2010. In this they are required to recognise individual difference in order to ensure effective
diversity in their workplace. Present assignment has been conducted on Marks and Spencer as it
has been seen that there is significant rise in gender pay gap issues in company now a days.
Company was found in the year 1884 and operative functions worldwide in retailing industry. It
is a multinational retailer that offers different type of products like quality clothing, food
products and home products. Present report includes aims and objective according to the given
scenario. In addition with this Gantt chart, project management plan, WbS and research
methodology is also being discussed in this report accompanying with recommendation and
reflection.
TASK 1
P1 Project aim and objectives
Gender pay gap acts as most important factor which is applicable for all the organisations
regardless of the number of employees at their workplace. While, main aim of equality and
Diversity is to effectively ensure that each and every individual have accurate access to the same
opportunity and fair treatment (Understanding the Gender Pay Gap and How It Affects Women.
2019). It is essential for an organisation to provide harassment, discrimination, victimization and
bullying free environment to their employees. Thus, it is essential for all the organisations to
ensure that the workplace is free from any kind of discrimination and there is effective
promotion of equality as well as diversity within workplace. It will ensure organisation to make
enhancement in the work performance of their employees that simultaneously lead organisation
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towards more growth prospectus. In present context of Marks and Spencer it has been evaluated
that company engage in retailing industry and have number of departments within their
organisational structure. Thus, it is essential for HR of organisation to ensure that workplace is
free from any discrimination and each and every employee is provided with equal opportunities.
Research Aim:
“To identify the impact of Gender pay gap on employee’s performance of an
organisation within a workplace” . A case study on Marks and Spencer.”
Research Objectives
 To know concept of Gender pay gap
 To identify the concept of Gender pay gap within workplace
 To determine potential benefits of reducing gender pay gap at workplace
 To examine the diverse range plan of action that supports to implement strategies related
to eliminating issues related to gender pay gap at workplace
Research Questions
 What is the concept of Gender pay gap ?
 What is the concept of gender pay gap within workplace?
 Define potential benefits of reducing gender pay gap at workplace?
 What are the diverse range of plan of action that supports to implement strategies related
to eliminating issues related to gender pay gap at workplace?
Literature Review
Concept of Gender pay gap
According to view point of Barnham, 2015, Gender pay gap is related to a issue
which sometimes prevails in companies in which there is difference in payment which is being
made to men and women in the company. Many times in Companies women are paid less as
compared to men as there is a belief that women are less competent than men. Such practises
have a very negative impact on overall mind set of employees as they may feel discriminated that
there is a pay gap. Always, there has to be a situation in which employees must be paid
according to job responsibility assigned to them and kind of job they are doing, position which
they are holding in company. For example in Marks and Spencer attempts are made by company
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that they rae not having nay type of discriminatory policies related to payment being made to
their employees. They are making policies which are non discriminatory and at same time which
is connected with maintaining satisfaction level of their employees. Gender pay gap is a big
issue which can have very negative impact on how employees of a company are giving their
contribution towards ensuring success of the company. Hence, with regards to view of many
successful authors they have considered that gender pay gap results into loss of every
organisation and this leads to reduction in overall productivity of employees. There must always
be a situation of equality practises which are being followed and adopted by companies so that
they may have good corporate governance being followed in organisations. This leads to increase
in overall brand image and also effects the employees of company. There are many attempts
which can be made by organisations to eliminate discrimination practises which can act as a
barrier for growth of individuals. Such practises must be implemented so that there is positivity
in working environment of company.
Concept of gender pay gap within workplace
Gender pay gap is mainly average difference in between remuneration of men and
women of the same job. In this women mainly get paid less (Boekhorst, 2015). It has been
identified that. Women those who perform the main job as man with having exact same
qualification and skill as man is still get paid less. This discrimination within workplace not only
affects performance, morale and motivation of employees but also affect organisation image in
negative ways. Thus, it is essential for Marks & Spencer to ensure that there is no discrimination
on the basis of gender pay within workplace as it may hamper their work environment and
productivity.
Potential benefits of reducing gender pay gap at workplace
According to Flick, U., 201, Diversity and equality carries lot of opportunities for every
business organisation. Further it has been identified that, organisation is required to consider the
concept of gender pay gap as ensure that all the employees despite of their gender get equal pay.
The main objective of this function is that, it allow individual to perform their work in best
effective manner. As of they considered themselves unbiased then they will operate their
functions with more hardwork (Cottrill, Denise Lopez and Hoffman, 2014). In Marks and
Spencer, If any employee is feeling biassed from the side of organisation then it may affect their
overall performance at the workplace. At the same time employees will be feeling negative and
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will not be able to grow and work with satisfaction level. It is essential to have a satisfied
workforce for achievement of overall objectives of the organisation.
Diverse range plan of action that supports to implement strategies related to eliminating issues
related to gender pay gap at workplace equality and diversity at the workplace
According to view points of Boekhorst, 2015There are many different types of strategies
which is helping in promotion of of diversity and inclusiveness in the organisation. Some of
them are committed towards boosting up of cultural competency and seeking out of innovative
ideas which can lead to persuading of diversity at the workplace. For instance in Marks and
Spencer, One of the tool is cross cultural communication which is required at the workplace so
that there is proper communication of what work is being done and avoidance of duplication of
efforts by the company (Kumar, 2019). Development of global mindset and promotion of
diversity are two most important tools which will help in understanding of various challenges
taking place in the organisation. There should be a positive environment at workplace so that
employees are feeling engaged and work with a positive state of mind. In addition with this, it is
essential for organisation to undertake advantage of different types of strategies as to eliminate
gender gap issues at workplace while ensuring that men and women get equal pay.
P2. Develop effective project management plan
Project management plan is termed as a document that involves detailed description related
to the activities that are going to be undertaken by researcher activities. In addition with this,
strategies, policies, plans and different stages is being involved in PMP with the help of which
research can effectively accomplish (Quinlan, 2019). There are different types of elements such
as quality, scope, size, resources and more in order to conduct present research. Researcher
frame well defined plans as well as procedures in order to accomplish research objective.
Cost/Budget:
It is related to the amount which is going to be undertaken as to accomplish research in
best effective manner. In order to conduct present research there is a requirement of 40000
Pounds as effectively accomplish all the activities (Rees and Smith, 2017). It is essential for
researcher to have adequate budget and prepare all the activities as per according to it in order to
effectively execute all research functions in best effective manner.
Time management:
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It includes the total amount of time which is going to be taken by investigator to complete the
research. In present context investigator take estimated time period of 3 months in order to
accomplished research in best effective manner (Durlak, 2015). Researcher is required to
effectively execute their activities as per according to time in order to ensure effective end
outcomes. This further aid them to accomplish their operations in best effective manner.
Scope:
It has been analysed that scope of this research is wide and assist in developing
whole industry in an effective manner. Therefore, it is essential to conduct the research in an
effective manner.
Quality:
In relation with present research it is essential to maintain formative quality. Further there
is there is a requirement of allocating data and information from appropriate sources. In present
researcher ensure that allocation and collection of all the relevant data and information must be
from valid sources.
Risk:
This is related to the element that is being faced by every researcher in order to conduct
research. In context with present research major risk is related to Collection of data and further
maintains its confidentiality (Kirton and Greene, 2015). Risk is associated with number of
uncertain activities that restrict researcher to accomplish research in best effective manner. Thus,
it become essential for researcher to identify those factors that may further hamper effective end
outcome of research.
Communication:
In order to accomplish research in best effective manner researcher requires
communication strategies, plans as well as policies in order to ensure positive and effective
outcome.
Resources:
It includes land, labour and capital with the help of which research can be conducted
research in best effective manner. In context with present research there is a need of updated
Technology, funds, human resource and more as to accomplish research objective.
RESOURCES USE
Updated Technology It is important to undertake use of updated
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form of technology as to gather accurate and
adequate form of data and information as to
conduct research in best effected manner.
Financial Resource Financial resources are important as to
effectively execute activities without being get
delayed to offer effective research outcomes.
Human resource It has been analysed that human resource
influence research work. Thus, it play key
essential role to have potential human
resources. As with the help of this researcher
can effectively able to accomplish its research
outcome in well defined manner.
P3. WBS and Gantt chart
GANTT CHART
Gantt chart is a model that was coined by Henry Gantt in 1910. It is a tool with the help
of which individual can effectively balance activities according to the time as to accomplish
research objective (Quinlan, 2019). It is one of the most efficient tool that can be undertaken by
researcher as to accomplish their activities as per according to the time frame. In present context
researcher take advantage of Gantt chart techniques as to accomplish activities with property
date and time. This will ensure timely accomplishment of research objectives.
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9

WORK BREAK DOWN STRUCTURE (WBS)
Work breakdown structure act as a tool that aid an individual to segregate the complex
activities into smaller parts. With the help of this structure individual can divide the task into
different types of small activities in order to increase work efficiency. In context with Marks and
Spencer researcher undertake work breakdown structure as to divide the whole project into small
parts as to complete the project in best effective manner. In addition with this with the help of the
structure individual can examine and analyse the work in order to determine that it is been
effectively conducted.
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TASK 2
P4 Qualitative as well as Qualitative research
At the time when research is being conducted, investigator has a preference for several
methods which can help them in making their work more effective and relevant. Using such
methods will help the investigator in making a analysis of the collected information which will
help in developing a relevant outcome. Some of the major methods which are being used by the
investigator in this research are discussed below:
Primary Research: This involves in depth study of various facts which are required by
the researcher. The main feature of this type of research is that there is original data which is
being collected by the researcher in this method and the information is not extracted from any
other source (Barnham, C., 2015). This has a advantage that the information which is collected is
very authentic and reliable as it is being collected by the researcher himself. This is a method
which involves lot of cost and time of the investigator.
Secondary research: It is also a method of collecting the information with the help of
past data or information which is already available and is not being collected by the researcher.
This type of information can be less reliable in some cases when the source is not authentic.
Example of sources of secondary data are magazines, government publications, newspapers or
any other relevant source (Boekhorst, 2015). A particular source is selected according to the need
and type of information which is required by the researcher. This is a method which involves
less time as compared to the primary research method of collecting information.
In this report investigator is giving preference to the questionnaire form of method for collection
of information. There are 50 respondents who are selected for gathering of information.
Qualitative research: In this method of collecting information non quantitative data is
being selected. Which means non numerical data is is selected in this type of research. There are
various ways through which can be used qualitative data such as observation, group discussions,
surveying people (Drews and Van den Bergh, 2016). This helps in conducting of research in a
more effective manner.
Quantitative research: This is a method in which there is collection of numerical data
by the researcher. This method is mostly selected in cases when the requirements of the
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researcher is for a quantitative data (Galpin, 2014). This method includes various methods such
as online surveys, correlation researcher, online polls and so on.
In order to determined whole collected information, the investigator will be using quantitative
method so as to conduct the research and then develop various relevant outcomes from it.
Questionnaire: This is defined as a particular set of questions which are developed by
the investigator according to the objectives of the research. All the questions are made in a away
so as to extract the needed information which is required by the researcher in the overall process
of research (Kumar, 2019). There are total of 50 respondent chosen for this research work.
Respondents are selected by the investigator from the whole populations as a sample.
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you know the meaning of gender pay gap? Frequency
a) Yes 40
b) No 10
Q2) With the help of implementing equality & diversity helps
M&S in order to reduce gender pay gaps issues at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 15
Q3) According to your opinion, what are the major advantages
gain by M&S with the help of undertaking gender pay gap into
consideration?
Frequency
a) Fast attainment of objectives & goals 15
b) Improved working situation 15
c) Advanced growing opportunities 20
Q 4) Do you think, with the help of implementing equality &
diversity practices M&S can able to decrease issues related to
Frequency
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gender pay gap?
a) Agree 45
b) Disagree 5
Q5) As per your opinion, which one is the best suitable strategy
for M&S with the help of which they can reduce gender pay gap
in a positive manner at workplace?
Frequency
a) Effective leadership 25
b) Top to down approach 10
c) Enhance employee participation 15
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TASK 3
P5 Examine research and data by using appropriate tools
Theme 1: Meaning of gender pay gap?
Q1) Do you know the meaning of gender pay gap? Frequency
a) Yes 40
b) No 10
Interpretation: In accordance with the above stipulated graph, it can be said that 40
individuals are aware of the concept of gender pay gap as they have read about it in their
scholarly life. The rest 10 respondents do not have any comprehensibility of the concept.
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40
10
a) Yes
b) No

Theme 2: Equality & diversity helps M&S as to make reduction to reduce gender pay
gaps issues at workplace
Q2) With the help of implementing equality & diversity helps M&S as to
reduce gender pay gaps issues at workplace?
Frequency
a) Agree 30
b) Disagree 20
Interpretation: As per the above graph, it can be easily stated that 30 respondents are of
the belief that equality and diversity provides assistance to the company in attaining business
objectives by taking into account views and ideas of diverse people. In addition with this, with
the effective implementation of equality and diversity company can reduce problems and issues
related to gender pay gap within organisation that impacts upon functioning of organisation. The
remaining 20 individuals hold the perception that equality and diversity do not aid the entity in
realisation of objectives as it leads to occurrence of conflicts which deflates the productivity of
workforce.
15
30
20
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Theme 3: Major advantages gain by M&S with the help of undertaking gender pay gap
into consideration
Q3) According to your opinion, what are the major advantages gain by M&S
with the help of undertaking gender pay gap into consideration?
Frequency
a) Fast attainment of objectives & goals 15
b) Improved working situation 15
c) Advanced growing opportunities 20
16
a) Fast attainment of
objectives & goals
b) Improved working situation
c) Advanced growing
opportunities

Interpretation: On the basis of above mentioned graph, it can be said that 15
individuals believe that by undertaking consideration of gender pay gap with the help of this
company leads to rapid attainment of corporate objective as hereby company considers the
view point of diverse personnel. Further, 15 respondents think that implementation of the
concept leads to creation of better working environment as it motivates them to build social
relations. Lastly, 20 individuals believe that high opportunities are generated as a result of it.
Theme 4: Implementing equality & diversity practices M&S can able to decrease issues
related to gender pay gap
Q4) Do you think, with the help of implementing equality & diversity practices
M&S can able to decrease issues related to gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Agree 45
b) Disagree 5
17
45
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Interpretation: As per the specified graph, it is interpreted that 45 respondents have
expressed that implementing equality & diversity practices provide aid to M&S to reduce issues
related to gender pay gap in best effective manner that further benefit them to increase work
performance capabilities of employees. the other hand, the leftover 5 people have expressed that
it would not affect operations in fact it will their work more smoother and manageable.
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Theme 5: Best suitable strategy for M&S with the help of which they can reduce gender
pay gap in a positive manner at workplace
Q5) As per your opinion, which one is the best suitable strategy for M&S with
the help of which they can reduce gender pay gap in a positive manner at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Effective leadership 25
b) Top to down approach 10
c) Enhance employee participation 15
Interpretation: With the help of above stated graph, it has been identified that
according to 25 respondents, effective leadership strategy assist in implementing strategies as to
reduce gender pay gap issues in best effective manner that significantly aid company to increase
workplace performance of employees. Apart from this, 10 respondents says that top to bottom
approach provide benefits to M&S. At last remaining 15 respondents thinks that with the help of
enhancing employee participation equality & diversity practice implemented in a positive
manner within the organisation.
19
25
10
15
a) Effective leadership
b) Top to down approach
c) Increasing employee
participation at workplace

P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations
In accordance with the whole investigation, equality and Diversity and gender pay gap is
a wide concept that provide different types of a facility to an organisation as well as employees.
In this, organisation is required to make sure that employees within their premises do not get
discriminated on the basis of their gender and every one get equal pay. As with the help of this
employees are free from any kind of discrimination within workplace that further benefits them
to increase their productivity. After conducting research there are certain recommendations for
management team of Marks and Spencer that aid them to increase their business functions
efficiency:
 Marks and Spencer HR manager is required to ensure that they adhere each and every act
related to gender pay gap and further ensure that employees are not get discriminated on
the basis of Race, religion and believe gender base, disability, age and more. This aid
them to make an increase in their employees turnover that automatically contribute in
turnover of company.
 Company is recommended to understand the concept of gender pay gap in organisation.
As it allow them to effectively treat all employees equally.
 In addition with this, it has been recommended to Marks and Spencer to ensure that men
and women get paid on equal basis.
 In addition with this, it is essential for an organisation to ensure that there is no gender
gap discrimination prevails within their work structure, as it simultaneously leads towards
decrease in morale and motivation of employees.
TASK 4
P7 Reflection
During my overall investigation of , gender pay gap is the most important concept that aid
business organisation to make formative increment in employees productivity. Present research
benefit me to enhance my knowledge level about particular topic. It further assists me to gain
20

more opportunities in future. In addition with is present research aid me acquire different type of
skills as well as techniques in order to effectively groom my overall effectiveness. Along with
this, research also aid me to increase my communication skills and decision making skills. With
the help of all these skills I can able to assure my future success. It has been analysed that certain
problems that affected my performance during the time of investigation was collection of
appropriate and effective data from reliable sources. As individual thinks it has been identified
by me that, it take usually lot of time. As they did not answer to the question in correct manner .
Thus, in order to challenge this issue by the help of my communication skills I make formative
communication with different persons as ensure effective outcomes
CONCLUSION
According to the above mentioned report, it has been concluded that equality and Diversity
within workplace play key essential role as to increase overall productivity and profitability of an
organisation. Along with this, entity is required to ensure that, any employees do not get
discriminated on gender basis and every one get equal pay respective of their job role In addition
with this it is essential for all the organisations to make sure that no conflict undertake in
workplace along with any kind of discrimination and each and every employee provided with
equal opportunity. Further organisation is required to ensure that there is formative diversity and
they embrace believe and nature of all types of employees in their workplace structure. This will
aid entity to effectively able to increase workforce productivity that simultaneously lead
organisation towards more sustainable growth. In this research researchers take advantage of
secondary as well as primary research to undertake research in well defined and correct manner
as to fulfil requirements of research in well defined manner.
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REFERENCES
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benefit organizations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.33(3).
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Drews, S. and Van den Bergh, J. C., 2016. What explains public support for climate policies? A
review of empirical and experimental studies. Climate Policy. 16(7). pp.855-876.
Durlak, J. A. ed., 2015. Handbook of social and emotional learning: Research and practice.
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Flick, U., 2015. Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a research
project. Sage.
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M&A integration at every level. John Wiley & Sons.
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[ Online]
Key facts about the gender pay gap. 2019. [Online]. Available
from<https://ourworldindata.org/six-facts-pay-gap>
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Equal pay for equal work: what the law says. 2019. [Online]. Available
from<https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/equal-pay-equal-
work-what-law-says>
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APPENDIX I
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved
(Account for a minimum of six weeks with
dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes
Comments
I have conducted a project on “To
identify the impact of Gender pay gap
on employee’s performance of an
organisation within a workplace” . A
case study on Marks and Spencer.”
Yes
Yes
28.10.19 I am on track
02.11.19 I am on track
09.11.19 I am on track
15.11.19 I am on track
22.11.19 I am on track
30.11.19 I am on track
No
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to your project management plan?
25

26

27

28

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