Role of Equality and Diversity in Reducing Gender Pay Gap - A Case Study on AirDri

This report explores the importance of equality and diversity in minimizing the impact of gender pay gap within an organization, using AirDri as a case study. It examines the understanding of equality act, existing policies, strategies, and advantages of building equality and diversity within the workplace.

Managing a Successful
Business Project
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Title: Role of Equality and Diversity within the workplace to reduce the impact of
gender pay gap. A case study on AirDri.
INTRODUCTION
Every organisation can achieve sustainability for the long term only if their management
understand the importance of employees whose contribution decides their growth and success.
Due to high competition at global level, it is quite difficult for small and medium sized
organisation to enter into international market (Cappelli and Keller, 2017). For this, an adequate
support from diverse workforce must be required so as to ensure that several issues including
gender pay gap, discrimination on different basis etc. cannot affects the business operations. This
report is based on AirDri which is a manufacturing company offering different range of products
in United Kingdom. Under this report, research will be conducted on the chosen topic for AirDri
by following research process such as setting aims and objectives, Literature review, Research
methodology, Gantt chart and WBS, Data collection and analysis, recommendation and reflection
so that a better conclusion can be drawn at the end of research.
LO 1
P1) Aims and objectives of the research
Overview of the Research: The researcher has been carried out by the researcher for its
client i.e. AirDri which deals in manufacturing and selling wide range of dryer in UK market. By
conducting research, it helps an organisation in determining changes in the strategies and new
initiatives to formulate so as to manage the issues related with gender pay gap, gender and
promotion etc. For undertaking a research with efficiency different techniques and methods are
opted to gather relevant and accurate data and information based on the topic of the research on
the basis of which the researcher can identify the various recommendations for the company and
conclusion can be made (Dai and et. al., 2014).
Aim of the research: The aim that has been undertaken is “To identify the importance of equality
and diversity in minimising the impact of gender pay gap issue within an organisation. “A case
study on AirDri”
Objectives of the research: The objectives of the research are:
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 To analyse the understanding of equality act in monitoring the gender pay gap issue at
workplace.
 To examine the existing policies of AirDri to ensure equality and diversity at workplace.
 To analyse various strategies, policies and techniques that assist an organisation to deal
with employment related issues.
 To determine the advantages of building equality and diversity within the workplace.
P2) Project management plan for the research
It is a document that contains the aspects which is essential to consider while carrying out
an effective research. These aspects include cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk,
resources etc. For this, researcher must have skills and abilities to utilise these aspects in an
optimum manner (Skuza, McDonnell and Scullion, 2018). The reason for which an investigator
develops a project management plan is to consider each and every aspect requires to undertake a
research efficiently. Here are such aspects that are briefly explained below:
 Cost: To undertake the research the investigator determine the cost for all the activities
that they have to bear as with the help of this they can determine the amount that they have
to procure or manage (Davis, Frolova and Callahan, 2016). For this they have to prepare
budget in which the cost of undertaking all the activities will be included. The investigator
will incur a total cost of 200 pounds for this research. The allocation of the cost among
different activities is given below:
Description Cost
Survey 50£
Equipment for the project 40£
Travel cost 35£
Management cost 75£
Total 200£
 Scope: The scope of the project defines the cause of undertaking the project. The scope of
this project is wider as with the help of this the influence of the concept of equality and
diversity on the company Airdri can be determined. It will help the organisation in
formulating various policies so that they can meet up with the issue of gender pay gap on
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the basis of the recommendations of the investigator (Segovia-San-Juan and Fernández-de-
Tejada, 2017).
 Time: With the help of this component the time limit for completing the project can be
identified. The time so identified will enable the investigator in allocating time limit to
each and every activity so that they can be completed within the limits so provided to
them. To ensure this Gantt chart and WBS will be prepared by the researcher so that they
can determine the activities and their sequence along with the time limit for completing
them (What is a project management plan?. 2016)....
 Quality: Quality component ensure that the information and data so gathered by the
researcher is taken from authentic and reliable source as with this the quality of the
research outcome can be improved. For undertaking the research investigator will be using
both the sources such as primary sources and secondary sources of data with the help of
which they can gather detailed information from authentic sources. Such as primary data
will be directly taken from the employees of the organisation and secondary from the
website, books, journals etc. To ensure the quality the technique of benchmarking can also
be used by the researcher as with the help of this they can establish quality standards for
the outcome with which they can compare their actual outcomes (Elegbe, 2016).
 Communication: At the time of undertaking the research the investigator need to develop
an effective communication plan so that better communication can be ensured with the
manager handling the project for the AirDri and with his team. For ensuring better
communication the investigator will be using emails, interaction via telephone, video
conference etc. This will facilitate the project manager of the company to track the growth
and performance of the project (Johanson and Mattsson, 2015).
 Risk: Various risk that are associated with the project need to be identified by the
investigator as with the help of this they can plan for mitigating the risk. The risks that are
associated with the project include technical risk, conceptual risk and internal risk.
Technical risk and conceptual risk is related with the use of efficient methods for
collecting and analysing the data. While the internal risk is related with the staff members
of the organisation as from them the primary data will be collected from them through
questionnaires (Kaplan and Donovan, 2016).
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 Resources: For completing the project the researcher has to gather various resources with
the help of which they can efficiently collect the data and provide recommendation to the
company. To support this, the investigator will be purchasing laptop, mobile phones for
communicating with the team members, various books and rights to access to various
sources from where they can collect relevant data.
P3 Gantt chart and WBS
In order to effectively perform a research, the investigator has to analyse proper tools that
can be used by them so that the better quality of the outcomes can be ensured through the research
and the research can be completed on time thereby achieving its objectives. The tools which are
used by the researcher are:
Gantt chart: Gantt chart is a graphical representation in as it is a horizontal bar diagram
which help in allocating the research activities in reference to time which will be required in
completion of each of the activities. This chart helps in determining the relation of activities with
time and with each other so that after the completion of one activity other can be started (Abankin
and Zinkovsky, 2016). This tool was proposed by Henry L. Gantt in 1917 and has been used by
researchers for finishing up the research project within the time limit provided (Kruskal and et. al.,
2018).
Work breakdown structure: This is another tool that facilitae the researcher in efficient
completion of the research as with the help of this tool the complete project can be broken down
into small manageable activities thereby making the large research project look easy and
manageable. Through this tool small milestones which can be easily achieved thereby improving
the confidence of researcher in completion of the project on time (Lindberg and et. al., 2016).
LO2
P4) Small scale research
Research relates to activities which help in developing knowledge about a topic so that deep
understanding about the topic can be created which can help in proving various hypotheses related
to the topic (Loseke, 2017). Research also enable the investigator in gaining holistic knowledge
and in developing understanding about the researched subject which help in improving their views
and opinions about the subject and formulating effective results (Bowl, 2018). There are two
methods of conducting a research depending on the type of information which is collected:
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Qualitative method: Through this method a researcher collects information which helps
in developing deep knowledge about the topic. This information cannot be presented on tables,
graphs, pie charts etc. as this data and information is gained from the opinions or view points of
the people (Ozturk and Tatli, 2016). As this method help in generation of knowledge it cannot be
interpreted directly by analysing a data and is gained from sources like observations, interviews
etc.
Quantitative method: This is the method that facilitate gathering of the information
which is mathematical in nature and can be easily be presented on tables, graphs etc. making it
easier for making interpretations. This method also helps in gaining a clear idea about the
information collected so that highly accurate interpretations can be made through this information.
The ways of collecting quantitative data are surveys, questionnaires etc.
Sources of data collection:
 Primary sources: These are the sources from where the researcher gathers the information
and data directly from the respondents so that up to date data can be gained and
interpretations based on the knowledge and skills of researcher can be made. The primary
sources of information are interview, questionnaires etc. so that fresh and high quality
information can be collected thereby enhancing the efficiency of results (Polonsky and
Waller, 2018).
 Secondary sources: These are the sources from where the researcher gets information
based on the view points, opinions and knowledge of other authors, researcher etc. The
data collected from these sources can be outdated which can affect the quality f
information. Books, articles, journals etc. are the sources through which secondary
information is achieved.
Sampling: It is a method which facilitate in selecting samples from the entire population that
fall under the research. The samples are selected on the basis of similarity in the characteristics
which makes the research easy and the results can be considered for the entire population as a
whole (Sciascia and et.al., 2012). Sampling is an effective way through which research can be
made easier from researcher as research can be conducted ion a small part making the research
less complex and hectic. In this research the sample of 30 employees of Airdri are considered:
Questionnaire
Quantitative questions:
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Q1) Are you aware of the concept of equality and diversity within the workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Do you have the understanding of the significance of implementing equality act within the
organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) According to you, what are the advantages of giving equal rights to all the employees?
a) Improved productivity
b) Employee engagement
Q4) What is the importance of having diversity among workers?
a) Increased innovation
b) Different and new ideas
c) Competitive advantage
Q5) What are the existing policies which are adopted by Airdri to ensure equality and diversity?
a) Indiscriminate recruitment
b) Participative leadership
Q6) What are the strategies that can be adopted by Airdri so that employment related issues can
be solved?
a) Equal and fair opportunities
b) Increased participation
Q7) Why is it important to remove gender pay gap in company?
a) Women empowerment
b) Increased women productivity
c) Improved brand image
Qualitative questions:
Q8) What are the challenges which will be faced while reducing gender pay gap?
a) Male employee resistance
b) Conflicts among workers
Q9) What are the ways through which implementation of strategies can be efficiently done?
a) Training and development
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b) Improvement in company policies
c) Effective communication
Q10) Any recommendations?
LO3
P5 Findings of research
Q1) Are you aware of the concept of equality and
diversity within the workplace?
Frequency
Yes 10
No 20
From the above graph that analysis that can be formulated includes that out of the 30
employees in company only 10 have understanding of the concept of equality and diversity while
the other 20 gave no knowledge regarding the concept. This means that most of the employees of
Airdri so not know the importance of having an equal and diverse working environment which has
led to the gender pay gap. For the organisation it is important that the employees are given
knowledge about this concept so that they can work collectively in an integrated manner and help
in accomplishing the company’s objectives (de Los Reyes, 2016).
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Q2) Do you have the understanding of the
significance of implementing equality act within
the organisation?
Frequency
Yes 12
No 18
From the above graph it can be interpreted that of the 30 employees of Airdri 12 know
about the importance of equality act while the other 18 have no idea about it. This has led to the
discrimination of payment among the employees on the basis of gender. It is therefore important
that the employees have knowledge about equality act so that they can know about their rights
which can help them in getting treated equally in company. This will also help in enhancing their
work performance along with the improvement in work ethics (Elling, Hovden and Knoppers,
2018).
Q3) According to you, what are the advantages of
giving equal rights to all the employees?
Frequency
Improved productivity 15
Employee engagement 15
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On the basis of this graph it is identified that out of total employees interviewed equal
number of them are in favour of that with the concept of the equality and diversity the
productivity of the employees can be improved as well as their engagement can be enhanced.
Thus equal and fair treatment to all the employees is important as it can help in enhancing the
overall productivity of company and also as the employees will become more engaged in
company they can become more loyal towards the company (Guimarães and Silva, 2016). This
help in improving employee retention in company along with increased job satisfaction of
employees so that good working environment can be established.
Q4) What is the importance of having diversity
among workers?
Frequency
Increased innovation 12
Different and new ideas 8
Competitive advantage 10
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With the help of this graph it can be analysed that 12 say that having diversity among
workers can facilitate in incorporating innovation in the company, other 8 are in favour that it can
increase the flow of various ideas whereas the rest 10 says that competitive advantage can be
gained by company (Lozano and Escrich, 2017). Thus having a diverse working environment is
important for a company as workers belonging to diverse culture, with diverse experiences and
different backgrounds can work collectively and use their diverse skills in coming up with
innovative solutions to company problems. It also helps in enhancing company image in market
that can help it in becoming highly competitive.
Q5) What are the existing policies which are
adopted by Airdri to ensure equality and diversity?
Frequency
Indiscriminate recruitment 20
Participative leadership 10
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From graph it can be said that of the 30 staff members of the company, 20 say that the
company has indiscriminate recruitment policies so that diversity in company can be increased
and 10 say that participative leadership is followed by leaders of company for managing equality
in company. These strategies help Airdri in building a diverse working environment and giving
equal chances to all for participating in decision making. However the company need to include
more strategies that can ensure high level of equality and diversity in company.
Q6) What are the strategies that can be adopted by
Airdri so that employment related issues can be
solved?
Frequency
Equal and fair opportunities 10
Increased participation 10
Performance appraisals 10
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This graph reflects that from the 30 workers, 10 say that giving equal and fair
opportunities to workers can help in resolving employee issues, other 10 say that through
participative culture this can be achieved while rest 10 say that performance appraisals can help in
doing so. Thus the company can include all these so that improved working environment can be
established and also it can help in resolving employee issues so that they can work more
efficiently so that the productivity of company can increase.
Q7) Why is it important to remove gender pay gap
in company?
Frequency
Women empowerment 10
Increased women productivity 12
Improved brand image 8
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This graph help in interpreting that out of the 30 respondents, 10 say that removing gender
pay gap can help in improving women empowerment, other 12 say that it can increase the
productivity of women workers in company while the remaining 8 employees says that it can
improve the goodwill of company. Reducing the gender pay gap will enhance the confidence of
female workers so that they can use their skills efficiently. Also as women will be empowered in
company it can help in attracting more talented and skilled labour force in market.
Q8) What are the challenges which
will be faced while reducing gender
pay gap?
Explanation
Male employee resistance While removing the gender pay gap company can face
resistance from male employees as it will take time for
them in leaving their stereotype regarding unequal
payment for the same work based on sex of workers
(Haake, 2018).
Conflicts among workers The conflicts among workers can increase during the
process due to the perception of male workers being ore
efficient than female workers which can also affect the
company functions.
Q9) What are the ways through Explanation
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which implementation of strategies
can be efficiently done?
Training and development By way of effective training programmes and
development sessions the leaders and manager can be
trained on the ways they can use to enhance equality
among workers. It can also help in effective
implementation of company strategies so better value can
be offered to the employees (Lips, 2016).
Improvement in company policies The company can implement equality act 2010 in an
efficient manner so that all the workers can be treated
equally without discriminating among them. The company
can also improve its organisational culture so that female
employees are respected which can help in enhancing the
company’s reputation.
Effective communication With improves and effective communication better
understanding and cooperation among workers can be
ensured which can help in enhancing their performance in
company. Effective communication will also enhance the
overall productivity of workers as they can perform their
tasks in the manner desired.
P6 Recommendations
On the basis of above analysis, the recommended made to the management of Airdri is to
make several changes in their existing business decisions and plans in the context of maintaining a
heathy working environment. Here are some recommendations that the management of AirDri
must take into consideration:
 It has been recommended to the managers of AirDri to conduct recruitment basis without
any discrimination on the basis of religion, nationality, gender etc. As only knowledge and
experience of candidate must taken into consideration during recruitment process.
 The management also required to focus on improving women productivity by giving them
equal opportunities and rights at workplace. This will create a healthy working
environment and better relations at workplace.
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 Further it is recommended that the management of AirDri must organise various training
and development programs for their workforce so as to make them more capable to meet
company’s expectations. This will create competition among employees which in results
increasing productivity of an organisation.
TASK 3
P7 Reflection
During carrying out research, I have limited amount of resources in terms of time, funds,
communication methods etc. Instead of these, I am able to complete my research within given
time frame by getting an appropriate support from my team members. Apart from this, I analysed
my own skills which able me to know my actual strengths and weaknesses. I have good team
work skills as well as project management skills but on the other hand, I ned to work on some of
skills which I observed as my weaknesses such as communication issues, time management etc.
As I know English language due to which I faces difficulties in communicating with employees as
well as customers taken as respondents due to having their different native languages and cultures.
This takes more time to collect relevant data appropriate to the research topic. Thus, I have
decided to improve such skills by engaging in training and coaching programs where I can learn
different languages which will bring confidence in me to communicate with all kinds of people.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of above report it can be it can be analysed that for improving the overall efficiency
and productivity of company it is crucial that the employees are treated equally without
considering their differences in cultures, age, caste, sex etc. This can facilitate in managing and
improving the work culture and also in motivating the employees to use their skills in an better
and efficient manner. Further it is also important that in order to conduct an effective research so
that the research objectives are efficiently achieved it is essential to use proper methodology and
sources for data collection. Also the use of effective tools like Gantt chart and WBS can help in
completion of research on time. Reflection is also an important part of the research as it help the
researcher in reviewing their own skills and identify the areas where improvements can be made
so that research can be made more efficient in future and improve the research competencies of
researcher.
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APPENDIX I
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
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APPENDIX II
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the
learner:
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