Issues and Challenges of Equality and Diversity in the Workplace

This document discusses the issues and challenges that may arise from not maintaining equality and diversity in the workplace. It explores the concept of equality and diversity, the impact of not maintaining it, and measures to resolve these issues. The document includes a project management plan, literature review, research methods, and a questionnaire. The subject is business management, and the course code and college/university are not mentioned.

Managing a Successful
Business Project
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Contents
TITLE: “What issues and challenges may arise out of equality and diversity in the workplace and
what measures could be taken to resolve them?”............................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
1. Aim and objectives of project......................................................................................................3
2. Literature Review.........................................................................................................................4
Concept of equality and diversity in relation to organisation.................................................4
Issues and challenges that may arise out from not maintaining equality and diversity in
workplace...............................................................................................................................5
Different measures which assist in resolving the issues associated with equality and diversity
................................................................................................................................................5
3. Project Management Plan............................................................................................................6
Gantt chart..............................................................................................................................7
Work Breakdown structure...................................................................................................10
4. Research methods and approaches.............................................................................................10
5. Data analysis and interpretation.................................................................................................14
Data analysis.........................................................................................................................14
Data interpretation................................................................................................................15
6. Reflection on overall experience from project...........................................................................22
7. Recommendations and suggestions for improvement...............................................................22
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24
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TITLE: “What issues and challenges may arise out of equality and diversity in the
workplace and what measures could be taken to resolve them?”
INTRODUCTION
1. Aim and objectives of project
Background of study:
Equality and diversity and very significant concepts in an organisation and is necessary
for management to ensure it within the workplace. It will provide many benefits to company in
terms of improved profitability, increase employee engagement, promote innovation and
creativity etc. (Sarter and Thomson, 2019). However, there are several challenges that may arise
while maintaining equality and diversity in workplace. Marks and Spencer is a well-known
organisation which offer its products and services since 1884. This project aims to assess the
issues and challenges which may arise due to quality and diversity in workplace and the
measures that can be taken to resolve them.
Aim of study:
The primary aim of performing this project is “To assess the issues and challenges that
may arise out of equality and diversity in work place and the measures which could be taken to
resolve them. A case study on Marks & Spencer”.
Objectives of study:
The objectives associated with this study are provided underneath:
1. To understand the equality and diversity concept in relation to organisation.
2. To analyse the issues and challenges arise out from not maintaining equality and diversity in
workplace.
3. To determine different measures which assist in resolving the issues associated with equality
and diversity.
Questions of research:
The research questions in relation to this project are as follows:
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1. What is the concept of equality and diversity in relation to organisation?
2. What are the issues and challenges that may arise out from not maintaining equality and
diversity in workplace?
3. What can be the different measures which assist in resolving the issues associated with
equality and diversity?
2. Literature Review
It represent a systematic analysis and scanning of secondary information exists in the form
of pats facts and researchers work. Literature review forms an important part of a project as it
provides a base for further investigation and also leads to better information and understanding
about the selected topic and its objective with the help of secondary sources (Buttrick, 2018).
For current project following literature review is lead out on the topic of equality and diversity
with the help of review and scanning of online articles and journal, a discussion and analysis of
which is provided below:
Concept of equality and diversity in relation to organisation
As per the view point of Mary Jones, 2019, the concept of equality is all about ensuring
that everybody has an equal opportunity and fair atmosphere within an organisation where no
one is treated differently or discriminated because of their characteristics or physical appearance.
Further, it has been also analysed that the concept of diversity is associated and related with
setting and placing a positive value among people belongs to different culture and background
through eliminating and reducing those differences. Apart from this, it has been also analysed
that the Offering fair, courteous and equal opportunities to all individuals along with making
strategies and efforts for fully embracing the principle in order to treat all employees with
fairness is also a vital aspect of concept of equality. On the other hand, diversity facilities and
ensures knowledge of different areas of the community along with a better understanding of
market segments and consumer behaviour through recruiting and hiring employees from
different background (Christian, 2019). Thus, an analysis can be that concept of equality and
diversity in relation to organisation is also about providing a working environment where people
of all backgrounds and experience feel valued and equally appreciated.
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Issues and challenges that may arise out from not maintaining equality and diversity in
workplace
With respect to the information provided by the Brown, J., 2017, it has been analysed that
many issues and challenges are encountered by an organisation in absence of equality and
diversity at its workplace. Ineffective workplace culture lead by lack of collaboration and
coordination among employees is lead by absence of equality as employees belongs to other
culture and background feel humiliated and discriminated. Apart from thus, lack of equality and
diversity leads to creation of a negative feeling and dissatisfaction among employees which leads
to increase in the case of employee turnover and also hampers the motivation and performance
level of employees (Gechman, 2019). Apart from this, an analysis can also be made that the lack
of equality and diversity in workplace leads to enhancement in cases of harassment and criticism
at workplace which leads to creation of stress and depression among employees who belongs to
diversified culture that hampers the morale and satisfaction level of employees which carets and
lead to many challenges for an organisation in form of high employees turnover along with
enhanced chances of chaos and conflicts at place of work.
Different measures which assist in resolving the issues associated with equality and diversity
According to the opinion of the Greene, A.M., 2019, it has been analysed that various
measures are there which provide assistance and guidance to resolve the issue associated with
equality and diversity. Encourage effective communication among employees is a vital measures
which assist in resolving the issues associated with equality and diversity as it encouraging a
better collaboration and bonding among employees which eliminates the chances of chaos and
conflicts. Apart from this, Developing diversity policies and unbiased HR practises is also a vital
way to ensure better creation of diversity at workplace through providing equal job opportunity
and fair promotion strategies to all employees without any kind of discrimination on the basis of
race, culture or background of an employee. Providing regular cultural and diversity training is
also a vital measure and way to support equality and diversity through enhancing knowledge of
all employees about various culture so that a sense and feeling of respect and mutual
consideration can be generated among diversified employees for better management of equality
and diversity (Iacobucci and Rosa, 2019).
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3. Project Management Plan
Project management plan basically represent a written form of document that is mainly
used by a manager and researcher to provide vital information and guidance for a project or
investigation. Project management plan comprises of detailed information regarding the various
aspects of project starting from its commencement, execution, implementation and monitoring
(Islam, 2019). Following project management plan has been prepared for current project on
Marks and Spencer which provided all needed information regarding the crucial aspects of
current project.
Cost- The aspect of project management plan facilitates information about the estimated
expense and cost of various activities involved in conducing and leading out a project. The cost
of current project has been estimated around £ 200 a bifurcation of which is provide below.
Estimated Budget
Particulars Amount
Transportation cost £60
Cost incurred in technology and internet £100
Other Expenses £40
Total Cost £200
Time- The information regarding the estimated duration which is required to conduct or
complete a project is provided by this aspect of project management plan. The efficiency and
viability of a project is mainly depended in the duration required for completing a project
(Buttrick, 2018). The estimated time duration needed to achieve objective of current project and
complete all set of activities and task is around 9-10 weeks.
Quality- The quality level of a project is mainly depended on the authenticity and
reliability of data collected along with meeting all the ethical consideration while performing an
investigation. To maintain the quality level of current project data has been collected only from
authentic sources to maintain the faithfulness and authenticity of data. Further to meet the better
quality level implication and use of both primary and secondary sources had been made.
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Communication- It is one of the ms crucial aspect and part of project management plan
which is related and associated with the ensuring free flow of information. To maintain an
interrupted and continuous flow of data and information during the times of COVID-19 for
current project use and implication of online modes of communication is made which consists of
e-mails and social media tools (Christian, 2019).
Risk- This aspect of project management plan provides information about various issues
and problems that can be faced while conducting or performing any task. The main issue is
related with management of time and resources as because of COVID-19 many issues and
obstacles are faced during collection of data that forms biggest risk for current project.
Resources- It represent the set of assets and techniques that are utilised for conducting
and performing a project and research work. Current project comprises of use of human resource
in form of participants and team members, financial resource to mmeet reserch expenses,
technical resource like internet and other assets are made to achieve the deired targets and
objective of current research.
Scope- The scope of current investigation is very wide which comprises of issues and
challenges may arise out of equality and diversity in the workplace along with determination of
the measures that could be taken to resolve them (Gechman, 2019).
Gantt chart
It is basically a horizontal bar graph that provides information about the research task and
activities in a more clear and systematic way. Thus, use of following Gantt chart is made to
systematically present the activities of current project in order to remove the chances of chaos
and over lapping of work (Miller, 2020).
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researc
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information
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submit
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Work Breakdown structure
It is a project management tool which is used for current project to remove the chances of
duplication of work through properly bifurcating and dividing the complex activities into small
manageable task for timely accomplishment of set objectives (Cachia, 2019).
4. Research methods and approaches
It forms a vital part of every project which comprises of discussion about the methods and
approaches used for gathering of information along with analysis and interpretation (Gordon,
2018). For implication and use of appropriate form of research method utilisation of research
onion is made which provides viable justification for selection of each method and approach.
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Figure 1: Research Onion, 2020.
Research philosophies- Basically this forms the first layer of research onion that is divided
into four parts which comprises of Posistivitism, realism, interpretivism and pragmatism form of
research philosophy. Out of theses four types use of positivism form of philosophy is most
suitable and justifiable as it facilitates and lead a more systematic and practical set of principles
to lead a study and meet desired objectives (Hamidullah, 2015).
Research approach- It is basically represent the second layer of resrch onion that is
bifurcated into two main types i.e. deductive and inductive approach. From these two set of
approaches adoption of deductive approach is more suitable and justifiable as it provide support
for quantitative form of data and also facilities a better analysis and testing of collected data to
meet and achieve set objectives.
Research strategy- This provides a complete framework and design for a conducting and
leading out a research which comprises of action research, experimental research, interviews,
surveys, case study research or a systematic literature review (Lee, 2018). With respect to current
investigation use of survey method is made for collection of primary data through use of
questionnaire where as systematic literature review is used for secondary research work. The
questionnaire is as follows:
Questionnaire
Name:
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Age:
Email:
Address:
Q 1) Are you aware of the concept related to equality and diversity in relation to a business
organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) In what way, having equality and diversity in workplace is beneficial for Marks &
Spencer?
a) Improves productivity
b) Increase engagement of employees
c) More diverse culture
d) Healthy workplace environment
Q 3) What can be the key issue that management of business entity face from not managing
equality and diversity in workplace?
a) Ineffective workplace culture
b) Increased turnover of employees
c) Low employee morale
d) Reduced productivity
Q 4) According to you, what can be the main impact of inequality on employees working
within Marks & Spencer?
a) Lack of motivation
b) Internal dissatisfaction
c) Increased absenteeism
Q 5) As per your opinion, which is the best way to resolve the issue related to equality and
diversity?
a) Encourage effective communication
b) Develop diversity policies
c) Provide diversity awareness training
d) Administering equal growth opportunities
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Q 6) Are the measures taken by Marks & Spencer effective in maintaining equally diverse
workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral
Q 7) How effective the training programme of Marks & Spencer is in aware employees
regarding significance of equality and diversity for the organisation?
a) Highly effective
b) Effective
c) Neutral
d) Ineffective
e) Highly ineffective
Q 8) Recommend any other way for company which supports in maintaining equality and
diversity in workplace
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Choice of method- there are two main set of research method i.e. qualitative and
quantitative method of research out of which use of quantitative nature of research is most
suitable for current investigation. Implication of qualitative research method consists of
collection of in-depth data with the help of interview as research tool which is more complex and
time consuming (Sarter and Thomson, 2019). Thus, utilisation of quantitative form of research
method is made to conduct current research project as it facilities and ensures easy and fast
collection of data through use of questionnaire in numeric terms that is easy to present and
analysis to achieve set objectives in more efficient and better way.
Time Horizons- It is basically of two types i.e. cross sectional and longitudinal form of
time duration from which application cross sectional time horizons is made as it ensures shorter
period of time duration for conducting and leading out a research (Miller, 2020).
Data collection and analysis- There are two common form of sources from where data is
gathered which comprises of secondary and primary sources use of both of which are made for
current investigation. Primary sources comprises of first hand and most authentic information
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that is gathered with the help of questionnaire. On other side secondary data is gathered with the
help of past article and journals to support and provide base for project.
Sampling method- It is basically associated with selection of number of observation from
a large population to complete a project in more efficient way (Cachia, 2019). With respect to
current project a sample size of 20 participants is selected with the help of random sampling
method from the employees of Marks and Spencer,
5. Data analysis and interpretation
Data analysis
Q 1) Are you aware of the concept related to equality and diversity in
relation to a business organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 17
b) No 3
Q 2) In what way, having equality and diversity in workplace is beneficial
for Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Improves productivity 5
b) Increase engagement of employees 4
c) More diverse culture 6
d) Healthy workplace environment 5
Q 3) What can be the key issue that management of business entity face
from not managing equality and diversity in workplace?
Frequency
a) Ineffective workplace culture 5
b) Increased turnover of employees 5
c) Low employee morale 6
d) Reduced productivity 4
Q 4) According to you, what can be the main impact of inequality on
employees working within Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Lack of motivation 7
b) Internal dissatisfaction 7
c) Increased absenteeism 6
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Q 5) As per your opinion, which is the best way to resolve the issue related
to equality and diversity?
Frequency
a) Encourage effective communication 5
b) Develop diversity policies 5
c) Provide diversity awareness training 5
d) Administering equal growth opportunities 5
Q 6) Are the measures taken by Marks & Spencer effective in maintaining
equally diverse workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 3
c) Neutral 2
Q 7) How effective the training programme of Marks & Spencer is in
aware employees regarding significance of equality and diversity for the
organisation?
Frequency
a) Highly effective 7
b) Effective 9
c) Neutral 1
d) Ineffective 2
e) Highly ineffective 1
Q 8) Recommend any other way for company which supports in maintaining equality and
diversity in workplace
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Data interpretation
Theme 1: Awareness of the concept related to equality and diversity
Q 1) Are you aware of the concept related to equality and diversity in
relation to a business organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 17
b) No 3
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Interpretation: on the basis of above frequency table an interpretation could be made that
from a total of 20 participants 17 were there who were having a awareness and perception about
the concept related to equality and diversity in relation to a business organisation where as only 3
respondents were there who were unaware about the concept of equality and diversity.
Theme 2: Benefit of having equality and diversity in workplace
Q 2) In what way, having equality and diversity in workplace is beneficial
for Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Improves productivity 5
b) Increase engagement of employees 4
c) More diverse culture 6
d) Healthy workplace environment 5
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Interpretation: The above stated graph is reflecting that having equality and diversity in
workplace is beneficial for Marks & Spencer as 5 participants were having an opinion that it
would lead to improvement in productivity where as 4 opted for Increase engagement of
employees. Apart from this, 6 other respondents had also supported more diverse culture along
with 5 left out participants who favoured for Healthy workplace environment as the benefit of
having equality and diversity in workplace for Marks & Spencer.
Theme 3: Key issue face by management of not managing equality and diversity
Q 3) What can be the key issue that management of business entity face
from not managing equality and diversity in workplace?
Frequency
a) Ineffective workplace culture 5
b) Increased turnover of employees 5
c) Low employee morale 6
d) Reduced productivity 4
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Interpretation: Ineffective workplace culture is identified a key that management of
business entity face from not managing equality and diversity in workplace which was supported
by 5 participants dig current study along with 5 other respondents who favoured Increased
turnover of employees. Besides this, 6 participants were also having a feeling that low
employees’ morale is also an issue that management of business entity face from not managing
equality and diversity in workplace where as 4 opted for reduced productivity.
Theme 4: Impact of inequality on employees working within organisation
Q 4) According to you, what can be the main impact of inequality on
employees working within Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Lack of motivation 7
b) Internal dissatisfaction 7
c) Increased absenteeism 6
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Interpretation: As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that according to 7 out of 20
respondents, lack of motivation can be the main influence of inequality on employees working in
company, 7 people said that internal dissatisfaction is the main impact and according to
remaining 6 respondents, increased absenteeism is the main impact of inequality on employees.
Theme 5: Best way to resolve the issue related to equality and diversity
Q 5) As per your opinion, which is the best way to resolve the issue related
to equality and diversity?
Frequency
a) Encourage effective communication 5
b) Develop diversity policies 5
c) Provide diversity awareness training 5
d) Administering equal growth opportunities 5
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Interpretation: According to the above chart, it can be said that as per the opinion of five
out of 20 respondents, encourage effective communication is the best way to resolve issues
associated with equality and diversity, 5 said that developed diversity policy is the best way,
according to another five respondents providing diversity awareness training is the best way and
the remaining five respondents said that providing equal growth opportunities is the best way to
resolve the issue.
Theme 6: Effectiveness of measure taken by Marks & Spencer in maintaining equally diverse
workplace
Q 6) Are the measures taken by Marks & Spencer effective in maintaining
equally diverse workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 3
c) Neutral 2
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Interpretation: As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that according to 15 out of 20
respondents, the measures taken by company are effective in maintaining equality diverse
workplace, three people said that the measures taken by company are not effective and the
remaining to respondents respond neutral towards it.
Theme 7: Effectiveness of training programme in aware employees on significance of equality
and diversity
Q 7) How effective the training programme of Marks & Spencer is in
aware employees regarding significance of equality and diversity for the
organisation?
Frequency
a) Highly effective 7
b) Effective 9
c) Neutral 1
d) Ineffective 2
e) Highly ineffective 1
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Interpretation: According to 7 out of 20 respondents, the training program provided by
company is highly effective in awaring employees about significance of equality and diversity, 9
respondents said that it is effective, one respondent act neutrally, according to 2 respondents, the
training program is ineffective and the remaining one respondent said that it is highly ineffective.
6. Reflection on overall experience from project
By performing the project, I learnt so many things. This help in improving my skills and
competencies and make me able to perform the future projects more effectively. Apart from this,
by the help of this project, I am able to gain deep insights on topic along with the other areas
associated with the topic. In addition to this, there are different research methods used in this
project including quantitative research method, survey strategy etc. by the help of which I am
able to perform the research project systematically and accomplish aim of project.
7. Recommendations and suggestions for improvement
As per the analysis and interpretation, it is recommended to the company that it should
provide its employees with appropriate training and development program in order to make them
aware regarding the significance of equality and diversity for workplace. Apart from this, the
managers of Marks and Spencer should treat all its employees equally without discriminating
them on any basis and provide them with equal growth and development opportunities so that
they are able to grow and develop to their fullest potential.
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CONCLUSION
As per the above mentioned report, it can be concluded that the managers need to maintain
equality and diversity in workplace in order to make it more productive and ensure that all the
employees work effectively towards accomplishment of organisational goals. There are some
challenges or issues which managers face while maintaining equality in diversity involving
ineffective communication, lack of effective leadership etc. The manager needs to ensure that all
these challenges must be addressed properly by developing effective strategies which can help
company in maintaining equality and diversity in workplace.
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