Equality and Diversity in the Workplace

This research project focuses on workplace discrimination and the importance of equality and diversity in creating a discrimination-free environment. It explores the issues faced by staff members, strategies adopted by managers, and offers recommendations. The case study is based on Marks & Spencer. Find valuable study material, solved assignments, and more on Desklib.

Research on Equality and
Diversity in the workplace

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The mentioned research project considers information about the topic “workplace
discrimination”. In the place of work of a company, there are several kind of issues are faced due
to equality and diversity which occurs discrimination. In term of gathering information about it,
the research use different research methods and using questionnaire tool to analyse effective
information about it. Effective finding and recommendations are also defined in context of this
research and issue of workplace discrimination.

Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES AND DATA COLLECTION.................................................7
DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION................................................................................11
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................18
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX II................................................................................................................................23

INTRODUCTION
TOPIC
“To develop an understanding of activities associated with workplace discrimination within
a company”.
It is most crucial for a company to endorse equality and diversity in establishment. It will
assist in executing business practices in appropriate and adequate form. Diversity and equality
will direct to maximise in employment fulfilment in workers and improving their execution. By
endorsing equality and diversity at workplace expected aims and objectives could be
accomplished. For the effective completion of this research project, Marks and Spencer is the
branch which is considered (Khan and et. al., 2019). It is highly acknowledged British firm that
is offering its products and services in different nations of the globe. This enterprise was
incorporated in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. It specialise in clothing, footwear
and trendy accessories products. The document will considered information about research aims,
objective and literature review. Further, it will explain about several research methodologies,
recommendations and reflection.
Research Aim:
“To find out several plan of action that is effective to build and create a discrimination
free workplace.” A case study on Marks & Spencer.
Research Objectives:
 To understand the concept of equality and diversity.
 To determine the issues that is faced by employees due to workplace discrimination
within Marks & Spencer.
 To analyse several strategies implemented by administrators of Marks & Spencer in order
to provide discrimination free environment.
Research questions
 What is the concept of equality & diversity within working environment.
 What are the problems faced by staff members due to discrimination within Marks &
Spencer.
 What are various strategies adopted by managers of Marks & Spencer in order to provide
discrimination free environment.
Rationale for the research
1

In the above mentioned research work and investigation is organised in concept
workplace discrimination and how can a working environment make discrimination free. There
are a range of complexities that have to be suffered through establishment when they are
implementing and imposing and discrimination free workplace within the form and strategies are
required to be created in order to deal with it (Kato and Kodama, 2018). Marks & Spencer is
chosen in order to frame several management activities to implement and create discrimination
free workplace. It will assist the company to satisfy several objectives and also maximise their
profitability along with efficiency.
Work Break down structure
It is a tool that is segregated in large projects and in several small factors which can assist
different task to take place in a more appropriate form. It assist in dividing wok and task in small
sections that assists in maximising its efficiency and having cost effectiveness in overall firm. It
is associated with having a hierarchical composition of work that is performed through a project
group so that different deliverable can be formulated. It is connected with appropriate planning
of project, performance of project, monitoring and controlling of several actions that are
connected to project or final reporting (Gordon, 2018). It assist entire project to be accomplished
in adequate form because it is an effective technique to get a specific project to be completed in
particular timeframe.
Gantt Chart
It is a chart that was framed by Henry Gantt who invented this chart in 1910 & 1915.
This chart is utilised to depict relationship among several actions and also associated with current
2

schedule status of a project. It is connected with graphical representation of several actions that
have to be executed with reference to particular time frame (Roberson, 2019). In this, time is
denoted n the x axis which is horizontal and different activities and task on the Y axis. It assists
enterprise in having all information and data as well as remaining updates about information of
project. It is also connected with what are addition assets and resource that are required for
getting project being accomplished on time.
3

LITERATURE REVIEW
The concept of equality & diversity at workplace
Accordant to the view of Marshall, equality and diversity in working environment
indicates to offering similar or fair growth option to workers. It is included as most crucial
section of company as execution of diversity will direct to maximisation in execution
(Georgiadou, Gonzalez-Perez and Olivas-Lujan, 2019). Marks & Spencer is international firm
and it is organising its business practices in several section of the globe. So it is crucial for this
for this venture to promote equality and diversity in working environment because this will assist
in maximising the moral of workers. Equality and diversity will direct to reduce in
discrimination among workers of several cultures, background, colour, race and religion etc.
4

This conception is most crucial for each person who executing in an establishment
because it assists in bringing equal opportunities without any kind of discrimination in working
environment. Equal amount of growth options are being distributed with the assistance of such
conception being accepted through disquieted authorities in any establishment. Diversity at place
of work is mostly connected with advancement of human rights & opportunities and this is with
regards to standards such as dignity (Gottardello, 2019). It is tied up with several individual
components like observing, appreciating and assessment of people’s abilities, foundations and
encounters and then use of these distinction so that there is a requiring employees that can assist
in maintenance of a significant position in rivalry atmosphere.
As per the view of Ruth Mayhew, 2017, Equality and diversity has an important
component that help a firm to accomplish its aims and objectives in an improved form. Diversity
refers to that concept that considers religion, race and other aspects whereas equality refers to
provide equal development options and treatment to the employees in term of language, culture
and religion etc. Implication of this factor in workplace improves whole performance of the
company and also helps to get over with the issues of employees turnover etc. Several workers
can easily be able to communicate appropriately and can administrate effective interaction
among team members in an effective form.
The problems faced by staff members due to discrimination within Marks & Spencer.
There are several complexities and issues that is suffered through workers of particular
enterprise due to maximise in discrimination. It is essential for Marks and Spencer firm to find
out and determine all these problems in reference to minimise its influence.
 Low growth– Due to discrimination within Marks & Spence enterprise, staff members
will not be capable to contribute their maximum effectiveness. It will direct to influence
over their execution and development rate. Discrimination will lead to offer fewer
opportunities to workers that will influence moral of a person (Syed and Ozbilgin, 2019).
Employees will not capable to attain their expected aims and objectives in reference to
discrimination in working environment.
 Reduce job satisfaction– Discrimination in company will direct to maximise
complexities and affect workers. Maximise in organisational issues will lead to impact
over workers execution. Due to discrimination in place of work employees will not feel
fulfilled with their employment.
5

 Low morale: When there is discrimination completed in any firm then it directs to
reduction in worker morale because they do not posses fulfilment for their employment
any more that directs to obligation of unfavourable mindset between the entire employees
in a specific establishment (Hossain and et. al., 2019). Such amount of incompetence
among worker may direct to instant negative impact on efficiency of workers. This will
have serious implications on accomplishment of objectives in a company. Conflicts: There are very high chance that if there are discriminatory activities that are
existing in any form then it may directs to occurrence of serious issues between workers.
It is associated with when special action is offered to one worker then it may have a
unfavourable implication in term of attendance of disappointment in another worker that
may direct to issues between workers. It leads to minimise in their involvement regarding
attainment objectives and at same time, it also minimises their satisfaction extent in
working environment.
Determine various strategies adopted by managers of Marks & Spencer in order to provide
discrimination free environment.
It is crucial for the administrator of Marks & Spencer, organisation to minimise
discrimination from working environment and offer discrimination free atmosphere to workers.
For this administrator of respective firm requires offering discrimination free atmosphere to
workers. For this administrator of respective venture requires improving effective plan of
actions. Administrate of Marks & Spencer enterprise requires to offer efficient training to its
workers. It will direct to endorsing equality and diversity at company and minimising
discrimination conflicts. Training and development plan of actions will assist in developing the
execution of respective enterprise and accomplishment of expected objective.
Another plan of action that can be accepted through Marks & Spencer in the enterprise is
associated with having a cross cultural acknowledgement that is most required for dealing with
several challenges which are arising in business while they are willing to accept activities
associated to equality in any venture (Thomson, Wei and Swallow, 2019). Cross culture
communication is also a ability that is very essential for administrators in working environment.
If administration is aware of culture of individual who are performing in their company and their
respective backgrounds that is crucial for dealing of several operations & modifications in
6

business. Hence, working environment there must be positivity that can be positivity that can
motivate workers so that they can be engaged in all business actions in an effective form.
As per the view of Cristian Grossmann, 2018, equality and diversity ensure each
individual to put their effective involvement regarding and attainment of business objective in an
effective form. Moreover, diversity objectives to respect recognise ad value employee’s
divergences that promote entire performance in an effective manner. Some of the strategies that
Marks & Spencer implements within its working culture is treating equally, help each worker to
develop their full efficiency (Chang and Milkman, 2020). With the help of it, enterprise can
maximise its market share and size or develop their profitability in an amended manner. Several
polices which are associated to activity of assortment of workers can also be reframed so that
there are no discriminatory activities that can direct to discrimination policies in establishment.
Special measures for this consider promotion & recruitment, several kinds of training
programmes for workers who are engaged in hiring and assortment of workers. This will direct
to accomplishment of equality base on all basis such as gender, caste or any such kind of
associated basis.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES AND DATA COLLECTION
There are several methodologies that will assist researcher to collecting and assembling
data. It is crucial that surveyor is utilising accurate and effective methods of data collection
because it will lead to create impact over research project, There are two key sources of
accumulating information is primary and secondary and the description of both methods is
defined as under:
Primary data collection method– This kind of methods is included as correct and
effective form of gathering information. In it, investigator will be capable to collect first hand
and pure information which is never used before. There are several sources by which surveyor
can gather and collect primary information like observation, experiment, survey, interview and
many more. This tool of data collection is needed more time and it is cost consuming that can be
include which is the key limitation of it (Ayega and Muathe, 2018). It is crucial that the
researcher have correct and effective data about the research topic. Primary method will assist in
gathering more reliable and relevant information regarding research topic. In reference to this
research project, the researcher utilise questionnaire to gather information from selected and
targeted people to share their views and ideas in more efficient manner. Due to COVID 19
7

pandemic, the primary source of data collection also affect in negative manner, as researcher is
not able to collect information by making direct interaction with people which affect the
authentic and purity of information. Data protection is the main ethics which is related to the r
research as to collect information the investigator use internet and to protect the information the
person use appropriate technology which assist in securing the information which is considered
by the people regarding research. This will create an optimistic impact over research method in
term of enhancing its reliability and importance.
Secondary data collection method– It is another method of data collection and
determining information within less time. It will lead to assemble more useful and effective data
about the topic. There are several sources by which surveyor can collect secondary information
and this considers books and journals, newspaper, article, magazines, business documents,
government sites, companies websites and many more (García Johnson and Otto, 2019). There
are some demerits of gathering data by secondary tool of information gathering because it will
not be capable to offer authorised information. This data collection method disquieted with those
factor in which researcher collect data and information through articles, journals, magazines and
many more which is already available in the marketplace or it is completed by some other
scholars. In context of this report, researcher makes use of different scholars, magazines, articles
and others for gathering the matter associated to data that help to deliver accessible info for other
contributors between marketplaces. In term of data collection, there are diverse issues faced by
the researcher due to data collection because there is not possible to make direct contact and
communication with respondents and representatives which are selected by the surveyor. This
created major problem as when research collect data by direct contact then the person able to
assemble pure and real data, there will no chance to have fake information.
For the completion of this research project, the surveyor will require £30500 and the
financial plan of it is as under:
Particular 2019-2020 (£)
Implementing technology cost 18000
Expenses on promotional activities 6000
Magazines 2500
Expense on training and development
programmes
4000
8

Total cost 30500
Qualitative Research- It is also a method of gathering information but this is in form
numerical from of information that is assisting in maximising of acknowledgement of opinions
of several representatives. Information collected in this method considers and it is associated
with Human views & perception. This method considers several forms like group discussion,
observations and many more, in this method questions are usually in form of open ended and are
structured but partially. This method and technique is also termed as exploratory investigation
because it assists a researcher to get deep knowledge of particular topic and aid them to develop
an accurate projection in an effective way (Smedley and Rayment, 2018). This method only
target small portion of representatives and it is regarded like more time consuming technique
than quantitative. In reference to this research project, researcher devises use of qualitative
method that assists them to gather deep information about specific topic and authorize them to
provide accurate conclusion for additional assessment.
Quantitative Research- It is a systematic research method of gathering the information
that is in numerical form and is associated with mathematical & statistical form of information. It
is a kind of research that is utilised when there is huge population size. It is a method within
there are several kinds of activity considered like association, online surveys, cross sectional
surveys, sampling methods, online polls and many other such kind of methodologies are section
of qualitative investigator. It also includes of several questions that are close ended and are
greatly structured in a form which assist in gathering structured manner and way of information.
This method is associated with the concept in which data are stated in the form of graph,
numerical, chart and many more (Nachmias and Caven, 2018). Moreover, comparison to
qualitative method, it chooses a number of people for their research that offer them wide scope.
Along with this, it considers different manners to gather data such as observation, interviews and
many more for achievement of the task and work in set time duration.
In this research for devising an analysis of all the assembled data researcher has select
qualitative research method so that several results can be urbanized based on insight of people.
Main reason behind assortment of qualitative method of investigation is that it assists surveyor in
executing an in-depth determination of the data through use of a theoretical structure. This is also
very helpful in having verdicts that can be presented in a more efficient way.
9

Sampling- It is tool that refers to the methods and tools that refers that finding out and
selecting the sample from greater figure of team. There are different types of sampling like
possibility, non-probability, cluster and quota etc, that aid investigator to accomplish the
objective in an accurate form without any issue. In reference to this respective research
document, the investigator makes use of random sampling method and chosen size is 30 workers
from Marks & Spencer.
Questionnaire: It is a series of questions that are designed through a surveyor as per to
information that has been collected from different representatives. In current research project,
there are 50 responders who have been chosen through investigator (Baker and Kelan, 2018).
These questions are very essential for devising a determination of several objectives that have to
be scrutinized through surveyor. These are chosen as those who are stakeholders in Marks and
Spencer.
Questionnaire
Q1. Do you know about the concept of Workplace Discrimination?
(a) Yes
(b) No
Q2. Do think that equality and diversity plays an essential role in attaining business
objectives of the firm in amended form?
(a) Agree
(b) Disagree
Q3. What are the benefits of equality and diversity that advantageous Marks & Spencer in
improving its business performance?
(a) Improve brand image
(b) Promote innovation
(c) Develop profitability ratio
Q4. What are the strategies that can be used by management of Marks & Spencer in term
of building discrimination free workplace?
(a) Providing training and development
(b) Recruit diverse manpower
(c) Frame diversity friendly polices
Q5. What are issues that are faced by manager of Marks & Spencer at the time of
10

managing discrimination at workplace?
(a) Workplace cognition
(b) Gender inequality
Q6. Q6. What are the difficulties faced by Marks and Spencer to overcome from
complexities while managing equality as well as diversity within business organisation?
(a) Effective determination
(b) Employee engagement
(c) Recognising the effectiveness
Q7. What are the issues suffered by employees due to discrimination within Marks &
Spencer?
(a) Lack of information
(b) Unequal opportunities
(c) Lack of motivation
Q8. What are the different plan of action accepted by administrators of Marks & Spencer
in reference to provide discrimination free workplace?
(a) Effective communication
(b) Appropriate policies
Q9. Do you think that several strategies of discrimination management assist in creating an
effective place of work?
(a) Yes
(b) No
Q10. Provide effective suggestion for Marks & Spencer to build and create a discrimination
free working environment.
DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
Theme 1: Concept of diversity and equality
Q1. Do you know about the concept of Workplace
Discrimination?
Frequency
(a) Yes 16
(b) No 14
11

Interpretation: On the basis of above given graph, it has been assessed that from 30
individual person 16 respondent believes, that they generate awareness regarding the concept of
equality as well as diversity. While remaining 14 respondents are not familiar with the concept of
equality and diversity.
Theme 2: Role of equality and diversity in business of the company
Q2. Do think that equality and diversity plays an essential
role in attaining business objectives of the firm in amended
form?
Frequency
(a) Agree 17
(b) Disagree 13
Interpretation: On the basis of above given graph, it has been analysed that among 30
respondent 17 individual person believes that equality as well as diversity is very important for
achieving objective of organisation in proper way. While remaining 13 individual person are not
12
(a) Yes (b) No
13
13.5
14
14.5
15
15.5
16
16
14 Frequency
(a) Agree (b) Disagree
0
5
10
15
20 17
13
Frequency

believes in this concept of equality and diversity that it is necessary for achieving objective of
organisation.
Theme 3: Benefits of diversity and equality which advantageous Marks & Spencer
Q3. What are the benefits of equality and diversity that
advantageous Marks & Spencer in improving its business
performance?
Frequency
(a) Promote innovation 11
(b) Improve brand image 9
(c)Improve profit margins ratio 10
Interpretation: According to given statistical data or information, it has been analysed
that from 30 respondent, 11 respondents provides support to promoting innovation which is
considered as a beneficial for equality and Diversity that help in increasing performance. While 9
individual person agrees with increasing brand image is important for equality and diversity in
company and also remaining 10 respondent believe that improve profit margin are the main
advantages of equality as well as diversity that help in improving implementation in more
appropriate manner.
Theme 4: Strategies of diversity that can use functional unit for managing the working culture
Q4. What are the strategies that can be used by
management of Marks & Spencer in term of building
discrimination free workplace?
Frequency
(a) Providing training and development 12
(b) Recruit diverse manpower 10
13
0
6
12
11 9 10
Frequency

(c) Frame diversity friendly policies 8
Interpretation- On the basis of above given graph, it has been analysed that's among 30
respondents, 12 people believes that providing training is considered as a superior diversity
tactics that is adopted by manager of Marks and Spencer for managing environment of
organisation. While 10 individual people believe that hiring workforce is considered as an
important tactic that is adapted by Marks and Spencer for handling working environment of
organisation. The implementation of diverse policies considered as other strategy that is adopted
by 8 individual people for managing workforce within business organisation.
Theme 5: Equality plan of actions that Marks & Spencer can apply in business function
Q5. What are strategies related to equality and diversity
adopted by Marks and Spencer’s in its functions
Frequency
(a) Offering equal pay 14
(b) Offering options of equal growth 16
14
0
4
8
12
12 10 8
Frequency
(a) Providing equal pay
(b) Providing equal growth options
13
13.5
14
14.5
15
15.5
16
14
16
Frequency

Interpretation: According to visual communication, it has been analysed that from 30
respondents, 14 individual people provide support to tactics of offering equal pay that is
executed by management team of Marks and Spencer in performing its business function or
operations of organisation in an appropriate way and also bring positive environment of
company. According to view point of 16 employees, offer options of equal growth is considered
as other tactics that is applied by functional unit of organisation for proper implementation of
company.
Theme 6: Complexities which Marks & Spencer administrator face while administrating equality
and diversity
Q6. What are the difficulties faced by Marks and Spencer to
overcome from complexities while managing equality as
well as diversity within business organisation?
Frequency
(a) Diversification in language 10
(b) Workforce cognition 11
c) Gender equivalence 9
Interpretation- On the basis of above given graph, it has been analysed that among the
population of 30 individual person, it has been analysed that 10 individual person believes that
diversification in language is considered as a major problem that is confronted by Marks and
Spencer for handling equality within an organisation. While remaining 11 respondents believes
that attitude of employee is considered as a main difficulty which is confronted by Marks and
Spencer and remaining 9 individual people believes that gender equivalence is considered as a
15
0
4
8
12 10 11 9
Frequency

major problem for administration of organisation and also manages equality and Diversity
among employees.
Theme 7: Ways which can be adopt by the manager of Marks & Spencer to get over the
difficulties
Q7. What are the methods which can be adopt by the
manager of Marks & Spencer to get over the difficulties
Frequency
(a) Effective determination 8
(b) Employee involvement 9
(c) Recognising the effort 13
Interpretation- According to above mentioned information, it has been analysed that
among 30 employees, 8 individual people agrees with appropriate determination that is
considered as a proper method that is used by management of Marks and Spencer to overcome
from issues or problem to manage equality and Diversity among subordinate. Employee
engagement is considered as another method that is adopted by administrator of organisation and
it is suggested by 9 individual. Remaining 13 respondent believe that recognising effort is
considered as the appropriate way which is used by Senior management of organisation to
overcome from problem of complexity with an organisation in an appropriate manner.
Theme 8: Problems faced by staff members due to discrimination within Marks & Spencer
Q8. What are the issues suffered by employees due to
discrimination within Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
(a) Lack of information 12
(b) Unequal opportunities 10
16
(a) Effective determination
(b) Employee involvement
(c) Recognising the effort
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
8 9
13
Frequency

(c) Lack of motivation 8
Interpretation: On the basis of above given information, it has been analysed that from
30 respondent, 12 respondent believes that lack of information is considered as a main problem
that is confronted by subordinate of company at workplace which is arise due to various reason.
In addition to this, 10 individual people provide support to unequal opportunity that is considered
as a main issue which is faced by the company when subordinate do not get option of equal
growth within company. And other remaining 8 subordinate are suggested lack of motivation
that is considered as a main reason in relation to discrimination and it affect organisation in
adverse way.
Theme 9: Strategies adopt by managers of Marks & Spencer in order to provide discrimination
free environment
Q9. Do you think that several strategies of discrimination
management assist in creating an effective place of work?
Frequency
(a) Effective communication 18
(b) Efficient policies 12
17
(a) Lack of information
(b) Unequal opportunities
(c) Lack of motivation
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
10
8
Frequency

Interpretation: On the basis of above given graph, it has been analysed that among 30
employees, 18 people believe that appropriate communication is considered as the appropriate
strategy that is used by management team of Marks and Spencer to generate discrimination free
atmosphere in which individual person can increase their skills or knowledge in an appropriate
manner. This strategy is advantageous because subordinate have appropriate knowledge in order
to increase their awareness regarding information of organisation and also increase chances of
occurrence of discrimination that is low. The appropriate policy or tactics which is believes by
12 individual person is necessary for management team of organisation to make appropriate
policy in order to achieve objective of organisation in timely manner.
REFLECTION
The researcher believes that my study will increasing knowledge related to diversity and
equality within business organisation for achieving competitive advantage. Moreover, for
conducting my project in good manner I enhanced aim as well as objective that help me in
performing my work in an appropriate manner. I also added various method of research that
helps me in controlling and monitoring information from chosen company named as Marks and
Spencer staff members. In addition to adopting new software, I was able to interpret different
information in an appropriate manner that provides information regarding diversity as well as
equality among work force. In assistance of this, I am focusing on monitoring or controlling
market that assists in bring appropriate suggestion and also recommendation that direct in
improving overall performance of Marks and Spencer during particular phase of time period. In
particular research project, I am focusing on learning different method that help in adding value
in my career progression I also collect different information by adopting qualitative method in
that I focused on collect more and more information from various employees of organisation
18
(a) Effective communication
(b) Efficient policies
0
5
10
15
20 18
12
Frequency

who belongs from various culture and adopt various languages according to their culture. It
assists in offering information or data regarding various culture, languages, religion that is
advantageous for me in both professionally as well as personal life.
I also confront some issues or problems at a time for performing project related to research.
These complexities or difficulty are connected to time and finance because the duration of time
offer finishing a project of research is not enough as it is necessary for me to collect more and
more information. If some additional time was offered to me than I can prepare a report that is
more attractive. The fund which is needed for finish project of investigation is also a smaller
amount. I adopt qualitative approach for collecting more and more data and I also focuses on
travelling from one place to other that consume cost. Questionnaire is considered as a technique
which consume price because I use questionnaire in order to provide response to its staff member
of Marks and Spencer that also consume price.
RECOMMENDATION
As per prior explained project, it is said that equality and diversity are considered as
important that impose large effect on enhancement or improvement of organisation. There are
various competitions which can be suggested to chosen company for increasing or enhancing
profitability and handle environment of organisation which is going to be mentioned below:
 The main thing which manager of Marks and Spencer make assure that each subordinate
should provide equal treatment without any type of discrimination in connection to
colour, language culture, religion and many more.
 The administration of organisation bring better environment within an organisation and
also bring collaboration among member of group that help in increasing profit margin.
 The administrator of Marks and Spencer focuses on taking action such as encouraging
them to retain in a company for a longer time period. Furthermore, the management of
organisation can also bring control on issue related to labour turnover in adequate
manner. They also offer training as well as learning session that helps in retaining or
sustaining staff member for a longer period of time.
 They also adopt latest technology in order to provide unique or innovative product to its
employees that help in increasing profit margin or sales of company in future period of
time.
Alternative research methodologies and lessons learned given the outcomes
19

Different research methodologies could be used as alternatives to the above used reach
methodologies. One of them is a quantitative analysis that uses statistical analysis to present the
data sources. The other alternatives are an experimental research methodology which may
considers the research about the topic covered. Lessons learned from the review of the outcomes
involve the methods in context of workplace discriminations. The researchers note that it is
crucial and significant to utilise the best methodology which effectively fits the description of the
research.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of above mentioned report, it has been analysed that equality and diversity is
very important for organisation as it maintain appropriate coordination among culture of
organisation and its environment. Furthermore, it is beneficial for organisation to increase
productivity and also take appropriate actions for confronting different challenges as well as risk
in productive way. Apart from this, through Gantt chart and work breakdown structure, the
researcher helps in obtaining required work or achieve goal in an appropriate manner. In addition
to this, it provides direction to have a better coordination among member of group that indicate
favourable results in future period of time. By using both primaries as well as secondary method
and also use certain tools that assists investigator to complete task in timely manner.
Questionnaire is considered as appropriate tools that assists researcher in collecting more and
more information in order to complete the research project in timely manner.
20

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Syed, J. and Ozbilgin, M., 2019. Managing diversity and inclusion: An international perspective.
SAGE Publications Limited.
Georgiadou, A., Gonzalez-Perez, M.A. and Olivas-Lujan, M.R. eds., 2019. Diversity Within
Diversity Management: Types of Diversity in Organizations. Emerald Group Publishing.
Hossain, M. and et. al., 2019. Do LGBT workplace diversity policies create value for
firms?. Journal of Business Ethics, pp.1-17.
Thomson, S.B., Wei, W.X. and Swallow, P., 2019. Equality and harmony: diversity management
in China. Chinese Management Studies.
Chang, E.H. and Milkman, K.L., 2020. Improving decisions that affect gender equality in the
workplace. Organizational Dynamics, 49(1), p.100709.
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Ayega, E.N. and Muathe, S., 2018. Critical review of literature on cultural diversity in the work
place and organizational performance: A research agenda. Journal of Human Resource
Management, 6(1), pp.9-17.
García Johnson, C.P. and Otto, K., 2019. Better together: A model for women and LGBTQ
equality in the workplace. Frontiers in psychology, 10, p.272.
Smedley, D. and Rayment, A., 2018. Time for change–HR’s role in eradicating workplace sexual
harassment. Strategic HR Review.
Nachmias, S. and Caven, V., 2018. Introduction to ‘hidden’inequalities in the workplace.
In Hidden inequalities in the workplace (pp. 1-16). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Baker, D.T. and Kelan, E.K., 2018. HRM practices to diversity management: individualization,
precariousness and precarity. In Human resource management (pp. 117-134). Routledge.
Dahanayake, P. and et. al., 2018. Justice and fairness in the workplace: a trajectory for managing
diversity. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.
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APPENDIX I
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: The impact of talent management on the role HR
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Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
Research aim:
“To find out several plan of action that is effective to build and create a discrimination free
workplace.” A case study on Marks & Spencer.
Research Objectives:
 To understand the concept of equality and diversity.
 To determine the issues that is faced by employees due to workplace discrimination
within Marks & Spencer.
 To analyse several strategies implemented by administrators of Marks & Spencer in
order to provide discrimination free environment.
Research questions
 What is the concept of equality & diversity within working environment.
 What are the problems faced by staff members due to discrimination within Marks &
Spencer.
 What are various strategies adopted by managers of Marks & Spencer in order to
provide discrimination free environment.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are studying, personal
interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):
In the above mentioned research work and investigation is organised in concept
workplace discrimination and how can a working environment make discrimination free.
There are a range of complexities that have to be suffered through establishment when they are
implementing and imposing and discrimination free workplace within the form and strategies
are required to be created in order to deal with it (Kato and Kodama, 2018). Marks & Spencer
is chosen in order to frame several management activities to implement and create
discrimination free workplace. It will assist the company to satisfy several objectives and also
maximise their profitability along with efficiency.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
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Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
The concept of equality & diversity at workplace
Accordant to the view of Marshall, equality and diversity in working environment
indicates to offering similar or fair growth option to workers. It is included as most crucial
section of company as execution of diversity will direct to maximisation in execution
(Georgiadou, Gonzalez-Perez and Olivas-Lujan, 2019). Marks & Spencer is international firm
and it is organising its business practices in several section of the globe. So it is crucial for this
for this venture to promote equality and diversity in working environment because this will
assist in maximising the moral of workers. Equality and diversity will direct to reduce in
discrimination among workers of several cultures, background, colour, race and religion etc.
The problems faced by staff members due to discrimination within Marks & Spencer.
There are several complexities and issues that is suffered through workers of particular
enterprise due to maximise in discrimination. It is essential for Marks and Spencer firm to find
out and determine all these problems in reference to minimise its influence.
 Low growth– Due to discrimination within Marks & Spence enterprise, staff members
will not be capable to contribute their maximum effectiveness. It will direct to
influence over their execution and development rate.
 Reduce job satisfaction– Discrimination in company will direct to maximise
complexities and affect workers. Maximise in organisational issues will lead to impact
over workers execution. Due to discrimination in place of work employees will not feel
fulfilled with their employment.
Determine various strategies adopted by managers of Marks & Spencer in order to provide
discrimination free environment.
It is crucial for the administrator of Marks & Spencer, organisation to minimise
discrimination from working environment and offer discrimination free atmosphere to
workers. For this administrator of respective firm requires offering discrimination free
atmosphere to workers. For this administrator of respective venture requires improving
effective plan of actions. Administrate of Marks & Spencer enterprise requires to offer
efficient training to its workers. It will direct to endorsing equality and diversity at company
and minimising discrimination conflicts. Another plan of action that can be accepted through
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Marks & Spencer in the enterprise is associated with having a cross cultural acknowledgement
that is most required for dealing with several challenges which are arising in business while
they are willing to accept activities associated to equality in any venture
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Khan, N. and et. al., 2019. Diversity in the workplace: An overview of disability employment
disclosures among UK firms. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental
Management, 26(1), pp.170-185.
Kato, T. and Kodama, N., 2018. The effect of corporate social responsibility on gender
diversity in the workplace: econometric evidence from Japan. British Journal of Industrial
Relations, 56(1), pp.99-127.
Gordon, P.A., 2018. Age diversity in the workplace. In Diversity and inclusion in the global
workplace (pp. 31-47). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Roberson, Q.M., 2019. Diversity in the workplace: A review, synthesis, and future research
agenda. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 6, pp.69-
88.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g
research, development and analysis of ideas, writing, data
collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final
outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
Aim and objectives
Literature review
Research methodology
Data collection
Data analysis
Conclusion and recommendations
Submission of final report
How long this will
take:
12 Days
15 days
20 days
25 days
30 days
8 days
3 days
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Milestone one: ___Literature review ________
Target date (set by tutor): _____03-02-2021_______________
Milestone two: ___Research methodology____________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______24-02-2021________________
Gantt Chart
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Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why? What
your areas of research will cover:
Research methodology can be explained as that approach that is associated to method which is
utilised by the company in order to define about method that are issues by researcher in
context of perform research and collect data. This can be discussed as function that aims to
glean and determine appropriate information by research methodology.
Qualitative Research- It is also a method of gathering information but this is in form
numerical from of information that is assisting in maximising of acknowledgement of opinions
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of several representatives. Information collected in this method considers and it is associated
with Human views & perception.
Quantitative Research- It is a systematic research method of gathering the information that is
in numerical form and is associated with mathematical & statistical form of information. It is a
kind of research that is utilised when there is huge population size.
In this research for devising an analysis of all the assembled data researcher has select
qualitative research method so that several results can be urbanized based on insight of people.
Sampling- It is tool that refers to the methods and tools that refers that finding out and
selecting the sample from greater figure of team. There are different types of sampling like
possibility, non-probability, cluster and quota etc, that aid investigator to accomplish the
objective in an accurate form without any issue. In reference to this respective research
document, the investigator makes use of random sampling method and chosen size is 30
workers from Marks & Spencer.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another
qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date
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Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected form human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their
research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: “To develop an understanding of activities associated with workplace
discrimination within a company”.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date: 18-01-2021
Intended research end date: 23-06-2021
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
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Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
There are two approaches of recruitment i.e. probability and non-probability. According to
current project, probability sampling will be applied for recruiting 45 employees of Aston
Martin.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
In order to inform participants about the research, e-mail, oral and written presentation as
a process will be selected.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear
to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
In order to obtain consent from recruited participants, all information about the research
will be provided effectively that in form of written. In this, researcher can easily without
consent to participate at any time.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that
do not wish to answer?
Yes No
If no, please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed
consent to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of
the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general)
Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
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Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data
Protection Act (1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research: Researcher
Where will the data be stored? In computer system
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further detai
ls:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical concerns? If so,
please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise because of
your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include,
but are not limited to the following:
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection).
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 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy:
Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may
arise in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to the Research
Proposal when submitting to Turnitin.
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