Investigating the Need of Promoting Equality and Diversity in an Organisational Context

This research project aims to investigate the need of promoting equality and diversity in an organisational context, with a case study on AstraZeneca Plc. It explores the concept of equality and diversity, their importance in developing a productive workforce, the issues faced by AstraZeneca in implementing equality and diversity practices, and ways to promote equality and diversity in the organization.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TITLE: ............................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2: Literature Review ..........................................................................................................3
Chapter 3: Methodology Justification .............................................................................................6
Chapter 4: Methodology Explanation .............................................................................................8
Chapter 5: Results..........................................................................................................................11
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations .............................................................................23
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................23
Recommendations ....................................................................................................................23
Chapter 7: Reflection.....................................................................................................................24
References .....................................................................................................................................26
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................29

TITLE:
To investigate the need of promoting equality and diversity in an organisational context.
A case study on AstraZeneca Plc.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Over view of the Research
The present study is based on the investigating the need of promoting equality and
diversity in context of an organisation. Equality and diversity are two different term but plays an
essential role in the progression of business organisation (Ahern and Clarke, 2013). Diversity
and equality are refers as the term of promoting equality of opportunity for all by enriching
diversity and providing chance to each individual to attain their position which is free from
discrimination or prejudice. In today's modern business environment, individuals are very much
aware in regards to their own rights, therefore it is important for the businesses to promoting
equality and diversity their business promotion. In this the study is conducted over the
AstraZeneca Plc and it is a wide pharmaceutical company which is concern over maintaining
diversity and equality in respect to conducting effective business functions to attain growth and
sustainability.
Background of the Research
In the context of business, diversity and equality has a significant aim to ensure that
everyone has the access to getting same fair treatment and opportunities. Equality and diversity
are two major term which are consequently performs vital role in developing work place
performance via maintaining equality in diversified business operations (Ng and Sears, 2012). In
this particular study, AstraZeneca Plc is selected for this dissertation because, the scope of
chosen subject area is wide. Therefore, the study is based on analysing the need of promoting
equality and diversity in an organisational context, as in this investigation is requires to be
executed over a business and AstraZeneca is effective because it is a large multinational
business which is effective on which investigation execution will be supportive in addressing the
investigation issue in effective manner. In the present study context, investigation over a large
business context is required to gather valuable information to reaching at the significant
outcome. As large business firm AstraZeneca Plc is based on the business ethics that are related
with equalitya and diversity, therefore, the business is also facing issues regarding cultural
1

diversity and equality, so the study execution over AstraZeneca Plc is effective in providing a
significant direction to reaching at the key outcome. AstraZeneca Plc is an English Swedish
multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical business. The company is having its global
business operations with its headquarter is in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The company has
started its operations since 1999 by the effective merger of the Swedish Astra and The English
Zeneca Group. The company has around 61,100 employees who are contributing their
significant efforts in the growth and development of business (Gürtürk and Hahn, 2016). The
potential aim of AstraZeneca Plc is to promoting diversity and maintaining equality for the
purpose of achieving significant edge within commercial centre.
Rationale of the Research
The investigation into consideration is based on analysing the need of promoting equality
and diversity in the context of business, thus this is an wide area of research which is effective in
developing academic as well as practical knowledge base of individual (Barth and et. al., 2014).
The potential reason for conducting the research is to enhancing the idea and knowledge base of
learner towards the area of promoting equality and diversity and how these are beneficial in
attaining growth and success for a business. This present area of study is effective in developing
the academic benefits in enhancing the personal as well as professional ability to perform tasks
in appropriate manner.
Research Aim
To investigate the need of promoting equality and diversity in an organisational context.
A case study on AstraZeneca.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concept of equality and diversity in the context of workplace.
 To analyse the importance of equality and diversity in developing productive and
effective workforce.
 To identify the issues which are faced by AstraZeneca n while implementing equality and
diversity practices. To determine the ways through which equality and diversity could be promoted in
AstraZeneca.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of equality and diversity in the context of workplace?
2

 What are the importance of equality and diversity in developing productive and effective
workforce.
 What issues are faced by AstraZeneca while implementing equality and diversity
practices?
 What are the ways are opt by AstraZeneca in promoting equality and diversity?
3

Chapter 2: Literature Review
The concept of equality and diversity in the context of workplace.
According to the opinion stated by Mercy Njiru, 2014, equality and diversity are two
effective terms which are applied to define and champion diversity, equality or human rights as
referring to the values of society. It mainly promotes equality of opportunities which are
provided to the individuals at work place and providing path to attain their significant objectives
which are free from discrimination and prejudice. In the context of workplace equality and
diversity are the fundamental aspect which are requires to be considered by the businesses to
providing an effective work place environment.
As per the views of Kay Pearman, 2019, equality is refers as the right each individual has
to attain the same treatment without considering their age, gender, social position, race, sexual
orientation and religion. In addition it defines as an effective concept which encompasses over
creating fair treatment for people in society and ensuring each individual are gain fair or equal
opportunity to gain success and reaching at their predetermined aims and objectives that are
effective for the personal and professional development of individual (Janssens and Zanoni,
2014). Diversity is defined as the recognition which ensures that each individual within
workplace are unique and works as per their own capability. In addition to this, the concept of
diversity mainly encompasses over acceptance and respect or is related with an understanding of
exploring the capability of individual in development of opportunities for the businesses at
global level (Choi and Rainey, 2014). In the context of work place diversity defined the term to
employing individual who are having different skills and uniqueness or they are mainly belongs
from different background based on nationality, religion, physical appearance, education, gender
and many others.
The importance of equality and diversity in developing productive and effective workforce.
From the views expressed by Louise Petty, 2016, diversity and equality are two important
element of an organisational context. Effective diversity and equality practices are appropriate in
making sure that the provides services to the individuals are accessible and fair to every one. In
today's modern business environment, the key motive of each small as well as large business
environment is to strengthen their workforces by providing them diversified area of opportunities
and equality within the workplace environment (Kulik, 2014). Equality and diversity in the work
place promotes effective and efficient workforce, thus equality and diversity helps the in
4

motivating employees at work place to contributing their significant efforts in the growth and
success of business. There is innumerable importance of equality and diversity in developing
productive and effective workforce, some are associated as below:
Increased Creativity: In the context of business, workplace diversity and equality develops
creativity, thus diversity and equality helps the firm is retaining individual from homogeneous
group and this create value for the firm in developing creativity (Riivari and Lämsä, 2014).
Therefore, people from different background, culture and religion or education background are
more liable in promoting creativity via providing innovative knowledge base and ideas. This
overall performs vital role in strengthen the workforce of the firm.
Improve moral: Equality and diversity helps the firm in encouraging employees via developing
their moral, thus highly motivated people are effective for the firm in contributing their
significant efforts in the growth and success of business. Equality mainly providing fair
opportunities to the individuals to attain growth within diversified areas.
The issues which are faced by an organisation while implementing equality and diversity
practices.
As per the views expressed by Avijat Niroula, 2017, In today's modern business
environment, the key motive of each small as well as large business enterprises is to attaining
higher growth and success via managing equality and diversity at work place. Managing equality
is the responsibility of the management department, as it is important for an organisation to
promote equality for the attainment of better results and outcomes and this also create value in
reducing discrimination. Along with this, Diversity is the major concern of organisational
authority to explore business functions at global level for the purpose of attaining higher growth
and success (Tatli and Özbilgin, 2012). In successfully implementation of equality and diversity
practices, organisations are facing multiple issues and conflicts, in which some are associated as
below:
Communication Barriers: This recognised as the key issue which is mainly faces by the
businesses during the implementation of equality and diversity practices. Communication is a
major aspect which is requires to be properly implemented by the management in respect to
properly managing business practices (Cooper, Patel and Thatcher, 2013). Therefore, inequality
at work place, create the issue of communicate as employees are not willing to implement
relationship with each other and it affects the overall working of the firm.
5

Insufficient management of operations: This issue is mainly occurs due to diversity, as
businesses are concern over exploring operations at wider level for the purpose of attaining
growth and success. During diversifying business operations the issue of management has arises,
thus businesses are not properly able to execute all the operations in right manner and this has
wider influence over the growth of business.
The ways through which equality and diversity could be promoted in an organisation.
According to the opinion stated by Diane Lynn, 2018, Equality and diversity are two
major aspects which are requires to be considered by the businesses for the purpose of attaining
higher growth and success within the commercial centre. As a large pharmaceutical company, it
is important for AstraZeneca to manage equality and diversity for the purpose of attaining
higher growth and success at work place. There are multiple ways that are implemented by
AstraZeneca to promote equality and diversity at work place, in which some are associated as
below:
Equal Opportunity policy- To promote the equality and diversity, there is a need to company to
develop equal opportunity policy. It is formal manifest that can set out the commitment of
company to fairness, it provides the guidelines and to deal with the issues properly (Guillaume
and et. al., 2013). Through this, an organisation can communicate commitment to the quality of
opportunities in to employment.
Proper Grievance procedure- Grievance is dissatisfaction of staff members which what they
expects from an organisation and management (Laudet and Humphreys, 2013). Management
should follow the proper grievance procedure and solve the issues of those employee s which
face the discrimination related issues, company should treat all employees equally and make the
policies same for each employee.
Work place flexibility- Flexibility helps in able the people and organisation to meet through
making the proper changes to location and time (Olsen and Martins, 2012). At workplace, there
should be flexibility so that employees will feel comfortable to working. Employer should treat
all the staff members equally and deal with them positively. In order to promote equality and
diversity, manager should focus on train employees, prioritise employee work life balance,
remove gender pay gap and any others.
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Chapter 3: Methodology Justification
Research methodology is an important area of investigation which performs a vital role in
assisting the whole work in right direction via the support of suitable selection of methodology.
The main obligation of an investigator is to analyse, select and implement an effective strategy
which is suitable for a specified subject area. The major selection of methodology is based on the
type of investigation, thus an investigation is either called qualitative or quantitative in nature.
therefore the selection is based on the information accumulated by the researcher (Olsen and
Martins, 2012). The present investigation area is based on analysing the need of promoting
equality and diversity in an organisational context. This is a wide area of academic work which
can properly be investigated via the guidance of qualitative research. As it is effective in
providing detailed evaluation over the subject area with the supports of appropriate information.
In this descriptive research design is the most suitable as it is appropriate for quantitative
research and performs effective role in conducting detailed analysis through the support of
theories and hypothesis. In this, information accumulation is based on primary as well as
secondary source of data collection (Singh, Winkel and Selvarajan, 2013). Primary investigation
is effective in accumulation of data which is new in nature and in this data information
accumulation is relay upon survey in which data has been gathered via the help of developing
questionnaire as it is most effective and liable source of collecting primary data. The major
reason for choosing questionnaire is that, it is effective in gathering large amount of data within a
less time duration and also effective in providing information with actual facts and figures which
are liable in reaching at the potential outcome. On the contrary, the major disadvantage of
primary investigation is that it is based on respondents opinion and in this people are meanly not
providing their consent and not showing their concern regarding providing information.
In this the study area of wide as it is important for the researcher to analyse opinion of
respondents and interpret them in actual action. In this secondary investigation is conducted to
justifying the work in viable manner through developing theoretical framework, in which
investigation issue is discussed in detailed manner. In this information is mainly gathered from
books, Journals, newspapers, published research articles etc. Secondary investigation has major
importance in providing suitable guidance to the work through developing an in-depth evaluation
via the support of already gathered data related to the similar area of study. The major
disadvantage of this method is that in this information gathering is tough as the authenticity of
7

sources is matters. Therefore it is important for the investigator to find appropriate sources to
provide suitable information that assist the work in right manner.
8

Chapter 4: Methodology Explanation
This is the most impelling area of an investigation as it assist the investigator in
implementing primary investigation is viable manner to reaching at the potential outcome. This
section is particularly based on providing an appropriate guidelines to implement appropriate
sources and instruments to gather valid and reliable information, that could be resulted in
reaching at the potential results (Ocloo and Matthews, 2016). This part is mainly based on
execution of primary investigation as proper assistance is required to suitable execution of
primary sources. Primary research is effective in determining the need of promoting equality and
diversity at work place of an organisation for the purpose of attaining growth.
Access: Access is the primary concern of an investigator to conduct a research in right manner.
In the present investigation study is conducted over AstraZeneca and the access is required to
collecting information via the opinion analysis of the employees. In this investigation, access has
been gained by the mutual concern of the researcher and the management of the firm, as the
organisational management has providing approval to the researcher to gather information from
their employees as the staff members are more valuable in providing authentic and actual
information. Therefore, there is no need for consent form as the researcher is having good or
mutual relationships with the management of the firm. This could help the researcher in gaining
suitable information (Ellemers and et. al., 2012). After gaining the approval questionnaire is
being circulating via the email facility and the questionnaire related to the chosen subject area
are mailed to the respondents who are having significant idea and knowledge regards the area of
equality and diversity. As people with suitable knowledge related with similar area are effective
in rending authentic information.
Sampling: Sampling is the most imperative part of an investigation as it is effective in
determining the accuracy of the outcome. Sampling is emphasises over selecting people.
Therefore, population is the aggregation of the aspects that has some or other characteristic in
common manner. Sampling mainly replicates from the original population and it is mainly based
on probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling methods. In the present investigation work
sampling has been select through random sampling as in this randomly individuals are picked
among the group in which people are having idea about the similar area of study. Sample size of
30 has been taken and in this respondents are the individuals who are aware about the chosen
subject area and employees and staff members of the organisation, as people with high
9

knowledge are mainly liable in providing information in regards to the area of analysing the need
of promoting equality and diversity in the context of business growth. In this male and female
both the staff members are involves, who are belongs from the age group of more than 18 years.
Primary data collection instrument: This is also an important area of investigation as it refers as
a general term which is applied by the researcher as a most appropriate device for measurement.
Primary research is defined as the procedure of collecting information from original aspects as
opposed to gathering data from another research that are already being done by others. Primary
investigation is effective in providing actual information over the subject area of determining the
need of promoting equality and diversity in an organisation (Gay, 2013). Primary informations
can be accumulated from multiple sources like self administration, interview, survey, field
observation and experiments. In the present area of work information is gathered through
conducting survey via developing a questionnaire which covers the aim and objectives of the
research.
Data collection administration: This is also a major task which is requires to be performed by
the researcher in respect to maintaining the authenticity and management of information. In the
present investigation area, interview is conducted and questions are being asked to the individual
who are having supportive knowledge regarding the subject area through execution of an
personal interview. The researcher have to administer the questionnaires and the informations in
appropriate manner and analyse them to reaching at the potential outcome. In this administration
has been done through receiving questionnaire via the help of email and suitable management
has been done through receiving views of the selected people from the staff member of
AstraZeneca through the exponential support of survey. Therefore, information gathered from
the survey is kept in the form of word document and than analysis section is conducted through
assisting the work in right manner.
Data analysis approach: Data analysis is refers as the procedure of analysing the information via
applying analytical or statistical techniques to gather appropriate data and aid in organisational
decision making. This part of investigation methodology plays vital role in analysing the
gathered information to providing suitable outcome on the investigation area (Valls and
Kyriakides, 2013). In the present area of investigation data has been analysed with the help of
thematic analysis as in this themes are prepared on the questions of that are being asked in the
survey via the help of questionnaire and also cover the aim and objectives of the study. Thematic
10

analysis is the most suitable tool which is effective in assisting the work in right manner and
reaching at the key outcome.
Ethical issues relevant to the research: In the execution of an investigation, the key
consideration of the researcher is to follow the research ethics in respect to carry out the work in
right manner. Research ethics are needs to be followed by the researcher for the purpose of
implementation of investigation actions in viable manner. Research needs to ensure their
respondents about the safety and security of their personal information as responsive are having
the issue regarding unauthorised use of their personal data. It is the primary obligation of the
researcher is to do not ask any sort of questions that are related with the emotion of sentiment of
the respondents (Carr and et. al., 2015). The another issue faces by the researcher is the time and
cost of the project, thus dissertation is a wide conceptual framework which needs a large time
duration to be completed in effective manner. Therefore, majorly investigators facing issue in the
prescribed time for completion of an dissertation, thus the given time is less and it is not possible
for an investigator to complete the work within the given time. However, for addressing this
issue researcher needs to develop an appropriate time scale in which all activities are segregated
with a particular time duration in which the task needs to be addressed. This is the best way to
manage research practices. Along with this, researcher also requires to manage cost and funds, as
few activities in research are cost consuming and it is important for the investigator to manage
funds and capital to complete the work in liable manner.
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Chapter 5: Results
Frequency Table:
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of equality and diversity in an
organisational context?
Frequency
Yes 29
No 1
Q2) Do you think, that the management of an organisation is mainly concerned
with promotion of equality and diversity practices?
Frequency
Yes 28
No 2
Q3) Do you think that, there is a need to promote equality and diversity in the
context of an organisation ?
Frequency
Yes 27
No 3
Q4) How important do you think equality and diversity for a business operating
in the current business environment?
Frequency
Highly Important 25
Less Important 2
Neutral 3
Q5) What are the importance of equality and diversity in developing productive
and effective workforce?
Frequency
Increased Creativity 8
Improve moral 7
Creating positive working relationship 7
Effective decision making 8
12

Q6) What major issues are faced by people due to discrimination and inequality
within an organisation?
Frequency
Low demand for services by survivors 7
Anxiety at workplace 15
Demoralization of employees 8
Q7) Do you think, is there any need for AstraZeneca to make any sort of
improvement within the current state of diversity and equality practices?
Frequency
Needed 24
Not Needed 3
Neutral 3
Q8) Do you agree that, it is required for a business to treat all people equally
who are worked at different level?
Frequency
Agree 26
Disagree 2
Neutral 2
Q9) Do you think that, proper management of equality and diversity is effectual
for AstraZeneca in achieving growth at global level?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Q10) What potential ways are opt by AstraZeneca to promote equality and
diversity at work place?
Frequency
Equal Opportunity policy 12
A proper Grievance procedure 8
Work place flexibility 10
13

Thematic Analysis:
Theme 1) Individual are aware about the concept of equality and diversity in an
organisational context.
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of equality and diversity in an
organisational context?
Frequency
Yes 29
No 1
Interpretation:
The above mentioned chart stated that 29 out of 30 respondents are aware about the
concept of equality and diversity as it is a most common and wide area on which knowledge is
required to being an important part of an organisation. Remaining one individual is not aware
about the same due to lack of knowledge.
14
29
1
Yes
No

Theme 2) The management of an organisation is concerned with promotion of equality and
diversity.
Q2) Do you think, that the management of an organisation is mainly concerned
with promotion of equality and diversity practices?
Frequency
Yes 28
No 2
Interpretation:
From the analysis of the project it has been determined that 28 out of 30 employees said
that yes the management of an organisation is concerned with promotion of equality and
diversity. As it is effective in systematic execution of organisational operations. Remaining
people are not in favour with the same as per their view management of a firm is not really
concerned with promotion of equality and diversity.
15
27
3
Yes
No

Theme 3) There is a need to promote equality and diversity in the context of an organisation.
Q3) Do you think that, there is a need to promote equality and diversity in the
context of an organisation ?
Frequency
Yes 27
No 3
Interpretation:
According to the in-depth study analysis it has been identified that 27 out of 30
respondents are in favour with the statement that there is a need to promote equality and diversity
in the context of an organisation, thus work place environment with effective practices of
equality and diversity are effectual in enhancing organisational operations. Leftover individuals
are not in favour with the same.
16
27
3
Yes
No

Theme 4) Equality and diversity management is highly important for a business to operating
in the current business environment.
Q4) How important do you think equality and diversity for a business operating
in the current business environment?
Frequency
Highly Important 25
Less Important 2
Neutral 3
Interpretation:
According to the descriptive evaluation over the investigation topic it has been evaluated
that 25 out of 30 individual said that equality and diversity management is highly important for a
business to operating in the current business environment. 2 people said it is not much important
and remaining are neutral as they are not providing any discussion on the same.
17
25
23
Highly Important
Less Important
Neutral

Theme 5) There are different importance of equality and diversity in developing productive
and effective workforce.
Q5) What are the importance of equality and diversity in developing productive
and effective workforce?
Frequency
Increased Creativity 8
Improve moral 7
Creating positive working relationship 7
Effective decision making 8
Interpretation:
From the detailed analysis of the given graph it has been interpreted that 8 out of 30
respondents are said that Increased Creativity is the major importance of equality and diversity in
developing productive and effective workforce. 7 individuals are go with improve moral, 7 are
go with creating positive working relationship and remaining are go with effective decision
making.
18
8
7 7
8
Increased Creativity
Improve moral
Creating positive working
relationship
Effective decision making

Theme 6) There are different issues that are faced by people due to discrimination and
inequality within an organisation.
Q6) What major issues are faced by people due to discrimination and inequality
within an organisation?
Frequency
Low demand for services by survivors 7
Anxiety at workplace 15
Demoralization of employees 8
Interpretation:
According to the detailed evaluation of the project it has been founded that, there are
different issues that are faced by people due to discrimination and inequality within an
organisation. 7 out of 30 respondents are in favour of low demand for service by survivors, 15
are go with anxiety at workplace and remaining are in favour of demoralization of employees,
thus these are the key issues which are mainly faces by the businesses.
19
7
15
8
Low demand for services by
survivors
Anxiety at workplace
Demoralization of employees

Theme 7) There is a need for AstraZeneca to make any sort of improvement within the
current state of diversity and equality practices.
Q7) Do you think, is there any need for AstraZeneca to make any sort of
improvement within the current state of diversity and equality practices?
Frequency
Needed 24
Not Needed 3
Neutral 3
Interpretation:
The given report stated that 24 individuals said that yes it is needed for AstraZeneca to
make improvement within the current state of diversity and equality practices as to enhancing
organisational operations and remaining individuals are not in favour with the same as few
respondents said that it is not much needed and few are not giving any opinion on the same.
20
24
33
Needed
Not Needed
Neutral

Theme 8) It is required for a business to treat all people equally who are worked at different
level.
Q8) Do you agree that, it is required for a business to treat all people equally
who are worked at different level?
Frequency
Agree 26
Disagree 2
Neutral 2
Interpretation:
According to the detailed analysis of the graph it has been determined that 26 out of 30
respondents are agree with the statement that it is required for a business to treat all people
equally who are worked at different level, as it is effective in maintaining the coordination and
collaboration. and 2 individual's are disagree with the same and remaining are neutral as they are
not providing any argument on the same.
21
26
2
2
Agree
Disagree
Neutral

Theme 9) Proper management of equality and diversity is effectual for AstraZeneca in
achieving growth at global level.
Q9) Do you think that, proper management of equality and diversity is effectual
for AstraZeneca in achieving growth at global level?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Interpretation:
According to the survey report it has been analysed that 25 people said that proper
management of equality and diversity is effectual for AstraZeneca in achieving growth at global
level. and leftover individual's are not agree with the same.
22
25
5
Yes
No

Theme 10) There are multiple ways that are opt by AstraZeneca to promote equality and
diversity at work place.
Q10) What potential ways are opt by AstraZeneca to promote equality and
diversity at work place?
Frequency
Equal Opportunity policy 12
A proper Grievance procedure 8
Work place flexibility 10
Interpretation:
From the analysis of the chart it has been interpreted that, there are multiple ways that are
opt by AstraZeneca to promote equality and diversity at work place. 12 out of 30 individual are
go with equal opportunity policy, 8 are in favour of a proper grievance procedure and remaining
are go with work place flexibility.
23
12
8
10
Equal Opportunity policy
A proper Grievance procedure
Work place flexibility

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion
From the in-depth analysis of the project it has been concluded that equality and diversity
are two major aspects that are requires to be implemented by the businesses to effectively work
on these two aspects as it is needed for an organisation to promote equality and diversity for the
purpose of betterment of organisational operations and functions. From the detailed investigation
executed over the respondents opinion it has also been concluded that majority of individuals are
aware about the concept of equality and diversity as it is important to have knowledge regarding
these two aspects for the purpose of managing business performance. In this present analysis
majority of people are in favour that management of a business is very much concern with the
promotion of equality and diversity practices. According to them the key consideration of
management is to maintain equality and diversity for the purpose of increasing moral of
employees at work place. After the opinion analysis of the organisational employees it has been
concluded that majority of individual are in favour that, there are various importance of quality
and diversity like increased creativity, improved moral, creating positive working relationship
and effective decision making, thus these are effective in increasing productive and effective
workforce. Along with this, the discussion has also created over the issues which are mainly
faced by people due to inequality, thus as per the opinion of majority of people it has been
determined, that anxiety at workplace is the major issue which is mainly occurs at work place.
More individual's are also said that it is important for the chosen business to improve their
equality and diversity practices for the purpose of more growth within commercial centre.
Individual's are also giving their view on the statement that it is important for a business to
equally treat their employees, therefore equality is effective in maintaining the collaboration and
coordination among the employees. According to the views analysis of the respondents it has
also been analysed that, there are multiple ways that are opt by the business to promote equality
and diversity at work place, thus, majority of people are in favour of equal opportunity policy, as
per their view this is the best way to promote equality and diversity at work place.
Recommendations
The present study into consideration is based on the analysing the need of promoting
equality and diversity in an organisational context, thus, the area of study is wide and it is a most
24

common aspect which is mainly faces by the businesses and its employees due to the issue of
equality and diversity. From the detailed investigation executed over the chosen area it has been
recommended that, as a large Swedish pharmaceutical business, AstraZeneca should follow all
business ethics in which equality and diversity are included. Company should equally treat their
employees who are working on different level for the purpose of establishing collaboration
within top management and subordinates. The company should, implement concentrated over
resolving the issues like anxiety low demand, demoralization of employees in respect to
developing healthy work environment. Company should also implementing motivational
practices with promoting equality and diversity, thus this is effective in enhancing employees
morals, therefore this could be resulted in attaining high growth via the implementation of
effective employees contribution. Company should also maintain an effective working culture, in
which equal opportunity can be provided to the employees at work place. For improvising
organisational production and function, company should also give their potential in execution of
developed and advance processes, as it is effective in promoting innovation and enhance
business production.
Chapter 7: Reflection
Considering the present exploration work is recognised as one of the key achievement for
me, as the scope of study related with the subject area of analysing the need of promoting
equality and diversity in an organisational context, is wide. It was a new and efficacious
experience for me which helps me in developing my skills and capability regarding the particular
subject area or I have also gained knowledge regarding the suitable implementation of
investigation activities. The success of the investigation is evaluated by me through gathering
authentic information which are effective in addressing the investigation issue in effective
manner. The authenticity of investigation is evaluated via the completion of the work through
proper management of time and cost. The present investigation area is benefited for me in
exploring my knowledge and skills base which are beneficial for me in attaining my future goals
in more appropriate manner. The key benefit, which I have attained by the investigation is that I
am now having suitable knowledge regarding equality and diversity and how it could be
effective in increasing organisational operations. The investigation is moving ahead on right
track, as I have being expected earlier. During the investigation procedure I have done lots of
research on the chosen subject area and find accurate information that supports the work in right
25

manner to reaching at the potential outcome. In the investigation execution process, I have been
surprised by the implementation of methodologies as I have been found that, it is important for
an investigator to implement all the methodologies in right place to reaching at the potential
outcome. If in case I had a second chance to execute investigation in right manner, than I would
love to conduct survey among wide range of people, as it is effective in providing appropriate
information that are effectual in assisting the overall investigation in right manner. From the
detailed, analysis of the project I have been learned lots of things, in which I have been mainly
concentrated about the implementation of methodologies. I have gained knowledge in
accumulation of information from the different sources, thus I have learned how to gather
primary as well as secondary information with the support of suitable selection of
methodologies. I have mainly gained knowledge regarding primary data collection via
conducting a survey with the help of questionnaire. Therefore, this will effective for me in
providing help in execution of my future projects in more liable manner.
26

References
Books and Journals
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Gürtürk, A. and Hahn, R., 2016. An empirical assessment of assurance statements in
sustainability reports: smoke screens or enlightening information?. Journal of Cleaner
Production. 136. pp.30-41.
Janssens, M. and Zanoni, P., 2014. Alternative diversity management: Organizational practices
fostering ethnic equality at work. Scandinavian Journal of Management. 30(3). pp.317-
331.
Kulik, C.T., 2014. Working below and above the line: the research–practice gap in diversity
management. Human Resource Management Journal. 24(2). pp.129-144.
Tatli, A. and Özbilgin, M. F., 2012. An emic approach to intersectional study of diversity at
work: A Bourdieuan framing. International Journal of Management Reviews. 14(2).
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Guillaume, Y.R. and et. al., 2013. Getting diversity at work to work: What we know and what we
still don't know. Journal of occupational and organizational psychology. 86(2). pp.123-
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programs: A theoretical framework and directions for future research. Journal of
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27

Ellemers, N. and et. al., 2012. Women in high places: When and why promoting women into top
positions can harm them individually or as a group (and how to prevent this). Research
in Organizational Behavior. 32. pp.163-187.
Gay, G., 2013. Teaching to and through cultural diversity. Curriculum Inquiry. 43(1). pp.48-70.
Valls, R. and Kyriakides, L., 2013. The power of Interactive Groups: how diversity of adults
volunteering in classroom groups can promote inclusion and success for children of
vulnerable minority ethnic populations. Cambridge journal of education. 43(1). pp.17-
33.
Carr, P. L. and et. al., 2015. Inadequate progress for women in academic medicine: findings from
the National Faculty Study. Journal of women's health. 24(3). pp.190-199.
Barth, M. and et. al., 2014. Learning to change universities from within: a service-learning
perspective on promoting sustainable consumption in higher education. Journal of
Cleaner production. 62. pp.72-81.
Ng, E. S. and Sears, G. J., 2012. CEO leadership styles and the implementation of organizational
diversity practices: Moderating effects of social values and age. Journal of Business
Ethics. 105(1). pp.41-52.
Choi, S. and Rainey, H. G., 2014. Organizational fairness and diversity management in public
organizations: Does fairness matter in managing diversity?. Review of Public Personnel
Administration. 34(4). pp.307-331.
Riivari, E. and Lämsä, A. M., 2014. Does it pay to be ethical? Examining the relationship
between organisations’ ethical culture and innovativeness. Journal of Business Ethics.
124(1). pp.1-17.
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effects of faultlines on top management team performance. Organization Science.
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through:
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_Administration_QCF_Unit_59_-
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29

Appendix
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Email:
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of equality and diversity in an organisational context?
Yes
No
Q2) Do you think, that the management of an organisation is concerned with promotion of
equality and diversity?
Yes
No
Q3) Do you think that, there is a need to promote equality and diversity in the context of an
organisation ?
Yes
No
Q4) How important do you think equality and diversity for a business operating in the current
business environment?
Highly Important
Less Important
Neutral
Q5) What are the importance of equality and diversity in developing productive and effective
workforce?
Increased Creativity
Improve moral
Creating positive working relationship
Effective decision making
Q6) What major issues are faced by people due to discrimination and inequality within an
30

organisation?
Low demand for services by survivors
Anxiety at workplace
Demoralization of employees
Q7) Do you think, is there any need for AstraZeneca to make any sort of improvement within
the current state of diversity and equality practices?
Needed
Not Needed
Neutral
Q8) Do you agree that, it is required for a business to treat all people equally who are worked
at different level?
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Q9) Do you think that, proper management of equality and diversity is effectual for
AstraZeneca in achieving growth at global level?
Yes
No
Q10) What potential ways are opt by AstraZeneca to promote equality and diversity at work
place?
Equal Opportunity policy
A proper Grievance procedure
Work place flexibility
Q11) Any suggestion you want to recommend to the business to attaining competitive edge
via developing diversity and equality operations.
31