Workplace Discrimination

This research project explores the impact of gender discrimination on employee performance in H&M. It aims to understand the concept of workplace discrimination, determine its impact on employee performance, and identify the issues arising from gender discrimination in H&M. The study uses a deductive research approach and includes data collection through a questionnaire. The findings reveal the negative influence of gender discrimination on employee performance and suggest ways to reduce workplace discrimination.

RESEARCH PROJECT

TITLE: WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Proposal
a) Overview of project
Discrimination is related to treating an individual different mainly is worse way due to
their sex, skin colour, sexuality etc. At workplace, discrimination is on the basis on the certain
prejudices and also occurs when employee is to be treated in an unfavourable manner. Enhance
in cultural as well as gender diversity has obligated the staff members from various backgrounds
to be work together for attaining specific objectives (Adesoye and et. al., 2017). H&M is
multinational clothing and operate more than 4500 stores. Gender-based abuse is day-to-day
reality for the woman apparel workers that has pushed H&M company to achieve the production
goals.
b) Research Aim and objectives
“To identify impact of gender discrimination on employee performance. A study on H&M.
Objectives
 To understand concept of the workplace discrimination.
 To determine the impact of the gender discrimination on performance of employees in
H&M.
 To identify the issues arising in H&M from gender discrimination.
Questions
 What is workplace discrimination?
 What is the impact of the gender discrimination on performance of employees in H&M?
 What complexities H&M faced regarding the gender discrimination at workplace?
c) Reason for choosing project
Present research is taken into account on the impact of gender inequality on employee
performance. This study is considered on the effect on the performance of employees of gender
discrimination. It provides information and the issues arising from gender basis discrimination
on the employee’s performance (Barthelemy, McCormick and Henderson, 2016). It aims to
provide better understanding and learner's core competencies so that work can be done easily in
the future.
d) Activities and Timescales

Activities Start time End time
Introduction 24/02/20 27/02/20
Aims and Objectives 28/02/20 10/03/20
Literature review 11/03/20 26/03/20
Research methodology 27/03/20 16/04/20
Submission of Research
proposal
17/04/20 21/04/20
Data collection 22/04/20 19/05/20
Data Analysis 01/06/20 30/06/20
Conclusion and
Recommendations
01/07/20 07/07/20
Recommendations 08/07/20 13/07/20
Submission of final project 14/07/20 15/07/20

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
It is survey of scholarly sources which give overview of gender discrimination area. It is
collection of significant publication related to topic to give comprehensive look. To collect data
in this section, secondary sources used like books, journals, and internet sources etc. In this,
literature review depends on influence on gender discrimination on performance of staff
members (Bruce and et. al., 2015).
2.2 Literature review
Workplace discrimination
According to opinion of Mark Cox (2020) Discrimination is a prejudicial treatment at
workplace that many impact on hiring, promotions, advantages on age, sexual orientation,
gender, religion basis. Discrimination is illegal when victim is member of the protected
category. At workplace, gender discrimination consists treating some person in unfavourable
manner due to gender of a person whether they are current employee or applying for job.
Women employees have made clearer that they have ability to be performed with similar
skill and also success in each endeavour engaged through men. Under this, discrimination
impacted negatively on employees performance as the employees at workplace treated
differently mainly on gender basis. As comparison to male employees, female discriminated
more and they give the less responsibilities and salary. This reduces their morale, enhances
absenteeism and not focused on attaining the specific objectives effectively (Newman,
2014). In context to reduce the workplace discrimination, company required to create
effective policies, apply Equality Act and also provide training so that their knowledge and
skills can be enhanced.
Impact of the gender discrimination on performance of employees in H&M
Kimberlee Leonard (2020) stated that Gender basis discrimination in company is complex
phenomenon that can seen in processes, practices and structures of company. Mostly for
female staff, it is most harmful because in this they are treated less favourable. It has been
believed that discrimination from the management in context of gender or race might have
experience discrimination at organisational level in relation to procedures and policies which
are minimum satisfied, less committed with job to company. From the discrimination in
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H&M, mental issues are arising. The metal health problems are main concern for the
company which have the unstable staff members and taking the retaliatory actions at
workplace. There is a problem arising in H&M company about abusing female workers and
not giving equal pay as equal to men. Gender discrimination against discriminatory practices
will feel lowly motivated. This type of issue arise the negativity on performance of
employees. Other than this, gender discrimination arise disputes in an organisation. Focus of
teams in H&M shifts job duties in company. The conflict influence on performance of an
individual or whole department (Stamarski, Hing and Leanne, 2015). Other than this,
conflict permeates an organisation, down to least significant activities. The morale of team
members falls and people starts to ignore each other. Poor morale of employees develops the
negative impact in organisational culture and this felt through customers directly.
Issues arising in H&M from gender discrimination
According to Sampson Quain (2020) Gender discrimination arise the negative impact on the
performance of employees and this arising many issues for the company as reducing
productivity and profit level. Women employees are continuously push by the gender
barriers and they always demotivated by the team members and management. Gender
discrimination at workplace is a major problem which enhances the tension and conflict
between team members. It lowers female employee performance and minimum
organizational productivity. Discrimination on the basis of gender can impair organizational
efficiency ad that is unable to address the issues that affect the workplace female employees.
In H&M organisation, millions of female employees are forced to be work in intimidating,
humiliating and hostile environment that experience about the different unwelcome sexual
conduct forms (Sipe and et. al., 2016). In supplier factory of H&M, gendered concentration
on the women employees as the helpers and machine operators.
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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Approach
This is a phase which involves steps from the wider definition to methodology and analysis
of the detailed data set. Inductive and deductive are two distinct methods to analysis (Cavalcanti
and Tavares, 2016). In present research, there has been deductive approach used because under
this an investigator can develop the better theory and gain better understanding about conduct a
research.
3.2 Methodologies
a) Sampling
Under this, population is collection of components which has some characteristics in
common. It is process of choosing units from interest population through studying sample that
fairly generalise. There has been 30 sampling chosen which are employees of company through
random sampling method (De Paola and Scoppa, 2015).
b) Data Analysis
It is procedure of examining the data through using logical and analytical reasoning for
evaluate component of provided data. In this, thematic analysis used to make interpretation (Ge
and et. al., 2016).
c) Cost, access and ethical considerations
Cost is considered as important factor to conduct research. Investigator is responsible for
manage the cost as per the research activities so that investigation can be completed. To gather
data by use of secondary as well as primary sources, researcher should have the access and gain
better outcomes. Ethical consideration is necessary while conducting an investigation because
researcher should follow all ethical principles and should not leak the information of respondents
(Lucifora and Vigani, 2016).
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CHAPTER 4: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data collection
It is systematic procedure of gathering detailed and accurate information regarding
collecting the set objective from chosen sample in controlled settings. Secondary and primary are
two various methods of data collection.
In current investigation, primary method used by developing questionnaire because
through using this method an investigator can easily collect information from the large sample
size within minimum time period (Morrell, and et. al., 2015).
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1) What is your gender?
a) Female
b) Male
Q2) Are you victim of gender discrimination?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) Does gender basis discrimination influence on the employees performance in H&M?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) What issues have you faced because of your gender?
a) Low salary
b) Minimum promotional chance
c) Poor workplace treatment
Q5) What is influence of the discrimination on H&M organisation?
a) Reduce productivity
b) Low self-esteem
c) Poor reputation
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Q6) What are the complexities faced by you from arisen the discrimination in H&M?
a) Communication problems
b) Interpersonal conflict
c) Low motivation
Q7) What are the different ways H&M should adopt to reduce workplace discrimination
from gender discrimination?
a) Give training
b) Update Anti-Discrimination Policies
c) Apply gender neutral recruitment processes
Q8) What benefits H&M can get by removing the gender discrimination issue from
workplace?
a) Develop positive working conditions
b) Better employee performance
c) High productivity
Q9) Recommend ways by which H&M can gain the competitive benefits at global level.
4.2 Data analysis, presentation and discussion
DATA SHEET
Q1) What is your gender? Frequency
a) Female 12
b) Male 18
Q2) Are you victim of gender discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 10
b) No 20
Q3) Does gender basis discrimination influence on the employees
performance in H&M?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
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Q4) What issues have you faced because of your gender? Frequency
a) Low salary 10
b) Minimum promotional chance 10
c) Poor workplace treatment 10
Q5) What is discrimination infleunce on H&M organisation? Frequency
a) Reduce productivity 10
b) Low self-esteem 10
c) Poor reputation 10
Q6) What are the complexities faced by you from arisen the
discrimination in H&M?
Frequency
a) Communication problems 15
b) Interpersonal conflict 5
c) Low motivation 10
Q7) What are the different ways H&M should adopt to reduce
workplace discrimination from gender discrimination?
Frequency
a) Give training 10
b) Update Anti-Discrimination Policies 10
c) Apply gender neutral recruitment processes 10
Q8) What benefits H&M can get by removing the gender discrimination
issue from workplace?
Frequency
a) Develop positive working conditions 12
b) Better employee performance 13
c) High productivity 5
THEME 1: Your gender
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Q1) What is your gender? Frequency
a) Female 12
b) Male 18
Interpretation: From the above mention graph, 12 respondents are the female staff. Other than
this, 18 are male. The majority of male employees is high in an organisation.
THEME 2: Victim of gender discrimination
Q2) Are you victim of gender discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 10
b) No 20
10
a) Female b) Male
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
12
18
Column B

Interpretation: In an organisation, among all people one is victim of the gender discrimination
problem. 10 respondents and according to them they are the gender discrimination victim and
face any complexities regarding it. There are remaining 20 respondents which are disagree with
this and said that company treated all the employees on equal basis and also give them equal
chance so that their morale will be enhanced and also focus on achieving particular in specific
time.
THEME 3: Gender discrimination influence on the performance level of staff in H&M
Q3) Does gender basis discrimination influence on employees
performance in H&M?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
11
a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
10
20
Column B

Interpretation: From the mention interpretation, according to 25 respondents that the gender
discrimination has negative influence on staff performance in terms of reducing employee
morale and focusing on achieving specific goals. 5 respondents are not agreeing with the
declaration given.
THEME 4: Complexities have you faced because gender
Q4) What complexities have you faced because gender? Frequency
a) Low salary 10
b) Minimum promotional chance 10
c) Poor workplace treatment 10
12
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
5
Column B

Interpretation: There are several problems faced by employees in H&M on the basis of their
gender. There are 10 respondents which said that minimum salary is a main issue because male
and female both the gender do not get the equal pay as per their job responsibilities and duties.
10 respondents are agreeing with reduce the chance of promotion at workplace. 10 respondents
that gender discrimination creates the workplace treatment in poor manner.
THEME 5: Discrimination impact on H&M organisation
Q5) What is discrimination influence on H&M organisation? Frequency
a) Reduce productivity 10
b) Low self-esteem 10
c) Poor reputation 10
13
a) Low salary
b) Minimum promotional chance
c) Poor workplace treatment
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10 10 10
Column B

Interpretation: Discrimination issues arise negative influence on H&M. 10 respondents which
said that discrimination develops negatively impact on reducing organisational productivity. 10
respondents said that discrimination at workplace reduce self-esteem of employees. 10
respondents said that the discrimination arisen at the workplace makes the mindset of employees
negative and also makes the organisational reputation poor.
THEME 6: Complexities faced by you from arisen the discrimination in H&M
Q6) What are the complexities faced by you from arisen the
discrimination in H&M?
Frequency
a) Communication problems 15
b) Interpersonal conflict 5
c) Low motivation 10
14
a) Reduce productivity b) Low self-esteem c) Poor reputation
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10 10 10
Column B

Interpretation: Under this, there are different complexities faced by the employees in H&M. 15
respondents are agree with arising the communication issues among employer and employees,
employees and employees. This develops the negative environment of workplace. 5 respondents
are agree with arising the interpersonal conflict at workplace for discrimination issues. 10
respondents said that discrimination reduces the motivational level f employees.
THEME 7: Ways H&M should adopt to reduce workplace discrimination from gender
discrimination
Q7) What are the different ways H&M should adopt to reduce
workplace discrimination from gender discrimination?
Frequency
a) Give training 10
b) Update Anti-Discrimination Policies 10
c) Apply gender neutral recruitment processes 10
15
a) Communication problems
b) Interpersonal conflict
c) Low motivation
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
5
10
Column B

Interpretation: To present workplace from gender discrimination, there are different ways
adopted through H&M. According to 10 respondents that management should give training to
employees for gain knowledge on discrimination. 10 respondents are agreeing with Update Anti-
Discrimination Policies. Other than this, 10 remaining respondents are agreeing with applying
gender neutral recruitment processes.
THEME 8: Benefits H&M can get by removing the gender discrimination issue from
workplace
Q8) What benefits H&M can get by removing the gender discrimination
issue from workplace?
Frequency
a) Develop positive working conditions 12
b) Better employee performance 13
c) High productivity 5
16
a) Give training
b) Update Anti-Discrimination Policies
c) Apply gender neutral recruitment processes
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10 10 10
Column B

Interpretation: Under this, it is necessary for company to remove gender discrimination
problems at workplace and gain the more benefits. There are 12 respondents which said that
H&M can develop the positive working situations and each staff will work in team. 13
respondents are agreeing with give the better performance of employees. There are 5 remaining
staff members which stated that by removing gender discrimination, productivity of company
will be high.
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a) Develop positive working conditions
b) Better employee performance
c) High productivity
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
12
13
5 Column B

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion
This is stated from given information; gender basis discrimination develops the negative
influence on employee performance as well as organisational growth. Gender discrimination has
a detrimental effect as it diminishes workers' values and abilities. Goals and targets were
developed based on the particular subject. This study uses secondary methods for instance,
internet sources, newspapers, and more to conduct literature review. Deductive research
approach has been used to gain better understanding about area. To gather the information,
questionnaire has been developed and collected information from 30 chosen respondents.
5.2 Recommendations
Current investigation is based on impact of gender discrimination on performance of staff. Some
recommendations are mention below:
 H&M firm should treat the male and female employees equally to create positive
working culture.
 Company should implement the Equal Pay Act to reduce discriminate from workplace.
 It is necessary for management to provide training to employees so they can deal with
each other in better manner and work together.
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CHAPTER 6: PERSONAL REFLECTIVE STATEMENT
6.1 Reflect on research methods used
In conducting the current investigation, I used quantitative method as this gives the
accurate and reliable information on particular area. Through using this method, this is easy to
collect the information from the large number of population. There has been deductive research
approach used because this is appropriate for the large sample project with the more depth. This
is hypothesis developed from existing theory. For collection of data, there has been primary
method used by developing questionnaire on the basis of specific area. This is an instrument
including series of the questions for collecting the information from chosen respondents. By
developing questionnaire, researcher collected more information within less time period.
6.2 Research methods that could have been used
Research methods are effective way to conducting an investigation or providing tools for
completing the research activities within given time period. In conducting the present
investigation, there has been questionnaire used but other than this, interview could have been
used as research methods. It is systematic methods through which an individual observe deeply
and can bring the required data and information for research purpose. Interview helps in give the
relevant information and also interviewer can observe the activities of interviewee at the time of
interview.
6.3 Areas for further research
The given report is related to impact of gender discrimination on employee’s
performance in an organisation. Through conducting an investigation, research skills and
analytical abilities of an investigator improved. It can able to deal with any kind of risk arise at
workplace in an effective manner. From conducting present investigation, researcher examines
the systematic way to conduct a research by arranging the resources in a proper manner. This is
helpful in future while carrying out the research activities in an effective manner.
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