Equality and Diversity in the Workplace: A Case Study on Marks & Spencer

This research project focuses on the topic of equality and diversity in the workplace, with a case study on Marks & Spencer. It explores the importance of managing cultural diversity for the success of the organization and discusses various strategies that can be adopted to effectively manage diversity at the workplace.

Research project
Table of Contents

Research topic: Equality and diversity in the workplace. A case study on Marks & Spencer........1
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................1
Background of research..........................................................................................................1
Overview of selected organisation.........................................................................................1
Research aim and objective....................................................................................................1
Rational for research...............................................................................................................2
Research Questions................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Literature review............................................................................................................2
Chapter 3: Research methodology...................................................................................................5
Chapter 4: Data analysis and Interpretation.....................................................................................9
Chapter 5: Research findings and stakeholders.............................................................................14
Research findings.................................................................................................................14
Communication with stakeholders.......................................................................................15
Chapter 6: Reflection.....................................................................................................................15
On effectiveness of current research....................................................................................15
On alternative research methodology...................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
Appendix I: Research Proposal Form............................................................................................17
Appendix II : Research Ethics approval form................................................................................23

Research topic: Equality and diversity in the workplace. A case study on
Marks & Spencer.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Background of research
With rapid growth and expansion of business organisation across various economies and
nations due to globalisation and advancement in technology thus, concept of workplace diversity
is also enhancing which has caused and lead to significant importance for managing equality and
diversity (Danso, 2018). Proper management of equality and diversity is necessary for an
organisation to ensure better workplace environment and to maintain efficiency and productivity
level of employees. Thus, following research work is based on the topic of equality and diversity
at workplace together with the strategies to effectively manage diversity at workplace.
Overview of selected organisation
The organisation selected for current research work is Marks and Spencer which is one the
major British multinational retailer having its headquarters in Westminster, London. This
organisation mainly deals in and having specialisation in selling clothes, home products and
other food products (Lozano and Escrich, 2017). Thus, being a multinational organisation it is
essential for this organisation to manage equality and diversity at its workplace to maintain and
enhance skills and creativity of its staff together with overall performance and success of
organisation.
Research aim and objective
Aim
The main aim of this research is, “To study the importance of managing cultural diversity
for success of an organisation.”
Research Objectives
The main objectives of this research project conducted Marks and Spencer are stated as
follows:
• To determine the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation like
Marks & Spencer.
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• To study the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural
diversity (Li and et. al., 2017).
• To identify the various issues that company face in managing cultural diversity.
Rational for research
The selection of current research topic is fully rationale from view point of an organisation
as it facilitates better understanding about concept of equality and diversity and also lead to study
of the various strategies that can be adopted to manage cultural diversity. Thus, it is crucial and
helpful for companies as it facilitates a more effective way to motivate employees and create a
positive workplace environment to enhance efficiency and productivity level. Further, the current
research is also vital from view point of researcher as led to enhancement in managerial skills
and also meets its educational and academic purpose for better professional career in future.
Research Questions
 What are the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation like Marks &
Spencer?
 What are the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural
diversity?
 What are the possible issues that company face in managing cultural diversity?
Chapter 2: Literature review
A literature review is a kind of reviewing article through some sort of scholarly paper
which present the current knowledge where it includes the substantive facts and findings,
theoretical as well as methodology contribution on a specific topic of research which it also helps
to considering the nature and significance of research (Civitillo, Juang and Schachner, 2018). It
represent literature review may be included as part of a peer reviewed journal article presenting
the new research, as this literature review is considered the cultural diversity and its significance
as well as the manage the structure of Marks and Spencer’s company.
a) To determine the importance of managing the cultural diversity of an organization like
Mark Spencer’s
According to the Katie Sawyer, 2018. As the cultural diversity is a existence of the various
about the cultural or ethnic group which relates within the society where, the culture is
demonstrate is lying into values from which the people behavior and attitude are reflected from
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the virtue of culture and the Culture Diversity in the workplace is the outcomes of practices
values, belief and traditions of workforce based on demographic factor such as race age
ethnicity, religion and gender etc. As managing of culture diversity in the context of Mark and
Spencer’s which is London based retail company which endorsed products of textiles and others,
there are some important factor which determine the suitable for managing the culture diversity
are: Create written policies or regulations: A company allows to involves their own practices of
policies which are related to diversity norms into their employee or workforce handbook which
guide to each individual about to behave and gaining of principles and rules in aspects of non
discrimination of laws, the compensation of benefit and pay etc (Koenig and De GuChteneire,
2017). By facilitating the effective training to employees: In organization to work in according
to set of rules and regulation the workforce needs to having sensitive and effective training
which make the better workplace for employees, the training can generates the core values
understands the company mission and vision as well as plan of action. By imposing zero
tolerance policy: In this sort of managing the culture diversity is that after employees gets proper
induction and training related with culture diversity issues, the company needs to set a structure
where employees have not be repeated the mistakes or errors by which company will not be
reliable or not to be acceptable any form of violation. Enhancement of positive thoughts:
Through culture diversity it also driven the gaining of positive though which helps to leads the
accomplishing for organizational goals where it hardly matters to putting or contributing efforts
but it loyalty towards the work is matters where the individual personality judge by superior as
well as the performances (Georgiou, 2017). Innovation: In every organization having a same
background of a particular workforce where they are having the similar ideas or creativity but
due to the proper diversity workforce allows to brings the unique perspective on different
situation arises and allowing with challenges about how to solve the issues as in innovative way
or strategic source of innovative which enhanced the competitive edged. Productivity and
Growth: In diversity driven in the organization where it focuses the improvisation in employee
contribution bring the productivity through the skills and innovative ideas helps to enhance the
effective productivity and the growth is emphasis about the particular organizational body which
enabled the success through the performance driven by employees which it allows the profits
and praises for growth. As above mentioned points are highlighted towards the importance and
managing of culture diversity in the workplace through driven by managerial strategies and other
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factors of behavioral skills which overall can be implement in the Mark and Spencer’s company
to develop the culture diversity into their premises (Tsapenko and Monusova, 2017).
b) To study the various strategies which can adopted by Mark and Spencer’s to manage
the culture diversity:
As per the opinion by the Mic helle Seidel, 2019. By implementation in organization
polices may be refers the culture diversity issues which comprises about the gender, age, Sexual
Harassment, disabilities and religion with the generating of actual goals and enhancement of
equality in opportunity for every workforce who are working in the company. There are some
strategies which helps to driven the idea of culture diversity manage in the context of the Mark
and Spencer’s company are:, Mentioning personal competences: There are some companies
which promotes the diversity to identify the most prominent valuable employee in the
organization where they appreciate the competencies which the employee has contributed for
achieving some sort of target (Kühlmann and Heinz, 2017). The policies which are generates to
employees it contain the different norms which has been identify the organizational growth and
the procedure of compliance driven on the basis of the regulation which company has
implemented. Recruitment andCompliance: The employees are most concerned with seeking for
job through one motive that is having a systematic culture diversity in which the company is
recruiting as per the requirement of company positions vacant through which many candidates
not approach the processing of hiring in the organization when there is not surety about the
salary or culture diversity, some of the organization are seeking for only those workforces who
are having the high potential effectiveness which provides the valuable outcomes towards the
company’s growth, Compliances are the most important part of the culture diversity where it also
a responsibility in which the diversity can implement through it. It allows the work regulatory
laws and other factor laws which allows the allowances provides the benefits for long term
purposes and also generates the work discipline in the premises. By holding people accountable:
Through implies of rules and regulation which highlight the action take against negative
violation or any misbehave such as sexual harassment and any kind of bullying scrutinizing by
the top priorities and allows the immediate action towards the violation happen by consulting
through victims and experts for analyzing the situation after that the punishment is dependable
on the judgment (Verkuyten and Yogeeswaran, 2020). Having a evolve continuation: The role
of diversity is not brings the changes of the corporate culture or not for employee performance
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development but also it allows to make understand the change which has been implement
through culture diversity it leads to attaining the goals as well as it helps to evolve the laws, and
continue to work with workforce in the new diversity having a new rules and regulation.
For above discussion in literature review it is driven the company of Mark and Spencer’s
company where it applies the strategies of culture diversity to manage and significant proceed
through with compliances for enhancing the better work culture within the premises
c) Identify various issues when the company faces to manage to culture diversity.
According to the Andrew Patrick, 2012. The practices of culture diversity at work is
brings the equality and the work discipline towards the betterment of the company long term
period. But due to implementation of effective diversity there is also arises of challenges or
issues which effect the irony of culture diversity in employee and organizational performances,
to overcame from issues of culture diversity is to brings the work equality in the company such
as Mark and Spencer’s where they allows all type ages and male and female workers and they
work with effective coordination and there should not having the caste or other type of
discrimination which increase the violence as well as by enhancing some sort work compliances
which develop the internal structure of organization premises where it would bring the positivity
in employee performance and company’s growth (Maher, 2018).
Chapter 3: Research methodology
A research methodology `which provides the a set of particular process and techniques
which are assorted by researcher or expertise to identify, select the optimum process to rectify
the data information that to related to the topic (Pentassuglia, 2017). This methodology is also
provide the strategies by which data has been gathered and interpetated for reaching the
outcomes and generates the conclusion of the research.
Research Philosophy:
It provides a belief towards the ways in which data about the topic or phenomenon should
be gathered and collected through analysis by researcher.
Positivism: It refers the researcher nature to focused on predicting and detailed observing
the outcomes of research as it is a scientific method to mapped the high structured with behavior
and values.
Interpretivism:In this researcher is determining the rich or precious data collection to
generates the better specialization (Roch, Dean and Breidenstein, 2018).
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As for this research there is use of Positivism philosophy to provides the analyzation with
focusing research outcomes on an important aspects.
Research Approaches
It represent the process and planning which is used by researcher in which it includes sort
of steps with assumptions for an effective method of data collection. It contains the two
approaches which are given below:
Deductive:This approach is a selective theory which is obtain by providing hypothesis
for that created theory and finally collecting of data on the basis of hypothesis. The main focus
having to testing the approach from the given data (Wang, Cheng and Leung, 2017).
Inductive: This approach is focuses on the upcoming new generation theory emerging
from the data. It provides a better logical procedure by multiple assumption and premises and
compiled with specific conclusion.
For this research there is assorting of Deductive approach which generates the new
optimum theory through given hypothesis.
Research Method:
Research method facilitates a systematic procedure by which it conducts and meeting
objectives of any research. There are two main types of research method are given below:
Qualitative method: By using of this method which is made by a researcher through
depth and detailed knowledge about the attitude and behavior of respondent with purpose of
research.
Quantitative Method: By using of this method the researcher is keen to looking for the
data in numeric and arithmetic format by which it represent the data with the view of brief
participation but not having role in depth knowledge (Gundara and Jacobs, 2019).
As for this particular research there is a use of Quantitative research data is made as this
provides the statistical framework of data which makes the research objective outcomes.
Sources of data collection:
It formally represent the rising of the data from where it is actually collected. This having
two essential sources are as follow:
Primary Sources:As from this source the data has been gathered where it emphasis the
reliability and authentic as well as scrutinizing from self efforts by researcher.
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Secondary Sources: This source of research is been assort by researcher through other
data which having its existence or collected from the past research (Trautmann, 2018).
As for the above research there is use of both primary and secondary where the self
assessing of data is procced by primary factor while the other data interpretation is evaluaute by
secondary.
Sampling method:
A sampling method is used by researcher where it collected the data information through
larger population. There is use of simple random sampling taking 30 respondent from the
workforce of Mark and Spencer’s.
Questionnaire:
It is a written document structure which complies the group of question related to specific
topic of research or other subjective matter (Danso, 2018). Use of following questionnaire is
made to collect information from 30 respondents from workers of Marks and Spencer.
Questionnaire
Q1) Is it necessary for Marks and Spencer to adopt and make strategies for effective
management of equality and diversity to enhance its performance and productivity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What are the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation like
Marks & Spencer?
a) Enhanced productivity
b) Better creativity and performance
c) Higher level of motivation and satisfaction in employees
Q3) Are you agreed with the fact that higher competitive strength and better business
position is also lead by proper management of cultural diversity?
a) Agreed
b) Disagreed
Q4) What are the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural
diversity?
a) Fair recruitment
b) Compliance with law
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c) Strict action and accountability against discrimination
Q5) What are the possible issues that company face in managing cultural diversity?
a) Dynamic nature and behaviour of employees
b) Language and cultural barrier
c) High employee expectation and turnover
Q6) Any further recommendation for Marks and Spencer to manage cultural diversity for
its success?
Gantt Chart:
It is an horizontal bar graph which provides graphical presentation of significance task
and steps related with the research where it generates the transparency and flexibility of research
objective (Lozano and Escrich, 2017).
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Ethical Consideration:
As for this research the data has been collected as well the questionnaire is been made to
assure the workforce of the company that their reviews would be confidential and the research
would not influence any negative impact in aspect of ethical perspective.
Chapter 4: Data analysis and Interpretation
Use of pie charts and frequency table is made for analysis and interpretation of quantitative
data.
Theme 1: Necessary to adopt and make strategies for effective management of equality and
diversity
Q1) Is it necessary for Marks and Spencer to adopt and make
strategies for effective management of equality and diversity to
enhance its performance and productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 28
b) No 2
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Interpretation
To maintain the motivation level and positive workplace environment that are essential
for better performance and productivity of organisation, effective management of equality and
diversity has become essential as the above the pie chart is depicting that 28 respondents out of
30 are in support of this fact while only 2 participants are there who are not in favour of
necessity of effective management of equality and diversity to enhance its performance and
productivity of Marks and Spencer.
Theme 2: Significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation
Q2) What are the significance of managing cultural diversity for an
organisation like Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Enhanced productivity 8
b) Better creativity and performance 15
c) Higher level of motivation and satisfaction in employees 7
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Interpretation
Management of cultural diversity is highly significant for an organisation like Marks and
Spencer as it has been evaluated that 8 respondents believes that it lead to enhanced productivity
where as 15 participates have favoured Better creativity and performance as its main advantage.
Further, 7 respondents are also there who are having a thinking that higher level of motivation
and satisfaction in employees is the main significance of managing cultural diversity for an
organisation like Marks & Spencer.
Theme 3: Higher competitive strength and better business position is lead by proper
management of cultural diversity
Q3) Are you agreed with the fact that higher competitive strength and
better business position is also lead by proper management of cultural
diversity?
Frequency
a) Agreed 25
b) Disagreed 5
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Interpretation
It has been observed on the basis of above pie chart that out of 30 respondents, 25 are
agreed with the fact that higher competitive strength and better business position is also lead by
proper management of cultural diversity where as 5 participants are also there who are disagreed
with this statement.
Theme 4: Strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural diversity
Q4) What are the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt
to manage cultural diversity?
Frequency
a) Fair recruitment 10
b) Compliance with law 12
c) Strict action and accountability against discrimination 8
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Interpretation
Various strategies and ways are adopted by organisation to ensure effective management
of cultural diversity as above diagram is depicting that 10 participants believes that fair
recruitment is a suitable strategy that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural diversity
where as 12 respondents have supported compliance with law. Apart from this, 8 employees of
Marks and Spencer also favoured strict action and accountability against discrimination to
encourage cultural diversity and equality at its workplace.
Theme 5: The possible issues that company face in managing cultural diversity
Q5) What are the possible issues that company face in managing
cultural diversity?
Frequency
a) Dynamic nature and behaviour of employees 11
b) Language and cultural barrier 12
c) High employee expectation and turnover 9
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Interpretation
The above pie chart is providing information about the various issues and difficulties
faced by a company while managing cultural diversity. It has been evaluated that 11 respondents
believes that dynamic nature and behaviour of employees is the possible issue that company face
in managing cultural diversity while 12 participants have supported language and cultural
barriers. Further, 9 respondents also have an opinion that high employee expectation and
turnover are also the main issues that company face in managing cultural diversity.
Chapter 5: Research findings and stakeholders
Research findings
With the above research project it has been evaluated it is essential to adopt and make
strategies for effective management of equality and diversity to enhance its performance and
productivity as it lead to enhanced productivity, better creativity and performance tighter with
higher motivation and satisfaction level in employees. Further, it has been also observed that
higher competitive strength and better business position is also lead by proper management of
cultural diversity thus, various strategies like fair recruitment, compliance with law and strict
action and accountability against discrimination are also adopted by organisation to maintain
and create equality and diversity at its workplace. At last, it can be analysed that many issues are
also faced by companies like dynamic nature of employees, cultural and language barrier along
with high employee expectation and turnover while managing cultural diversity at its workplace.
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Communication with stakeholders
Stakeholders are the most vital part of any organisation that plays a crucial role on decision
making and also have significant affect on business operation of an organisation. Thus,
communication of research findings is vital and essential with stakeholders. Use of online
communication and digital media like emails and social media would be used by researcher to
communicate findings of current research that are based on management of equality and
diversity with the important stakeholders of Marks and Spencer that includes its directors,
managers, employees, customers and other associated parties.
Chapter 6: Reflection
On effectiveness of current research
The current research work is really very significant and important for me that lead to
overall improvement and betterment in my skills and knowledge. Use of quantitative research
method was made by me under which data was collected through making use of a questionnaire.
It is the simplest and most time and cost efficient method to collect data from respondents thus,
enhance managerial and communication skill. Further, all code of conduct and research
principles were also met by me to eliminate and encounter the ethical issues. Apart from this, to
achieve the research objective in time and to maintain the efficiency and authenticity of work use
of Gantt cart was also made. Thus, overall current research work is effective and lead to better
opportunity for me in future.
On alternative research methodology
The alternative research method that could be used by me includes qualitative research
that is more time consuming and complex but provide in-depth and better information. Further,
due to current issue of Covid-19 it is difficult to conduct a face to face interviews, thus, use of
quantitative research method is most viable and suitable for current project.
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Danso, R., 2018. Cultural competence and cultural humility: A critical reflection on key cultural
diversity concepts. Journal of Social Work. 18(4). pp.410-430.
Lozano, J. F. and Escrich, T., 2017. Cultural diversity in business: A critical reflection on the
ideology of tolerance. Journal of Business Ethics. 142(4). pp.679-696.
Li, C.R., and et. al., 2017. A multilevel model of team cultural diversity and creativity: The role
of climate for inclusion. The Journal of Creative Behavior. 51(2). pp.163-179.
Civitillo, S., Juang, L. P. and Schachner, M. K., 2018. Challenging beliefs about cultural
diversity in education: A synthesis and critical review of trainings with pre-service
teachers. Educational Research Review. 24. pp.67-83.
Koenig, M. and De GuChteneire, P., 2017. Political governance of cultural diversity. In
Democracy and human rights in multicultural societies (pp. 3-17). Routledge.
Georgiou, M., 2017. Mapping diasporic media cultures: A transnational cultural approach to
exclusion. In Media, technology and everyday life in Europe (pp. 51-70). Routledge.
Tsapenko, I. P. and Monusova, G. A., 2017. Integration Capacity of Ethno-Cultural Diversity in
European Societies. Polis. Political studies. 4(4). pp.90-105.
Kühlmann, T. and Heinz, R., 2017. Managing cultural diversity in small and medium-sized
organizations. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden.
Verkuyten, M. and Yogeeswaran, K., 2020. Cultural diversity and its implications for intergroup
relations. Current opinion in psychology. 32. pp.1-5.
Maher, M. J., 2018. Racism and Cultural Diversity: Cultivating Racial Harmony Through
Counselling, Group Analysis, and Psychotherapy. Routledge.
Pentassuglia, G. ed., 2017. Ethno-Cultural Diversity and Human Rights: Challenges and
Critiques. Brill.
Roch, A., Dean, I. and Breidenstein, G., 2018. Between ‘enrichment’and
‘endangerment’:‘cultural diversity’and the politics of belonging in the Berlin school
choice discourse. Ethnography and Education. 13(2). pp.137-153.
Wang, J., Cheng, G. H. L. and Leung, K., 2017. Cultural diversity and team creativity: A meta-
analysis. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2017, No. 1, p. 10612).
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510: Academy of Management.
Gundara, J. and Jacobs, S. eds., 2019. Intercultural Europe: Diversity and social policy.
Routledge.
Trautmann, C., 2018. Cultural Diversity and the Cultural Exception (1999). In French Cultural
Policy Debates (pp. 206-211). Routledge.
Online:
Harold Andrew Patrick, 2012.Managing Workplace Diversity: Issues and Challenges. [Online].
Available through:<https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2158244012444615/>.
Katie Sawyer, 2018.The importance of culture diversity in the workplace.
[Online]. Available through:<https://www.deputy.com/blog/the-importance-of-cultural-
diversity-in-the-workplace/>.
Michelle Seidel, 2019..5 Strategies for Dealing With Diversity in the Workplace. [Online].
Available through:< https://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-strategies-dealing-diversity-
workplace-18106.html/>
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Appendix I: Research Proposal Form
Student Name: _ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name:
Tutor: ________________ Date:
Unit: 11 Research Proposal
Proposed Title:
17

Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
The selected topic for current research project is, Equality and diversity in the workplace.
Research Aim
To study the importance of managing cultural diversity for success of an organisation. A
case study on Marks & Spencer.
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer? What do you want
to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?):
The main objectives of this research project conducted Marks and Spencer are stated as
follows:
 To determine the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation
like Marks & Spencer.
 To study the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural
diversity (Bhagavatula and Bhalla, 2019).
 To identify the various issues that company face in managing cultural diversity.
Question Tag
 What are the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation like
Marks & Spencer?
 What are the various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural
diversity?
 What are the possible issues that company face in managing cultural diversity?
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):
The selection of current research topic is rational as it facilities better understanding about
the concept of equality and diversity that is necessary to maintain the efficiency and
productivity of an organisation. Further, it is also important from view point of researcher
as meet it’s educational and academic buckhounds.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
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To determine the significance of managing cultural diversity for an organisation like
Marks & Spencer
According to the view point of Katie Sawyer, 2018, the main significance of managing
cultural diversity includes the fact management of culture diversity in managerial point of
view which has opted by every human resource management where it helps to gain the
positive environment in the workplace culture. Further, improvisation and betterment in
employee contribution that bring the productivity through the skills and innovative ideas
to enhance the productivity and the growth is also a positive impact of cultural diversity
that allows higher profits and praises for growth (Mansikka, Westvall and Heimonen,
2018).
Various strategies that Marks& Spencer can adopt to manage cultural diversity.
As per the opinion of Katie Reynolds, 2017, by enhancing the work policies with respect
to organizational goal and through allocating the policies towards the employee
performance in which it working into the policies under and have to achieve the
organizational goal are the suitable strategies to manage cultural diversity. Further, the
basis of the regulation which company has implemented together with unbiased
Recruitment and Compliance by equality laws are also the effective ways that can be
adopted by Marks and Spencer to manage cultural diversity. Beside this strict action
against discrimination and holding people accountable for misbehave and unethical
attitude is also helpful in managing cultural diversity.
To identify the various issues that company face in managing cultural diversity
As per the opinion of Dianne Shaddock, 2020, the main issues faced during managing
cultural diversity is related with communication and cultural barriers and it is difficult to
interact and understand the view point of diversified employees. Further, it is also difficult
to meet the expectation of people who belongs to diversified group together with higher
salary expectation of employees and enhanced employees turnover are the main issues
faced during management of cultural diversity (Radermacher and Feldman, 2017).
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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):
Aims and objective
Research methodology
Literature review
Data collection
Data analysis
Conclusion and recommendations
Final submission
How long this will take:
2 days
5 days
7 days
10 days
13 days
8 days
3 days
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 Philosophy:
It provides information about the ways in which data is collected about the topic
and is of two type i.e. Positivism and Interpretivism. With respect to current work on
Marks and Spencer use of Positivism philosophy is made as it lead to a more practical way
of analyzation of quantitative data (Borkett, 2018).
Research Approaches
It refects about the process and planning used by researcher and is of two type
i.e.Deductive and Inductive. For current research on Marks and Spencer use of
21

Deductive approach is made which generates better way for evaluation and planning of
quantitative research method.
Research Method:
It lead to a systematic procedure for meeting objectives of any research. It is
mainly of two types i..e Qualitative method and Quantitative Method of research out
of which use of Quantitative research method is made for current research as this provides
the statistical framework and collection of data in numeric terms which is easy to collect
and present.
Sources of data collection:
The two main sources of data are primary and secondary and use of both these
sources has been made as primary ensures up to date data from respondents while
secondary lead to support and base for investigation through providing information on
about past facts and figure (Toniatti and Woelk, 2017).
Sample method
Use of random sampling is made to select to sample size of 30 respondents from
employees for Marks and Spencer to conduct this research work in more effective way.
Instrument used
Use of questionnaire is made as research instrument to collect information from
selected respondents in a written form.
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.
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Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date
Appendix II : 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:
The selected topic for current research project is, “To study the importance of managing
cultural diversity for success of an organisation”. A case study on Marks & Spencer.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews No
 Questionnaires Yes
 Observations Yes
 Use of personal records No
 Data Analysis Yes
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 Action Research No
 Focus Groups No
 Others (Please specify) : n/a
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: No Young people aged: 17-18 No Adults: Yes
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Participants will be recruited from employees of Marks & Spencer.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
To inform participants use of online channels like e-mails, social media has been made together with official
notice boards.
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?
Through signing written consent form.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that do not wish
to answer?
Yes
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
24

observed.
Yes
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a brief summary of
your findings in general)
Yes
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act
(1998)
Yes
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only Researcher and tutors
During the research:
Reseacher/Supervisor
Where will the data be stored?
Stored in DOC document with the use of USB and Laptop
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research: the data will be safely disposed
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Where will the data be stored?: USB/Laptop
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Three to five months
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? 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: N/A
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. Yes
 Potentially vulnerable participants. n/a
 Sensitive topics n/a
 Risk to participants and /or researchers: n/a
 Confidentiality/anonymity: Yes
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality: Yes
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection). Yes
 Reporting: Yes
 Dissemination and use of your findings: Yes
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes
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 tutor and also attach to the Research Proposal when
submitting to Turnitin.
References
Bhagavatula, S. and Bhalla, M., 2019. Cultural diversity in corporate boards and firm outcomes.
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Mansikka, J. E., Westvall, M. and Heimonen, M., 2018. Critical aspects of cultural diversity in
music education: examining the established practices and cultural forms in minority
language schools in Finland. Intercultural Education. 29(1). pp.59-76.
Radermacher, H. and Feldman, S., 2017. Cultural diversity, health and ageing. In Ageing in
Australia (pp. 83-101). Springer, New York, NY.
Borkett, P., 2018. Cultural diversity and inclusion in early years education. Routledge.
Toniatti, R. and Woelk, J. eds., 2017. Regional Autonomy, Cultural Diversity and Differentiated
Territorial Government: The Case of Tibet–Chinese and Comparative Perspectives.
Routledge.
Online:
Dianne Shaddock, 2020. Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions.
[Online] Available Through:< https://easysmallbusinesshr.com/2010/08/diversity-in-the-
workplace-benefits-challenges-and-solutions/>.
Reynolds. K., 2017. 5 Strategies for Promoting Diversity in the Workplace.[Online] Available
Through:< https://www.hult.edu/blog/promoting-diversity-in-workplace/ >.
Sawyer. K., 2018. What is cultural
diversity?.[Online]AvailableThrough:<https://www.deputy.com/blog/the-importance-of-
cultural-diversity-in-the-workplace>.
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