Equality and diversity at workplace

This research project focuses on the impact of managing cultural diversity at workplace. It explores the concept of managing cultural diversity, its importance, challenges faced by companies, and provides recommendations. The project uses qualitative research methods and includes a literature review and research methodology.

Research Project

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
P1 Research Proposal.............................................................................................................1
Literature Review...................................................................................................................2
Research methodology...........................................................................................................3
..........................................................................................................................................................5
Literature review..............................................................................................................................5
Research methodology.....................................................................................................................7

Title: “ Equality and diversity at workplace”
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity plays a crucial role in the success of a business. Such that equality
is all about to make sure that company is provide an equal opportunity to their employees. While
diversity is to taken account a difference between a people and groups of people and then
placing a positive value on these differences. Therefore, the current study is also help to generate
the deep understanding of the equality and diversity. Further, the current study will provide the
project proposal in which literature review is conduct by the help of secondary analysis and
proper research methods are also used that will assist to determine the overall project success.
Further, primary research is also taken into account that will assist to determine the overall
project in better manner. Then reflection describe the learning outcomes while conducting the
project and then, proper recommendation is provided that will assist to conduct the research
project in better manner.
P1 Research Proposal
Title: Equality and diversity at workplace
Aim: To determine the impact of managing cultural diversity at workplace: A study on Marks
and Spencer”
Objectives:
 To determine the concept of managing cultural diversity under equality and diversity.
 To examine the importance of managing cultural diversity at workplace
 To ascertain the challenged face by company in order to manage the cultural diversity at
Marks and Spencer
 To recommend some ways through which the company overcome the challenges with
regards to managing cultural diversity.
Research questions:
 What do you understand by managing cultural diversity under equality and diversity?
 What is the positive and negative impact of managing cultural diversity at workplace?
 What are the challenged face by company in order to manage the cultural diversity at
Marks and Spencer?
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 What are the ways through which the company overcome the challenges with regards to
managing cultural diversity?
Literature Review
Theme 1: Concept of managing cultural diversity
According to Lozano and Escrich (2017) Managing cultural diversity is all about to
developing the cultural competence results that helps to understand, communicate with and
effectively interact with people across the cultures. Therefore, it is a form of appreciating the
difference in individuals and these difference is based upon the age, gender, sexual orientation
and social status. On other side, through cultural diversity, an individual may easily help the
company to meet the define aim and objectives.
Theme 2: Importance of managing cultural diversity at workplace
In the opinion of Emeh, Njoku and Ukenna (2017) Managing cultural diversity plays an
effective role in the success of a business. Such that attitude enables the people in order to
examine their values and beliefs related to cultural differences and also assist to understand
their origins. Therefore, having a diverse workforce means that sharing new ideas and convey
the messages to each other in order to deliver the task. On the other side, ANJORIN and
Jansari (2018) Argued that if company do not have diverse workforce then they do not create
effective working relationship. So, managing a cultural diversity creates a positive impact upon
the employee performance and company’s performance.
Such that having a diverse workforce means that company have a variety of perspective
which refer to put a variety of world views and as a result, they take a better decision for the
welfare of the company. Also Kühlmann and Heinz (2017) stated that managing cultural
diversity means that they increase creativity as well as productivity and this in turn assist a
company to stay ahead in the competition. Overall, managing a cultural diversity means that it
boost the brand reputation and also create a global impact upon the business performance as
well.
Theme 3: Challenges face by the company while managing cultural diversity at workplace
According to Ku and Liu (2020) Managing a cultural diversity at a workplace crates a
positive impact upon business but on the other side, it also face many challenges such that
difference in language and communication is the foremost issue which every organization face.
It is so because every individual have their own regional language and that is why, sometimes
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they face issue with regards to managing the work. Even research also shows that embracing
diversity is more difficult when there are difference in language and communication. On the
other side, Inegbedion and et.al., (2020) Stated that ethnic and cultural difference is consider
another issue. Such that there are some individuals who have unfair prejudice against the
people who are different from other and as a result, it cause negative impact upon the business.
Research methodology
This section describe the methods which are used by the researcher in order to generate
the best outcomes and also deliver the results in better manner. This section comprises different
key element which are as mention below:
Research Type: There are two types of research type such that qualitative and
quantitative. Among all, researcher will chooses qualitative research type because it directly
deals with the research method which mainly focus on obtaining data using open ended
communication (Flick, 2020). Through this method, researcher may easily get the accurate result
which in turn assist to meet the define aim and objectives.
Research Approach: It is the plan and procedure which consist of assumption too detail
method of data collection, analysis and interpretation. There are three types of research approach
i.e. Inductive, Deductive and Abductive. Among all, researcher will chooses inductive research
approach that will helps to integrate all the key element and assist to determine the impact of
managing cultural diversity at workplace.
Research Philosophy: It is the belief and notion in which information about a
phenomenon is gathered, analysed and used. There are four main types of research philosophy
such that Pragmatism. Interpretivism, Positivism and Realism. Among all, researcher will
chooses Interpretivsim research philosophy because it interpret the statement and also generate
the best outcome (Dion and et.al., 2020). Moreover, through this method, researcher will
conduct the study in more better manner and meet the define aim and objectives as well.
Data Collection: There are two main types of data collection methods are used by the
researcher such that primary and secondary data collection methods. Under primary, researcher
will use questionnaire under survey method that will assist to determine the views of selected
respondents. Further, under secondary data collection method, researcher will refer to books and
relevant articles which helps to determine the impact off managing cultural diversity at
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workplace. Thus, using this methods, researcher will easily get the best outcomes and answer the
research questions as well.
Data Analysis: It is the process of inspecting, cleansing and modelling the data which
help to discover the useful information. There are two types of data analysis such that
qualitative and quantitative. In which researcher will chooses thematic data analysis under
qualitative data analysis in which different graphs, pie charts are used that will assist to present
the views of selected respondents.
Sampling: It is the process which is used in statistical analysis in which a predetermine
number of observation which are taken from the large population. There are two types of
sampling method such that Probability and non- Probability sampling method. Among all,
researcher will chooses simple random sampling method in which 20 manager are selected that
will assist to determine their views in order to determine the impact of cultural diversity.
Ethical Considerations: researcher should maintain proper confidentiality with regards
to data and also take consent prior to the research. Also, researcher should comply with data
Protection act and make sure that there is a proper communication between researcher and
sample.
Gantt chart and activity
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
1 Formulation of research aim
and objective 5 days Fri 2/21/20 Thu
2/27/20
2 Project management plan 6 days Fri 2/28/20 Fri 3/6/20 1
3 Research methods selection 8 days Mon 3/9/20 Wed
3/18/20 2
4 Formulation of questionnaire 3 days Thu 3/19/20 Mon
3/23/20 3
5 Sending questionnaire for data
collection 4 days Tue 3/24/20 Fri 3/27/20 2,4
6 Collecting of data 6 days Mon
3/30/20
Mon
4/6/20 5
7 Data interpretation 10 days Tue 4/7/20 Mon
4/20/20 6
8 Conclusion and
Recommendation 4 days Tue 4/21/20 Fri 4/24/20 7
9 Formatting 2 days Mon
4/27/20
Tue
4/28/20 8
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10 Taking feedback 4 days Wed
4/29/20
Mon
5/4/20 9
11 Doing changes as per the
feedback provided 6 days Tue 5/5/20 Tue
5/12/20 10
12 Final submission 1 day Wed
5/13/20
Wed
5/13/20 11
Literature review
Theme 1: Concept of managing cultural diversity
According to Baporikar (2020) managing cultural diversity refers to that concept of
diversity which is based on the individual acceptance as well as their respect. Therefore, it
includes language, race, ethnicity, values and religious practices, political views as well as social
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and familial responsibilities. Therefore, it is that term that acknowledges the existence of broad
culture groups within a culture. While on the other side, Nehring (2019) stated that through
cultural diversity a company may easily meet the define aim and objectives with the help of
taking the views from the managers and employees without referring their caste, gender and
religion.
Theme 2: Importance of managing cultural diversity at workplace
In the opinion of Wang (2018) attitude enables the people in order to examine their values
as well as beliefs related to cultural differences and also understand their origins. So, the main
aim of managing cultural diversity within a workplace and creating the effective working
relationship is not to make converts. That is why, author stated that having a cultural diversity at
workplace assist to improve the productivity of the company and also meet the define aim and
objectives as well. Not only this, it also help to increase creativity among a team and this in turn
improve the performance of the team within a firm (Importance of Managing cultural diversity,
2019). Also, employees present their views and as a result they develop an ability to have a
more diverse set of solution to a specific problem.
In addition to this, Roberson (2019) also stated that cultural diversity can improve the
employee engagement and as a result, it reduce the employee turnover. If the firm have a diverse
workforce then it will help to improve the financial performance of the company and enhance
profit as well. Overall it will help to reflect positively on the reputation of the company and as a
result, company also encourage new employees towards them which in turn assist to sustain
brand image at international level. While on the other side, Hatipoglu and Inelmen (2018) also
stated that cultural diversity encourages wide range of skills and this in turn assist to reduce
racism as well. As a result, it will help to meet the define aim and objectives of the company,
even having a wider range of skill as well as knowledge, then company often enjoy a more
diverse and adaptable range of products which assist to sustain thee brand image at international
level of globe.
Theme 3: Challenges face by the company while managing cultural diversity at workplace
In the opinion of Balamurugan and Santhiya (2020) communication is consider one of the
biggest challenge which manager of the company faces while managing cultural diversity at
workplace. It is so because of the company have diverse workforce then they belongs to
different culture and it is not easy for the firm to use different language because every religion
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have their own language. As a result, lack of communication leads to delay in the work and this
affect the overall brand image of the company in negative manner. So, embracing the diversity
can be more difficult when there are difference in language as well as communication. On the
other side, Baporikar (2020) also argue that generational and age difference is another issue
which the company face while managing the cultural difference. Such that every year,, new
workers are enter in the company while many of them retires and as a result, this donate a huge
difference in generation and due to having different perception among each group it creates
differences. That is why, it is necessary for the company to take some steps in order to manage
the cultural differences. Also, in large corporations, there are more diversified age groups i.e.
from teenagers to senior citizens. So, social circles may be formed and even some workers may
be isolated from a team which creates issues . that is why, in order to manage the issue there is a
need to maintain team work and collaboration that help to create an open communication
between employees and managers.
On the other side, Nehring (2019) also argued that sometimes, acceptance and respect is
consider another issue for the company while managing cultural diversity because it is not easy
for the company to manage cultural diversity and beliefs among employees and this creates
conflicts among employees. As a result, this conflict turns to animosity as well as making a
situation worse. Further, when the employees accept the difference between each other then it
results in sharing of ideas as well as effective collaboration too. That is why, it is necessary for
the company to accept the difference between each other and this in turn assist to sharing of
ideas and leads to effective collaboration as well. Further, Wang (2018) also stated that
accommodation of beliefs is consider another issue that also affect the overall business in
negative manner. That is why, employees of the company need to make sure to keep their ethnic
and personal beliefs independent of their work as well as duties. This will help the company to
manage the cultural diversity within a company and also meet the define aim and objectives as
well.
Research methodology
Research methodology is that process and technique which is used to determine as well as
identify the information related to specific topic. Through research methodology, researcher also
critically analyse the study’s overall validity and reliability that helps to meet the define aim and
objective of the research. There are different key aspect which also consider under this method
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such that research type, research philosophy, research design, research approach, data collection
and data analysis which are as mention below:
Research type: research refers to systematic and logical way of collecting useful and new
data on a research topic. Research is divided into two parts i.e qualitative and quantitative
measures (Cuervo‐Cazurra and et.al., 2017). Qualitative measure is generally preferred by
researchers. Quantitative measures is not preferably as it is descriptive in nature as it deal with
non numerical data whereas qualitative measures help in understanding the behaviour of the
human and provide complete information about the research topic. So for this research also
scholar has chosen qualitative research type that helps to determine the impact of managing
quality within a business.
Research approach: It is process which leads to gathered information, interpret and
analysed it . Research approach can be conducted into ways i.e inductive and deductive. Scholar
has chosen the inductive research method in this research. Reason behind same is that it gives
more Reliable and accurate data is collected by inductive method that why researcher mainly
preferred inductive method over deductive method. This method also assist to meet the define
aim and objectives of the research and also conduct the study in more precise manner.
Data collection: Data collection is the process in which data is collected from different
sources by the investigation. For getting more reliable and accurate data investigator use various
sources (Goldberg and et.al., 2017). Data can be collected in two ways i.e. primary data
collection tool and secondary data collection tool. Both types of the data collection method can
be used by investigator. When you need original data or the data collected for first time primary
data collection tool is used whereas the data which has already collected by any other source and
you approach to that source to collect data that source is known as secondary data collection
tool. You have to conduct survey of approximately 30 employees for collecting primary data.
You can only asked employees to participate in survey but you can't force them.
Data analysis: Researcher only wants useful and reliable data so in this process collected
data has been modelled, transformed and analysed. It is method which helps in identify you that
the data which has been collected is correct or not. Thematic method is mainly used to analyse
the used data (Quinlan and et.al., 2019). Proper meaning of the topic and common theme can be
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identified by thematic method as it deeply examine and analysed the qualitative data. In this
process Scholar has presented the different data with the help of different graph and table so that
the reader is able to understand the different data more easily and more efficiently in the study.
Sampling: It is the process which is used especially in statistical analysis in which the
predetermine number of the observation are taken from the large amount of population. Also,
through the sampling researcher easily conduct the study and ascertain the answers of questions.
There are two types of sampling method such that probability and non- probability sampling
method. Such that between these simple random sampling method are chosen in which
researcher choses 30 managers of Marks and Spencer who help to provide their views with
regards to the chosen topic (Mohajan, 2018). Through this method, researcher determine their
point of views which help to meet the define aim and objectives of the study.
Ethical considerations: it means classifying and identifying each process and method as a
bad or good for humans affairs before taking any step researcher should take care of the ethics
and his responsibility towards society. While investigation no harm should do to society. It is
Researchers duties to follow proper rules and regulations before taking any step. Also,
researcher has taken consent of different respondent in the study and also has maintain good sort
of privacy in the report.
Cost: It is one of the most important element of the research which helps to determine the
overall amount spend while conducting the study. So, for this report the researcher spend around
£350 which includes transportation, internet charges etc.
Accessibility: The researcher also faces issue related to accessibility of the sites such that
they face issue such that access denied that cause negative impact upon the overall research.
That is why, it is necessary for the researcher to minimize the issue in order to meet the define
aim and objectives.
Research limitation: During the research, scholar faces issue with regards to time
management because due to lack of time, proper secondary research is not conduct and as a
result, it will help to meet the define aim in more better manner. Another limitation during the
research is such that due to lack of research skill, researcher did not select the best article that
helps to meet the define aim and objectives of the study.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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.
Emeh, N. C., Njoku, M. G. C. and Ukenna, S., 2017. Managing Cultural Diversity in Federal
Broadcasting Establishments in South-East Nigeria. Journal of Management and Social
Sciences, 3(1), pp.19-34.
ANJORIN, R. and Jansari, A., 2018. Managing Cultural Diversity at Workplace.
Kühlmann, T. and Heinz, R., 2017. Managing cultural diversity in small and medium-sized
organizations. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden.
Ku, S. S. and Liu, J. C., 2020. Managing Cultural Rights: The Project of the 2017 Taiwan
National Cultural Congress and Culture White Paper. In Managing Culture (pp. 293-
317). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Inegbedion, H. and et.al., 2020. Managing Diversity for Organizational Efficiency. SAGE
Open, 10(1), p.2158244019900173.
Flick, U., 2020. Introducing Research Methodology: Thinking Your Way Through Your
Research Project. SAGE Publications Limited.
Dion, M. L. and et.al., 2020. Research Methodology and Community Participation: A Decade of
Indigenous Social Science Research in Canada. Canadian Review of Sociology/Revue
canadienne de sociologie.
Baporikar, N., 2020. Human Resource Management for Managing Cultural
Diversity. International Journal of Applied Management Sciences and Engineering
(IJAMSE). 7(1). pp.74-99.
Nehring, J., 2019. It matters how you manage diversity: cultural difference in Northern Ireland’s
secondary schools. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, pp.1-14.
Wang, J., 2018. Strategies for managing cultural conflict: models review and their applications
in business and technical communication. Journal of Technical Writing and
Communication. 48(3). pp.281-294.
Roberson, Q. M., 2019. Diversity in the workplace: A review, synthesis, and future research
agenda. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 6,
pp.69-88.
Hatipoglu, B. and Inelmen, K., 2018. Demographic diversity in the workplace and its impact on
employee voice: The role of trust in the employer. The International Journal of Human
Resource Management. 29(5). pp.970-994.
Balamurugan, G. and Santhiya, B., 2020. Cultural Diversity among the Employees and its Effect
in Organizational Climate. International Journal of Engineering and Management
Research (IJEMR), 10(1), pp.84-86.
Cuervo‐Cazurra, A. and et.al., 2017. Research methodology in global strategy research. Global
Strategy Journal. 7(3). pp.233-240.
Goldberg, S.B. and et.al., 2017. Is mindfulness research methodology improving over time? A
systematic review. PloS one. 12(10).
Quinlan, C., and et.al., 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage.
Mohajan, H.K., 2018. Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related
subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People.7(1). pp.23-48.
Online
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Importance of Managing cultural diversity. 2019. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.peoplescout.com/insights/managing-diversity-in-workplace/>.
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