Impact of Workplace Discrimination on Employee Performance: A Case Study on Apple Inc.

This research proposal aims to analyze the impact of workplace discrimination on decreasing performance of employees at workplace, with a focus on Apple Inc. The objectives include understanding workplace discrimination, identifying reasons behind it, determining its influence on employee performance, and exploring practices to address the issue. The research will use a quantitative research approach and methodologies such as questionnaire surveys and literature review. The expected duration of the project is approximately 23 weeks.

Research Proposal

Table of Contents
Research Proposal Form..................................................................................................................1
Research Ethics approval form........................................................................................................6

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: VERONICA ROSU Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: REGENT COLLEGE
Tutor: ________________ Date: 05/02/2020
Unit: 11 RP
Proposed Title: Equality and diversity at workplace.
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis)
To analyse the impact of workplace discrimination on decreasing performance of employees at
workplace. A case study on Apple Inc.
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?):
 To understand the concept of workplace discrimination in the context of business.
 To identify the reasons behind arising workplace discrimination within Apple Inc.
 To determine the influence of workplace discrimination on the performance of employees within
Apple Inc, To explore the practices that can be implemented by Apple Inc to address the issue of workplace
discrimination.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of workplace discrimination in the context of business?
 What are the key reasons that cause workplace discrimination within Apple Inc.?
 Which kind of influence does workplace discrimination has on the performance of employees
within Apple Inc.?
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 investigation into consideration is based on analysing the impact of workplace discrimination over
decreasing performance of employees at workplace. Therefore, it is a most common issue which is
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mainly faced by the businesses and requires to be studied in order to determining the issue in appropriate
manner. The major reason for conducting an evaluation over the area of workplace discrimination is the
personal interest of me, as I am willing to know about workplace discrimination and how it affects the
operations of business, as it will also supportive for me in developing my personal and professional
skills. Thus, the developed skills and ability are effectual for me in attempting my future projects in more
effective manner. Another reason for conducting this study is that, workplace discrimination is an
important topic and there is no such study conducted over it, so this present analysis will be supportive in
providing detailed evaluation over the chosen study area. With the detailed anlsyis of this study, I have
been thinking that, it is a most important area of study, which brings personal as well as professional
knowledge regarding the aspect of workplace discrimination which will be supportive for me or other in
seeking for their carrier growth with the same sector.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
As per the views expressed by Maryam Jameel and Joe Yerardi. 2019, Workplace discrimination has
arises when an individual takes adverse action in against of another person who is an employee and
prospective worker because of the assorted attributes of the persons like colour, race, gender, sexual
orientation. age, physical and mental disability and so on. As per the opinion stated by Sarah Benstead,
2018, In addition to this workplace discrimination is defined as the unfair treatment of employees that are
based on prejudices. In the context of a business workplace discrimination is a major issue which affects
the overall functioning of a business. As per the opinion stated by Jennifer Lombardo, 2020,
discrimination occurs when an individual is treated differently because of the reason of the possess
assorted characteristics to other employees of staff in unlawful manner. According to the opinion
expressed by Don Reisinger, 2016, workplace discrimination is recognised as the major issue which has a
direct and indirect impact over the operations and productivity of employees, therefore, in the workplace,
there are various reasons like retaliation, sex discrimination, racial discrimination, disability
discrimination, age, discrimination etc. which occurs the issue of work place discrimination. For
instance, Apple Inc. is a large American multinational technology company, they are having their
operations all over the world and concern over attaining higher growth and success. According to the
opinion analysis of Neslie A. Etheridge, 2015, the company is facing the issue of workplace
discrimination related to leaked of email. Therefore, a number of unidentified female employee of Apple
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claim to have been the victims of a very toxic atmosphere within the workplace of Apple, which involves
jokes related to gender stereotype or rape through the male employees who are allegedly conveyed
emotions and feelings which nags, thus as per the mails and interviews reportedly analysed through the
top management of the firm. From the opinion stated by SUZANNE LUCAS, 2019, this is the major
issue related to workplace discrimination which has faced by the employees of Apple Inc. and it has
direct impact over the operations and progression of the business. As per the views analysis of Jill
Harness, 2019, discrimination has recognised to be an unfortunately issue through the history, therefore,
discrimination mainly results in and reinforces inequalities or could result in poor morale of employees,
high employee turnover, poor commitment and subsequently results in negative influence over the
business and its performance. However, workplace discrimination mainly affects the moral and
enthusiasm of an employee at workplace. thus, higher level of discrimination at workplace decrease the
moral of working and affects the performance of employees at work place. Workplace discrimination
mainly has direct impact over the performance of employees at work place. Therefore, it is important for
the business to manage discrimination and work place and develop appropriate practices to reduce
discrimination at work place. High level of discrimination had affect the moral and motivation of people
to think innovative and put their efforts in the growth of business. So for the purpose of attaining higher
growth and success it is important for the business to manage employees performance via providing their
equal opportunities at workplace.
Jameel, M. and Yerardi, J., 2019. Workplace discrimination is illegal. But our data shows it’s still a huge
problem. [Online] Available
Through:<https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/2/28/18241973/workplace-
discrimination-cpi-investigation-eeoc>.
Reisinger, D., 2016. Leaked Emails Say Apple Has ‘Sexist’ and ‘Toxic’ Work Environment. [Online]
Available Through:<https://fortune.com/2016/09/15/apple-employees-sexist-environment/>.
Harness, J., 2019. The Effects of Discrimination in the Workplace. [Online] Available
Through:<https://bizfluent.com/about-5035338-effects-discrimination-workplace.html>.
Benstead, S., 2018. What is discrimination in the workplace? [Online] Available
Through:<https://www.breathehr.com/blog/what-is-discrimination-in-the-workplace>.
Lombardo, J., 2020. What is Discrimination at the Workplace? - Forms, Policies & Practices. [Online]
Available Through:<https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-discrimination-at-the-
workplace-forms-policies-practices.html>.
LUCAS, S., 2019. Why Are Employment Discrimination Lawsuits Rising So Rapidly? [Online] Available
Through:<https://www.thebalancecareers.com/why-employment-discrimination-cases-are-
rising-fast-4156883>.
Etheridge. A. N., 2019. Effects of discrimination in the workplace. [Online] Available
Through:<https://www.army.mil/article/142799/effects_of_discrimination_in_the_workplace>.
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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):
How long this will
take:
Milestone one: _____Research Proposal____________
Target date (set by tutor): _____45 Days _______________
Milestone two: _____Research Project__________________
Target date (set by tutor): __________118 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?
Research Strategy: The appropriate methodological selection is the primary consideration of an
investigation, thus the researcher needs to select the most appropriate sources for the purpose of assisting
the overall work in right manner. Therefore, this section is in-corporates over qualitative and quantitative
methods. In the context of this present investigation work quantitative research method will be the most
appropriate way of conducting detailed analysis with the support of original facts and figures. Thus,
quantitative investigation is effective in conducting descriptive analysis which will be effective in
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gathering liable information from opinion analysis of others. Quantitative tool studies attitudes,
opinions, behaviours, and other outlined aspects in larger sample population to examine the outcome in
proper manner. However, it makes use of measurable information to conclude facts and reveal different
research practices.
Research Design: Research design mainly defined as the blueprint of the research as it mainly guide the
researcher to implement all the activities in well-structured manner. Research design is mainly of three
types i.e. descriptive, exploratory and experimental research design. In the context of this present
investigation work, descriptive research design will be effective in assisting quantitative investigation
and provides detailed information over the area of analysing the impact of workplace discrimination over
decreasing performance of employees at workplace. Therefore, descriptive research design is efficacious
in conducting detailed evaluation about the research issue through analysing the characteristics, concepts,
frequency and trends.
Data Collection: This is the important consideration of the researcher, as it is effective in providing the
suitable way to gather information. This section is mainly relay upon primary and secondary source of
data collection tools. In this existing research, both primary and secondary tools are applied by the
researcher as it is effective in accumulating valuable information which will be assisting the work in right
manner to reaching at the key outcome. Primary investigation will taken place via the support of
questionnaire which covers the aim and objectives of the research. This is effective in gathering wide
range of information within a limited time duration. Primary research is mainly efficacious in gathering
first hand information that are never being applied before, as in this accumulated informations are
specific to the chosen subject area. On the other side, secondary investigation will mainly be proactive in
conducting literature review with the help of using books, journals, published and non published research
articles etc. This section of investigation is effective in developing the understanding regarding the
chosen subject area via the support of analysing part investigations, books and journals.
Time Horizon: The time horizon represent the starting and completion duration of an investigation, thus
in this particular investigation work, approximately 23 weeks will required effectively completion of the
project.
Data Sampling: This section is categorised among probabilistic and non-probabilistic data sampling
tools, therefore, in this present investigation sample is mainly picked from the random sampling method
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from the probabilistic sampling tool. Thus, this is suitable in selection of most appropriate respondents.
In this sample size of 30 will be taken into consideration as this range is enough for providing
appropriate data.
What your areas of research will cover:
The area of investigation will cover the impact of workplace discrimination over decreasing performance
of employees at workplace. Thus, this study is effectual in providing appropriate information regarding
the impact of workplace discrimination on the performance of employees.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification
and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date
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Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human
participants or the use of data collected form human participants are
required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research. Please
answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time
before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
To analyse the impact of workplace discrimination on decreasing
performance of employees at work place. A case study on Apple Inc.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date: 26/11/2019
Intended research end date: 07/05/2020
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
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Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes, in the research human participants are effective in regards to collection of actual information that
support the research issue.
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults: more than 18
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
The participants of the research will recruited by the process of random sampling
method thus in this individual are picked at random basis.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
Investigator has select email facility thus it is the most easy and reliable process for informing
participants about the actions of the research.
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?
Email is the most appropriate source for providing consent to the participants. This is written in the form
of message. The researcher should also ensure the participants that they can withdraw their consent from
the research as per their own choice, thus participants are free to withdraw their consent from the
research any time.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting
questions that do not wish to answer?
Yes No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising
from this
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Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for
their informed consent to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could
be a brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the
Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research:
The investigator and company both will have access personal information and data.
Where will the data be stored?
The data will be stored in USB, Hard disk, computer systems etc.
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
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If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
The data will be recorded and kept for a long time purposes in the word form.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may
arise because of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply.
Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the following :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and
Ethics Policy: Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit
Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the
ethical issues that may arise in the course of my research
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Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to
the Research Proposal when submitting to Turnitin.
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