Workplace discrimination

This research project focuses on workplace discrimination and the importance of implementing equality and diversity practices to eliminate discrimination. The study is based on Marks and Spencer, a multinational retailer.

Research Project (Equality and
Diversity in the workplace)

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Research aim...............................................................................................................................1
Research objectives.....................................................................................................................1
Research questions......................................................................................................................1
Rationale of the research.............................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Meaning and importance of workplace discrimination...............................................................2
Different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce discrimination from the
workplace....................................................................................................................................2
Benefits attain by M&S with the help of reducing workplace discrimination by implementing
equality and diversity practices...................................................................................................2
METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION...........................................................................2
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS...........................................................................3
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................16
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................16
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................16
REFLECTION AND ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

Title: Workplace discrimination
INTRODUCTION
As per current scenario, workplace discrimination is consider as a major issue that faced
by majority of organisation. In this, discrimination in the working environment is based on
different prejudices and also occurs when an employee is treated biased and unfavourably due to
race, gender, religion, disability and many more (Ali and Konrad, 2017). This may negatively
affect employee performance as at the same time it also may create issues and conflicts among
employees at working area. Thus, it is significant for director of company to assure that each and
every workers treated fairly so that the can perform well and also tries to develop positive or
healthy relation with others. Current research is based on Marks and Spencer, is British
multinational retailer that operate their business in around the globe for create huge returns.
Company also focus on eliminating issue of workplace discriminate by implementing equality
and diversity practices at working area.
Research aim
“To investigate the importance of executing equality as well as diversity practices within
the workplace in order to eliminate discrimination”. A study on (M&S) Marks and Spencer
Research objectives
 To understand the concept and importance of workplace discrimination
 To examine different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce
discrimination from the workplace.
 To assess various benefits attain by M&S with the help of reducing workplace
discrimination by implementing equality and diversity practices.
Research questions
 What is the meaning and importance of workplace discrimination?
 What are the different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce
discrimination from the workplace?
 What are the various benefits attain by M&S with the help of reducing workplace
discrimination by implementing equality and diversity practices?
1

Rationale of the research
The main purpose of carry out current investigation is to explore the significance of
executing equality and diversity practices within the workplace in order to eliminate
discrimination. This topic provide vast information to investigator that contributes in improving
the chances of accomplish optimistic results. In addition to this, it also help investigator in
increasing skills and knowledge in specified area (Bernstein And et. al., 2019). It may also
support them in their career growth and make them able to investigate further research to
analysis the aspects of workplace discrimination. In addition to this, it is also beneficial for
business organisation in promoting equality and diversity at workplace so that company can
attain competitive success by reducing its employee turnover.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Meaning and importance of workplace discrimination
According to Triana and et. al., (2019), workplace destination means taking adverse
decision against unemployed in an organisation on the basis of the membership in various
groups. In an organisation there are a number of instances where it can be seen that individuals
are discriminated on the basis of various grounds which include religion, sex, caste, national
origin or their physical disability. It is often seen that individuals are discriminated intentionally
on various stereotypes basis for personal project is of some people. For example it can be taken if
a woman in an organisation is requesting to work on production line there rejected on the basis
of assumption that woman do not understand machineries well. It is necessary for an
organisation to take various actions such as hiring people on the basis of only job related
consideration, equal pay for both the genders at work, giving promotion opportunities to all the
employees which is fully based on their performance and not on any other factor.
Different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce discrimination from the
workplace
According to Jeong (2017), it is necessary for employers as well as management to make
sure that they are taking certain steps which might reduce discrimination in the workplace. Some
of the steps can be documenting and treating all the employs same. It is often seen that
organisations do not keep their records up to date due to which problem arises later on. The
documentation and organisations should be fear and consistent which will help in treating all the
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employs same. The company policies which are developed by organisation should have strict
policy against harassment of employs. The definition of harassment and sexual harassment in
these policies should also be clear in order to make sure that employees are aware about their
rights. It is also necessary for management to make sure that when they are hiring an employee
they are strictly sticking to all the job requirements rather than any other reason. Be sure while
selecting employees for the organisation that all their skills and experiences are matching the
vacancy in the organisation. In this way organisations can avoid any discrimination lawsuit
against them. When someone files lawsuit against them for not hearing them with the believe of
discrimination of prejudice it can have a negative impact on goodwill of organisation as well.
Benefits attain by M&S with the help of reducing workplace discrimination by implementing
equality and diversity practices
According to Koburtay, Syed and Haloub (2020), when an organisation is effectively using
equality and diversity in the workforce it helps them to add new skills to their team. People with
which are coming from different backgrounds can bring their new experiences and a talent and
skill in an organisation effectively to improve company’s performance. Diversity in organisation
also helps in bringing in new innovations in the organisation successfully. When an organisation
is supportive and diversity is used effectively in the organisation innovation in organisation is
increased and it also creates more business output for the organisation. When a business is using
equality and diversity in their management they can easily open their activities in new markets.
Introducing new people with a different cultural, social and geographical background helps in
attaining new knowledge about potential markets throughout globe which is effective for
businesses.
METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION
Types of investigation: It is significant for investigator to chose an appropriate one for
executing investigation aspects because it can be helpful in achieving authentic and valid results
in an investigation. It can be categorized as per of two types including qualitative and
quantitative research. In order to undertake current investigation, quantitative research will be
applied because it help in gathering collection of information that is measurable in quality and
also give authentic results.
3

Research philosophy: It is related with the content of phenomena where in data needs to
be collected, analysed and interpretation. Under this, it is crucial responsibility of investigator
for selecting a suitable techniques so that data can be easily analysed (Mizock and et. al., 2017).
Mainly, it is determined in two philosophies such as positivism and interpretivism. As per
present study, investigator will apply positivism research philosophy because researcher gained
knowledge through observation which is measurable in nature trustworthy as well.
Research approach: In executing as well as undertaking an investigation approach is
refers to the plan and procedure that includes different steps of data collection, analysis and
interpretation. It may support researcher in improving the possibilities of attaining reliable and
authentic data (Sue And et. al., 2019). It includes two type of research approach such inductive
and deductive. In this research, deductive research approach has been included as it is refers to
the procedure of moving from premises to conclusion that is based on the fact and truth values.
As it provide logical results in which researcher use observation to confirm the truth value and
also get a valid conclusion within the investigation.
Data collection: It is considered as an effectual procedure to assembling data from
various sources with the aim of addressing the specified issues present in the research. Thus, it is
crucial for researcher to select appropriate method for collecting information so that overall
activities of investigation can be easily undertaken. Mainly, it is divided into two method of data
collection such as primary and secondary sources. Both methods are effective in this
investigation to draw a meaningful judgement and reduce the chances of rise any issues. Along
with this, primary method of data collection used to gather first-hand information in which
researcher prepare a structured questionnaire filled from chosen participants. Apart from this,
secondary method assist in providing detailed analysis as per specified research topic. In this, a
systematic literature review is undertaken that includes viewpoints of different authors. It may
support in attaining reliable results within the study.
Sampling: At the time of carry out an investigation,choosing appropriate sample size is
crucial because it support researcher in acquiring accurate and authentic data about the research
topic. In this regards, it is consider as an important process of selecting sample size from the
larger population with the aim of taking right judgement. It is categorised as per two techniques
such as probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling (Manoharan and Singal, 2017). Under this
research, probabilistic sampling will be implement by researcher in which respondents are
4

chosen as per random basis also got equal chances to be selected for sharing their view points
with researcher. By using this, 40 participants are selected who are the employee of business
organisation.
Cost- It is one of the most important consideration in an investigation. There is a need to an
investigator to arrange the money so that all activities can be attained effectively. To make the
whole study effective than it is necessary to keeping the sufficient money for completion of
research activities. An investigator requires to cover all necessary expensed which are included
in an investigation. To manage the funds, an investigator focusses on developing the money
management plan. The cost to conducting research project is £1000.
Particular Costs (£)
Implementing technology cost 150
Promotional expense 60
Internet charges 500
Stationary charges 90
Training charges 200
Total cost 1000
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DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware about the issue of workplace discrimination?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) According to you, does workplace discrimination impact over the employee
performance at working area?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) In what manner workplace discrimination arise at working area of Marks and
Spencer?
a) On the basis of age
b) On the basis of gender
c) On the basis of race
Q4) As per your point of view, promoting equality is necessary for eliminating issue of
workplace discrimination within the company?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What is the impact of workplace discrimination over the employee performance?
a) Lack of employee involvement
b) Increase conflicts among workers
c) Reduce employee productivity
Q6) What are the different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce
discrimination from the workplace?
a) Effective training and development session
b) Giving equal job and growth opportunities
c) Encourage workers to take participate
Q7) What are the different ways to promote equality and End workplace discrimination
at working area of Marks and Spencer?
a) Identify and prevent unconscious bias
6

b) Put equality policies in place
c) Be proactive
Q8) What kind of benefits achieve by M&S with the assistance of reducing workplace
discrimination by implementing equality and diversity practices?
a) Reduce employee turnover
b) Develop positive relation
c) Boost employee morale
Q9) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Spencer in retaining
talent for longer period of time?
a) Yes
b) No
Q10) Suggest the alternative ways that can be applied by Marks and Spencer in order to
reduce workplace discrimination and promote equality.
Frequency Table
Q1) Are you aware about the issue of workplace discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q2) According to you, does workplace discrimination impact over the
employee performance at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Q3) In what manner workplace discrimination arise at working area of
Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) On the basis of age 15
b) On the basis of gender 15
c) On the basis of race 10
7

Q4) As per your point of view, promoting equality is necessary for
eliminating issue of workplace discrimination within the company?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Q5) What is the impact of workplace discrimination over the employee
performance?
Frequency
a) Lack of employee involvement 15
b) Increase conflicts among workers 15
c) Reduce employee productivity 10
Q6) What are the different practices related to equality & diversity in
order to reduce discrimination from the workplace?
Frequency
a) Effective training and development session 20
b) Giving equal job and growth opportunities 10
c) Encourage workers to take participate 10
Q7) What are the different ways to promote equality and End
workplace discrimination at working area of Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Identify and prevent unconscious bias 15
b) Put equality policies in place 10
c) Be proactive 15
Q8) What kind of benefits achieve by M&S with the assistance of
reducing workplace discrimination by implementing equality and
diversity practices?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee turnover 15
b) Develop positive relation 15
c) Boost employee morale 10
Q9) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Frequency
8

Spencer in retaining talent for longer period of time?
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Theme 1: Awareness about the issue of workplace discrimination.
Q1) Are you aware about the issue of workplace discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Interpretation: In a dynamic business environment, workplace discrimination is consider as a
major concern for mostly companies as it also affect the employee performance. In this type of
issues, employees discriminated as per different basis that may increase the negative working
environment. In relation to this, 30 out of 40 respondents think that they have enough awareness
about the issue of workplace discrimination and how it affect the organisational activities. On the
9
30
10
a) Yes
b) No

other hand, remaining 10 participants do not have enough acknowledgement and knowledge
about the current theme.
Theme 2: Workplace discrimination impact over the employee performance at working
area.
Q2) According to you, does workplace discrimination impact over the
employee performance at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Interpretation: From the higher up mentioned graphic content it can be analysed that workplace
discrimination is an issue or challenge for employee in which they get discriminated. This may
affect their working activities and at the same time also reduce their morale towards their job
responsibilities. Thus, it is crucial for company to ensure that each and every employee treated
equally and does not discriminated at working area. In context to this, 35 participants give their
views that discrimination at working area create conflict among workers and also make negative
10
35
5
a) Yes
b) No

working environment. Apart from this, remaining 5 respondents are not aware and familiar with
current research theme.
Theme 3: Workplace discrimination arise at working area of Marks and Spencer.
Q3) In what manner workplace discrimination is arise at working area of
Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) On the basis of age 15
b) On the basis of gender 15
c) On the basis of race 10
Interpretation: In business organisation, workplace discrimination is one of the major concern
because it directly affect the workers performance and at the same time also reduce company
image. In addition to this, it also arise in different basis that can create negative working
environment. As 15 out of 40 participants give their views that it can be arise on the basis of age
in which employee get discriminated as per their age factor. In addition to this, 15 people said
that workplace discrimination is occur as per gender in which female employee pay less as
11
15
15
10
a) On the basis of age
b) On the basis of gender
c) On the basis of race

compare to male. Furthermore, remaining 10 respondents think that race is also a major factor on
which discrimination is arise at working area.
Theme 4: Promoting equality is necessary for eliminating issue of workplace discrimination
within the company.
Q4) As per your point of view, promoting equality is necessary for
eliminating issue of workplace discrimination within the company?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Interpretation: As per above-named graph it can be evaluated that promoting equality
considered as an important activity for organisation. As it assist in give equal opportunities to
each and every workers so that they can easily perform their job roles and also heighten their
productiveness level. With the help of this, it may also eliminate the issue of workplace
discrimination at working environment. In relation to this, 35 out of 40 participants give their
views that promoting as well as implementing equality at working area may contributes in
12
35
5
a) Yes
b) No

eliminating bias behaviour with employee. On the other hand, rest of 5 people think that
sometime promoting equality is not enough to reduce discrimination at working area.
Theme 5: Impact of workplace discrimination over the employee performance.
Q5) What is the impact of workplace discrimination over the employee
performance?
Frequency
a) Lack of employee involvement 15
b) Increase conflicts among workers 15
c) Reduce employee productivity 10
Interpretation: Workplace discrimination is refers to the biggest challenges and issue in-front of
company and its workers as well because it may create negative working environment wherein
employee fail in attaining their set goals and objectives in allotted period of time. In this context,
15 out of 40 people give their views due to workplace discrimination worker are not involve in
business activities and any kind of decision activities. It may put negative impact over the overall
performance of company and its workforce as well. Along with this, 15 participants think that it
13
15
15
10
a) Lack of employee
involvement
b) Increase conflicts among
workers
c) Reduce employee
productivity

also increase the possibilities of creating conflicts among employees that may reduce the
efficiency at working area. Furthermore, rest of 10 respondents said that workplace
discrimination reduce employee productivity at working area. All these impacts are increase
employee turnover within the business organisation.
Theme 6: Different practices related to equality & diversity in order to reduce
discrimination from the workplace.
Q6) What are the different practices related to equality & diversity in
order to reduce discrimination from the workplace?
Frequency
a) Effective training and development session 20
b) Giving equal job and growth opportunities 10
c) Encourage workers to take participate 10
Interpretation: it has been evaluated from the graph that it is important for company to
implement appropriate practices related with equality and diversity with the aim of eliminate the
challenge of workplace discrimination. This can be beneficial in improving employee and at the
14
20
10
10
a) Effective training and
development session
b) Giving equal job and growth
opportunities
c) Encourage workers to take
participate

same time also enhance performance of the company. In context to this, 20 people think that
effective training development session is one of the effective practice that make workers
productive by improving their skills and knowledge. In addition to this, 10 participants think that
giving equal and growth opportunities to employee also help in reducing discrimination.
Furthermore, remaining 10 respondents said that encouraging workers to take participate in
organisation activities is also an appropriate practice to motivate workforce to give their best
efforts.
Theme 7: Different ways to promote equality and End workplace discrimination at
working area of Marks and Spencer.
Q7) What are the different ways to promote equality and End workplace
discrimination at working area of Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Identify and prevent unconscious bias 15
b) Put equality policies in place 10
c) Be proactive 15
15
15
10
15
a) Identify and prevent
unconscious bias
b) Put equality policies in place
c) Be proactive

Interpretation: It is crucial for business organisation to promote equality at working area in
which manager of company ensure that each and every employee treated fairly. This can be
effective in protecting workers form any kind of workplace discrimination. As per view point of
15 respondents identify and prevent unconscious bias is consider as an effective way to promote
equality at working area. Along with this, 10 participants think that put equality policies at
working area is also refers to the appropriate way that can be used by company in order to
promote equality at working area. On the other hand, remaining 15 people said that be proactive
is also an appropriate way to promote as well as develop equality so that workplace
discrimination can be easily eliminated.
Theme 8: Benefits achieve by M&S with the assistance of reducing workplace
discrimination by implementing equality and diversity practices.
Q8) What kind of benefits achieve by M&S with the assistance of
reducing workplace discrimination by implementing equality and
diversity practices?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee turnover 15
b) Develop positive relation 15
c) Boost employee morale 10
16

Interpretation: As per preceding graphical representation it can be analysed that reducing
workplace discrimination is an effective activity in which company focus on implementing
equality and diversity practices. This will contributes in improving organisational performance
and at the same time also develop positive relation among staff members. As 15 out of 40 people
give their views that it may reduce employee turnover by keeping them more productive and
efficient. Furthermore, 15 participants think that by reducing workplace discrimination company
can motivate their workers to develop positive relation. Apart from this, 10 respondents think
that it also may support in boosting employee morale as they feel more productive in putting
their efforts for accomplishment of set targets in allotted period of time.
Theme 9: Eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Spencer in retaining
talent for longer period of time.
Q9) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Spencer
in retaining talent for longer period of time?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
17
15
15
10
a) Reduce employee turnover
b) Develop positive relation
c) Boost employee morale

Interpretation: As per preceding graph it is analysed that eliminating workplace discrimination
play a significant role in business organisation as it may aid in retaining top talent within the
company for longer period of time. With the help of this, organisation can easily accomplish
their set goals and objectives in an effective way. In this, 30 out of 40 people think that reducing
discrimination at working area may help in improving employee performance and also retain
them. This will improve positive performance of company at market place. Furthermore,
remaining 10 participants are not agree with this statement.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
As per preceding research it has been suggested that analysing working proper working
environment is crucial for every business organisation as it help in determining overall
performance at workplace. In this context, company is responsible for promoting equality and
diversity practices like proper training and development session, Giving equal job and growth
opportunities and Encourage workers to take participate at working area. This may beneficial in
18
30
10
a) Yes
b) No

keeping employee engage and also encourage their motivation towards their job roles. In
addition to this, manager of company needs to Identify and prevent unconscious bias and also put
equality policies in place. It may directly contributes in analysing the bias and discriminate with
employees. Through this, firm can easily reduce the employee turnover and keep them sustain
within the workplace for longer period of time. For attaining the same, organisation needs to
maintain or develop healthy working environment wherein each and every workers treated fairly
and also get equal opportunities to succed. This can be contributes in attaining all the set targets
and at the time also attain competitive advantage at market place.
Conclusion
From the above discussed research it can be summarised that maintaining as well as
promoting equality at workplace is one of the important activity as it help in eliminating
workplace discrimination. In addition to this, by providing training and development session as
per continuous basis is also effective in improving workers performance. This can be beneficial
in improving overall productivity of company and its workforce as well. Apart from this, it is
important for manager to provide equal and fair treatment to all the employee because equal
treatment at same workplace may reduce the possibilities of arising conflicts among workers.
This will directly contributes in retaining employee for longer period of time and also reduce
employee turnover.
REFLECTION AND ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Reflection
I am glad to take opportunity to carry out investigation about the significance of
executing equality and diversity practices at the workplace in order to eliminate discrimination.
As a researcher, this research provide wider scope and analysis that helped me in taking right
decision. For attaining the same, I have applied various methods for gathering data and
information on the basis of particular research topic and area. Mainly, I have prepared a
structured questionnaire as it is an effective way to collect first hand information. It help in
analysing accurate information towards the specified research area. Apart from this, there are
various issues related with insufficient cost and time are arise in-front of me at the time of
collecting data. This can be put negative impact over the end results of the investigation. In order
to overcome from these issues I have prepare a Gantt chart that consist entire activities
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performed in this investigation. With the help of this, I can able to complete study in allotted
period of time.
Alternative research methodology
In this present investigation, information has been collected by using the primary method of
data collection. In conducting the present investigation, there has been questionnaire has been
used. The questionnaire is research instrument that includes set of the questions to gather
information from chosen participants. The main reason behind using the questionnaire method is
that it is time saving and easier to collect the more information from large number of the
respondents. As an alternative methodology, interview could be considered as it is an effective
way to gather primary information as it includes the open ended questions regarding the
particular subject area. This will aid in rising the chances of accomplish authentic results within
the research. The benefit of this method is to collect the in-depth information. the interviewer can
judge non- verbal behaviour of participants. The disadvantage of using the interview is that it is
time consuming and costly as comparison to the questionnaire.
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