Equality and diversity in the workplace

This report explores the role of managing cultural diversity in overcoming gender pay gap in the workplace, using John Lewis as a case study. It discusses the importance of cultural diversity, the issues caused by gender pay gap, the advantages of reducing it, and ways to reduce it at John Lewis.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TITLE: Equality and diversity in the workplace.............................................................................4
Abstract............................................................................................................................................4
Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................................5
PART 1............................................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................6
Research aims.........................................................................................................................6
Research Objectives...............................................................................................................6
Research Questions................................................................................................................6
Background of company.........................................................................................................7
Significance of research.........................................................................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................10
Introduction..........................................................................................................................10
Research philosophy.............................................................................................................10
Research approach................................................................................................................11
Research strategy..................................................................................................................11
Research choices..................................................................................................................11
Sampling method..................................................................................................................12
Access Negotiations.............................................................................................................12
Research Limitations............................................................................................................12
Ethical Issues........................................................................................................................12
Gantt Chart...........................................................................................................................13
PART 2..........................................................................................................................................14
Data collection...............................................................................................................................14
Data analysis..................................................................................................................................14
Finding and analysis......................................................................................................................14
Questionnaire.................................................................................................................................14
Frequency Table...................................................................................................................17
Communicate outcome to stakeholders................................................................................31

RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................32
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................33
Alternative methodologies....................................................................................................34
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................34
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................36
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................38
Questionnaire filled by respondent.......................................................................................38

TITLE: Equality and diversity in the workplace
Abstract
This present report has covered detailed information on Gender pay gap which is commonly
seen as the difference between the payment or salary offered to men and women for the same job
role in same company. It is seen that many business association often indulge into unfair practice
paying less salary to women workers as compared to men staff. The core importance of the
present research is that it has provided deeper knowledge to investigator on equality and
diversity practices that are helpful in overcoming issues like gender pay gap at workplace. It has
also provided knowledge to business enterprises performing their business activities with vast
range of workforce. Also, both the primary and secondary form of data collection methods have
been taken into consideration. Questionnaire has been chosen as the main primary sources which
have been filled by 40 respondents whereas in secondary method books, journal and online
sources had been taken into consideration. The findings have revealed that equality and diversity
can be effectively managed by incorporating cultural diversity practices at workplace.

Acknowledgements
Initially I would like to give huge thanks to my superiors, mentors as well as guide who
have collaboratively provided me support in completing project with the provided time limit.
Furthermore, at next I would like to thank my team members with whom I have conducted
research on the proposed topic. Without the support of these people, it won’t be possible for me
to conduct research in effective manner. At last I would like to thank my family members and
friends who have provided me moral support throughout the project completion process.

PART 1
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity practices simply means that business associations should provide
equal job opportunity to employees without discriminating with them on the basis of culture,
religion, sex, racism, age, disability marriage or civil partnership etc. Gender pay gap is mainly
considered as one of the main problem among equality and diversity issues that are noticed in
business enterprises (Ozturk and Tatli, 2016). Gender Pay gap can be effectively managed with
the incorporation of cultural diversity practices at workplace in order to overcome issues related
to gender pay gap within the company. The present research is conducted by John Lewis in order
to develop their knowledge on the role of managing culture diversity to overcome the issues of
gender pay gap in workplace. In this regard, investigator have developed effective research aim,
objectives towards the same so that they can effectively execute this research in the timely
manner. All of them are stated as below:
Research aims
The research aim for current study is “To determine the role of managing culture
diversity to overcome the issues of gender pay gap in workplace.” A case on John Lewis.
Research Objectives
 To understand the importance of cultural diversity at workplace.
 To evaluated major issues that get arises at workplace due to gender pay gap.
 To ascertain the advantages associated with decline in gender pay gap that John Lewis
can leverage.
 To determine ways through which gender pay gap can be reduced at John Lewis.
Research Questions
 Explain concept of cultural diversity at workplace?
 What are the main problems that occurs at workplace due to gender pay gap?
 What are various benefits that can be attained by John Lewis with the reduction of gender
pay gap?
 How different cultural diversity practices contributes in reduction of gender pay gap?

Background of company
John Lewis & Partners is a renown chain of department store of UK which offers huge
range of products to its customers. The company was incorporated in the year 1864 and
headquartered in London, SW, United Kingdom. At the initial stage only one store of John Lewis
was opened at Oxford Street London which has later increased in around 51 stores with the
passing time. The respective company offers products and services to the customers at very
nominal prices. At the time of introduction of this store, the management team of the company
has announced that they will definitely offer all the products at very affordable prices that will
ultimately match with the pricing range of high street competitors. All of the operational
activities of this company are managed by its staff that is around 38100 in numbers. With the
passing period of time the company is expanding within UK by increasing its number of stores.
This growth also requires huge workforce who could tackle and manage business activity of the
company in rightful manner. Increasing number of workforce within the company clearly states
that they are hiring employees from different cultures as well as religion. This also develops
issues among employees because they are hiring people at different pay scale. This is resulting in
the decline of employees performance in negative manner. In this regard, management team of
this company has planned to conduct investigation on equality and diversity practices so that
they can implement them at workplace and reduce influence of these issues in negative manner.
Significance of research
This will develop huge scope as well as opportunities to business enterprises as domestic
as well as international scale by effectively sustaining employees loyal towards the company for
longer period of time. Developed knowledge on this topic also aware business ion effective
expansion at international scale too because they are having deeper knowledge on equality and
diversity practices and can easily implement them at workplace during their business expansion
at international scale. For investigators point of view, the current research will help them out in
developing their own research and other professional skills like time management, analytical,
communication and other skills. As a result it will provide support to researcher in conducting
more effective research in the future.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Importance of cultural diversity at workplace.

On the basis of views presented by Amaded, K., (2019), cultural diversity can be seen
every where huge range of people work or meet at the particular place. This could be seen at
various places like business associations, institutes, colleges etc. This diversity mainly develops
on the basis of various parameters like nationality, culture, religion, racism, gender, pay gap, age,
language, sexual harassment, socio-economic status etc. (Araten-Bergman, 2016). One of its
common contribution is that it allows business associations in analyzing any problematic
situation with various angles. This also contributes in the bringing variety of innovations within
the company as it includes variety of integrated practices at workplace. It is important for
employees to remain open minded as well as non judgmental towards differences among
employees and variety of practices performed by them at workplace.
With the perception of Boehm and Dwertmann, (2015), it can be later said that business
associations are required to deal with various cultural diversity practices so that they can execute
their business plan with the diversified workforce effectively. Diversified working practices is
highly important for the business associations. It has been observed if company has diversified
workforce then it is easier for them to build their brand with diversified target market. Also, it
allows business associations to bring most talented employees within the company without any
sort of cultural barrier (Erickson and et. al., 2014). Also, it reduces absenteeism within the
company and also results in reduction of employees turnover. As a result, it can be said that it
cultural diversity ultimately brings higher innovation within the industry and also supports
business association in gaining competitive edge in effective manner.
Major issues that get arises at workplace due to gender pay gap
As per the thoughts given by Ewoh, (2013), gender pay gap is basically seen when
business association are not paying equal wages or salary due to difference in the gender. It is
considered as the biggest problem that gives rise to variety of problems at workplace which
hampers the functionality as well as profitability of the company in negative manner. Some of
the common issues that are identified as the main one which develops due to gender pay gap are
increase in employee turnover, decline in productivity of employees, delay in attainment of
organisational goals and objectives etc. Constant increase in employee turnover mainly occurs
due to gender pay. This is because, when employees at workplace feels discriminated they
prefers to leave the company instead of being discriminated due to their gender (Hebl and Avery,
2012). This ultimately influence employees especially females to switch the company and join

another one where they will get equal salaries. Also, another issue with gender pay gap is
demotivation among employees because female workforce are not getting equal pay that affects
their satisfaction level. As a result, they does not place their 100 percent efforts in organisational
work. It also results in decline of employees productivity. In addition to this, it can also be said
that lack of employees satisfaction or support directly affects accomplishment of project in
quicker manner.
Advantages associated with decline in gender pay gap that John Lewis can leverage
From the opinion presented by Henry And et. al., (2014), it can be said that gender pay is
major issue for all business enterprises that affects their profitability as well business
performance in negative manner. It has also been analyzed that if business association gets
successful in reducing gender pay gap at workplace then they can easily gain range of benefits in
effective manner. These benefits or advantages also supports company in quick attainment of
their organizational goals and objectives (Johnson, 2019). This can be well understood with the
help of example taken one renown department store of UK named as John Lewis. For instance:
Manager of John Lewis can easily attain high success in UK market by providing equivalent job
opportunities as well as salaries to to employees without any sort of discrimination. This will
direct support them in reducing employees turnover at workplace. As a result, they can execute
their work responsibility in effective manner.
On the basis of views given by Hewins-Maroney and Williams, (2013) main benefits of
reduction in gender pay gap at workplace is increase employees productivity. This is because if
company provides equal wages and salaries to employees them it ultimately motivates them and
influences them to work for the same company in more focused manner. This ultimately supports
them in attaining organizational goals and objectives in quicker manner. On the contrary,
Houtenville and Kalargyrou, (2012) has argued that main benefit associated with reduction in
gender pay gap is reduction in employees turnover at workplace. This simply means that when
company pays equal wages as well as equivalent job opportunities to employees without
discriminating them on the basis of gender then it ultimately motivates them to remain loyal with
the same company for longer period. This results in the reduction of employees turnover within
the same company.
Ways through which gender pay gap can be reduced at John Lewis

According to the viewpoint of Gascoigne, (2019), it is analyzed that companies often
emphasizes on finding adopting several ways or methods by which they can easily reduce gender
pay within their company and gain benefits. Flexible working jobs are considered as the effective
ways which is help for business associations in reducing gender pay gap at workplace. It can be
said that business association like John Lewis can introduce flexible working jobs for workforce
in terms of hourly working time (Jammaers, Zanoni and Hardonk, 2016). These people will get
their own salaries as well as wages on the basis of their working hour without emphasizing on
the gender. Along with this, it can also be said that business associations can also incorporate
equality pay act within the company so that any kind of discrimination does not take place in the
company. On the other hand, another way that could be adopted by manager of John Lewis is
providing equal job opportunities to all employees at workplace. This ultimately provides them
support in any how reducing gender pay gap at workplace. This will ultimately provide range of
benefits to the company with the effective support of employees that will also lead to quick
attainment of higher profitability to the same company in less period of time.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research methodology refers to the section which provides an idea to investigator about
various methods and techniques that will be adopted by researcher at the time of conducting
research. With reference to the present research investigator will make use of Research onion in
order to define this section in more detailed manner. Research onion is consist of different layers
which simply defines each and every method one after another in order to explain overall
purpose of conducting research in appropriate manner (Research Onion. 2019). Each layer of
research onion is explained below:
Research philosophy
Research philosophy is mainly termed as the belief in which investigator carries out
research. Research philosophy are mainly of three types that is positivism, interpretivism and
pragmatism. With reference to the current investigation conducted on John Lewis on the topic “
To determine the role of managing culture diversity to overcome the issues of gender pay gap in
workplace” investigator will surely make use of pragmatism research philosophy. This type of
philosophy is mainly the combination of both the positivism and interpretivism. The main reason

behind adopting it is that investigator wants to include combination of qualitative and
quantitative data in order to attain best possible outcome over research problem in rightful
manner (Kumar, 2019). The main drawback of adopting pragmatism philosophy is that it might
things more complicated for the investigator because they are not able to manage data developed
in form of qualitative and quantitative form.
Research approach
Research approach is termed as the process that simply states that how overall
investigation will going to be conducted in terms of collection of data, its analysis, evaluation
and drawing valid outcome with its support. Research approaches are of two types that is
inductive and deductive. In inductive research approach investigator draws findings by
developing new theories and concepts (Quinlan and et. al., 2019). On the contrary, deductive
approach mainly relies on past theories and investigation for attainment of research outcome.
With reference to the current study conducted on role of managing cultural diversity in reducing
gender pay gap, investigator have selected inductive research approach as it is based on
qualitative method. It provides support in attaining research outcome with the inclusion of
human based perception.
Research strategy
Research strategy refers to the effective strategy adopted by company through which
researcher execute whole research plan effectively (Ketchen, Bergh and Boyd, 2019). These
strategies are of many types like case study, survey, experimental research, interviews etc. With
reference to the current study, investigator will make use of survey method for completing
research in rightful manner.
Research choices
In this investigator makes choice that which kind of method they will obtain for attaining
research outcome in rightful manner (Wang and et. al ., 2019). It is mainly of three types that is
mono method, mixed method and multi method. In the current method investigator will make use
of mono method for conducting research in simpler manner without any complication. In this,
qualitative method will going to be adopted by investigator in rightful manner.

Sampling method
Sampling is termed as the method by which investigator selects respondents from the
targeted sample population. Sampling methods are mainly of two types that is probabilistic and
non probabilistic sampling method (VanKooten, 2019). For the current research investigator will
use non probabilistic sampling method, in this they will use random sampling method. The main
reason behind choosing this method is that it provides equal opportunities to all sample
population in order to get selected as a sample size. For the current investigation researcher will
select 40 respondent for gathering maximum information from them.
Access Negotiations
It is essential for investigator to gather maximum possible information for attaining best
outcome for the research. While doing this, there are probable chances that investigator might
feel issues as there are numerous of sites that are not open for everyone (Kumar, 2019). This
simply means that they feel difficulty in gathering required information. Apart from this, it can
also be said that investigator might also face problem at the time of convincing respondents to
provide information on research topic. In this case, investigator can easily negotiate with
respondents by telling them importance of research for the company as well as society in
effective manner.
Research Limitations
The research limitation for the current project is limited funds and time provided for
conducting this research. It can be said that investigator was having very limited period of time
for the conducting the research (Clarke and Visser, 2019). This have also made it difficult for the
investigator to accomplish research objective and find out feasible outcome for it in effective
manner.
Ethical Issues
At the time of conducting present research on the topic equality and diversity,
investigator is required to execute whole research work by following their own ethics in
appropriate manner (Quinlan and et. al., 2019). With reference to the current study, it is essential
for investigator gather information from the authentic sources only. Along with this, it is also

important for them to take permission of each and every investigator before using their
information for research purpose.
Gantt Chart
Gantt chart is basically termed as the graphical representation of the all research activities
that will be performed by investigator at the time of conducting research. It includes starting as
well as ending time of every research activity in separate manner that is supportive for researcher
as well as his team members in completing each and every activity within the provided time
frame in effective manner (Wang and et. al, 2019). With reference to current research project,
investigator has developed Gantt chart for the current research on the aim “To determine role of
managing culture diversity to overcome the issues of gender pay gap in workplace.”. The
proposed Gantt for present study is stated as below:

PART 2
Data collection
Data collection is considered as the effective method through which investigator gather
information from various source in order to obtain valid outcome towards the same. With
reference to the current study, investigator will make use of questionnaire as the core data
collection technique by which they will effectively obtain research outcome in effective manner
(Clarke and Visser, 2019). The main benefit of using questionnaire is that it provides accurate
information. Whereas the shortcoming of this method is that it is time consuming. Apart from
this, investigator will also use various secondary sources like books, journals, newspapers,
magazines and online websites for obtaining maximum possible information in quick manner
with more effective data. Also, the shortcoming of this data collection source is that it provides
outdated data.
Data analysis
Data analysis refers to the effective way by which investigator emphasizes using appropriate
method through which they analysis gathered information for drawing valid outcome. Data
analysis methods are mainly of two types that is qualitative and quantitative (Johnson, 2019). In
qualitative method overall information is analyzed with the help of human based perception
whereas in quantitative method several mathematical formulas and statistical methods are
adopted by investigator in order to obtain valid outcome. With reference to the current study,
investigator will make use of qualitative method for analyzing overall gathered information in
rightful manner.
Finding and analysis
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No

Q 2) Do you think, issues related to gender pay gap places negative impact over
employees’ performance?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 3) According to you, what are main problems that might occur in John Lewis due to
gender pay gap?
a) Increase in employee turnover
b) Decline in productivity of employees
c) Delay in attainment of organisational goals and objectives
Q 4) What are main benefit that can be attained by John Lewis with the reduction of
gender pay gap?
a) Increase employees productivity
b) Reduction in employees turnover
c) Quick attainment of organisational goals and objectives
Q 5) In what manner, equality and cultural diversity practices supports in developing
effective working environment?
a) Positive manner
b) Negative manner
Q 6) Does incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John Lewis in rectifying
issues related to gender pay gap?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 7) Do you believe, equality at workplace contributes in the improvement of employees
performance?
a) Yes
b) No

Q 8) As per your viewpoint, does training session as the cultural diversity practice reduces
issues associated with Gender pay gap?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 9) In you perception, which one of the below stated is best way that contributes in
rectifying gender pay gap at John Lewis?
a) Cultural diversity practices
b) Compliance with equality pay act
c) Flexible working jobs
Q 10) As per your perception, does incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps
John Lewis in quick attainment of organisational goals and objectives?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 11) Do you think, equality at workplace contributes in retaining employees longer in
John Lewis?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 12) According to your viewpoint, does initiative taken by John Lewis towards equality
practices is a time wasting activity?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 13) Provide recommendation to the management team of John Lewis by which they can
maintain equality at workplace and eliminate gender pay gap effectively.

Frequency Table
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q 2) Do you think, issues related to gender pay gap places negative impact
over employees performance?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 5
Q 3) According to you, what are main problems that might occur in John
Lewis due to gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Increase in employee turnover 10
b) Decline in productivity of employees 20
c) Delay in attainment of organisational goals and objectives 10
Q 4) What are main benefit that can be attained by John Lewis with the
reduction of gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Increase employees productivity 12
b) Reduction in employees turnover 13
c) Quick attainment of organisational goals and objectives 15
Q 5) In what manner, equality and cultural diversity practices supports in
developing effective working environment?
Frequency
a) Positive manner 36
b) Negative manner 4
Q 6) Does incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John
Lewis in rectifying issues related to gender pay gap?
Frequency

a) Agree 32
b) Disagree 8
Q 7) Do you believe, equality at workplace contributes in the improvement
of employees performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 33
b) No 7
Q 8) As per your viewpoint, does training session as the cultural diversity
practice reduces issues associated with Gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Yes 34
b) No 6
Q 9) In you perception, which one of the below stated is best way that
contributes in rectifying gender pay gap at John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Cultural diversity practices 18
b) Compliance with equality pay act 12
c) Flexible working jobs 10
Q 10) As per your perception, does incorporation of equality and diversity
practices helps John Lewis in quick attainment of organisational goals and
objectives?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 5
Q 11) Do you think, equality at workplace contributes in retaining
employees longer in John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Yes 38
b) No 2
Q 12) According to your viewpoint, does initiative taken by John Lewis
towards equality practices is a time wasting activity?
Frequency

a) Agree 4
b) Disagree 36

Theme 1: Concept of equality and diversity at workplace
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Interpretation: Equality and diversity practices are determined as the effective initiative
taken by businesses for developing effective working environment for employees. From the
diagram shown in the above section it has been analysed that 30 respondents knows about this
concept as they read about it many corporate world related articles. On the other hand, remaining
10 people mentioned that do not have any sort of knowledge related to this term as they have
heard it very first time.
30
10
a) Yes
b) No

Theme 2: Issues related to gender pay gap places negative impact over employees
performance
Q 2) Do you think, issues related to gender pay gap places negative impact
over employees performance?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 5
Interpretation: Gender pay gap develops range of issues at workplace which ultimately
places negative impact over employees performance. While asking this question from chosen
sample size, 35 have stated that they problems connected with gender pay puts negative
influence over employees productivity. Whereas, other 5 responsive conveyed that gender pay
gap in today's world does not exists. Thus, it does not influences employees performance in any
manner.
35
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Theme 3: Main problems that might occur in John Lewis due to gender pay gap
Q 3) According to you, what are main problems that might occur in John
Lewis due to gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Increase in employee turnover 10
b) Decline in productivity of employees 20
c) Delay in attainment of organisational goals and objectives 10
Interpretation: The respected diagram shown in above section states that 10 people
thinks that main consequence of gender pay gap for John Lewis is high employee turnover. Other
20 thinks that main issue with this problem is that it decreases employees working capability as
they feels demotivated within the firm. The leftover 10 respondents have specified that it directly
delays in achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
10
20
10
a) Increase in employee
turnover
b) Decline in productivity of
employees
c) Delay in attainment of
organisational goals and
objectives

Theme 4: Main benefit that can be attained by John Lewis with the reduction of gender
pay gap
Q 4) What are main benefit that can be attained by John Lewis with the
reduction of gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Increase employees productivity 12
b) Reduction in employees turnover 13
c) Quick attainment of organisational goals and objectives 15
Interpretation: Gender pay gap is determined as the major issue which is placing
negative influence over the employees. If it is reduced then it could provide range of benefits to
the firm. Some of the main benefits among them are improvement in employees productivity,
decline in employees turnover, achievement of organisational goals in quicker manner.
According to the graph, 12 respondents thinks that it increases employees productivity as
employees feels satisfied and worthy within the company. 13 respondents stated that reduction in
employee turnover will reduce employee turnover at workplace. Apart from this, the remaining
15 respondents thinks that it supports John Lewis in obtaining organisational goals in quicker
manner.
12
13
15 a) Increase employees
productivity
b) Reduction in employees
turnover
c) Quick attainment of
organisational goals and
objectives

Theme 5: Equality and cultural diversity practices supports in developing effective
working environment
Q 5) In what manner, equality and cultural diversity practices supports in
developing effective working environment?
Frequency
a) Positive manner 36
b) Negative manner 4
Interpretation: This pie chart shows that 36 respondents thinks that equality and
diversity practices places positive impact over John Lewis and supports in creative effective
working environment. This is so because employees feels satisfied in the company as they are
getting equivalent opportunities at workplace. Whereas, other 4 believes that it is a time wasting
activity thus it places negative impact over the creation of effective working environment.
36
4
a) Positive manner
b) Negative manner

Theme 6: Incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John Lewis in rectifying
issues related to gender pay gap
Q 6) Does incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John
Lewis in rectifying issues related to gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Agree 32
b) Disagree 8
Interpretation: Equality and diversity practices provides range of benefits to the
company which contributes in reducing different issues that is being faced by employees at
workplace. Gender pay gap is determined as one of the main issue which could be eliminated by
implementation of equality and diversity practices. 32 respondents has mentioned that equality
and diversity practices helps John Lewis in rectifying gender pay gap issues. On the other hand,
the leftover 8 people has disagreed to the same statement as according to them Gender pay gap
can be reduced with these practices. In order to rectify it completely top management team of
John Lewis must go for strict policies.
32
8
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Theme 7: Equality at workplace contributes in the improvement of employees performance
Q 7) Do you believe, equality at workplace contributes in the improvement
of employees performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 33
b) No 7
Interpretation: Equality at workplace directly or indirectly motivates employees to
perform their work in lucrative form which helps them in accomplishing organisational goals and
objectives in quicker manner. From the total number of 40 respondents, 33 believes that it is true
that equality practices at workplace helps John Lewis in improving their business performance in
effective manner. 7 respondent expressed negative response towards the same as according to
them it is not at all true. According to these 7 people employees performance can only be
achieved by providing them good salary and facilities at workplace.
33
7
a) Yes
b) No

Theme 8: Training session as the cultural diversity practice reduces issues associated with
Gender pay gap
Q 8) As per your viewpoint, does training session as the cultural diversity
practice reduces issues associated with Gender pay gap?
Frequency
a) Yes 34
b) No 6
Interpretation: On the basis of above mentioned graph, 34 respondents have specified
that yes training session helps John Lewis in reducing issues related to Gender pay gap at
workplace. On the other hand, leftover 6 people have denied to the same statement as according
to them it is not at all true.
34
6
a) Yes
b) No

Theme 9: Best way that contributes in rectifying gender pay gap at John Lewis
Q 9) In you perception, which one of the below stated is best way that
contributes in rectifying gender pay gap at John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Cultural diversity practices 18
b) Compliance with equality pay act 12
c) Flexible working jobs 10
Interpretation: Gender pay gap refers to the difference between remuneration for male
and female who are working together in a firm. On the other side females are mainly considered
to be paid less than a men. In regards with John Lewis 18 respondents thinks that practice of
cultural diversity is the best way to reduce gender pay gap. Another side 12 people agree that
compliance with equality pay act could help to rectifying this issue. At last 10 respondents have
thoughts that flexible working jobs could reduce this problem from an organization.
18
12
10
a) Cultural diversity practices
b) Compliance with equality
pay act
c) Flexible working jobs

Theme 10: Incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John Lewis in quick
attainment of organizational goals and objectives
Q 10) As per your perception, does incorporation of equality and diversity
practices helps John Lewis in quick attainment of organisational goals and
objectives?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 5
Interpretation: In order to manage equality and diversity have become an essential part
of management functions within the firm. In the case of John Lewis diversity and equality
practices are most important for achievement of organisational goals. Herein, 35 respondents
agree on this that firm should use these practices on the other hand 5 respondents disagree on
this.
35
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Theme 11: Equality at workplace contributes in retaining employees longer in John Lewis
Q 11) Do you think, equality at workplace contributes in retaining
employees longer in John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Yes 38
b) No 2
Interpretation: Equality at workplace analyse that according to this no person should
experience as well as fear discriminations which is based on their gender, age, race and so on. In
the case of John Lewis 38 respondents thinks that equality at workplace should contributes for
retaining employees. There are 2 respondents who think that it should not exist in firm for
retaining workers longer in John Lewis. This is because they do not have much knowledge about
this, therefore they do not agree on this.
38
2
a) Yes
b) No

Theme 12: Initiative taken by John Lewis towards equality practices is a time wasting
activity
Q 12) According to your viewpoint, does initiative taken by John Lewis
towards equality practices is a time wasting activity?
Frequency
a) Agree 4
b) Disagree 36
Interpretation: Equality practices helps employees, firm, business by which they can
communicate with each other and able to listen all information carefully which is provided by
firm. In regards with John Lewis, according to the 36 respondents point of view firm will take
initiate towards equality practices as they think this is wastage of time. On the other side, 4
respondents agree on this and they think firm should take initiation as it is not much time wasting
activity.
Communicate outcome to stakeholders
The present investigation has been conducted on the equality and diversity and its
proposed contribution in reducing gender pay gap in large scale companies. After conducting
overall investigation effectively, investigator will further communicate overall developed
information to its stakeholders. Stakeholders are mainly determined as the individuals who are
directly related to the business and will surely get influenced with the business activities of
4
36
a) Agree
b) Disagree

company. Employees, government, customers, management team, supplier, investors and others.
The main reason of communicating outcome to stakeholder is that they are highly interested in
business affairs of John Lewis. With reference to the current study, managers, employees and
government will taken as the main stakeholder with whom outcome of research will going to be
shared (Clarke and Visser, 2019). This will also develop understanding associated with the
equality and diversity practices within John Lewis. All of the associated information that is
research outcome will be communicated to stakeholder through several modes like, written
documents, emails, online report, presentation, meetings, one to one interactions etc. By making
use of these tools and methods it would be easier for investigator convey overall information to
its stakeholders in adequate manner (VanKooten, 2019). The overall investigation is about
equality and diversity practices and its contribution in the reduction gender pay gap. It also
supports investigator in developing their understanding over several ways by which business
manager of John Lewis could maintain their performance and rectify gender pay gap effectively
at workplace. Along with this, researcher will also convey benefit of this investigation to the
stakeholders which will develop influence of all stakeholders towards it and convince them to
provide their support in the future too.
RECOMMENDATIONS
From the overall analysis made in the above section, it has been determined that
nowadays organizations like John Lewis focuses on finding solutions or ways in order to reduce
gender pay gap at workplace so that they can develop effective working environment for its
workforce (Wang and et. al ., 2019). In order to overcome issues related to gender pay gap it is
essential for its business manager to follow below stated recommendations so that they rectify
gender pay gap associated issues at workplace:
 One of the best way that is considered is Flexible Working hours of job as it helps
employees to work according to their time. The higher authorities of John Lewis would
introduce the concept of flexible hours as it builds a positive mindset of employees
towards organization (Ketchen, Bergh and Boyd, 2019). Along with this, if staff
members get salary as per their hours of working, it automatically decline the gender pay
gap at workplace.
 The another way that has been identified is companies can incorporate act such as
Equality pay which assist in reducing gender pay gap at workplace (Quinlan and et. al.,

2019). With reference to John Lewis, if employees get output equals to the efforts they
put towards attainment of company targets, it will directly reduce gender pay gap within
the organization.
 It is suggested to John Lewis that they can enforce paternity leave in the organization as
it will give an equal opportunity to women to return back to office (Kumar, 2019). It
encourages both men and women and reduce the gender pay gap at workplace.
REFLECTION
From my own experience related with conducting this research there have been some sort
of experiences that in have gone through. Some experiences were good and some helped me in
improving my present skills. Such as I used both primary and secondary sources of collecting
data. In case of secondary sources various online available sites, journal publication helped me a
lot in gathering information in related to my research objectives. These were very easily
accessible and available which helped me in saving lot of time & was also very cost effective for
me. So, it can be said that these methods were very helpful in optimum utilization of available
resources. On other hand, while using primary sources of collecting data I used questionnaire for
gathering information from respondents. I felt that all the respondent were not very comfortable
in providing me the required information which I was willing to ask. Major two reason were
there such as first they were reluctant that there private information might be leaked and used for
any purpose apart from research objectives. Second reason, I found was that respondents didn't
really felt that this research can be useful is or has any benefit for organization. So, I had to use
my communication skills in making them realize overall importance of research. Also, I had to
assure them regarding confidentiality of information provided by them that it will only be sued
for the objectives of researcher only. I also realized that this particular research was very helpful
in enhancement of my present communication skills as I had to work on my management skills.
There was a particular time frame in which I had to complete each aspect of whole project. So I
was able to increase my time management skills. So, I would like to say that this research work
has been a great experience for me and provided me great experiences.
The overall experience related to investigation conducted on the topic “To determine the
role of managing culture diversity to overcome the issues of gender pay gap in workplace.”
includes both the positive as well as negative experiences. The positive experiences associated
with the same have motivated me a lot in adding some additional efforts in the completion of the

project whereas on the other hand the negative experience related to it has initially affected me a
lot but with the passing period of time it had made me learn many things. The positive
experience related to the research was effective support of the team members as all of them have
collaboratively supported me a lot in completing the research work within the available period of
time. This has also influenced me to place additional efforts in the investigation. On the contrary,
it is emphasized on the negative experience related to the research, it can be said that it was
highly difficult for me to influence interest of respondents towards providing true information
while filling the questionnaire. It has been seen that many of the respondents were thinking that
this investigation is the time wasting activity which is not going to provide any sort of benefit to
them as well as society. Due to this, these respondents were less interested in sharing information
and filling questionnaire with their full interest. At the initial level, this have demotivate me a lot
as I thought it won’t be possible for me to complete the investigation but things changed after I
have convinced these respondents to place efforts in the research so that it can get accomplished.
Overall it can be said that this research work has been a great experience for me and provided me
great experiences.
Alternative methodologies
In the present research questionnaire has been adopted by the researcher which was an
effective method but still it has few limitations with it as it has not allowed respondents to
express their own viewpoint towards the same as they were bounded with the closed ended
question. With my personal experience, I would go for the interview method in the near future as
it includes open ended questions and would also allow investigator to gather maximum
information on the same topic as respondents can freely express their thoughts towards the same.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of overall information stated in the above section, it has been analyzed
equality and diversity practices are highly beneficial for the businesses as it provides supports in
reducing issues related to the gender pay gap and others associated issues at workplace. In
addition to this, it has been later determined that by incorporating different equality practices
businesses can easily motivate its employees and influence them to execute their business
activities in appropriate manner which will increase organizational profitability effectively.

Apart from this, majority of people has specified that if company follows all equality and
diversity practices then they can easily retain its existing workforce longer within the company.
This directly reduces employee turnover rate and support company in attaining their
organizational goals and objectives in quicker manner. Cultural diversity can also be seen when
people with different background have different perspective towards work or any other common
thing. It can be said cultural diversity is not always harmful for the company but it also has its
own importance for business associations. Also, Training session at workplace provides range of
benefits to the company. Large scale companies are now a day’s focusing on conducting training
session regarding cultural diversity practices for enhancing awareness of employees as well as
management team regarding the same so that they can implement equality at workplace.
Incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps businesses like John Lewis in developing
positive working environment where employees could work freely without any issue. Gender
pay gap at workplace creates range of issues like high incline in employee turnover rate, non
achievement of organisational goals and objectives, falls in employees’ productivity etc. All of
them directly hampers growth rate of entity. Furthermore, it can be said that usage of secondary
method of data collection has supported investigator in gathering required information within
limited time frame. Along with this, usage of primary method has supported in collecting fresh
and reliable information on the topic. Both the methods have equally contributed in gathering
required information and obtaining research outcome in quicker manner.

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APPENDIX
Questionnaire filled by respondent
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of equality and diversity at
workplace?
Response
a) Yes ✔
b) No
Q 2) Do you think, issues related to gender pay gap places negative impact
over employees performance?
Response
a) Agree ✔
b) Disagree
Q 3) According to you, what are main problems that might occur in John
Lewis due to gender pay gap?
Response
a) Increase in employee turnover
b) Decline in productivity of employees ✔
c) Delay in attainment of organisational goals and objectives
Q 4) What are main benefit that can be attained by John Lewis with the
reduction of gender pay gap?
Response
a) Increase employees productivity
b) Reduction in employees turnover ✔
c) Quick attainment of organisational goals and objectives
Q 5) In what manner, equality and cultural diversity practices supports in
developing effective working environment?
Response
a) Positive manner ✔
b) Negative manner

Q 6) Does incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps John
Lewis in rectifying issues related to gender pay gap?
Response
a) Agree ✔
b) Disagree
Q 7) Do you believe, equality at workplace contributes in the improvement
of employees performance?
Response
a) Yes
b) No ✔
Q 8) As per your viewpoint, does training session as the cultural diversity
practice reduces issues associated with Gender pay gap?
Response
a) Yes ✔
b) No
Q 9) In you perception, which one of the below stated is best way that
contributes in rectifying gender pay gap at John Lewis?
Response
a) Cultural diversity practices
b) Compliance with equality pay act
c) Flexible working jobs ✔
Q 10) As per your perception, does incorporation of equality and diversity
practices helps John Lewis in quick attainment of organisational goals and
objectives?
Response
a) Agree ✔
b) Disagree
Q 11) Do you think, equality at workplace contributes in retaining
employees longer in John Lewis?
Response
a) Yes
b) No ✔

Q 12) According to your viewpoint, does initiative taken by John Lewis
towards equality practices is a time wasting activity?
Response
a) Agree
b) Disagree ✔