Role of Equality and Diversity in Reducing Workplace Discrimination: A Study of Asda

This study investigates the role of equality and diversity in reducing workplace discrimination, focusing on Asda. It explores the importance of equality and diversity, the challenges faced by Asda, and strategies to manage workplace discrimination. The study aims to provide insights into the ways organizations can promote equality and diversity to eliminate discrimination.

Unit 11– Research
Project
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................3
Overview and Background of study............................................................................................3
Rationale......................................................................................................................................3
Research aim................................................................................................................................4
Research objectives......................................................................................................................4
Research questions.......................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................6
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION......................................................8
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 300..............................................15
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................15
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Overview and Background of study
With the increasing business approach to international market it become very crucial for a
business to maintain diversity in term of its workplace so that it become able to maintain
employees belongs to different cultural background and knowledge. This in turn not only help in
keeping the organisation updated with the current market situation such as taste and preferences
of people, but also help them in managing innovative practices by integrating the skills and
knowledge of people belongs to different background (Toussaint Miller, 2017). But above all
this managing workplace equality along with diversified employees is quite difficult as usually
people not respect and behaviour properly with people belongs from diversified background.
This in turn results into discrimination at workplace where employees belong to different
nationality, culture, experience, racial etc. are treated unequally which in turn brings up several
consequences as well as challenges to an organisation. Therefore, it is very much crucial for an
organisation to maintain equality at workplace in order to eliminate discrimination and to
investigate it further this study is conducted which is based on ASDA. It is a multinational
retailer which deals in range of product categories such as grocery items, clothing and home
essentials etc. The main reason behind considering this company is that it operates at
international level and also maintain a diversified workforce which is required to be maintained
effectively to avoid discriminatory practices (Saar, 2018).
Rationale
The main purpose behind conducting this study is to develop an understanding about the
importance of equality and diversity within an organisation and manner in which it support
within the growth and success of an organisation. Despite of this, current study also put
emphases toward determining the challenges that an organisation has to face when there is a
workplace discrimination present within the organisation and manner in which it can be
overcome with the help of effective implementation of equality and diversity practices (Noon,
2018). By performing this investigation the researcher would be able to present its idea regarding
the ways or strategies that must be adopted by Asda in order to reduce workplace discrimination
and be able to manage equality and diversity at workplace.
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Research aim
To investigate about the role of equality and diversity in reducing the workplace
discrimination. A study of Asda.
Research objectives
 To explores the importance of equality and diversity at the workplace.
 To determine the challenges that Asda faces due to workplace discrimination
 To ascertain the ways of reducing workplace discrimination by managing equality and
diversity within ASDA
Research questions
 What is the importance of equality and diversity at the workplace?
 What are several challenges that Asda faces due to workplace discrimination?
 Explain about the ways of reducing workplace discrimination by managing equality and
diversity within ASDA?
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research done by different
authors and researchers on a given topic which help in developing knowledge along with
critically analysing the data collected from secondary research. The secondary sources from
where this data can be collected are articles, journals, internet articles etc. so that better vies can
be developed by the researcher.
Importance of equality and diversity at workplace
As per the views of Louise, (2016), equality and diversity in workplace is important as it
help in improving the performance of workers which ultimately help in increasing the
profitability of company. With the help of equality equal opportunities are given to the workers
which help ion boosting their confidence and they use their skills and talents in an efficient
manner so that the aims and objectives of an organisation can be achieved on time. Equal and
fair treatment among workers is also essential so that workers can feel valued in the company
which helps in boosting their confidence and morale in improving their performance (Kumar,
2019). Diversity on the other hand is important so that a workforce having varied skills and
talents can work together so that goals of company can be accomplished on time. It also help in
increasing diverse and varied ideas thereby increasing innovation in company so that competitive
advantage can be achieved through improved performance in market.
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Challenges that is faced due to workplace discrimination
According to the views of Neslie, (2015), it is essential that workplace discrimination is
reduced so that various challenges faced due to unequal treatment of employees can be
efficiently dealt with which can help in improving the working conditions of the organisation
along with improving the way in which aims of company can be achieved. All the employees
work with a hope of getting equal and fair opportunities to grow and develop in their career so
that they can become successful and get recognised for their work. Workplace discrimination is
illegal and lead to increased dissatisfaction among employees with their job and affect their
performance which ultimately affect the profits of company. There are various challenges which
can be faced in an organisation due to workplace discrimination like increased conflicts among
workers, increased job dissatisfaction, decreasing employee retention, negative brand image in
market, reduced customer satisfaction etc. All these challenges can affect the ability of a
company in achieving its goals in desired manner due to increased opposition among workers
which can impact the overall productivity of company (Wiek and Lang, 2016).
Ways of reducing workplace discrimination
As per the views of Kimberlee, (2019), it is important that effective strategies and
initiatives should be implemented in an organisation which can help in preventing workplace
discrimination so that equal and fair opportunities can be given to all the workers irrespective of
their unlawful differences. Workplace discrimination lead to increased dissatisfaction among
employees and also affect their loyalty towards company which affect the ability of company to
increase their profits. There are various ways through which discrimination among workers can
be reduced like effective implementation of policies and procedures in the organisational
structure which can help in increasing equal treatment among workers. Also by increasing
training and development programmes for managers and leaders of company so that they can
treat all the workers equally. Improving effective communication in company so that exchange
of information can take place efficiently which can help in improving the ability of workers to
perform better (Hickson, 2016). Also employee engagement can be enhanced which can help in
decreasing workplace discrimination so that an effective working environment can be built
thereby improving the efficiency with which work is completed.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In order to efficiently perform research it is important that research methodologies are
appropriately applied so that effective results can be achieved which can help in improving the
quality of research conducted.
Research philosophy: It is related with the belief regarding the ways in which
information needs to be collected along with its interpretation so that research results can be
effectively achieved. There are two philosophies of research like positivism and interpretivism
from which the researcher must use interpretivism philosophy as it is less time consuming and
help in analysing the quantitative data in an efficient manner (Clandinin, Cave and Berendonk,
2017).
Research approach: It is related with the way in which research is carried out and it can
be done by following two approaches which are inductive and deductive. The researcher will use
deductive approach of research as it is helpful in analysing quantitative data in an effective
manner so that better research results can be achieved.
Research strategies: It is related with the strategy which is applied by researcher so that
research can be completed strategically based on the data which is required for research along
with the purpose of research.
Research choice: It is related with the choice of method which is to be applied by
researcher in conducting the research so that data can be collected from various sources so that
better research results can be achieved. In this research the researcher will use both qualitative
and quantitative method so that the data can be analysed in an efficient manner.
Data collection and analysis: There are two sources in which data can be collected which
are primary and secondary in which primary method help in collecting data directly from the
source by the way of questionnaire, interview etc. so that better information can be achieved.
Secondary sources help in collecting information which is based on the vies of other authors and
writers like articles, newspapers etc. The data collected from secondary sources can be analysed
and interpreted by researcher to draw research results. In this research the researcher will use
both primary and secondary sources for collecting data (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2017).
Sampling: It is related with selecting a sample population from a large population having
similar characteristics so that research results can be evenly applied. In this research a sample
size of 10 managers of ASDA will be selected so as to conduct primary research.
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Questionnaire
Q1 Do you think that equality and diversity at workplace plays a significant role in managing
the workforce effectively?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2 According to your view point, what are several benefits that Asda will get by maintaining
equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Innovative practices
b) More employee engagement
c) Better employee retention
Q3 From your perception, what are the major consequences that Asda may face due to
workplace discrimination?
a) Affecting organisational profitability
b) Affect brand image
c) Increasing employee turnover
Q4 What are the challenges that Asda face in managing its employees due to increasing
workplace discrimination?
a) Increasing absenteeism
b) Increasing number of errors
c) Lower productivity
Q5 Among the following which one is the major factor which leads to workplace
discrimination?
a) Inequality among employees
b) Lack of leader support
c) Respect for diversity
Q6 Do you think that with the help of managing equality and diversity in Asda the workplace
discrimination can be eliminated?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 7 What are several strategies that can be adopted in order to minimise workplace
discrimination by promoting equality and diversity at workplace?
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a) Providing inclusion training
b) Improving the HR policies
c) Listening the issues of employees
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Data analysis is defined as that section of an investigation which focuses toward
arranging and analysing the gathered data in order to convert it into more meaningful manner to
determine the outcome of investigation performed. There are several methods that are used for
performing the analysis of data such as content analysis, thematic analysis etc. For performing
current study the content analysis method is used which help in evaluating eth numerical data
and presenting the view point of people over data is gathered and present it under certain themes
to make it more explanatory.
Q1 Do you think that equality and diversity at workplace plays a
significant role in managing the workforce effectively?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Q2 According to your view point, what are several benefits that
Asda will get by maintaining equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Innovative practices 2
b) More employee engagement 2
c) Better employee retention 5
Q3 From your perception, what are the major consequences that
Asda may face due to workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Affecting organisational profitability 1
b) Affect brand image 3
c) Increasing employee turnover 6
Q4 What are the challenges that Asda face in managing its
employees due to increasing workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Increasing absenteeism 3
b) Increasing number of errors 5
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c) Lower productivity 2
Q5 Among the following which one is the major factor which
leads to workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Inequality among employees 5
b) Lack of leader support 2
c) Respect for diversity 3
Q6 Do you think that with the help of managing equality and
diversity in Asda the workplace discrimination can be eliminated?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Q 7 What are several strategies that can be adopted in order to
minimise workplace discrimination by promoting equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Providing inclusion training 6
b) Improving the HR policies 2
c) Listening the issues of employees 2
Data analysis
Theme 1: Equality and diversity at workplace plays a significant role in managing the
workforce effectively
Q1 Do you think that equality and diversity at workplace plays a
significant role in managing the workforce effectively?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
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Interpretation: The equality and diversity at workplace is consider to be a crucial part of
those organisations that operates at international level as it help in managing the people belong to
different background to work with proper coordination. By performing investigation about this it
has been that around 8 managers said yes they have an idea about the role that equality and
diversity plays in managing workplace diversity, while 2 said no to this. From the evaluation of
data it can be said that majority of people said yes to this as organisations now a days mainly put
emphases toward promoting equality and diversity at workplace.
Theme 2: Several benefits that Asda will get by maintaining equality and diversity at
workplace
Q2 According to your view point, what are several benefits that
Asda will get by maintaining equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Innovative practices 2
b) More employee engagement 2
c) Better employee retention 5
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Interpretation: From the above-mentioned data it can be said that by maintain equality
and diversity at workplace an organisation get several benefits. By gathering information about
this it has been found that around 2 managers out of 10 said that Asda will be benefited with
developing innovative practices. But on the other side 2 respondents said that with this more
employees engagement can be achieved, while 5 said that it will help in ensuring better
employee retention. From the overall evaluation of data it has been found that majority of people
are in favour of better employee retention and this is so because by maintain equality at
workplace it become easier to keep employees satisfied with their job which in turn keep them
retain to work for the organisation.
Theme 3: The major consequences that Asda may face due to workplace discrimination
Q3 From your perception, what are the major consequences that
Asda may face due to workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Affecting organisational profitability 1
b) Affect brand image 3
c) Increasing employee turnover 6
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Interpretation: As per the analysis performed on above presented data it has bene
identified that around 1 out of 10 managers said that workplace discrimination affects the
organisational profitability. But on the other side 3 respondents said that this in turn affect the
brand image to a great extend, while remaining 6 manager said that this results into increase
employee turnover. From the overall analysis pf data it has been found that the majority of
people said that major consequence that Asda have to face due to workplace discrimination is
increasing employee turnover. As when the employees are being discriminated and treated
unequally then they get demotivated with their work and started seeking for new job opportunity
outside the organisation which results into increasing employee turnover.
Theme 4: The challenges that Asda face in managing its employees due to increasing
workplace discrimination
Q4 What are the challenges that Asda face in managing its
employees due to increasing workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Increasing absenteeism 3
b) Increasing number of errors 5
c) Lower productivity 2
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Interpretation: There are number of challenges that Asda has to confront due to
workplace discrimination. By performing investigation it has been identified that around 3
managers said that increasing absenteeism is the major challenge, but 5 managers said that the
major challenge is about increasing number of error in working of employees while 2 of them
said that the major challenge of workplace discrimination is that it results into lowering down of
productivity. From the overall analysis of data it has been analysed that majority of people said
that the main challenge that an organisation have to confront is increasing number of error in
employees performance. As due to discrimination employees loses their morale which in turn
directly affect their motivation to work and they become careless while working which results
into increasing number of errors.
Theme 5: The major factor which leads to workplace discrimination
Q5 Among the following which one is the major factor which
leads to workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Inequality among employees 5
b) Lack of leader support 2
c) Respect for diversity 3
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Interpretation: From the above presented information it has been determined that
around 5 managers out of 10 said that inequality among employees by management is the major
factor behind increasing workplace discrimination. On the other side 2 managers said that lack of
leader support is the major factor behind it while 3 of them said that respect for diversity is the
major issue for factor behind increasing discrimination. Throughout the analysis of data it is
concluded that more favour is presented by managers toward inequality among employees is the
main reason behind increasing discrimination as favourability toward certain group within
organisation is the major cause where employees are being get less access to opportunity and
hence discrimination can take place.
Theme 6: With the help of managing equality and diversity in Asda the workplace
discrimination can be eliminated
Q6 Do you think that with the help of managing equality and
diversity in Asda the workplace discrimination can be
eliminated?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
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Interpretation: By performing evaluation of above mentioned data it has been found that
around 8 managers out of 10 said yes that by managing equality and diversity at workplace,
discrimination practices can be avoided, on the other side 2 another managers said no to this. But
the majority of people responded as yes which is so because by managing equality and diversity
at workplace it become easier to develop a culture where each member despite of any kind of
race, gender, nationality is being treated equally which in turn change the behaviour pattern of
employees toward one another and hence help in avoiding workplace discrimination.
Theme 7: Several strategies that can be adopted in order to minimise workplace discrimination
by promoting equality and diversity at workplace
Q 7 What are several strategies that can be adopted in order to
minimise workplace discrimination by promoting equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Providing inclusion training 6
b) Improving the HR policies 2
c) Listening the issues of employees 2
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Interpretation: The workplace discrimination is the major issue which require proper
strategical actions to be taken into consideration for eliminating such practices from root. From
the above mentioned data it has bene found that 6 managers suggest that providing inclusion
training will be an effective strategy in this regard. But 2 respondents said that by improving HR
policies it can be eliminated while 2 said that by listening the issues of employees these things
can be avoided. From overall analysis it has been found that inclusion training is most effective
strategy which help in developing a culture of collaboration by making people adjusted with
diversified people and teach them to work together in this regard. This in turn help in developing
a diversified culture which in turn help in minimising the discriminatory practices.
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 300
Conclusion
From the above performed investigation it can be concluded that equality and diversity at
workplace plays a significant role within the growth and productivity of an organisation. This is
so because it helps in managing the employees effectively and keeping them motivated by
providing them value over their efforts toward organisation. This in turn help in avoiding the
workplace discrimination from the organisation which consider as the main cause behind
increasing employee turnover, absenteeism, lowering employee efficiency etc. as per the data
gathered. In addition to this it is also identified that there are several benefits that an organisation
will get when it comes to managing equality and diversity. It mainly includes execution of
innovative practices when employees from different background collaborate their experiences all
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together. Other than this it also help in getting more employee engagement as well as better
employee retention when employees are being treated in more effective manner. hence, it can be
said that by maintaining equality among employees workplace discrimination can be avoided.
Recommendation
From this investigation it has been found that there are number of issues that Asda have
to face due to workplace discrimination. So following are certain recommendations that can be
adopted by Asda to avoided workplace discrimination and managing equality and diversity,
 The managers of Asda must focuses toward adjusting the human resource policies in such
a manner that it promote a culture of equality and respect of diversifying characteristics
of people working within eth organisation. This in turn not only help them in adjusting
within the environment but also allow existing employees to respect people and learn to
collaborate with employees belong to different background.
 For ensuring employees to learn working with diversified team, manager must provide
with inclusion training which allow workforce to be able to work collaborate with
diversified employees and promoting equality in workplace.
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REFERENCES
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Legislation & Policy.
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Hiring Process (Doctoral dissertation, University of Saskatchewan).
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Adeleye, I., Fawehinmi, A., Adisa, T., Utam, K. and Ikechukwu-Ifudu, V., 2019. Managing
diversity in Nigeria: Competing logics of workplace diversity. In Diversity within
Diversity Management. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Sharma, A., 2016. Managing diversity and equality in the workplace. Cogent Business &
Management, 3(1), p.1212682.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Wiek, A. and Lang, D.J., 2016. Transformational sustainability research methodology.
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Hickson, H., 2016. Becoming a critical narrativist: Using critical reflection and narrative inquiry
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Clandinin, D.J., Cave, M.T. and Berendonk, C., 2017. Narrative inquiry: a relational research
methodology for medical education. Medical Education, 51(1), p.89.
Ndlovu-Gatsheni, S., 2017. Decolonising research methodology must include undoing its dirty
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Online
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<https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/equality-diversity-benefits-workplace/>
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<https://www.army.mil/article/142799/effects_of_discrimination_in_the_workplace>
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