Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

Research Project

ABSTRACT
Present report states about the identify impact of the conflicts which occur due to
diversity. The diversity arise the conflict at workplace because there are different culture and
backgrounds people are working at common place and they all have different opinions and
thinking. The aim of this research developed on the basis of specific area. Aim of present
investigation is “To identify impact of the conflicts which occur due to diversity.” A study on
Unilever. In doing literature review part, secondary sources have been used such as books,
articles, journals and others. In research methodology part, quantitative and qualitative both
method of research have been used. There has been positivism research philosophy and
deductive research approach used. For collection of data, there has been close ended and open
ended questions developed. For analyzing the findings, there has been thematic analysis method
used.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................4
Overview of Research.............................................................................................................................4
Background of Research..........................................................................................................................4
Rationale of Research..............................................................................................................................5
Research Aim..........................................................................................................................................5
Research Objectives................................................................................................................................5
Research Questions.................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................7
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................7
Equality and diversity at workplace.........................................................................................................7
Cultural diversity concept........................................................................................................................8
Drawbacks of diverse culture employees in retailing..............................................................................9
Impact of the conflicts which occur due to varied cultures of employees..............................................11
Summary...............................................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS...........................................................................................17
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................24
Research Limitation...............................................................................................................................25
Future research......................................................................................................................................25
Reflection..............................................................................................................................................25
Alternative research methodologies.......................................................................................................25
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................27

Topic: “Managing cultural diversity in the workplace”.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Overview of Research
The cultural diversity is group of the diverse people from various societies or cultures.
Cultural diversity arises at workplace when organizations are recruiting staff members from sorts
of various backgrounds, culture and religion. When firm hire and sustain the large number of
people then this brings about many advantages to firm along with staff members. A culturally
diverse team supports to represent both local as well as global mind-sets, and thence check that
their product and service are relevant to their marketplace and appeals to an international
audience. Approximately 172,000 people representing around 150 nationalities work for
Unilever (Unilever Shares 5 Ways Diversity is Good For Business, 2015). Under this, arisen of
conflict is one of the main issues that arise from the cultural diversity at workplace. Unilever is
British- Dutch consumer goods firm in United Kingdom. The product of this company consist
cleaning agents, personal care goods, beauty products, food and beverages. The present report
states about conflicts which arise at workplace because of the cultural differences among people.
The present report is going to discuss about different parts which considered in the research like
developing aim and objectives, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion and
recommendation
Background of Research
Diversity at workplace is necessary for staff members because this manifest itself in
developing better reputation for an organization, leading to enhanced profitability and also
opportunities for staff. The workplace diversity fosters the mutual respect between staff
members. They work into the groups comprised of the co- workers with the different work styles
and disabilities. In this, cultural diversity can impact workplace by enhancing tendency of the
organizational personnel in order to indulge interpersonal conflicts. In context to Unilever,
culturally diverse teams assist to represent the local and global mindsets and assure the services
or products is relevant to market those appeals to global audience. The diversity is regarding
embracing all the differences across cultural and physical boundaries, management styles, life
stages and time horizons. Unilever believes that diverse business reinforces positive social

impact that assist in attract and also sustain the talented people which purchase goods. This part
of research is related with the literature review. It is stated about the cultural diversity concept
and the drawbacks of diverse culture employees in retailing. The cultural diversity arising the
complexities at workplace and this generate conflict among the staff members in an organization.
There has been included about the impact of the conflicts which occur due to varied cultures of
employees.
Rationale of Research
The present report is based on impact of conflicts that occur because of diversity. Given
research helps in provide the proper understanding regarding workplace cultural diversity and the
factors which impact for arising conflict at workplace. In collection of data in literature review,
there have been secondary sources used because through this researcher can able to find the
authentic data and information for gaining better understanding regarding the cultural diversity
and the conflict arise from this issue. From this, the research skills of an investigator will be
enhanced and from collection of data, it bridges the literature gap. This research is helpful in
improving and enhancing competencies and skills of an investigator effectively so that proper
outcomes can be attained effectively. Through this, learner can able to gain better understanding
about concepts and learn the steps for completing an investigation in an efficient manner.
Problem statement: There are number of issues of diversity in the workplace Unilever
such as acceptance and respect, ethnic and cultural difference, accommodation of beliefs, gender
equality, mental and physical disability, conflict, generation gaps, communication and language
etc. These are major issues that have negative impact on business performance as well as
productivity of employees. Therefore, management of diversity is important for company as it
help them in retention of employees for long time and also support them in improvement of its
growth and success (Samnani and Singh, 2012).
Research Aim
“To identify impact of the conflicts which occur due to diversity.” A study on Unilever.
Research Objectives
 To examine equality and diversity at workplace.
 To understand concept of Cultural diversity.

 To examine drawbacks of diverse culture employees in retailing.
 To determine the impact of the conflicts which occur due to varied cultures of employees.
Research Questions
 What is equality and diversity at workplace?
 What is cultural diversity concept?
 What are the drawbacks of diverse culture employees in retailing?
 What is impact of the conflicts which occur due to varied cultures of employees?