A Study of Equality and Diversity at the Workplace - Marks and Spencer

This research project aims to critically analyze the impact of gender discrimination on the performance of Marks and Spencer. It includes a literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and recommendations.

Unit 11–Research
Project

Executive summary
Main purpose behind doing this research project is to identify the discrimination and their
impacts on over all performance at the workplace of Marks and Spencer. This involves aims,
objectives and rationale of research. Along with this, literature review has been done by
researcher with the help of primary and secondary data.. Under research methodology, researcher
followed number of research methods which are positivism philosophy, deductive approach,
quantitative research etc. Conclusion has been done by summarising entire information of report
in briefly. Under recommendation section, some suggestions were given to the company that are
related with the research topic. In last, reflection completed by researcher by identifying
experience in relation to particular project.

Table of Contents
Executive summary..........................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Research aim................................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Research Methodology ...................................................................................................................5
Data analysis and interpretations.....................................................................................................7
RESEARCH OUTCOME..............................................................................................................17
Conclusion and Recommendation.................................................................................................18
Reflection ......................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCE.................................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
Research is the process and activity of creation and systematic work that helps to
understand what should be done and how that can help to work properly and complete task. This
can be explained as creation of new knowledge, concept, and methodologies which are uses to
conduct proper understanding and manage all workings (Ravazzani, 2016). The research is about
Equality and Diversity in the workplace that states how an employer should behave with their
employees and how they get satisfaction. The topic discussed in report is Gender Discrimination
that means there is discrimination between male, female, lesbian, and other people as they also
have right to work equally and get opportunities. Marks and Spencer is selected organization that
is Major British multinational retailer in England, founded in 1884 by Steve Rowe for the
purpose of running their business and make feeling good to all employees. This report covers
literature review, methodology and data collection, data analysis and interpretations, research
outcomes and recommendations.
Research Topic
A study of equality and diversity at the workplace
Research Title
A study of equality and diversity at the workplace - Marks and Spencer.
Research aim
“To critically analysis the impact of Gender Discrimination on the performance of
organization”. A study of Marks and Spencer.
Research objectives:
 To study about concept of diversity and equality at a workplace.
 To examine the impact of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity.
 To identify the main challenges faced by Marks and Spencer because of Gender
discrimination.
 To examine the strategies that can be used to eliminate the gender discrimination for
improving organizational performance.
Research Question
 What is the conceptual framework of diversity and equality at a workplace?
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 What are the impacts of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity?
 What are the main challenges that are facing Mark and Spencer because of Gender
discrimination ?
 What are the strategies that uses to eliminate the gender discrimination for improving
business performance.
Rationale
The investigation is based on discrimination between employees are male, female,
lesbian and other types of people who wants to work in organization but due to discrimination
they feel dissatisfaction. This is important for all organization that their employees are satisfied
and they works properly by getting equal opportunities. The gender gap defined as activity that
make difference in pay gap of male and female who are working in organization. Through this
study, investigator increase their understanding and skills in particular area (Osborne and
Hammoud, 2017). This will help to increase the knowledge how to satisfied the people and
manage the all functions as well as activities. This is important for researcher to conduct the
proper analysis by considering all information and data analysis that helps to get the expected
outcomes.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature Review can be explained as core part of research which states by researcher by
conducting the research. This part is useful for a person who gather the information by using
different sources and complete the study. The present research is all about gender discrimination
at workplace where it affects the whole performance of organization (Parry and McCarthy, eds.,
2017). The main purpose of research is to recognize gaps and conflicts in past research so that
better solution can be found in analysis. It has been seen that an employer is behaving with all
employees differently because of different sex that make feel them dissatisfaction and employees
does not work properly. Literature gap is defined as current study of discrimination that are
facing by employees while working in organization. This research will support the researcher to
achieve the research aim and objectives in effective ways. The explanation is described below:
What is the conceptual framework of diversity and equality at a workplace?
According to Powell (2018), Equality and diversity is the main practices that is needed
at workplace in order to make feel good to people and complete the goals. The meaning of
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equality is all people should be treated equally without judgement made on the bases of
stereotypes. An employer of organization should have clear understanding that their all
employees are equal and they should get equal opportunity that can help to attain the potentiality.
Diversity means to provide the equal rights and authority to all employees who are working in an
organization so that they feel good and work properly. In relation to Marks and Spencer, equality
and diversity is important for their workplace as they are enough skilled and knowledgeable who
works collectively by understanding the goals of organization. Different gender of people are
working in organization who are feeling discrimination that has affected the organizational
performance and profitability. The management should be follow all rules and regulation in
relation to equality and diversity that can help to make feel good and satisfaction that can
increase the organizational performance and profitability.
What are the impacts of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity?
According to Riccucci (2018), Gender Discrimination is defined as unjustified treatment
between people on the basis of male, female, Bisexual, transgender, lesbian and other people that
are ready to work in an organization. This is affecting the organizational performance and
productivity in case of employer is behaving differently with working staff. Gender
discrimination is negative activity and it has only negative impacts on the over all performance
of organization as well as employees. If an employer is not behaving or responding their staff
properly then they cannot works effectively. Thus, discrimination among employees have
negative impacts on business performance. In relation to Marks and Spencer, employer is
discriminating between employees who are working that create the negative impacts as reduce
the trust of people, lack of sharing information, and not working improperly that affected the
organizational performance negatively. The employers is not providing equal opportunities to all
staff that shows low level of engagement in organizational activities as resulting non
accomplishment of organizational goals. Thus, it explained that gender discrimination is
impacting on organization negatively and reduced the overall productivity.
What are the main challenges that are facing Mark and Spencer because of Gender
discrimination ?
According to Roberson (2019), Challenges are defined as problems that arises while
working in organization and affected the business performance. This is needed for all to find out
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the issues and reason due to which organization is not performing well. Gender discrimination is
the main challenge that are arising between male females at the workplace which affected the
organizational performance. In relation to Marks and Spencer, employer is discriminating with
their staff that demotivate them and not working effectively. The selected organization is facing
many challenges due to discrimination such as job dissatisfaction, lack of employees
engagement, not accepting new technology or changes, lower sales of products and higher
competition that affected the organizational performance adversely. The employer of selected
organization is sharing all business related information with few employees and shows the
discrimination among them that create the feeling of dissatisfaction. The employees are not ready
to accept the changes in their working and also providing different wages to working people is
creating the challenge of facing higher competition and lower profitability.
What are the strategies that uses to eliminate the gender discrimination for improving business
performance.
As per opinion of Barak (2016), Strategies are the planning which are formulated by top
authority in order to reducing the challenges and managing all organizational performance. In
other words, strategy is the solution and regulation that needs to found by understanding
problems and managing all conflicts. This is important for employers that what their employees
wants and how they can be motivate so kind of opportunities and task provides to them which
can help provide satisfaction. In relation to Marks and Spencer, management are responsible for
managing the stress between employees due to gender discrimination and maintaining a positive
culture that can help to increase the business performance. The strategies that will be used by
management of selected organization to eliminate the gender discrimination:
Treat everyone equal and with respect: The management of workplace should be treat
their all employees whether male, female and other equality and respectfully. The information
should be share with all and training needs to be provided that can help to make feel them good
and get ready to work properly by accepting changes.
Equal pay: The employees who are working in organization and performing well is
required to pay equally that motivates them to manage the all functions and business activities.
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Following rules and regulations: The management of Marks and Spencer should be
follow rules and regulations in relation to equality and diversity in which equal opportunity
should be given to all that supports to increase the business performance and profitability.
Research Methodology
To complete any study and research there is need to select the best methodology that can
help to get the expected outcomes. The important thing is methodology is the part of research
that uses by researcher to collect and analysis the information in particular areas. A researchers is
focusing on different methods and activities that are suitable for their study. This can help to
manage the all workings and complete the task (Kulkarni, Boehm and Basu, 2016). The
discussion of various methodologies in relation to present research are defined below:
Research Philosophy – This can be explained as method in which data and informations
are gathered, analysed and be used for the purpose of completing the research. This encompasses
through various philosophies of research approach such as positivist and interpretive. In current
investigation, researcher has been used the positivism philosophy that is valuable for it and
research. It has provided relevant and authentic information which helped to complete the
research (Kossek, Su and Wu, 2017).
Research Approach – The research approach is categorised in to qualitative, quantitative
and mixed that are uses by investigator for performing current study and managing the all
activities. The current research about workplace discrimination, quantitative approach has been
used as it is helpful in collecting numerical and statistical data in less time. The two approach of
research are inductive and deductive. In doing current study, researcher has used deductive
approach that is suitable as it states from where data can be collected and how to arrange them
properly. This helps to provide the best outcomes in less time that supports to get good
outcomes.
Research techniques: Techniques in relation to research is defined as ways of collecting
primary and secondary information regarding specific topic. The researcher is required to select
the best technique which can be used to complete the study by gathering and analysis the
information. The technique of collecting primary informations are observation, modelling,
questionnaire, interview and focus group that can help to manage the all workings. In current
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study about the Gender discrimination, Questionnaire will be uses by investigator. This
technique helps to get relevant, consistent and valid information without consuming time and
money (Knights and Omanović, 2016).
Data collection methods
Data collection is the process of collecting and analysing the information so that better
results can be obtain in working activities. There are two method of data collection such as
Primary and secondary that are uses by a person in relation to complete their study. This is
important for all people to have clear understanding about source of collecting information that
supports to manage the activities. The researcher has focused on primary and secondary method.
In primary, questionnaire has been used and in secondary magazines, articles, and books are used
that helped to complete the study and maintain good performance in area of researching (Jackson
and Van de Vijver, 2018).
Qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative and quantitative research are defined as types of research that are recognises
by researcher in their study and collecting data from different sources. For gathering data and
information in relation to gender discrimination and its impacts on organizational performance,
researcher has used quantitative research. In this, researcher has prepared questionnaire to collect
reliable and valid information.
Sampling
Sampling is defined as systematic process which is being used by researcher to select the
respondents randomly from the total population. This is face to face conversation activity that
can help to increase the understanding and preparing a valid report (Hideg and Ferris, 2016).
This involves probability sampling and non-probability sampling that are uses according to
research topic and objectives. In using probability sampling researcher has found 40 respondent
that have selected on randomly basis. This helps to complete the research in short period and
getting the positive outcomes.
Data analysis approach
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This can be explained as systematic process that are uses to analysing information and
managing all activities. Deductive and inductive are two approaches that are uses to complete the
study and increasing performance. The researcher has used deductive approach in analysing the
data in relation to workplace discrimination that assist how it can be reduce and manage the all
activities (Ellemers and Rink, 2016).
Data analysis and interpretations
Data analysis means collection of information and analysis them that can help to manage
the all activities and getting positive outcomes. As there are various instrument of data collection
such as questionnaire, interview, focus group and observation etc. For current study
questionnaire has being applied that supported to complete the research (Rees and Smith, eds.,
2017). Various questions are explained below:
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have knowledge regarding gender discrimination at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What are the impacts of gender discrimination on organizational productivity?
a) Positive impact
b) Negative impact
Q3) Does promoting equality and diversity is important for employer and employees to
improve the organizational performance?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) What are the benefits of managing equality and diversity to Marks and Spencer?
a) Employees become empowered and working effectively
b) Promote innovation
c) Managing all workings
Q5) What are the different basis of diversity that Marks and Spencer can includes at
workplace?
a) Disability
b) Culture
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c) Gender
Q6) What are challenges Marks and Spencer faced due to gender discrimination?
a) Lack of employees engagement in workings
b) Female staff feels undervalued
c) Reduction in sale and productivity of organization
Q7) Does gender discrimination in Marks and Spencer increases employee turnover?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) What are the strategies that can be used by Marks and Spencer to eliminate the gender
discrimination at working area?
a) Adhering of legislation in relation to equality and diversity
b) Respecting all employees and speaking openly
c) Provide volunteer initiatives
Q9) What are the alternative ways Marks and Spencer should implement to eliminate the issues
of discrimination at workplace?
a) Providing training and development programme to employees
b) Maintaining equality and diversity at workplace
c) Solving the employee's issues and providing optimum solution
Q10) Give recommendation for the purpose of developing positive culture and diversity
between employees.
Theme 1:
Q1) Do you have knowledge regarding gender discrimination at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
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Interpretation: From the above analysis it has concluded that there are 40 respondents
out of them 30 said that they have better knowledge and understanding of gender discrimination.
They states that it is all about showing difference between male and female staff who are
working in organization as they do not get equal opportunities and pays. On the other side, 10
respondents is not having understanding in detailing (Einarsdóttir, Hoel and Lewis, 2016).
Theme 2:
What are the impacts of gender discrimination on organizational
productivity?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 5
b) Negative impact 35
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5
35
a) Positive impact
b) Negative impact
Interpretation: The above graph is showing that there is 35 respondents has stated that gender
discrimination between employees impacted negatively on organizational performance. As it
create the negative vibes and lower satisfaction due to non maintaining equality at workplace.
Where as 5 respondent has given the favor of this, that might be create the conflicts in
organization (Lüdi, Meier and Yanaprasart, eds., 2016).
Theme 3:
Does promoting equality and diversity is important for employer and
employees to improve the organizational performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
10

30
10
a) Yes
b) No
Interpretation: On the basis of 30 selected respondent out of all said that yes it is very
important for employer as well as employees to promote the equality and diversity at workplace
that encourage the motivation and get ready to accept the changes at the workplace. On the other
side, 10 respondents said that it is not important to promote the equality and diversity as they
believes in working performance (Noon, 2018).
Theme 4:
What are the benefits of managing equality and diversity to Marks and
Spencer?
Frequency
a) Employees become empowered and working effectively 15
b) Promote innovation 20
c) Managing all workings 5
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15
20
5
a) Employees become
empowered and working
effectively
b) Promote innovation
c) Managing all workings
Interpretation: The graph stated that by 20 respondents said by maintaining equality,
innovation can be promote in organization that provides higher sales and productivity. 15 people
has shown that employees become empowered and confident and remaining 5 are stating that it
helps to manage the all organizational workings.
Theme 5:
What are the different basis of diversity that Marks and Spencer can
includes at workplace?
Frequency
a) Disability 10
b) Culture 5
c) Gender 25
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10
5 25
a) Disability
b) Culture
c) Gender
Interpretation: This has been examined that 25 respondents are stating that main basis
of equality and diversity is Gender discrimination that are facing by employees and feel
demotivate. 10 respondents are stating disability of employees is considered in diversity and
remaining 5 are said that culture discrimination is becoming major issue in diversity (DeSouza,
Wesselmann and Ispas, 2017).
Theme 6:
What are challenges Marks and Spencer faced due to gender
discrimination?
Frequency
a) Lack of employees engagement in workings 18
b) Female staff feels undervalued 12
c) Reduction in sale and productivity of organization 10
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18
12
10
a) Lack of employees
engagement in workings
b) Female staff feels
undervalued
c) Reduction in sale and
productivity of organization
Interpretation: The above graph is showing that 18 respondents are telling Marks and
Spencer is facing the challenges of lack of employees engagement as they does not participate in
any activities. 10 are stating that employer is undervaluing the female employees and remaining
10 are showing due to lack of sale and production organization is facing the challenges.
Theme 7:
Does gender discrimination in Marks and Spencer increases employee
turnover?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
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35
5
a) Yes
b) No
Interpretation: The above analysis has stated that 35 respondent are showing that gender
discrimination is increasing the employee turnover and 5 are responding that it does not affect
employee turnover.
Theme 8:
What are the strategies that can be used by Marks and Spencer to
eliminate the gender discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Adhering of legislation in relation to equality and diversity 10
b) Respecting all employees and speaking openly 20
c) Provide volunteer initiatives 10
15

10
20
10
a) Adhering of legislation in
relation to equality and
diversity
b) Respecting all employees
and speaking openly
c) Provide volunteer initiatives
Interpretation: This analysis states that 10 respondents are saying, by adhering
legislation and rules in relation to equality and diversity, 20 are saying that by respecting each
other diversity can be maintain at workplace and 10 are saying that by using volunteer initiatives
Marks and Spencer can eliminate the issue of gender discrimination (Davis, Frolova and
Callahan, 2016).
Theme 9:
What are the alternative ways Marks and Spencer should implement to
eliminate the issues of discrimination at workplace?
Frequency
a) Providing training and development programme to employees 10
b) Maintaining equality and diversity at workplace 30
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10
30
a) Providing training and
development programme to
employees
b) Maintaining equality and
diversity at workplace
Interpretation: From the analysis it has explained that 30 respondents are showing that
by maintaining equality and diversity at workplace management can reduce the discrimination
issues that builds the employees confidence and increase the workings. On the other side, 10
respondents are saying that by providing training and development program to employees and
giving equal opportunities to all staff higher performance can be maintain (Colella and King,
2018).
Theme 10:
Give recommendation for the purpose of developing positive culture
and diversity between employees?
Frequency
RESEARCH OUTCOME
For researcher it is needed to communicate the research outcomes to stakeholders and
audience that can help to attain the goals and objectives effectively.
Findings to stakeholders
Findings is the important for completing any research as it manage the all activities which
are involved in researching. A researcher should be disclose all data information with their
stakeholders that can help to make the decisions. There are various stake holders who are
17

involved in research such as investors, managers, top executives, founders and others. In current
research staff are considered as main stakeholders that helped to collect the informations.
Moreover researcher make various theme that supported to analysis the qualitative and
quantitative informations effectively (Brimhall and et. al., 2017).
Conclusion and Recommendation
From the above conducting research it has concluded that Gender discrimination is the
major issue for all organization and employees as it face the problems in operating the business
activities. The aim of research is to evaluate the impact of gender discrimination on
organizational performance. In Literature review, researcher find out the solution of all questions
and rationale that are facing at workplace. Primary and secondary data source has been used to
complete the research.
Recommendation
The employer should be provided equal opportunities to all employees that can help to
motivate the people and get ready to work properly (Sawyer, Thoroughgood and Webster, 2016).
To implement the equality and diversity act in which all employees should be treated
equally and give their contribution in all activities.
To communicate with all staff and training should be provided to all that helps to build
the confidence to work effectively.
Reflection
As I analysed the all data and information by getting the good chance of conducting
research that have increased my knowledge about equality and diversity at workplace that are
happening now a days in organization. The main object of this project is to determine the
impacts of gender discrimination that are facing by companies as well as employees. I
accomplish the aims and objectives of research by using different research methods like as
quantitative research, positivism research, philosophy, deductive approach and questionnaires.
As I prepared the questionnaire by collecting information from selected respondents.
I got success by following each activity systematically that supported me to get future
opportunities. By using primary and secondary data for collecting informations I increased my
research skills such as time management, written, communication and data collection that might
be give me more opportunities for future growth.
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19

REFERENCE
Books and Journal
Barak, M. E. M., 2016. Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage
Publications.
Brimhall, K. C. and et. al., 2017. Increasing workplace inclusion: The promise of leader-member
exchange. Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance.
41(3). pp.222-239.
Colella, A. and King, E. B. eds., 2018. The Oxford handbook of workplace discrimination.
Oxford University Press.
Davis, P. J., Frolova, Y. and Callahan, W., 2016. Workplace diversity management in Australia.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.
DeSouza, E. R., Wesselmann, E. D. and Ispas, D., 2017. Workplace Discrimination against
Sexual Minorities: Subtle and not‐so‐subtle. Canadian Journal of Administrative
Sciences/Revue Canadienne des Sciences de l'Administration. 34(2). pp.121-132.
Einarsdóttir, A., Hoel, H. and Lewis, D., 2016. Fitting the bill?(Dis) embodied disclosure of
sexual identities in the workplace. Work, employment and society. 30(3). pp.489-505.
Ellemers, N. and Rink, F., 2016. Diversity in work groups. Current Opinion in Psychology. 11.
pp.49-53.
Hideg, I. and Ferris, D. L., 2016. The compassionate sexist? How benevolent sexism promotes
and undermines gender equality in the workplace. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology. 111(5). p.706.
Jackson, L. T. and Van de Vijver, F. J., 2018. Multiculturalism in the workplace: Model and test.
SA Journal of Human Resource Management. 16(1). pp.1-15.
Knights, D. and Omanović, V., 2016. (Mis) managing diversity: exploring the dangers of
diversity management orthodoxy. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International
Journal.
Kossek, E. E., Su, R. and Wu, L., 2017. “Opting out” or “pushed out”? Integrating perspectives
on women’s career equality for gender inclusion and interventions. Journal of
Management. 43(1). pp.228-254.
Kulkarni, M., Boehm, S. A. and Basu, S., 2016. Workplace inclusion of persons with a disability.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.
Lüdi, G., Meier, K. H. and Yanaprasart, P. eds., 2016. Managing plurilingual and intercultural
practices in the workplace: The case of multilingual Switzerland (Vol. 4). John
Benjamins Publishing Company.
Noon, M., 2018. Pointless diversity training: Unconscious bias, new racism and agency. Work,
employment and society. 32(1). pp.198-209.
Osborne, S. and Hammoud, M. S., 2017. Effective employee engagement in the workplace.
International Journal of Applied Management and Technology. 16(1). p.4.
Parry, E. and McCarthy, J. eds., 2017. The Palgrave handbook of age diversity and work.
London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Powell, G. N., 2018. Women and men in management. Sage Publications.
Ravazzani, S., 2016. Understanding approaches to managing diversity in the workplace.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.
Rees, G. and Smith, P. eds., 2017. Strategic human resource management: An international
perspective. Sage.
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Riccucci, N., 2018. Managing diversity in public sector workforces: Essentials of public policy
and administration series. Routledge.
Roberson, Q. M., 2019. Diversity in the workplace: A review, synthesis, and future research
agenda. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. 6.
pp.69-88.
Sawyer, K., Thoroughgood, C. and Webster, J., 2016. Queering the gender binary:
Understanding transgender workplace experiences. Sexual orientation and transgender
issues in organizations, pp.21-42.
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APPENDICES
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: A study of workplace discrimination that affects the performance.
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Research Aim
“To critically analysis the impact of Gender Discrimination on the performance of
organization”. A study of Marks and Spencer.
Research objectives:
 To study about concept of diversity and equality at a workplace.
 To examine the impact of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity.
 To identify the main challenges faced by Marks and Spencer because of Gender discrimination.
 To examine the strategies that can be used to eliminate the gender discrimination for improving
organizational performance.
Research Question
 What is the conceptual framework of diversity and equality at a workplace?
 What are the impacts of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity?
 What are the main challenges that are facing Mark and Spencer because of Gender
discrimination ?
 What are the strategies that uses to eliminate the gender discrimination for improving business
performance.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
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Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest,
future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):
The present investigation is based on workplace discrimination that are facing by employees while
working in organisation. The reason of conducting the research is to enhance the knowledge of
researcher in a specific area and managing the employees at a workplace. This research will help to
increase the personal and professional knowledge of investigator by conducting all investigation. In
personal context, investigator develop the knowledge about diversity and equality which should be
provided to employees as they works in organization. In the professional context, analytical and
research skills of researcher will be develop so it would be able to conduct more research in future.
The reason of selecting workplace discrimination is now employers are recruiting employees on the
basis of age, sex, colour and religion that create the dissatisfaction among them and affected
performance. This research will help to know that how it can be overcome and increase organization
productivity by following equality.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
3.1 The conceptual framework of diversity and equality at a workplace?
According to Arshad (2020), Equality and diversity can be explained as “promoting equality of
opportunity for all” through diversity that can help to promote the employees to work properly.
Equality means everybody has equal chance to get opportunity by working in an organization. The
main aim of using equality and diversity is protects the people from discrimination on the basis of age,
disability, gender and many others. Having diverse workforce including men and women is an
opportunity for organization to grow their business and enhance the performance in competitive
environment.
As per opinion of Khilji and Schuler (2017), Gender discrimination is becoming a serious issues
which are facing by people who are working at workplace as they does not get better opportunity due
to discrimination. This is important for organization to maintain the equality and diversity by
providing equal chance to men and women so they feels good and work properly.
3.2 Impact of Gender discrimination on organizational productivity.
According to Elinsky (2020), Gender discrimination is facing by people at a workplace that has
affected the organization productivity as it reduce the sales and production activities of organization. If
employers is not providing equal opportunity and create the discrimination between men and women
then employees would feel dissatisfaction at workplace and they cannot work properly which impacts
on performance negatively. On the other side gender discrimination affects the lesbian, gay, Bisexual
and transgender people. The discrimination increases workplace conflicts, reduces organizational
productivity and poor organizational morale. 3.3 Main challenges faced by Marks and Spencer due
to Gender discrimination.

Roscigno (2019), stated that if an organization is focusing on gender discrimination then it faces the
challenges such as lower working activities are performing by employees, job dissatisfaction, lower
sales and higher competition. In relation to Mark and Spencer, men employees are more than women
where they gets the senior role that creates the feeling of job dissatisfaction. This feeling leads to leave
the organization that affected the sale and profitability negatively.
3.4 The strategies that can be used to eliminate the gender discrimination for improving
organizational performance.
As per opinion of Albayrak (2019), the employer of organization should be treat every one equally,
with respect and consideration that can help to make feel good and get ready to work properly. To
communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and give chances to women and other person who
are capable to handle the organizational work. To analyse the performance and give them appraisal
that can help to develop the organizational performance.
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Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g research,
development and analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical analysis,
tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
Gantt Chart – This is a type of bar chart that uses by project management to
understand and illustrate the project schedule that can help to complete the project.
This is horizontal bar chart that uses in project management to visually represent a
project plan over time (Kaliannan, Abraham and Ponnusamy, 2016).
How long
this will take:
Milestone one: ____Literature Review_________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______Data Collection _______________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why? What your
areas of research will cover:
Research Philosophy: This is important statement which mainly used in conducting the research and
analysing the informations. In conducting the present research, a positivism philosophy has been used
that helps to provide the relevant and authentic data as well as information. By using this research
assess to the valid conclusion and take right action (Muratbekova‐(Touron, Kabalina and
Festing2018).
Research Approach: Different types of research approaches are uses by researcher in studying about
a project. In present research, a deductive research approach has been used that is beneficial as it states
the reliable information in specific area. This approach goes to right direction as conditional that are
links with conclusion and recommendation (Khilji and Schuler, 2017).
Research strategies: Strategies are the planning which uses by researcher to collect information for
25

the purpose of solving issues. In the selecting research, survey research strategy has been used as it is
time consuming and cost saving strategy that uses to collect information from large sample size.
Research choice: There has been a qualitative research choice used by investigator that helps to
understand relationship between dependent and independent variable (McCracken, Currie and
Harrison, 2016).
Figure 1: Research Onion
Data collection: This is the process of collecting the data and information which is required to
complete the project. The two methods which are used in data collection is primary and secondary that
assist how the information are useful for researcher. The research who have conducted the research
focused on ethical and reliable activities. This can be defined as effective technique of data collection
as it economical in nature that helps to collect the right information. In relation to present
investigation, primary method of data collection has been used that provided the fresh and new
information in order to conduct proper analysis (Cui, Khan and Tarba, 2018).
Sampling: There has been approximately 40 respondents chosen by using the random sampling
method as it gives equal chance to chosen respondents (Narayanan, Rajithakumar and Menon, 2019).
Ethical consideration-Ethics is defined as morals, norms and values that are required to followed by
26

researcher in conducting the research. In research respect for participant's dignity should be on
priority. On the other side, researcher has followed all ethical principles like informed consent,
confidentiality, data protection and respect for person.
Time Horizon: In this, cross sectional time will be use as it is best technique to allocate the activities
by setting time period. Thus, no any issues faced by researcher in investigation (Sheehan, Grant and
Garavan, 2018).
Cost: This can be defined as main component which is require to conduct any activity and research. In
current research the cost involve in relation to project is stationary, internet charges, printing cost and
others (Gardas, and et.al., 2019).
Access: This is related to ethical practices which are uses by research in conducting the formal
research. In current research, academic practices has been used to gain the understanding and
collecting data by using questionnaires (Glaister and et.al., 2018).
Validity and Reliability: The validity is related to estimates of internal consistency that states how
accurately method measures intends to be measure. The investigation is having high validity, then
positive outcomes being produced. Other side, reliability is concerned with extent to which
measurement instrument provides consistent outcome. Thus, it is necessary for researcher to collect
reliable and valid information by conducting research.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another
qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
27

Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date
28

Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected form human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their
research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
“A study of workplace discrimination that affects the performance”
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
29

Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
With the help of questionnaires
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Email
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to
participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
Through Emails consent from participants can obtain in form of written.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that do not
wish to answer?
Yes No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent
to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of the
30

study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a brief summary
of your findings in general)
Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act
(1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
In computer
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
USB and Computer
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
31

How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
In word format
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical concerns? If so,
please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise because of your
research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not
limited to the following :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may arise
in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to the Research Proposal
32

when submitting to Turnitin.
33

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Cui, W., Khan, Z. and Tarba, S. Y., 2018. Strategic talent management in service SMEs of China. Thunderbird
International Business Review.60(1).pp.9-20.
Gardas, B. B., and et.al., 2019. Green talent management to unlock sustainability in the oil and gas
sector. Journal of Cleaner Production. 229.pp.850-862.
Glaister, A. J., and et.al., 2018. HRM and performance—The role of talent management as a transmission
mechanism in an emerging market context. Human Resource Management Journal .28(1), pp.148-166.
Kaliannan, M., Abraham, M. and Ponnusamy, V., 2016. Effective talent management in Malaysian SMES: A
proposed framework. The Journal of Developing Areas. 50(5). pp.393-401.
Khilji, S. E. and Schuler, R. S., 2017. Talent management in the global context. The Oxford handbook of talent
management, p.399.
McCracken, M., Currie, D. and Harrison, J., 2016. Understanding graduate recruitment, development and
retention for the enhancement of talent management: sharpening ‘the edge’of graduate talent. The
International Journal of Human Resource Management. 27(22). pp.2727-2752.
Muratbekova‐Touron, M., Kabalina, V. and Festing, M., 2018. The phenomenon of young talent management
in Russia—A context‐embedded analysis. Human Resource Management .57(2) .pp.437-455.
Narayanan, A., Rajithakumar, S. and Menon, M., 2019. Talent management and employee retention: An
integrative research framework. Human Resource Development Review.18(2), pp.228-247.
Sheehan, M., Grant, K. and Garavan, T., 2018. Strategic talent management: A macro and micro analysis of
current issues in hospitality and tourism. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes. 10(1). pp.28-41.
Arshad, S. H., 2020. Gender discrimination and job satisfaction.
Elinsky, A. K., 2020. More than Wives, Mothers, and Homemakers: A Qualitative Narrative About How
Businesswomen Experience Work-Life Balance, Role Congruity and Gender Discrimination in the
Workplace(Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology).
Roscigno, V. J., 2019. Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and the Impact of Workplace Power. Socius, 5,
p.2378023119853894.
Albayrak, A., 2019. Gender Discrimination in Tourism Industry. In Contemporary Human Resources
Management in the Tourism Industry (pp. 104-129). IGI Global.