Workplace Discrimination and Employee Efficiency at Marks and Spencer

This research project investigates the impact of workplace discrimination on employee efficiency, focusing on a case study of Marks and Spencer (M&S). The study begins with an introduction outlining the research aim, objectives, and questions, followed by a review of existing literature on workplace discrimination and its various dimensions, including gender, age, and cultural biases. The methodology section details the research approach, strategy, and tools, including a quantitative approach using questionnaires and a probabilistic sampling method with 40 respondents. Findings from the questionnaire responses reveal insights into employees' awareness of workplace discrimination, its impact on performance, and potential solutions such as training and development programs. The discussion chapter analyzes the findings, interpreting the data and highlighting key themes. Finally, the project concludes with recommendations for M&S to mitigate discrimination, enhance employee efficiency, and foster a more inclusive work environment, including suggestions for future research. The research underscores the importance of addressing workplace discrimination to improve employee productivity, reduce turnover, and maintain a positive work environment.

Research Project

Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction......................................................................................................................3
Research aim.....................................................................................................................................3
Research objectives...........................................................................................................................3
Research questions............................................................................................................................3
Rationale of research.........................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Literature Review.............................................................................................................4
Main Body.........................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Methodology.....................................................................................................................5
Research Approach............................................................................................................................5
Research strategy...............................................................................................................................6
Research methodology......................................................................................................................6
Research tools....................................................................................................................................6
Sampling............................................................................................................................................6
Chapter 4: Findings.............................................................................................................................7
Chapter 5: Discussion..........................................................................................................................9
Chapter 6: Conclusion, Recommendation and implications for Further Research......................17
Recommendation.............................................................................................................................17
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................19

Title: To investigate the impact of workplace discrimination over the employee
efficiency level at working area”. A case study on Marks and Spencer
Chapter 1: Introduction
In this global world, with the increase in the diverse individual at workplace an
increase in workplace discrimination has also raised. Common reason behind this is a
“prejudice”, towards a community or an individual or a group (Agbozo and et. Al., 2017).
Company which will be considered in this is Marks and Spencer, a British Multinational
Company, established in the year 1884 mainly deals in retails sector i.e. providing goods and
services related to clothing, home products etc., This research will help us in analysing how
workplace discrimination puts an impact on working area. Moreover, to analyse the research
topic various kinds of methods like data collection methods, research philosophy, sampling
size etc., are being used and based on this conclusion and recommendation are determined
Research aim
“To investigate the impact of workplace discrimination over the employee efficiency
level at working area”. A case study on Marks and Spencer.
Research objectives
 To determine the influence of workplace discrimination.
 To analysis the ways by which Marks and Spencer can eliminate the issue of
workplace discrimination.
 To access the importance of overcoming workplace discrimination for employees
within the business organization.
Research questions
 What is the influence of workplace discrimination?
 What are the ways by which Marks and Spencer can eliminate the issues of workplace
discrimination?
 What is the importance of overcoming workplace discrimination for employees within
the business organization?
Rationale of research
The main reason of undertaking this investigation is to explore the depth evaluation
about workplace discrimination and how it influences employee’s performance (Dajani,
2015). This research provides vast information that help investigator in enhancing their skills

and knowledge about workplace discrimination. With the help of this, investigator may easily
attain positive decision that assist in improving the possibilities of being successful.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Literature review is a kind of published information based on a particular topic or
subject; this can be based on a study done in a particular period of time. Thus, it is right to
say that literature review is the core of any research because it includes vital information
about the topic. Moreover, in context with this research, what factors influence workplace
discrimination. Along with this, the ways by which it can be resolved or eliminated is
discussed. Lastly, how important is to maintain workplace discrimination is in context with
business organisation is mentioned.
Main Body
Influence of workplace discrimination
Schilpzand, De Pater and Erez, (2016), opines in the study that, over the past
decades, workplace discrimination has become one of the prominent issues which needs to be
looked after. Specially, in terms of women, a great influence of workplace discrimination has
been seen. It has impacted an individual both physically and mentally. Thus, because of this
reason, employees’ productivity has of decreased. As a result, company has to face negative
consequences from the same. On other factors like, commitment and loyalty towards the
company also decreases employees start developing a sense of detachment from the company
and further leads to increase in employee turnover. However, these discriminations can be
based on many factors like gender, race, community, etc.,
Company handling this issue effectively can provide positive outcomes where as if it
is not looked after properly than it can create problem for companies who are running their
businesses at international level. The main consequences can be seen in the profit rates
because if, productivity level is low than profit share will be low and vice-versa.
Ways to overcome from issues of workplace discrimination
As per the thoughts of Baert, (2016), Preventing work place discrimination is
very important in order to gain a competitive level at workplace. According to the current
market situation, there are many ways incorporating which they can eliminate the issue are as
follows:

Training: This is the common method by which company can establish a better
understanding between employees as it will provide opportunity in interacting with the
people of other groups. As a result, exchange of words can help them in developing better
relationships between employees.
Effective company policies: To run a business in an appropriate way, company
polices help an organisation in eliminating workplace discrimination because, with the help
of this employees tend to find out the consequences they can face after violating the rules and
regulations.
Importance of overcoming workplace discrimination for employees within the business
organization
As per viewpoint of Barth and et. Al., (2016), Eliminating any kind of issue is
a boon for a company. It helps a company in establishing its aims and objectives and
achieving the same as well. In relation to an employee if, this issue is overcome than, they
can feel relaxed and focus on their work both mentally and physically. Moreover, company
can mitigate liability which means company can now protect the workers against unfair
employees and can take severe steps for violating rules and regulations. However, it will help
the company in minimising the turnover as a result, it will cut-down the price of recruitment
and selection process. Therefore, it becomes prime responsibility of recruitment panel to
select workers who has nice nature and has a courage to fulfil the aims and objectives in
quick time.
Conclusion
After analysing the LR it is evaluated that, eliminating workplace discrimination helps
in maintaining a better work and enhance in the efficiency level. Through proper training
employees can come together for a common goal and moreover, develop a sense of
belongingness towards the company. But if this element is underestimated than company can
fail in providing goods and services properly. Importantly it will increase the profit and
market share at global level.
Chapter 3: Methodology
Research Approach
In researcher Inductive and deductive are the main types that support in
acquiring reliable content and information to take right judgement (Ginzberg, Noyelle and

Stanback Jr, 2020). In this, deductive research approach as it assist in collecting quantitative
data which is easily in measuring. It may support in achieving positive and reliable outcomes
in the study.
Research strategy
For undertaking investigation activities two type of strategy is there i.e. primary and
secondary. These are show an important part in acquiring valid and authentic content on the
selected research area. Under current investigation, researcher would be implemented both
methods in which they prepare structured questionnaire that is part of primary sources. Apart
from this, secondary method helps in carry out literature review that is focus on the
viewpoints of different writers as per research objectives to draw a reliable conclusion within
the investigation.
Research methodology
In research Qualitative and quantitative are two method that could be implement by
the researcher for undertaking entire research task in a structures way. For current study
quantitative research methodology will be used by in order to analysis authentic information
and data that support in taking right and valuable decisions (DeCenzo, Robbins and Verhulst,
2016). By this, research maker assembles measurable content that contributes in attaining
reliable outcomes for maintaining overall research more valid and authentic also.
Research tools
There are certain tool and techniques to collecting content and information on the
basis of particular research area. This will assist in enhancing the possibilities of achieving
authentic results at the end of the research. In this, observation, questionnaire, interview,
survey and so on are the important tool. In which questionnaire will be prepared or used by
investigation as research tool that may assist in gathering information direct from chosen
respondents by asking various questions. This can be beneficial in understanding their actual
view points towards the research topic.
Sampling
It refers to the procedure of selecting sample size from the huge populations
with the hope of gathering authentic data. It can be classified on the basis of two method i.e.
probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques (Downey and et. Al., 2015). For this
study, probabilistic sampling method will be used in which 40 respondents are selected as per
random basis.

Chapter 4: Findings
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have any idea about issue of workplace discrimination?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Does promoting equality and diversity is essential for company in improving
employee performance?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) According to you, on which basis workplace discrimination can occurs in Marks
and Spencer?
a) Gender
b) Age
c) Culture
Q4) What is the significance of overcoming workplace discrimination within the
Marks and Spencer?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What are the issue faced by employees due to workplace discrimination at
working area of Marks and Spencer?
a) Create issues between employee
b) Reduce employee productivity
c) Create negative working environment
Q6) What are the alternative ways by which Marks and Spencer can preventing from
workplace discrimination?
a) Proper training and development programs
b) Strong leadership
c) Promote equality at workplace
Q7) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Spencer in reducing
turnover of employees?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) What are the major reason of arising workplace discrimination at working area?

a) Inequality
b) Lack of involvement
c) Ineffective training
Q9) Does biasness of manager is increase issue workplace discrimination at working
area?
a) Yes
b) No
Q10) Suggested the ways that help Marks and Spencer can eliminate the workplace
discrimination at working area.
Data Sheet
Q1) Do you have any idea about issue of workplace
discrimination?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q2) Does promoting equality and diversity is essential for
company in improving employee performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q3) According to you, on which basis workplace discrimination
can occurs in Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Gender 20
b) Age 10
c) Culture 10
Q4) What is the significance of overcoming workplace
discrimination within the Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Q5) What are the issue faced by employees due to workplace
discrimination at working area of Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Create issues between employee 15
b) Reduce employee productivity 15
c) Create negative working environment 10
Q6) What are the alternative ways by which Marks and Spencer Frequency

can preventing from workplace discrimination?
a) Proper training and development programs 20
b) Strong leadership 10
c) Promote equality at workplace 10
Q7) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and
Spencer in reducing turnover of employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Q8) What are the major reason of arising workplace
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Inequality 20
b) Lack of involvement 10
c) Ineffective training 10
Q9) Does biasness of manager is increase issue workplace
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Chapter 5: Discussion
Theme 1: Idea about issue of workplace discrimination.
Q1) Do you have any idea about issue of workplace
discrimination?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10

30
10
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: As per above preceding graphical representation it has been analysed that
workplace discrimination is one of the major issues that faced by majority of organization at
global level. This can be put negative access on the overall performance of the company at
market place. Mainly, it is based on gender, age, culture and many more aspect that influence
employee’s performance in negative manner. As, 30 selected think that they familiar with this
statement and rest of 10 participants does not have any idea about this statement.
Theme 2: Promoting equality and diversity is essential for company in improving
employee performance.
Q2) Does promoting equality and diversity is essential for
company in improving employee performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10

30
10
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: In business organization, promoting equality and diversity is significant as it
contributes in motivating as well as encouraging workers to maintain healthy relation with
each other’s. This can be beneficial in developing positive and competitive image of the
company at market place that assist in inviting diverse workforce which contributes in
attaining competitive success. In this context, 30 out of 40 people said that spreading as well
as maintaining equality or diversity at workplace is effective as it positively impacts in
improving overall performance of the employees at working area. Furthermore, 10
participants are not familiar towards statement as well.
Theme 3: Basis workplace discrimination can occur in Marks and Spencer.
Q3) According to you, on which basis workplace discrimination
can occurs in Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Gender 20
b) Age 10
c) Culture 10

20
10
10
a) Gender b) Age c) Culture
Interpretation: From the given graph it has been evaluated that there are various kinds on
which discrimination arise. As, 20 out of 40 people think that gender is one of the basis of
workplace discrimination. Along with this, 10 respondents said that age is major base and rest
of 10 respondents give their views that culture is also a base on which employees are
discriminated at working area.
Theme 4: Significance of overcoming workplace discrimination within the Marks and
Spencer.
Q4) What is the significance of overcoming workplace
discrimination within the Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
35
5
a) Yes b) No

Interpretation: From the preceding graphical representation it can be critically analysed that
it is crucial for business organization to overcome form the issue of workplace discrimination
that support in developing positive performance of employees. In this context, 35 participants
think that it is important for company to focus on maintaining equality at working to
eliminate the workplace discrimination. On the other side, 5 people are not aware about this
statement.
Theme 5: Issue faced by employees due to workplace discrimination at working area of
Marks and Spencer.
Q5) What are the issue faced by employees due to workplace
discrimination at working area of Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Create issues between employee 15
b) Reduce employee productivity 15
c) Create negative working environment 10
15
15
10
a) Create issues between employee b) Reduce employee productivity
c) Create negative working environment
Interpretation: Workplace discrimination is one of the big problems for business
organization as it affects the employee’s productivity and their performance as well. In this,
15 out of 40 people think that it creates complexities between staff members at working area.
15 participants said that it also reduces employee’s efficiency level and rest of 10 respondents
said that it creates negative working environment that reduce workers performance.
Theme 6: Alternative ways by which Marks and Spencer can preventing from
workplace discrimination.
Q6) What are the alternative ways by which Marks and Spencer Frequency

can preventing from workplace discrimination?
a) Proper training and development programs 20
b) Strong leadership 10
c) Promote equality at workplace 10
20
10
10
a) Proper training and development programs
b) Strong leadership
c) Promote equality at workplace
Interpretation: Through graphical presentation it has been evaluated that it is significant for
company to implement alternative and effective ways for overcoming from the issue of
workplace discrimination. In this regard, 20 people said that providing proper training and
development programs is beneficial in eliminating discrimination. Along with this, 10
participants said that strong leadership help in maintaining equality at work place.
Furthermore, remaining 10 respondents give their view promoting equality at working area
help in reducing workplace discrimination within the company.
Theme 7: Eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and Spencer in reducing
turnover of employees.
Q7) Does eliminating workplace discrimination help Marks and
Spencer in reducing turnover of employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15

25
15
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: It is important for every business organization to reduce discrimination at
working area to develop the workers efficiency. It is also effective in developing positive and
healthy working environment wherein all the staff members can easily perform their task and
at the same time also try to attain their targets. In relation to this, 25 out of 40 people think
that eliminating discrimination contributes in reducing employee turnover and also improve
overall performance. Apart from this, rest of 15 people are not familiar with this statement.
Theme 8: Major reason of arising workplace discrimination at working area.
Q8) What are the major reason of arising workplace
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Inequality 20
b) Lack of involvement 10
c) Ineffective training 10

20
10
10
a) Inequality b) Lack of involvement c) Ineffective training
Interpretation: There are various reasons for arising working discrimination as it negatively
influences the entire activities of company. In this, 20 participants think that inequality at
working area is major reason that create issues among staff members. Along with this, 10
people give their views lack of involvement of employees is also create discrimination at
work station. Furthermore, remaining 10 respondents said that ineffective training is also a
big reason of creating workplace discrimination that enhance employee turnover.
Theme 9: Biasness of manager is increase issue workplace discrimination at working
area.
Q9) Does biasness of manager is increase issue workplace
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10

30
10
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: As per preceding graphical presentation, it has been evaluated that in
organization a biasness manager is adversely influence the working environment as it also
reduces the positive relation with staff members. This is the major concern that
discrimination at working area can be increase that negatively impact over the performance
of company and its workers. In this context, 30 out of 40 people think that biased manager
reduces the employee’s performance and furthermore, rest of 10 participants are not agreed
with this statement.
Chapter 6: Conclusion, Recommendation and implications for Further
Research
Recommendation
After analysing the above research, it is recommended that, Superiors and managers
must establish a continuous process of resolving issues so that, if any issues are there than it
can be solved at prior basis. Moreover, company should have a written policy that determines
various rules and regulations regarding the consequences which an individual can face if they
violate any norms. Moreover, during the process of recruitment and selection, company
should select those candidates who are rational and doesn’t have any biased nature towards a
community, group or an individual.
Conclusion
Therefore, this research provides with an insight of workplace discrimination and how
it has an impact on individual and working area as well. Mainly, it is crucial for company in
evaluating the reason behind arising workplace discrimination so that manager of company

can easily reduce the same and improve the overall performance. Along with this, training
and development programs, proper leadership is also beneficial in making employees able to
attain their targets along with maintaining positive and healthy relation at working with other
employees. This will directly contributes in enhancing overall performance of the company at
competitive market place.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Agbozo, G.K. and et. Al., 2017. The effect of work environment on job satisfaction:
Evidence from the banking sector in Ghana. Journal of Human Resource Management, 5(1),
p.12.
Dajani, M.A.Z., 2015. The impact of employee engagement on job performance and
organisational commitment in the Egyptian banking sector. Journal of Business and
Management Sciences, 3(5), pp.138-147.
Schilpzand, P., De Pater, I.E. and Erez, A., 2016. Workplace incivility: A review of the
literature and agenda for future research. Journal of Organizational behavior, 37, pp.S57-S88.
Baert, S., 2016. Wage subsidies and hiring chances for the disabled: some causal evidence.
The European Journal of Health Economics, 17(1), pp.71-86.
Barth, E. and et. Al., 2016. It’s where you work: Increases in the dispersion of earnings
across establishments and individuals in the United States. Journal of Labor Economics,
34(S2), pp.S67-S97.
Ginzberg, E., Noyelle, T.J. and Stanback Jr, T.M., 2020. Technology and employment:
Concepts and clarifications. Routledge.
DeCenzo, D.A., Robbins, S.P. and Verhulst, S.L., 2016. Fundamentals of human resource
management. John Wiley & Sons.
Downey, S.N. and et. Al., 2015. The role of diversity practices and inclusion in promoting
trust and employee engagement. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 45(1), pp.35-44.
Stergiou-Kita, M., Pritlove, C. and Kirsh, B., 2016. The “Big C”—stigma, cancer, and
workplace discrimination. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 10(6), pp.1035-1050.
Babalola, S.S., 2016. The effect of leadership style, job satisfaction and employee-supervisor
relationship on job performance and organizational commitment. Journal of Applied Business
Research (JABR), 32(3), pp.935-946.