Business Research Plan: Challenges of Cultural Diversity at Workplace

This business research plan investigates the significance of cultural diversity in the workplace, specifically examining the challenges faced by the HR department of Marks & Spencer. The report delves into the benefits of cultural diversity, such as increased creativity, market insights, and emplo...Read More

Business research plan

Table of Contents
Individual Research Plan.................................................................................................................1
Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
Literature Review........................................................................................................................1
Research Aims/Objectives...........................................................................................................6
Research Methodology................................................................................................................6
Sampling......................................................................................................................................8
Accessibility................................................................................................................................9
Ethical Issues...............................................................................................................................9
Significance.................................................................................................................................9
Deliverable.................................................................................................................................10
Required Resources...................................................................................................................10
Implementation Time Table......................................................................................................10
Evaluation of the individual research plan.....................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

Individual Research Plan
Introduction
Culture diversity refer as the organisational environment and surrounding that includes
employees of different background, culture, religion and so on. It is essential for organisation
which is conducting business operation at multinational market area to enhance culture diversity.
There are various benefits that could be attain by company by increasing culture diversity at
workplace (Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018). This research report is based on Marks and
Spencer company. This is one of the leading company which is providing its high quality and
fashionable products in different part of the world. This is a British multinational company
which selling clothing products and other fashionable accessories to large customer base. This
research report will includes information about the cultural diversity as well as different
challenges which that is faced by HR department. In this research, research methodology along
with sampling has been determined. This research includes information about accessibility,
ethical issues, significance, deliverables of the research. In this required resources has been
determined along with the time table which is necessary for business research plan.
Literature Review
This can be describe as the comprehensive summary of knowledge and understanding on
the basis of previous research articles. This is significant for gaining information from other
researcher point of view as well as determining understanding about the topic. Literature review
is consider as the secondary method of data collection or analysing information to conduct an
effective and efficient research.
What is the significance cultural diversity at workplace?
As per the views of Katle Reynolds (2017), it has been analysed that cultural diversity
play a significant role in enhancing working culture and environment of business. It is essential
for company to consider cultural diversity at workplace as it lead to various benefits (Simón-
Moya, and Revuelto-Taboada, 2016). There are number of advantages that could be attain by
Marks and Spencer company through successfully implementing culture diversity at workplace
(13 benefits and challenges of cultural diversity in the workplace, 2020). This company is
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conducting business operations at multinational market area and it is crucial for this organisation
to accept different culture and workplace. This will lead to have direct impact on performance of
organisation as well as significantly increase productivity or profitability of respective company.
Significant of cultural diversity at Marks and Spencer workplace is mention below in detail,
 Inspire creativity and innovation – Culture diversity will lead to increase creativity in
organisation as well as drive innovation practices. This is one of the major benefit that
could be attain by Marks and Spencer company by enhancing cultural diversity at
workplace (Meyer and Peng, 2016). This will lead to have direct influence over the
performance or task of respective business. In different culture, there are different tools
and techniques which is consider for performing task. Through cultural diversity these
practices could be performed in Marks and Spencer workplace and positively affect
performance of business.
 Insight about market area – It has been analysed that enhancing cultural diversity will
lead to have direct impact over the information about market area. Multi culture
workforce in Marks and Spencer organisation will be able to provide information about
the local market area as well as preference of customer in that market segment. This will
lead to support respective company in better decision making process and help in
enhancing business operation according to the market area requirements.
 High quality work – Marks and Spencer company will be able to increase the quality of
work as well as capability of workforce by enhancing cultural diversity. This will lead to
significantly impact in quality of work done by employees as well as production of goods
to offer in market area (Brace, 2018). Cultural diversity will help in providing insight or
knowledge about the local market area which will lead to directly impact over
manufacturing of products to satisfy the needs or requirements of targeted market area.
 Attract and retain best talent – Enhancing cultural diversity will lead to attract and
retain the talented employees of Marks and Spencer company. It is essential for
respective company to improve cultural diversity at workplace as this will significantly
boost the morale of employees. Staff member will feel motivated when company is
providing respect to their culture and values. This practices will lead to help in
successfully retaining talented employees of respective company.
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 Increase productivity – Cultural diversity will lead to allow highly skilled and capable
employees with in the organisation. This is significant for enhancing Marks and Spencer
company productivity and performance. It is essential for respective company to increase
its productivity as it will lead to increase in sale of products and services. Through
cultural diversity practices employees will be able to focus on their work and successfully
perform organisational practices to earn more profits or increase the sales of products and
services.
 Great opportunity of growth – It has been determined that cultural diversity will lead to
have major impact on accomplishing growth opportunities for business (Ward, 2016).
Through this practices respective company will be able to enhance its brand value in
market area as well as gain competitive advantages over other rival companies. Cultural
diversity is significant for business as it will lead to gain more growth and development
opportunities.
What are the different issues and challenges which are faced by HR manager of Marks and
Spencer company due to lack of cultural diversity?
According to the views of Big Think Edge (2018), various issues or problems which is faced
by HR manager of respective company because of lack of cultural diversity has been determined.
Through this it has been determined that HR Manager of Marks and Spencer company is
responsible to conducting different practices and successfully managing various activities of
business in order to attain desired goals. Due to lack of cultural diversity at workplace there are
number of issues and problems that will affect HR manager performance. These issues or
challenges that is faced by Marks and Spencer company HR manager is mention below in detail.
 Acceptance and respect – It is very difficult for respective company HR manager to
motivate employees as well as encourage them to respect and accept other employees
culture. Due to lack of cultural diversity at workplace, many staff members are not likely
to accept or respect other culture correctly (Diversity In The Workplace: 4 Common
Challenges And Solutions, 2020). This will lead to increase in conflicts in organisation as
well as affecting working environment.
 Workforce planning – HR manager will face issues in workforce planning due to lack of
culture diversity at workplace. Marks and Spencer company is performing organisational
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practices in global market area. It is important for HR Manager to hire employees for
different cultural and background in order to successfully conduct business task. Lack of
cultural diversity will lead to have impact on decision making of business and influence
overall action of HR Manager for performing recruitment and selection practices.
 Performance management – Respective company HR Manager will not be able to
successfully manage the performance of employees due to lack of cultural diversity
practices. This will lead to have impact over the decision of manager while measuring the
performance of employees and taking decision for appraisals.
 Communication issues – Communication is consider as one of the major challenge or
issues that come across to HR while performing business task. HR manager of Marks and
Spencer company will not be able to communicate and convey message to staff member
because of lack of cultural diversity (Ibidunni, Peter and Ogbari, 2017). Difference in
languages and perception can lead to ineffective communication and receiver will not be
able to understand the message properly.
 Managing cultural differences – Due to lack of information about cultural diversity at
workplace HR manager of respective company will face issues in managing different
cultural with in the company. This issues will lead to significant impact over performance
and capability of employees to successfully conduct business task. HR manager finds it
very difficult to identify and analyse the most effective approach for managing different
cultural in order to enhance performance of respective company.
What are the effective strategies that will support HR manager to overcome challenges
related to cultural diversity at Marks and Spencer company.
As per the view point of Kimberlee Leonard (2019), it has been analysed that there are
different strategies and practices that will lead to support HR manager in resolving challenges
related to cultural diversity. It is essential for respective company HR manager to use new and
different approach for resolving this issues as it will lead to significantly impact on performance
of company (5 Strategies for Dealing With Diversity in the Workplace, 2020). Effective
strategies that could be consider by HR manager of Marks and Spencer company for successfully
managing these challenges as well as enhancing cultural diversity is mention below.
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 Provide diversity training – Training and development program is very effective
approach or strategy which will directly impact on managing cultural diversity
challenges. It is essential for HR manager of Marks and Spencer company to develop
effective training program for employees in order to increase information and
understanding of employees regarding cultural diversity. Training will lead to increase
the knowledge of employees as well as motivate them to accept or respect other cultural
at workplace. Training will help in enhancing skills or capabilities of employees to
successfully conduct business task and manage working with employees of different
culture.
 Build relationship – HR Manager of Marks and Spencer company can develop strong
and effective relationship with its employees as well as conduct different activities at
workplace which will lead to increase employees relationship. By building effective
relationships between employees with different cultural and background in the
organisation will lead to motivate employees as well as increase capability of employees
to work effective in diverse working culture.
 Develop effective policies – It is essential for HR manager of respective company to
develop new and effective policies of workplace in order to enhance performance of
organisation (Hatton and et.al., 2016). By changing business policies and creating more
strict policies regarding cultural diversity will lead to support in managing employees
with different culture. HR manager needs to make required changes in recruitment and
selection polices of Marks and Spencer company which will lead to enhance working
culture.
 Enhance communication – HR manager needs to communicate with employees of
different cultural and background as it will help in gaining their trust. Through effective
communication strategy HR manager will be able to convey changes in business policies
to all employees as well as make sure that they have completely understand the message.
Enhancing communication strategy will HR Manager of Marks and Spencer company to
gain proper information about the issues and problems that is faced by staff member due
to lack of cultural diversity. This will help in resolving the issues of employees as well
increase working culture and environment of Marks and Spencer company.
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Research Aims/Objectives
Aims
To analyse major challenges that HR department face due to lack of cultural diversity at
workplace. Case study of Marks and Spencer company.
Objectives
 To identity significance cultural diversity at workplace
 To determine different issues and challenges which are faced by HR manager of Marks
and Spencer company due to lack of cultural diversity.
 To evaluate effective strategies that will support HR manager to overcome challenges
related to cultural diversity at Marks and Spencer company.
Questions
 What is the significance cultural diversity at workplace?
 What are the different issues and challenges which are faced by HR manager of Marks
and Spencer company due to lack of cultural diversity?
 What are the effective strategies that will support HR manager to overcome challenges
related to cultural diversity at Marks and Spencer company.
Overview of company
Marks and Spencer company is consider top brand in retail sector and it is offering its
goods and services to all over the world. This is a public limited company which was developed
in year 1884. Founder of respective organisation is Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. Marks
and Spencer company headquarter is located in London, England, UK and it is offering
fashionable ready to wear products to worldwide market area.
Research Methodology
Research methodology can be describe as the procedure that is consider by researcher for
collecting data as well as conducting research practices in more significant and effective manner.
It is essential for completely follow the procedure or techniques of research methodology in
order to gain correct and accurate information about the topic. Research methodology includes
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the proper process such as identifying, selecting, analysing information as well as evaluating it
properly. Research methodology for collecting data for this report is mention below –
Research philosophy – Research philosophy can be describe as the brief that is significant in
identifying the way of collecting or assembling information for conducting (Ritter and Lettl,
2018). It is very important for researcher to choose accurate research philosophy which is as per
the need of investigation. Research philosophy is majorly classified into two part such as
interpretisim and positivism. For this investigation, investigator will be using positivism research
philosophy as it will supportive in easily assembling data in accurate manner which as according
to the requirement of this report.
Research approaches – This is classified into qualitative and quantitative research
approaches. This provide guidance to researcher for gathering data as well as analysing it in
order to gain correct information. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches is mention
below.
 Qualitative approach – This refer as the approach of collecting and analysing data
which is based on the opinions, reasons, view points and so on. Qualitative approach is
significant for providing information in more detail as well as determine the solution of
problems correctly.
 Quantitative approach – This is describe as more systematic way of gathering data as
well as analysing information in numerical form of data. Quantitative approach is helpful
in representing data in numerical form as well as determining information in statically
representation. This help in easily analysing and evaluated the collected information.
Data collection method - There are majorly two methods of data collection which will help
researcher to gather data and information from different sources. Methods of data collection are
primary and secondary method. Both of these two are very useful method and help in assembling
required information about the topic. Data collection methods are mention below in detail.
 Primary method – This refer as the first hand data collection method and in this
researcher who collected data is consider as the owner of data (Maylor, H., Blackmon
and Huemann, 2016). In primary method of data gather information is collected for the
first types and this helps in collecting information in depth. It includes various sources
such as interview, questionnaire, survey and many more. Through this type of method
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researcher is able to assemble information which is accurate to the topic as well as help in
better decision making.
 Secondary method – This type of data collection methods includes various sources that
assist in gathering data as well as gain required information. Secondary method of data
collection is refer as method which is significant for assembling data in less time as well
as help in saving the cost of data collection.
Sampling
Sampling is important part of the research as it help in determine the way through which
data will be collected as well as information will be analysed. It is crucial for researcher to
correctly choose sampling as it will help in successfully performing research practices. Sampling
is required to full fill the need of adequate and reliable information which will directly help
investigator to take wise decision considering the outcome of research practices.
Population profile – Population can be describe as the whole set of elements or variables
that is consider in order to gather information and take decision of research. This includes all
those or entities or various which will be consider as the study in statistical manner. Population
profile is significant for collecting information as well as gaining details for performing research
practices (Kusumaningrum and Hidayat, 2016). Population profile refer as a chart
representation of all those number of people and function of ages. Profile includes the
characteristic of population for gathering information about the data. In this research population
profile includes all those employees that are working in Marks and Spencer company
Sampling theories – This majorly includes framework or approach that is consider by
researcher in order to select sampling for this investigation. There different types or methods of
sampling which is significant for identifying the most effective and useful approach of sampling.
Different types of sampling are mention below –
 Simple random sampling – This is the most easy and simple method of sampling. In
simple random sampling researcher will divided all elements of population into equal size
and select sample on random basis. This sampling reduces the chance of bias and provide
equal chance of getting selected.
 Systematic sampling – This is consider as the probability sampling and it is more
accurate as compare to simple random sampling. In this type of sampling population size
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is arranged on some specific order. On this basis sample is selected systematically for
gather and collecting information. This sampling method help in choosing population set
very wisely.
 Stratified sampling – This type of sampling method is consider as the most complex
method and this is one of the most advance method which helps in getting results near to
accurate. The major benefit of this sampling is that it is highly accuracy measurements.
This lead to different results with the changes in sampling method.
Sampling size – This refer as the number of sample that is selected for representing the
information about the whole population size (Bidmon and Knab, 2018). It is essential for
researcher to select appropriate sample size in order to gather accurate information for attaining
the goals of investigation. In this investigation researcher has consider 30 sample size that is 30
employees of Marks and Spencer company that will represent whole population.
Accessibility
This refer as the way in which all material or environment are designed in order to
successfully carry out research practices as well as attain desired outcome. For conducting this
individual research plan physical, social as well as psychological environment is correctly
designed in order to easily access with other and perform task or activities in required way.
Ethical Issues
This is one of the major issues that arise while performing research practices. In order to
successfully conduct this research practices investigator has ensure that ethics and morals are
considered. In order to reduce ethical issues, investigator ensures the collected data and
information is correctly saved and stored. For this researcher has laptop for only research
purpose and investigator has stored all information of this research in laptop with password
protection. This helps in reducing the risk of misuse of data or leaking information.
Significance
The significance of this research is that it will help in collecting information about cultural
diversity. This individual research plan will support in gathering data about the equality and
diversity issues in Marks and Spencer as well as problems which is faced by HR Manager to due
to lack of cultural diversity at workplace.
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Deliverable
This includes the document which consider of all the information and data which is
collected in the research process. Deliverable refer as the way researcher will be presenting the
outcome of research to required person. This individual research plan will be deliver as the
research report that will have all facts and details about the research along with the outcome that
is attain by conducting research practices.
Required Resources
There are many resources that will be required by researcher in order to successfully
perform research activities as well as attain desired goals (Tokarski, Tokarski and Wójcik,
2017). Researcher will require human resources or individual that will support in collecting data
and performing task. Financial resources will be required for laptop, internet cost and other raw
materials. All of these resources are very helpful for researcher as it support in effective and
efficient development of individual research plan and timely accomplishing outcomes of this
research.
Implementation Time Table
It is very important for researcher to identify the time and duration that will be required to
conduct research practices. Investigator needs to develop time table for successfully
implementing the research and attaining desired goals. There are different tools such as Break
down structure and Gantt chart that will support researcher in effectively implementing plan.
Gantt chart – This is refer as the graphical form of structure that will help in managing
different activities of research plan correctly. Through this tool researcher will be able to
represent the task along with its start time and end time so that all task in timely completed. This
is very useful tools and help in attain goals.
Evaluation of the individual research plan
It is very important to analyse and evaluate the research plan as this will help me in
determine the advantages and drawbacks of individual research plan. It is essential that
individual research plan include information about different aspects of research as well as
determine the different sources through which data will be collected. It is crucial to correctly
evaluate the individual research plan and analyse the major strength or weakness of the plan that
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will lead to affect the overall performance of this research. In this individual research plan I have
consider topic of cultural diversity and analysed that major issues which is faced by HR manager
due to lack of cultural diversity at workplace. I have used different methods and approaches for
performing research or investigation. Research methodology includes different aspects as
research philosophies, research approaches or methods which are significant for collecting data
and information for performing research activities. In this individual research plan I have used
positive research philosophy as this will be more effective and useful for gathering data as well
as carry out research practices in more significant manner. Research philosophy will work as the
brief for performing investigation in more accurate and appropriate manner (Foss and Saebi,
2018). In this individual research plan qualitative research approach is consider as this provide
more emphasis on reasoning or views point of others. This will help in assembling data which is
to the point or more useful according to the topic. Qualitative research approaches is significant
of gather more logical data which as according to the research problems. In order to successfully
perform research plan, both primary and secondary methods of data collection has been
considered. I have analysed that both of these methods are some advantages which is beneficial
for effective and efficiently conducting the research practices. Primary sources of data collection
will help in collecting fresh and accurate data as per the research problem. In this researcher will
be collected information for respondents that is employees of Marks and Spencer company.
Investigator will be gathering data or view point of respondents through questionnaire method.
This is significant for gather and assembling data according to the need of investigation and help
researcher to analysed data correctly. Through this in depth information will be gather in this
individual research plan. I have evaluated that secondary sources of data collection are very cost
effective and help researcher in easily gather information. This data will support in correct
decision making in order to attain desired outcomes of the research. I have analysed the
importance of sampling for collecting data and in this individual research plan simple random
sampling is used. This is easy method and help researcher to collect data is less time as well as
reduces bias practices while collecting and gathering data. It has been evaluated the researcher is
consider different ethical issues which can negatively affect research and resolving ethical issues
correctly.
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REFERENCES
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Meyer, K.E. and Peng, M.W., 2016. Theoretical foundations of emerging economy
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Ward, J., 2016. Keeping the family business healthy: How to plan for continuing growth,
profitability, and family leadership. Springer.
Brace, I., 2018. Questionnaire design: How to plan, structure and write survey material
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Ibidunni, A.S., Peter, F. and Ogbari, M., 2017. ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATOR'S
COMPETENCEON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’COMMITMENT TO LEARNING AND
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Hatton, T. and et.al., 2016. Lessons from disaster: Creating a business continuity plan
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Fernando, S., and et.al.,., 2020. Training Plan for Business Administration Students in
Marketing and Accounting: Intervention on the Difficulties in Research Writing. Southeast Asian
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Ritter, T. and Lettl, C., 2018. The wider implications of business-model research. Long
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Maylor, H., Blackmon, K. and Huemann, M., 2016. Researching business and
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Bidmon, C.M. and Knab, S.F., 2018. The three roles of business models in societal
transitions: New linkages between business model and transition research. Journal of Cleaner
Production, 178, pp.903-916.
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Tokarski, A., Tokarski, M. and Wójcik, J., 2017. The Possibility Of Using The Business
Model Canvas In The Establishment Of An Operator'S Business Plan. Torun Business
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Foss, N.J. and Saebi, T., 2018. Business models and business model innovation: Between
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Online
13 benefits and challenges of cultural diversity in the workplace. 2020. [Online]. Available
through<https://www.hult.edu/blog/benefits-challenges-cultural-diversity-workplace/
#:~:text=Diversity%2C%20including%20diversity%20of%20gender,valued%20for%20their
%20unique%20contribution. >.
Diversity In The Workplace: 4 Common Challenges And Solutions. 2020. [Online]. Available
through<https://www.bigthinkedge.com/diversity-in-the-workplace-4-common-challenges-
and-solutions/>.
5 Strategies for Dealing With Diversity in the Workplace. 2020. [Online]. Available
through<https://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-strategies-dealing-diversity-workplace-
18106.html>.
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