Business Research Methods Report: Human Resource Management Research

This report delves into business research methods within the context of Human Resource Management (HRM), focusing on the critical areas of equality and diversity. It begins by establishing the research problem, highlighting workplace inequality and discrimination based on various factors, and setting the aim to assess the impact of equality and diversity on employee motivation and productivity. The report outlines specific objectives, research questions, and a rationale for the topic's significance. Key readings are analyzed to define equality and diversity, explore their benefits, and assess their impact on employee motivation and productivity. The report then compares two research methodologies: positivism and interpretivism, and discusses deductive and inductive approaches. Finally, it examines survey and interview strategies and explores data collection methods, including primary and secondary sources. The conclusion highlights the importance of HRM practices for fostering a positive work environment and improving employee outcomes.

Business Research
Methods

Table of Contents
Selected Topic: Human resource management................................................................................1
Section 1: Comparing two research methodologies.........................................................................1
1.1. Research problem............................................................................................................1
Rationale and significance for selection of topic...................................................................1
1.2. Selected key readings......................................................................................................2
1.3. Two appropriate research methods..................................................................................3
Section 2: Instrument and Conclusions............................................................................................7
2.1 Instrument.........................................................................................................................7
2.2 Conclusion........................................................................................................................8
Section 3: Research Dissemination..................................................................................................9
3.1 Relevance and audience...................................................................................................9
3.2. Communication of Research.........................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
Appendix........................................................................................................................................12
2.1 Instrument.......................................................................................................................12

Selected Topic: Human resource management.
Section 1: Comparing two research methodologies
1.1. Research problem
Presence of inequality and high discrimination on the basis of gender, culture, background and
other measures is highly seen at workplace of various organisation which is the main problem
analysed through current investigation (Chavez and et. al., 2015). High level of inequality and
discrimination creates a feeling of prejudice and lead to reduction in employee morale and
confidence level which have negative impact on overall productivity and production level of
employees. Therefore, current investigation is carried out in the topic of Human resource
management which is having following below stated aim and objectives:
Aim of project
The main aim of current investigation is, “To assess the impact of equality and diversity on
motivation level and productivity of employees.”
Objectives of project
 To understand the equality and diversity concept.
 To analyse the benefits of maintaining equality and diversity at workplace.
 To assess the impact of equality and diversity on motivation level and productivity of
employees.
 To identify different strategies that help in maintaining equality and diversity.
Rationale and significance for selection of topic
The selection of current research topic based on the topic of equality and diversity is
significant as it is helpful in mitigating the issue of high level of discrimination and inequality
present at workplace. Beside this, selection of current topic is also significant to have better
analysis of benefit of equality and diversity along with its impact on motivation level and
productivity of employees.
Research questions
 What is meant by the concept equality and diversity concept?
 What are the main benefits of maintaining equality and diversity at workplace?
 What possible impact could be lead out by equality and diversity on motivation level and
productivity of employees?
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 Which can be the different strategies that help in maintaining equality and diversity?
1.2. Selected key readings
To understand the equality and diversity concept.
As per the view point of Ruby Gropas. 2020, the concept of equality is mainly associated with
ensuring a sense of equal opportunity at workplace where no one is treated in a differently or
discriminated way due to their diverse culture, background, gender, age or any other physical
characteristics. On the other, side the concept of diversity is also about taking into consideration
the various difference which exits between people and different groups by the way of introducing
and placing a positive value and optimistic effect in these differences (Kumar, 2019). Thus, an
analysis can be made that the concept of equality is all about making efforts for removing
barriers at workplace through making sure that all people and employees from diverse section
must have an equal and fair opportunities across the workplace to access all the services. An
understanding has been also made that diversity is all about the respecting and positively valuing
the difference exists between group of people by the way of treating all employees in an
appropriate and ethical way.
To analyse the benefits of maintaining equality and diversity at workplace.
With respect to the information provided by the Suzanne Gagnon, Tomke Jerena Augustin and
Wendy Cukier. 2021, it has been observed that many benefits are lead out by maintaining
equality and diversity at workplace the foremost of which is attracting and retaining more
competent and skilled talent. An analysis can be made out the fostering equality at workplace
lead to a sense of positive environment which plays a vital role in attracting and retaining of
talented employees (O'Loughlin and et. al., 2017). Apart from this, equality and diversity
mitigate the risk of discrimination and biasness during selection process thus, ensures on-
boarding and hiring of most talented and skilled employees. Apart from this, equality and
diversity also supports improved collaboration at workplace through reducing and eliminating
the chances of chaos and conflicts at workplace which is also a key benefit of maintaining
equality and diversity.
To assess the impact of equality and diversity on motivation level and productivity of
employees.
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As per the opinion of Brown, C.S., 2015., a positive impact is lead out by equality and
diversity on motivation level and productivity of employees as mitigate the risk of workplace
discrimination and biasness which plays a vital role in creating and leading out a more positive
and optimistic workplace. Further, an analysis could also be made out that creation of equality
and diversity enquires improved relationship among employees which support better
coordination and effective communication that plays a vital role in boosting the morel and
productivity level of employees (Stypinska and Turek, 2017). One of the key positive impact of
equality and diversity comprises of the fact that it increase level of employees engagement as o
tenures that everyone is treated with respect and ensure balance among diverse perceptive to lead
an inclusive culture which support higher job satisfaction and improved motivation level which
enhance performance and productivity level of employees.
To identify different strategies that help in maintaining equality and diversity
With respect to the opinion of provided by Stypinska, J. and Turek, K., 2017, it has been
identified that various strategies are there which helps in maintaining equality and diversity at
workplace which comprises of offering and providing appropriate diversity and inclusion
training to employees. Apart from this, identifying and preventing unconscious biasness and
discrimination at workplace along with creating a culture of fairness and inclusion is also an
effective way to maintain equality and diversity at place of work. Implication of participative
management where all employees have equal right of involvement and access to opportunities
along with effective communication are also vital way to create and support equality and
diversity at workplace.
1.3. Two appropriate research methods
Research methodology forms out a most vital part and section of every research article or
other literature which facilitates information about the ways and strategies applied by an
investigator to collect and analysis the information. The methodologies used in the literature that
have reviewed includes quantitative research method in which numerical information was
gathered by researcher while the other method which have been used by researcher consists of
qualitative method which is based on theoretical and in-depth form of information. The two
main forms of research method and other aspects of investigation are critically evaluated and
analysed as below which are used by the researcher in various analysed literature and articles:
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Research philosophy- this section of research methodology provides information about the main
belief and way that is applied by the researcher for collection of data about a phenomena and
also reflects information about the way that should be applied for gathering and analysis of that
collected data. The research philosophy has been bifurcated into two main types on the basis of
nature of study and their application by the investigator (Taherdoost, 2016). A discussion and
comparison of these two research philosophy comprises of positivism and interpretivisim
philosophy is provided as below:
Positivism philosophy –
Positivism research philosophy duly claims that social objectives can be effectively
getting understood in an objective manner. With this research philosophy researcher play the role
of objective analysis and aim towards formulating abstract on various dynamics. In this
information and data are required to be tested against collected data in a systematic manner. It
has been identified that with the help of positivism research philosophy researcher can evaluate
quantitative data in a reliable and appropriate manner with the help of gathering information in
an effective manner.
Interpretivisim philosophy-
Interpretivism research philosophy is mainly based upon the principle that says that
investigator conduct research by observing the social world, as per this philosophy research is
mainly based upon understanding the meaning of human action. With the help of this approach
investigator can effectively integrity human interest in research analysis. It is essential for
investigator to effectively appreciate the differences among individual approach that mainly
involved social theories as well as perspective that duly embrace view of reality in a meaningful
manner.
In context with present research analysis researcher undertake advantage of positivism
research philosophy, as it is one of the most effective research philosophy method that allows
investigator to measure quantitative data in a subjective manner. Main reason behind taking use
of this approach is that researcher can accomplish the research objectives in effective manner
based on subjective approach and can further take accurate decisions real time solution.
Research approach- this part of research methodology is mainly concerned with providing a
detailed plan and procedure for research that span and emphasis on the steps. Further, research
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approach also provides information about broad assumptions which are applied by an
investigator to ensure improved application of research method for effective data collection
along with improved analysis and interpretation of facts (Thompson, 2015). The two main forms
of research approach that are well used and applied by the investigator in analysed literature
comprises of deductive and inductive approach a detailed critique of which is provided as
follows:
 Deductive approach- application and use of deductive approach is mainly based on
scientific principles thus supports and leads out a more practical and systematic way
of investigation. Beside this, deductive approach facilitates a highly structured
approach which is properly in line with the positivism philosophy and comprises of
effective moving from theory to data which ensures more clarity and specific results.
 Inductive approach- this form of research approach is mainly developed to gain a
better and in-depth understanding about the human behaviour and perceptive. Thus, it
is a more complex and time consuming approach of research which is in line with the
interpretivisim philosophy. Further, inductive approach of research is less concerned
with generalisation of facts and provides close and in-depth understanding of research
context.
On the basis of above discussion, an analysis can be made that with respect to current
research project based on concept of equality and diversity application of deductive approach is
more suitable and justifiable as it lead to a more systematic and scientific approach of
investigation.
Research strategy- a complete base and framework for investigation is provided by the research
strategy part of methodology which comprises of information about entire research design and
use of research instruments for efficient collection of data. The main forms and types of research
strategy comprises of observation, interview, surveys, grounded theory, action research,
experiments and many more. Out of these theories, survey and interview are two most commonly
used and applied research strategy a discussion and comparison of which is provided as below:
 Survey strategy- the implication and use of survey strategy comprises of
Research method
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Research methods are defined as procedure to collect and evaluate data that different type
of research methods involved through which investigator can collect organise and analyse
information in order to effectively maximize understanding of the topic or issue
Sources of data collection
There are different types of data collection sources through with investigator can
assemble, confirm and identify appropriate data associated to the topic. It is essential for
investigator to select most suitable data collection method in order to accomplish research
objective in effective manner. There are mainly to form of data collection method which is
primary and secondary. Along with this it has been identified that experiment, questionnaire,
survey, interview case study, observational trials are some of the research method through which
data and information can be gathered by investigator.
In order to conduct present research analysis investigator will take advantage of both primary
and secondary sources of data collection method. With the help of both of the data collection
methods investigator can acquire adequate information and data through which objective of
present research can be accomplished in a well defined and effective manner. Furthermore, it has
been underlined that in terms with primary data collection method investigator will select 50
respondents those who are working in an organisation. With the help of undertaking use of this
data collection method investigating can resolve specific research issue in an effective manner
with the help of better accuracy. Primary data collection method allows to have higher level of
control, up-to-date information that further facilitates investigator to accomplish research with
relevant information associated to the research objective (Vickers, 2016). While on the other
hand in terms with data collection method investigator will acquire information from magazine,
journal, articles, books and other already existing sources to accomplish research. Primary reason
behind and taking advantage of both the form of data collection method is that with the help of
this investigator can acquire appropriate results in effective manner. By taking advantage of this
data collection in research can accomplish research objectives with the help of unbiased, accurate
and reliable data as well as information. Along with this, both of the methods of data collection
methods facilitate researcher to have in-depth analysis of research topics from different type of
sources.
Sampling:
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Sampling is defined as a technique to select individual members or subset form the whole
population. With the help of sampling investigator can take advantage of statistical analysis. In
this method investigator is required to engage in the process of observation from larger
population which depends on the type of research which is being conducted. It has been
identified that there are mainly two forms of sampling method which is probabilistic and non-
probabilistic data sampling. In context with present research investigator will undertake
advantage of probabilistic sampling method in order to draw information from selected sample
size. In this investigator with the help of selecting sample size of 50 respondents will collect
information associated to the research objective.
Section 2: Instrument and Conclusions
2.1 Instrument
Q1) Are you aware with the concept of human resource management?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) According to your perception does equality and diversity enhances motivation level and
productivity of employees?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) What is the benefit of equality and diversity at workplace according to you,?
a) Increase in productivity
b) Maximisation in motivation level of employees
c) Overall growth of organisation
Q4) What are the strategies to maintain equality and diversity in workplace?
a) Training and Mentorship programme
b) Equal opportunities
c) Fairness and Inclusion
Questionnaire has been developed by me with the help of proper identification and
understanding of research aim as well as objective. It helps in determining questions which
allowed me to understand view point of respondents in an effective manner. In addition to this in
order to develop effective questionnaire I have define target respondents and selected question
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type. All the questions have been designed by me in a sequence and all of them are simple with
clear meaning. In addition to this it has been identified that I had made multiple choice questions
and avoid double-barrelled questions as to ask respondents view point in an effective manner.
This helps in identifying data and information associated to topic in an effective manner. With
the help of Survey research I have undertaken quantitative research strategy in which I have
asked certain simple questions from respondents. It helps me in collecting appropriate
information and data associated to the selected research objectives. In order to accomplish
questionnaire design purpose goals I emphasised upon the information which is required to be
undertaken developed response format, put questionnaire in appropriate sequence and finalized
the layout of questionnaire. There is unlimited number of questions with simple language, it
helps respondent to easily understand the questions in an effective manner and answer them
appropriately. Furthermore, logical arrangement has been done by me in the questionnaire which
is related to the point all these aspects allowed me to develop questionnaire in an effective
manner through which data analysis has been done in appropriate manner. In order to accomplish
research appropriately questionnaire performs important role. It helps in identifying the
respondent’s viewpoint perception as well as experience. It facilities towards determining data
and information adequately that further assist in conducting research in more effective manner.
Questionnaire plays important role through which research analysis can be done with more
effectiveness. Thus, I have emphasized upon each and every aspect as to design the questionnaire
in an effective way. In order to successfully accomplished the purpose of present research with
the help of understanding the need of Survey questionnaire I have undertaken appropriate steps
to develop. It helps in accomplishing research with more effectiveness. Thus, according to my
experience it has been identified by me that I have undertaken all the necessary steps measures to
formulate questionnaire in a simple logical and effective manner by framing question adequately
associated to the topic.
2.2 Conclusion
According to the above mentioned report it has been concluded that human resource
management is most important aspects within an organisation that effectively manages
employees. This department is responsible to motivate employees in order to maximize their
productivity in an effective manner. It has been identified in this report that equality and
diversity is having high level of impact upon productivity and motivation of employees. With the
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help for understanding of this concept organisation can assure higher productivity in workplace.
There are different form of strategies that allows organisation to enhance effectiveness of
equality and diversity within their workplace through which overall productivity of employees
can be enhanced. It is essential for an organisation to provide training related to equality and
diversity to employees and aware management about the unconscious bias disadvantages upon
motivation and productivity level upon company as well as on employees. Furthermore, it is
essential for organisational management to make sure that each and every employee is having
excess of equal rights as well as opportunities. It is essential for investigator to collect
appropriate data and information through authenticated and reliable sources, as it allows
conducting research in effective manner. There are mainly to form of data collection method
utilized in this research which is primary and secondary source of data collection method. These
methods facilitate researcher to accomplish research objectives in an effective manner with the
help of appropriate findings. In addition to as to assure successful research outcomes effective
research strategy and approach facilitate investigator to have in-depth evaluation of information
helps in accomplishing research effective and systematic manner. With the help of implementing
equal right and opportunities for each and every employee with the help of various practices and
strategy organisation can effectively enhance motivation level of employees. It helps
organisations to enhance their brand image at market segment. Employees are most important
asset for an organisation thus it is essential for a company to support collaborative workspace
environment in which every individual have equal access of opportunity is as well as rights.
Section 3: Research Dissemination
3.1 Relevance and audience
It has been identified that the right audience for implementing the potential finding from
the suggested research are employees within an organisation. This report has been conducted on
the aim that states to access the impact of equality and diversity on motivation level and
productivity of employees. Thus with the help of implementing potential findings from present
research upon employees organisation can effectively enhance overall productivity and
motivation level of their workface. This research analysis as well as findings help organisation to
maximize overall level of productivity of employees through which higher growth and
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opportunities can be assured. This research involving number of strategies and measures that
facilitate an organisation to manage the employee productivity and motivation in a well define
and effective manner. With the help of implementing potential finding of this research on
employees company can significantly increase overall productivity of employees in an effective
manner. With the help of taking use of strategies and measures within this research company can
facilitate employees towards higher level of satisfaction and motivation. Thus, it has been
identified that the search is having significant relevance upon the audience who are employees of
an organisation. It not only enhances organisation effectiveness but also allow them to manage
their workforce with more effectiveness.
3.2. Communication of Research
It has been determined that this research framework requires partners in which in context
with NGOs there will be the partnership with the education sector, research institutes. While if it
is talked about public sector in this, community sectors will be the partners. Furthermore, it has
been determined that in order to effectively demonstrate research findings publishing of
programme and policy brief will be done and results will be demonstrated to stakeholders with
the help of published research paper.
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