Impact of Discrimination on Employee Performance: Unilever Case Study

This research project investigates workplace discrimination within organizations, focusing on its impact on employee performance, using Unilever Plc as a case study. The study utilizes both primary and secondary research, including questionnaires for quantitative data collection. The report includes an executive summary, introduction with research aims, objectives, questions, and rationale. A comprehensive literature review explores employment discrimination, its types (racial, gender, illegal retaliation), and disadvantages. The methodology chapter details the research approach, philosophy (interpretivism), and data collection methods. Data analysis and interpretation are presented, followed by conclusions and recommendations. The report identifies strategies to address workplace discrimination, such as transparent communication and adoption of equality acts. Reflection on alternative research methodologies is also included.

Research Project

Executive summary
The current research project is based on the title of identification of different types of
discrimination that are present and takes place within an organisation and leads significant
impact of the performance of employees. For present study adoption of both primary as well as
secondary sources of information is made to ensure abundant reliable information for study.
Further, application of questionnaire is made for primary data collection under quantitative
method of research which leads to more measurable results with the help of gathering of
information in numeric term.

Table of Contents
Executive summary..........................................................................................................................2
TITLE: "To identify the different types of discrimination that takes place in an organisation and
its impact of employee performance. A case study on Unilever Plc"..............................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background for the study.......................................................................................................1
Research Aim.........................................................................................................................1
Research Objective.................................................................................................................1
Research Questions................................................................................................................2
Rationale for selection of topic...............................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
To understand employment discrimination in workplace......................................................2
To determine types of discrimination in workplace...............................................................3
To analyze the impact of workplace discrimination on employee performance....................4
To identify strategies to effectively address the issues associated with workplace
discrimination.........................................................................................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION.....................................................5
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION...........................................................................10
Data analysis.........................................................................................................................10
Data interpretation................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................20
Conclusion............................................................................................................................20
Recommendations................................................................................................................21
REFLECTION & RECOMMENDATION OF ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22

TITLE: "To identify the different types of discrimination that takes place in an
organisation and its impact of employee performance. A case study on
Unilever Plc"
INTRODUCTION
Background for the study
The conception of workplace discrimination is very vital as it have significant influence
and crucial impact on performance and efficiency level of employees. Workplace discrimination
is associated with the un-faired and ill- treatment towards specific group of employees on the
basis of their race, colour, religion, background or any other factor. Thus, workplace
discrimination is the main reason behind creation of conflicts and chaos at place of work which
is characterised with high level of stress and lack of coordination in worker which ultimately
hamper the efficiency and performance level of an individuals and overall organisation (Berrey,
Nelson, and Nielsen, 2017). The organisation which is selected for leading out Unilever Plc
which is well known British- Dutch international consumer goods company the main headquarter
of which is located in London, UK. The selection of Unilever Plc is suitable for current
investigation as it a multinational organisation and recruit a larger number of employees from
diversified group thus, reflects about different types of discrimination that takes place in an
organisation along with its impact on employee performance.
Research Aim
The aim of study is "To identify the different types of discrimination that takes place in an
organisation and its impact of employee performance. A case study on Unilever Plc, (Unilever
House, 100 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DY, United Kingdom)."
Research Objective
The objectives associated with this study are as follows:
1. To understand employment discrimination in workplace.
2. To determine types of discrimination in workplace.
3. To analyze the impact of workplace discrimination on employee performance.
4. To identify strategies to effectively address the issues associated with workplace
1

discrimination?
Research Questions
The questions in context of this study are mentioned below:
1. What are the disadvantages of employment discrimination?
2. How many types of discrimination exist in workplace that employees may face?
3. How workplace discrimination impacts on employee performance in the organisation?
4. How an organisation can remove discrimination from workplace?
Rationale for selection of topic
The selection of current research topic based on different types of workplace discrimination
is vital as employment discrimination has emerged as a big issues and challenge for an
organisation. Thus, current research topic is viable and important for an organisation as ensures
better understanding about types of discrimination along with its impact in performance of
employees (Vickers, 2016). Suitability and importance of current study also comprises of better
strategy formulation and solution for organisation to meet and overcome the issues of workplace
discrimination. Further, current study is also viable from view point of personal interest and
academic purpose of researcher which ensures better skill development and effective knowledge
on topic of workplace discrimination.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This section of research project comprises of an analysis and evaluation of various
secondary information which is available inform of articles and journals to get better
understanding about selected topic which ensures a base and framework for current study (Ali,
Yamada, and Mahmood, 2015). This particular literature review is based in the topic of
workplace discrimination for which various online articles and journals are reviewed a
discussion and evaluation of which is provided below:
To understand employment discrimination in workplace
With respect to the information provided by the Sarah Benstead, 2018, employement
discrimination at workplace is mainly associated with the set of certain prejudices which occurs
when an employee or individual is treated unfavorably or discriminated on the basis of their
gender, colour, sexuality, culture, race, religion, pregnancy along with maternity or any kind of
2

disability. Thus, it can be evaluated that employment discrimination is mainly based on an unfair
and biased treatment of an employee or individual at place of work in form of biased rules and
regulation or having redundancy or ill-respectful behaviours towards some specific section of
employees. Workplace discrimination comprises of all forms of bullying, unfairly rejection,
biased recruitment, unfair growth opportunity, sexual or mental harassment or any other kind of
un-reasonable and biased adjustments (Chavez, and et. al., 2015).
Disadvantages of employment discrimination
As per the view point of Brake, D.L., 2016, the conception and main disadvantage of
employment discrimination at place of work comprises of Unfair treatment because of race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age (age 40 or older), or other genetic information
of an individual. Beside this, a sense or feeling of harassment by managers for specific section of
co-workers is also a depicting the high level of workplace discrimination which denial for a
reasonable workplace changes. Apart from this the most commonly seen drawback and negative
implication of Discriminatory practices consists of biasness in hiring and promotion process, job
assignment, termination along with prejudice treatment in compensation, retaliation, and various
types of harassment Thus, an evaluation can be made that employment discrimination is related
with unfair treatment of employees based on their culture, race, religion or any other factor that
create a negative impact on their efficiency in form of harassment and mistreatment at place of
work (Triana, Jayasinghe, and Pieper, 2015). Therefore, it can be analysed that enhancement in
chances of harassment and criticism at workplace is the biggest disadvantage of workplace
discrimination which leads to high stress level and also negatively impacts the performance and
efficiency level of employees.
To determine types of discrimination in workplace
As per the information of Kathy Harrington-Sullivan, 2019, type of discrimination mainly
represent the factors and aspects on the basis of which individuals and employees are treated
unfairly or discriminated with each other. The some of the most common form ad type of
discrimination seen at place of work are discussed below:
Racial discrimination- It is mainly associated with treating an employee poorly or
unfavorably because of their race or some specific characteristics like complexion of skin. Racial
discrimination is mainly associated with denied equal treatment at place of work along with
3

harmless but hurtful statements, random comments, or criticism from other employees which
evidence for discriminatory intent at place of work (Fisher, and et. al., 2017).
Gender discrimination- It is taken place when a particular gender is preferred more over
other along with application of a job or candidate is treated differently by employees on the basis
of their gender. The main common issues and implication of gender discrimination at place of
work comprises of equal pay issues, sexual harassment, unfair promotion and career
development and unlawful gender expression at workplace.
Illegal Retaliation- This form of discrimination is mainly associated with illegal fire,
harassment and retaliate of an employees on behalf of evidence of filing a charge against
discrimination. Retaliation discrimination consists of tangible consequences faced by an
employees because of complaining and demanding for their rights at place of work which
consists of all form of demotion, termination and other form of threats (O'Loughlin, and et. al.,
2017).
To analyze the impact of workplace discrimination on employee performance
According to the information provided by Kevin Costello, 2019, it has been evaluated that
workplace discrimination lead to negative impact on employees performance as it lead to
creation of un-faired and negative workplace environment which hampers and affect
performance of employees. It has been observed that workplace discrimination comprise of
criticism and harassment for specific set of employees on the basis of their race, colour, religion
or any other basis which leads to reduction in their morale and self confidence which directly
affects and hampers their performance. Further, unfair recruitment and selection process along
with biased promotion and growth opportunity also leads a negative impact on motivation level
and mind set of employees that is another aspect which lead negative impact on performance and
efficiency level of employees (Brown, 2015).
Further, the victim of discrimination find it difficult to interact with other workers which
hampers coordination and performance level at place of work which quickly fall behind the set
deadlines. Apart from this, high level of stress and depression are also caused by workplace
discrimination that lead a negative and adverse impact on the performance and work efficiency
of employees along with deteriorating their health and well being. Thus, an evaluation can be
made that workplace discrimination leads to higher levels of stress, hostility, mistrust, suspicion,
4

resentment at place of work which leads to enhanced chaos and conflicts which hampers and
negatively affect the performance of employees (Stypinska, and Turek, 2017).
To identify strategies to effectively address the issues associated with workplace discrimination
As per the view point of Ingrid Fredeen, 2015, a set of strategies are their which could be
adopted or implicate by an organisation to overcome the issues of workplace discrimination. The
some of these strategies to effectively address and overcome the issues associated with
discrimination at place of work are discussed and evaluated below:
Transparent and effective communication- The first and foremost step that could be
adopted to keep a check on workplace discrimination comprises of setting effective
communication at place of work as it lead to enhanced awareness regarding sentiments and
feelings of co-workers to maintain a better branding and connection. Apart from this, transparent
communication also set a check on fairness and transparency of decision making to lead and
come up with more fair and authentic decision and policies to overcome issue of discrimination.
Adoption of equality act 2010- The another vital way to overcome issues associated with
workplace discrimination consists of adoption of equality check as it lead a legal framework and
more stricter provisions to control and check discrimination at place of work (Dhanani, Beus,
and Joseph, 2018). Further, provisions of equality act, 2010 emphasis on evidence that lead to
more fair treatment and brigs equality in selection, recruitment and promotion process to bring a
scenes of equality and positivity at place of work through overcoming negative implication of
discrimination.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION
This chapter forms one of the most crucial part of a research project that makes aware about
the methods and philosophies used for conducting an investigation starting from collection of
data till its analysis and presentation (Thompson, 2015). Adoption of research onion is made to
evaluate research methods along with leading proper justification for their selection for
conductive current study on Unilever plc:
5

Figure 1: Research onion, 2020
Research philosophy- This is the outermost layer of research onion that is separated into
four main categories comprise of positivism, pragmatism, interpretivism and realism. The nature
of current investigation is based on understanding of human roles and behaviour thus, utilisation
of interpretivism is suitable and justifiable as it lead to better support for quantifiable and in-
depth information for better study.
Research approach- This layer is bifurcated into two main types consists of deductive and
inductive approach from which adoption of one is made by investigator. Utilisation of inductive
approach is made for current investigation as lead to move from specific to general collection of
data to create and evaluate a new theory for supporting and analysis set objectives to accomplish
research work in more effective way (Berrey, Nelson, and Nielsen, 2017).
Research strategy - This being the most crucial phase of a research which provides a
framework and direction for collection of data and other measures of investigation which is
bifurcated into many types comprises of case study, systematic literature review, action research,
survey, experimental research, observation, etc. Out of theses strategy adoption of survey
technique of data collection is most suitable and justifiable as it provides easy and fast collection
of facts with the help of questionnaires for a larger section of respondents (Jones, 2016).
Choices of method – Basically there are three main method of conducting research from
which choices is made which consists of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method. To ensure
more effective presentation of data and have implication of measurable results utilisation of
quantitative form of research method is most appropriate and justifiable for current investigation
6

which leads to gathering of numerical information for better and effective study (Taherdoost,
2016).
Time Horizons
The following stated Gantt charts is presenting time horizons and set duration for current
investigation.
7

Data collection and analysis- Primary and secondary sources of data collection are two
main origin of information from which data is collected for current investigation. The
justification of collection of data from primary sources is based on the evidence as it ensures first
hand data directly from participants for maintaining the authenticity and reliability of facts
(Welbourne, Gangadharan and Sariol, 2015). The justification for secondary information is that
it leads to a better framework and base for supporting set objectives in light of past facts and
figures. Primary data would be collected with help of questionnaire analysis of which be made
with the help of tables and graphs. Analysis of secondary information collected from online
articles and journals is made in literature review section. The questionnaire related to the study is
as follows:
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Address:
E-mail:
Q 1) Do you have understanding about employment discrimination at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) Do you ever feel discriminated while working in Unilever plc?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
Q 3) Which type of discrimination is mostly prevalent in the organizations?
a) Racial discrimination
b) Illegal retaliation
c) Gender discrimination
d) Age discrimination
Q 4) How the existence of discrimination impacts on performance of workforce in
Unilever plc?
a) Positively
b) Negatively
8