Analyzing Company Responses to Current Equality and Diversity Issues

This report analyzes how companies are responding to contemporary issues of equality and diversity in the workplace, including gender pay gaps, sexual harassment, and gender divides in leadership. The report outlines the aims, objectives, and research questions, followed by a detailed explanation of the research methodology, including the research type (qualitative), research philosophy (positivism), research design (abductive), research approach (explanatory), research sampling (probability), and data collection methods (primary and secondary). The data analysis section presents findings based on a survey of 30 employees, exploring themes such as the impact of gender equality on diversity management and the consequences of gender pay gaps. The report concludes with recommendations and suggestions for addressing these issues, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and anonymity, are also addressed, ensuring the integrity of the research.

How have companies
responded to current issues
of equality and diversity in
the workplace?

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
Aim....................................................................................................................................................3
Objectives..........................................................................................................................................3
Research questions............................................................................................................................3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...............................................................................................................4
Data Analysis.....................................................................................................................................7
Findings...........................................................................................................................................15
Log Book..........................................................................................................................................16
Aim..................................................................................................................................................23
Objectives........................................................................................................................................23
Performance review........................................................................................................................24
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................26

INTRODUCTION
Gender pay gap, sexual harassment and gender divide in leadership are the most
important issues arise in organisations in recent time (Mansell and Huddy, 2018). In most of
the company’s management do not give proper respect or gratitude to employees that have
been associated with the organisation. Increasing trend of unemployment is also the possible
causes behind these issues at work place. The result of all this most of the employees do not
wish to work at such organisation which further results into high employee turnover rate at
the organisation. Even in big companies and brands these issues have registered which has
also questioned to the leadership and management in such organisation. Over the period of
time in many companies these issues have been tried to overlook by company’s leadership
and management. All these issues at work place also reduce the level of work efficiencies of
employees associated with such organisation. As all these issues causes into ineffective work
culture at the organisation.
Aim
To assess the issues at organisation such as gender pay gap, sexual harassment and
gender divide in leadership.
Objectives
 To identify all the impacts these issues put over the organisation culture.
 To analysis about the impacts all these issues create over the decision making of
company’s management.
 To evaluate what should be the possible solution to address all these issues at work
place.
 To find out various recommendation and suggestion that can helps management to
remove all these issues from organisation.
Research questions
1. What are the possible causes behind issues like gender pay gap, sexual harassment
and gender divide in leadership?

2. What are the impacts all these issues put over the organisation performance and
culture?
3. What challenges company need to face along with all these issues at work place?
4. What steps can be taken to deal with issues like gender pay gap, sexual harassment
and gender divide in leadership at organisation?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Type: Research is all about searching new ideas, information and thoughts which
can highlight the better understanding over the research topic. Research is of two types
qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative type of research involves information and facts in
qualitative form. In this type of research theoretical information and knowledge is overlook to
achieve the overall objectives behind the research (Vodenko and et.al., 2018). Qualitative
type of research also involves some mathematical facts and figures to give the better
understanding about the research topic. Quantitative type of research involves information
related to some mathematical facts and information in statistical format. Quantitative type of
research comprises with only relevant facts and figures related to the research topic. Both
types of research have its own significance and utility for the researcher. This report is based
on the qualitative type of research. Qualitative type of research will allow researcher to
overlook various information and facts over gender pay gap issue, sexual harassment issue
and gender divide issue. As all these issues requires precise information which will
apparently be available in theoretical form.
Research Philosophy: Research philosophy is the concepts and theories involve in research.
Research philosophy is the backbone of the research objectives. Research philosophies are
basically of two types i.e. positivism and interpretive. Positivism philosophy involves actual
data and information which is already available over internet and other information sources.
This philosophy works on the simple concept that researcher must observe the already
available facts and information to achieve the objectives of research (Rodrigues and Rosa,
2019). This research can resemble with other researches done over a similar topic. While
interpretive philosophy is all about interpretations. In this philosophy all information are
analysed on the basis of interpretations of researcher. Individual understanding and
knowledge of researcher directly influence the entire research under interpretive philosophy
of research. Positivism philosophy is used in this research. This philosophy will allow the
researcher to gain the complete advantage of the research.

Research Design: Research design is more like a design of the entire research. Research
designs are off three types i.e. inductive, deductive and adductive. Inductive research design
is all about setting up empirical observation, seeking patterns in those observations and then
theorizing all such patterns identified in earlier stage of research. Deductive research design
starts with the theory. After the theory is completed it switches on developing hypotheses
from the theories available over the topic and then collecting and analysing all the
information. Abductive research mostly based on the observation (de Brún and et.al., 2016).
This research is based on the abductive research design. It’s important to observe all issues in
the depth so that proper recommendations can be granted in regards to wash off all the issues
identified for this research. Abductive research will allow researcher to collect the entire
observation and make view point on the basis of collected information and by observing the
entire information collected for the research. This will allow researcher to gain the complete
benefits of the research.
Research Approach: Research approach is defined as approach taken to conduct the
research. Research approaches are off three types exploratory, descriptive and explanatory.
Descriptive research approach is based on understanding attitude of individuals while
explanatory approach is proposed to determine factors related to the businesses environment
(Duff, Ross and Rogers, 2016). All factors of business environment direct and indirect is a
part of this research approach. Explanatory approach is more focused towards achieving
logical answers over given questions part of the research. Explanatory research approach is
used for doing this research. As a part of the explanatory research approach questionnaire
method is used in completing this research. This approach is the most suitable research
approach for this research. This approach will cover all significance of the research.
Research Sampling: Research sampling is all about identifying potential sources that can
gather the best level of information for the research. Research sampling is done with the
support of two methods probably and non-probably sampling method. Probability sampling
technique involves random sampling as it does not approach each and every source to gather
information over the research topic (Cuervo‐Cazurra and et.al., 2017). Non probability
sampling approaches all possible sources available on the research topic to gather information
for the research. This research has used probability sampling method as it will allow
researcher to collect the entire information needed for the research in the limited time. For the
primary research 30 employees took part in the research as a part of the probability sampling

technique. Probability sampling technique allow researcher to collect the best information
required for conducting the entire research.
Data Collection: Data collection is defined as collecting necessary and required information
for completing the research. Data collection is an important stage involve in research as this
can influence the entire outcome of research. Data collection is conducted with the support of
two methods like primary method of data collection and the other one is secondary method of
data collection. Primary method of data collection is all about putting the individual; efforts
in collecting the required information for the research. In primary method interviews are
taken of different employee’s part of the organisation, management and leadership. Stapes
like interview of researcher also taken in this methods (Phakiti and et.al., 2018). Personal
efforts requires in this method of researcher. Secondary method involves utilising already
available information over the research tpic to complete the entire research. In these method
techniques like internet researches, books and journals are used to collect the required
information over the research topic. This research has used both the methods primary and
secondary data collection method as it provide all required information and also the technique
is time saving technique for collecting information. To collect the data employees were asked
questions. As a part of primary research 30 employees of H&M Company took participated
in the survey for sharing the knowledge and information. For secondary research internet is
explored, already conducted research over the topic also go through. Books, articles and
journals are overlooked over the topic. Both the method will provide the relevant information
over the research topic that will allow researcher to achieve the overall objectives behind the
research.
Data Analysis: Data analysis is all about analysing the information collected during the spam
of research. Data analysis is all about interpreting the entire information collected over the
research topic to reach out the necessary conclusion and recommendations for the research.
What every the analysis is conducted impact the entire research outcomes. Data analysis
plays an important role in completing the research (Meredith and et.al., 2018). Data analysis
is conducted with two methods thematic analysis and content analysis. Content analysis is all
about assessing the content collected over the research topic. Thematic analysis used sources
and statistics to achieve the research objectives. Thematic analysis method is used in this
research. This data analysis method will allow researcher to achieve the overall objectives
behind the research.

Ethical Consideration: Ethical consideration is all about maintaining the authenticity in the
research. This involve following right methods for collecting the required information for the
research. Different principles are followed for the ethical consideration in this research. Such
principles are identified as minimising the risk of harm in this researcher has not created any
offense that can harm someone (Gura, Shevchenko and Gura, 2016). Obtaining information
consent has also taken care which involves that right sources for information has used in this
research. Protection of anonymity and confidentiality is used in this research. This involves
maintaining the proper confidentiality in respect to all the employees of H&M Company
which has provided information for this research and also about the other sources of
information. Principle of avoidance of descriptive practices has also followed which involved
keeping the information precise and limited. Ethical principle providing right to withdraw has
also kept in the research. All the principles are followed in completing the entire research.
Data Analysis
Theme 1:Gender equality is responsible for managing diversity in the workplace
effectively.
Q:1 Do you think gender equality is responsible for managing diversity in the
workplace effectively? Frequency
a) Yes 27
b) No 3
c) Not sure 0
Total 30

Interpretation:The above chart has been mentioned that90%respondents replied that gender
equality is highly responsible for managing equality and diversity in the workplace
effectively. The reason behind is that when individuals gets equal opportunity in all business
activities like decision-making process, recruitment program and others without considering
gender inequality that ultimately encourages them to give honest performance as well as
manage diversity in the workplace proficiently. On the other hand, only 10% communicators
argued over sated fact and stated that only gender equality cannot maintain equality and
diversity in the workplace. they thought diversity brings different culture people, gender,
generation and others in that state to maintain equality in gender diversity is not enough
solution to manage equality and diversity in the company. Based on the majority of
respondent answering can be interpreted that gender equality plays effective role in
maintaining equality and diversity within workplace.
Theme 2: Gender pay gap creates discrimination situation between staff members
Q:2 What do you think gender pay gap creates discrimination situation
betweenstaff members? Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 4
c) Not sure 1
Total 30
Interpretation: It can be summarized that out of 30 sample population 25 employees agreed
with above sated fact that gender pay gap is the reason of discrimination because when

talented staff like females give equal contribution like male staff but after that they do not get
up to level salary which receives by male staff that ultimately creates discrimination situation.
While 4 communicators replied that gender pay gap does not bring discrimination
consequence. But they did not have any logical evidence to prove their statement.So, it has
interpreted that gender pay gap is the major issue of discrimination.
Theme 3: H&M company has taken initiative of gender equality in leadership and
management in order to manage equality and diversity at the workplace.
Q:3 What do you think it is appropriate respond that organization have taken
to deal with current situations? Frequency
a) Yes 23
b) No 7
c) Not sure 0
Total 30
Interpretation: From the chart can be concluded that77% respondent agreed with above sated
fact that H&M has taken effective initiative in order to maintain diversity and equality in the
working place. There has a reason such as they believed that gender equality for management
and leadership post is the great initiative for managing equality in diverse workforce because
it encourages individuals to give honest performance and retain talent in the workplace
prolong time. On the other hand X% disagreed with the fact and stated that gender equality is
not effective initiative that has taken by H&M to deal with equality and diversity issues. But
they dis not have any authentic evidence, on the behalf of that they can prove their verbal

statement. It has been interpreted H&M have taken effective initiative to overcome current
issue which have arisen due to managing equality and diversity in the workplace.
Theme 4: Management of H&M company have implemented Anti-Harassment policy to
resolve issue of sexual harassment in the company.
Q:4 What positive outcomes have received by company in it’s business? Frequency
a) Improve staff retention 1
b) Improve reputation and recruitments 1
c) Greater profitability in business market 0
d) A better reflection of customers 0
e) All of the above 18
f) a, d only 10
Total 30
Interpretation: The diagram demonstrated above portray summary that from the 30 sample
population only 10 people replied thatanti-harassment policy initiative have taken by
management of H&M for managing equality and diversity in the workplace. this initiative has
brought positive impact on organization such as improves staff retention and achieves good
reviews of customers. While 18 respondents replied that initiative of anti-harassment policies
were not only broughthigh employee retention and good reviews of customers but also it has
achieved more such as brand image and recruitment process of H&M have increased. It also
has gained better profitability in the business market as compared prior. Thus, it will be
evident to say that H&M has received all positive outcomes which have stated above.

Theme 5: the current issues related to equality and diversity in the workplace that are
facing by H&M.
Q:5 What are the current issues related to equality and diversity in the
workplace that are facing by H&M? Frequency
a) Gender equality 2
b) Communication issue 2
c) Generation gap 0
d) Cultural issue 0
e) All of the above 3
f) Only a, d 23
Total 30
Interpretation: From the above it can be summarized that out of 30 communicators
23respondents commented that gender equality and cultural issue are the major current issues
that associate with equality and diversity which are faced by H&M. They said to manage
equality and diversity in the workplace is not easy task because it brings different people who
keeps variation in termof culture, age, generation, language, personality, genderand others
together. In such situation cultural and communication issues are predominated that are
facing by H&M currently at serious level. On contrary, only 3 employees replied that H&M
is facing all above stated issues but they did not have any appropriate evident to prove their
statements.

Theme 6: Initiatives have taken by H&M company to manage diversity in the workplace in
proficiency manner.
Q:6 What initiatives have taken by H&M company to manage diversity in
the
workplace in proficiency manner?
Frequency
a) Conduct diverse training program 2
b) Provides equal opportunity to all gender in overall business activities 0
c) Grievance policy 2
d) Anti-discrimination policy 0
e) All of the above 26
Total 30
Interpretation: The above discussed chart ended up with conclusion that out of 30 responsive
only 2 people replied that grievance policy initiative has taken by H&M company for
managing equality and diversity in the workplace effectively. They believed that grievance
policy is the best approach to deal with all issues with gender directly because it allows
individuals to complaint against anyone either management or staff members. Even company
also give quick response against such unlawful activities effectively. But they were unable to
portray logical answering for their statement. On the other hand, 26 employees answered that
H&M is great deal company that manage equality and diversity in the workplace in order to
gain high profit in it’s business and brings profitable innovation in the workplace. So it have