The Impact of Equality and Diversity on Marks & Spencer's Performance

This research project examines the crucial role of equality and diversity in the modern workplace, using Marks & Spencer as a case study. The introduction highlights the significance of a diversified workforce for international businesses, emphasizing how it fosters cultural understanding and customer-centric operations. The research aims to analyze how organizations promote equality and diversity and assess their impact on performance, supported by objectives that explore the significance of diverse workplaces, the benefits of equality and diversity, and methods to promote them. The literature review discusses the significance of diverse workplaces in expanding talent pools and promoting innovation. It also outlines the benefits of equality and diversity in attracting talent and catering to diverse consumer needs. The research methodology includes a positivism philosophy, quantitative research type, and a deductive approach, using both primary and secondary data collection methods, including questionnaires administered to M&S managers. The data analysis interprets findings related to awareness of equality, benefits of diversity, its impact on productivity and performance, implementation methods, and challenges. The project concludes by synthesizing the findings, offering insights into how Marks & Spencer can further enhance its equality and diversity practices to improve organizational performance.

Research project
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CONTENTS
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Background of research...............................................................................................................3
Research Aim:.............................................................................................................................3
Research Objectives:...................................................................................................................3
Research Questions......................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
The significance of diverse workplace........................................................................................4
The benefits of maintaining equality and diversity in workplace................................................4
Ways through which a company can promote equality and diversity in workplace...................5
The impact of promoting equality and diversity on organisational performance........................5
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................6
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.............................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
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INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity has now become current necessity for companies that are operating
at larger scale, specially for those which execute their operations at international level. This is so
because diversified workforce helps in brining understanding about different culture and
customers perception within new market by maintaining employees that are local to new market.
As those employees are familiar with eth culture and support in adjusting the operations of
organisation in accordance with its customer demand and expectation which in turn help in
achieving organisational success at different market (Hatipoglu and Inelmen, 2018). But this
efficiency in operation with the help of diversified workforce is only possible when employees
get equality at workplace. As when they are treated equally and fairly at workplace in return,
they put tehri maximum effort toward enhancing organisational performance. Hence, equality
and diversity are very much crucial for businesses these days. For further investigating about it,
Marks and Spencer is chosen for this study which operates at international level and also known
for managing workforce which is diversified (Wrench, 2015).
Background of research
The equality within organisation support in maintaining group of workers who are highly
skilled and compatible due to varying skills, knowledge, experiences etc. Therefore, hold a huge
importance within effective management of an organisation and for further developing
understanding about this the current investigation is performed which is focused over an
international retailer, Marks & Spencer which is headquartered in United Kingdom (Sanyal and
et. al., 2015). The Marks & spencer operates its business in several different part of world by
offering range of product categories such as Food, grocery items, clothing etc. are few of them.
For maintain its business throughout the world it manages a diversified team that are expertise in
different area and ways through that a company must manages diversity at workplace will
studied.
Research Aim:
"To analyse the ways through which an organisation can promote equality and diversity
in workplace and its impact on its performance. A case study on Marks & Spencer."
Research Objectives:
 To understand the significance of diverse workplace.
 To determine the benefits of maintaining equality and diversity in workplace.
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 To identify the ways through which a company can promote equality and diversity in
workplace.
 To assess the impact of promoting equality and diversity on organisational performance.
Research Questions
 What is the significance of diverse workplace?
 Describe about the benefits of maintaining equality and diversity in workplace?
 Explain about several ways through which a company can promote equality and diversity
in workplace?
 What is the impact of promoting equality and diversity on organisational performance?
LITERATURE REVIEW
The significance of diverse workplace.
Mayhew. R, 2019, said that as the global market is emerging the necessity of diversified
workplace for a business is increasing day by day. This is so because when an organisation
enter into a new market then to gather the understanding about its attribute or customer
demand hiring of local employees become crucial for the organisation. Other than this
there are several importance of diversified workplace which are explained below:
Expand talent pool: For dealing within the global world of competition it become very
crucial for the management of an organisation is to maintain a employee that are from different
knowledge or cultural background. This in turn help in integrating several skills and talent all
together within a team that bring work efficiency.
Innovative ideas: Each business is required to constantly working over improving its
business practices or product to make it more efficient and different in term of market to deal
with competition (Knights and Omanovic, 2015). In this diversified workforce is very much
helpful as when team involve the member that belong to different background will support in
bringing new ideas as per their understanding that give birth to an innovation.
The benefits of managing equality and diversity in workplace.
Petty. L., 2016, state that equality and diversity holds up a huge importance at workplace.
This is so because employees like to prefer work at place where they get better access to equal
opportunity and also get fair treatment regardless of their racial, gender, age etc. It is believed
that by ensuring diversified workforce, an enterprise would be able to thrive people belong to
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several different background that come together and gain success by integrating their knowledge,
experience and understanding all together.
Therefore, by implementing the such practices Marks & spencer become capable to
ensure the growth and development of business by bringing people with diversified capability in
order to open up door for new ways of working and new ideas. Bendl and et. al., 2015, state that
benefits of diversity to Marks & Spencer is that by mainly people from different background it
become easier to have different opinion in a team which in turn help in catering the varying need
of consumers as per their culture or other factors. Additionally it also help in attracting more
talent to approach organisation for being connected and to work at a place where employees are
highly valued and provided with equal opportunity.
Ways through which a company can promote equality and diversity in workplace.
As per the perception of Callister. L., 2019, workplace discrimination remains a main
area of concern for several organisation which not only let down the morale of employees but
also affect the organisational performance and productivity. Therefore, it remains the
responsibility of an employer to promote diversity within workplace. Several methods of
managing it within the of Marks and Spencer are,
Prevent unconscious bias behaviour: The management of M&S must create more and
more awareness about equality among employees so that unconscious bias behaviour can be
eliminated by the employees toward other people. This in turn help in creating respect for the
people as per tehri talent despite of their demographic characteristics which in turn help in
brining equality within organisation.
Develop equality policies: - Moore and Tailby, 2015 said that each and every employee
at workplace must get fair and equal treatment in term of regular activities and while taking
decisions related with daily operations. Other than this the management of marks and Spencer
must focus toward embracing the people’s differences so that it get involved and accepted by
other people effectively.
The impact of promoting equality and diversity on organisational performance.
Cox. T., 2020, state that the increasing diversity within workplace is become a major
point of attraction for several businesses throughout the world for improving organisational
performance. Through implementation of such practices at workplace Marks & Spencer will get
benefited with several different favourable factor which further support it in improving the
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overall performance. These mainly includes problem solving, as diversified perspective creates
better understanding about the issues and help in determining several methods to resolve the that
particular problem. On the other side, diversified workforce also support in creating a flow of
innovative ideas which in turn further support in developing potential to enhance the creativity as
well as innovation which in turn help in improving the operational as well as financial
performance at marketplace. This is so because when the diversity among employees is equally
valued at the workplace then it helps in encouraging the team work which in turn ensures
integration of skills and knowledge that bring up best possible ideas to improve the working
practices to get it done in more productive manner. these all support in enhancing the level of
efficiency in operations performed at Mark & Spencer and thus the overall performance of
organisation can be improved.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methodology is that part of a research that represent several tools, methods and
approaches which are considered within an investigation by the investigator in order to gather,
interpret, analyse and conclude the facts in more meaningful information so that desired
objectives can be accomplished (Walliman, 2017). The methodology supports the researcher in
directing the activities of investigation in right manner and by presenting this section in report
the researcher would be able to verify the reader about the validity and reliability of data. The
methods involve within this research are presented below:
Research philosophy: - It is about the nature of study which is being consider by the
researcher while performing investigation. The positivism, realism and interpretivism are some
of the philosophies considered within an investigation (Tuohy and et.al., 2013). The researcher
makes use of positivism philosophy while performing this investigation as it is very much
helpful in evaluating the quantified information and presenting the most adequate outcome in
relation with the research aim.
Investigation Type: - The outcome of an investigation is more depend over the type used
for conducting that particular study. Qualitative and quantitative are two type of investigation
(Scotland, 2012). But for this study the quantitative type of research is consider which help in
gathering the numerical facts and figure about the current study area for specifying the
correctness of a particular information.
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Research approach: - The approaches selected for investigation is based on type of
investigation adopted by the scholar. The research approaches are inductive and deductive.
Among these presented approaches, the deductive approach is more suitable for quantitative
study (Omland and Thapa, 2017). This is so because it supports in analysing the information
which is presented in numerical form. This information analysis is considered to be more
effective as it provides more accurate and reliable information.
Data collection sources: - The data for an investigation is collected from several sources
through which evidence toward the research aim and objectives are being presented. Theses
sources are categorised into primary and secondary methods (Wiek and Lang, 2016). To conduct
this investigation both source will be adopted where primary data is gathered through
questionnaire that help in gathering the new and relevant data for study (Mackey and Gass,
2015). Additionally secondary data is gathered using online sources such as books, journals,
articles etc. so that relevant past information can be presented to develop a basic understanding
about current study which further explore in primary study.
Sampling: - It refers to process with which the group of people are select out from total
population in such a manner that they provide information on behalf of all. Mainly 2 method of
sampling such as probabilistic and non probabilistic (Kumar, 2019). From these two the
probabilistic method is considered within study as which give equal opportunity to people for
getting selected as a sample size, hence avoid chances of biasness. The sample size of this report
is 10 managers of M&S that are selected on random basis under probabilistic sampling method.
Questionnaire
Q1 Are you aware about the importance of maintaining equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2 As per you thought, what are main benefits that Marks and Spencer get by managing equality
and diversity at workplace?
a) Adds new skills to team
b) Promotes innovation
c) Improve brand reputation
Q3 Does equality and diversity help Marks & spencer in improving the organisational
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productivity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4 In what manner does equality and diversity practices may influence the performance of
Marks & Spencer?
a) Integrate skills
b) Bring operational efficiency
c) Better understanding of issues
Q5 What are several ways through which equality and diversity can be implemented within an
organisation?
a) Inclusion training
b) Create diversity friendly policies
c) Ensures equal opportunity
Q6 As per your view point, what are major issues that M&S faces while implementing equality
and diversity at workplace?
a) Respecting the difference of other
b) Communication barrier
c)Cultural differences
Q7 From below given options which one is most effective tactic through which Marks &
Spencer can deal with issues involve in equality and diversity practices?
a) Improve communication flow
b) Leadership and guidance
c) Maintain good relationship
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Frequency table
Q1 Are you aware about the importance of maintaining equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 10
b) No 0
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Q2 As per you thought, what are main benefits that Marks and Spencer
get by managing equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Adds new skills to team 2
b) Promotes innovation 6
c) Improve brand reputation 2
Q3 Does equality and diversity help Marks & spencer in improving the
organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Q4 In what manner does equality and diversity practices may influence
the performance of Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Integrate skills 7
b) Bring operational efficiency 2
c) Better understanding of issues 1
Q5 What are several ways through which equality and diversity can be
implemented within an organisation?
Frequency
a) Inclusion training 6
b) Create diversity friendly policies 2
c) Ensures equal opportunity 2
Q6 As per your view point, what are major issues that M&S faces while
implementing equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Respecting the difference of other 3
b) Communication barrier 2
c)Cultural differences 5
Q7 From below given options which one is most effective tactic through
which Marks & Spencer can deal with issues involve in equality and
diversity practices?
Frequency
a) Improve communication flow 2
b) Leadership and guidance 3
c) Maintain good relationship 5
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Theme 1: The importance of maintaining equality and diversity at workplace
Q1 Are you aware about the importance of maintaining equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 10
b) No 0
Interpretation: In todays’ completive world the equality and diversity practices are
maintained by the majority of organisation for ensuring its growth and success. While gathering
information regarding this from employees it has been identified that around 10 people are aware
regarding the necessity of equality and diversity at workplace. So, it can be said that this concept
is highly consider by the manager while managing employees at workplace.
Theme 2: Benefits that Marks and Spencer get by maintaining equality and diversity at
workplace
Q2 As per you thought, what are main benefits that Marks and Spencer
get by managing equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Adds new skills to team 2
b) Promotes innovation 6
c) Improve brand reputation 2
Interpretation: From the data which is presented in above table it can be said that 2 out
of 10 employees sated that with equality and diversity within organisation the Marks & Spencer
will be able to add up new skills within team. While 6 said that it promotes innovation at
workplace and 2 said that it supports in enhancing brand reputation. From overall evaluation of
data, it can said that major benefit that equality and diversity provide is it help in promoting
innovation as with diversified perception it become quite easier to get range of ideas from which
best can be chosen.
Theme 3: Equality and diversity will support Marks & spencer in improving the organisational
productivity
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Q3 Does equality and diversity help Marks & spencer in improving the
organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Interpretation: From the data gathered it has been identified that around 8 from10
managers said yes equality and diversity practices will help in improving the productivity, but
another 2 managers said no to this. After analysing the data, it can be said that equality and
diversity allows the integration of different knowledge which provide better understanding work
and pattern to be followed which is more effective. Hence enhance the organisational
productivity.
Theme 4: Equality and diversity practices may influence the performance of Marks & Spencer
Q4 In what manner does equality and diversity practices may influence
the performance of Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Integrate skills 7
b) Bring operational efficiency 2
c) Better understanding of issues 1
Interpretation: Through the data which is presented above it has bene interpreted that
around 7 out of 10 mangers said that it help in integration the skill which improves performance.
While 2 said that it supports Marks & Spencer in operational efficiency and 1 said that it allow
better understanding of issue. From data analysis it is determined that more of people are in
favour of integration of skills as when employees get equality at workplace then ]people having
expertise in different skill and capability likely to put efforts toward team work which ensure
integration of different skills toward execution of single aim which in turn improve performance.
Theme 5: Ways through which equality and diversity can be implemented within an
organisation
Q5 What are several ways through which equality and diversity can be
implemented within an organisation?
Frequency
a) Inclusion training 6
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b) Create diversity friendly policies 2
c) Ensures equal opportunity 2
Interpretation: There are different ways through which the equality and diversity
practices can be applied by Marks & Spencer. While gathering information about this it has bene
found around 6 managers said that inclusion training is effective way, 2 said creating diversity
friendly policies will be effective and 2 said providing equal opportunity will be effective. From
the analysis of information it can be said that the inclusion training would be most effective way
for promoting equality and diversity at workplace as it contribute toward brining all the
employees together for providing training to make them learn to respect and coordinated with
employees belongs to different background, culture etc. so that better integration in work can be
possible.
Theme 6: Issues that Marks & Spencer faces while implementing equality and diversity at
workplace
Q6 As per your view point, what are major issues that M&S faces while
implementing equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Respecting the difference of other 3
b) Communication barrier 2
c)Cultural differences 5
Interpretation: There are several issues that a company may faces while maintain
workplace diversity. By investigation over this it has been found that around 3 respondents said
that respecting the difference is the major challenge at workplace. On other side 2 said
communication barrier is the major issue and 5 said cultural barrier is the biggest issue. From the
overall analysis of data it can be said that majority of people are in favour of cultural difference
as it is one of the major issue due to which employees from diversified background found
difficulty in adjusting with one another which restrict the management to fully implement
equality and diversity at workplace. Other than this it also makes this difficult for the employees
to understanding things clearly and accept others which affect the productivity and performance
at the same time.
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