Research Project: Evaluating Equality and Diversity at M&S

This research project, conducted on Marks & Spencer, evaluates the concept of equality and diversity in the workplace. The project includes an introduction outlining the research description, aims, objectives, and rationale, alongside a discussion of activities and timescales. A comprehensive literature review explores the importance of managing equality and diversity, the impact of gender equality on organizational growth, and strategies for managing gender equality. The methodology section details the research philosophy, approach, and methods, including data collection sources, sampling techniques, and the use of questionnaires. Data collection and analysis are presented, followed by conclusions and recommendations. A personal reflective statement assesses the research methods used, alternative methods, and areas for further research. The research aims to study the impact of gender equality in leadership and management on organizational growth, the importance of managing equality and diversity, and strategies that can be adopted by M&S to manage gender equality in the workplace.

Research Project
Table of Contents
1

Topic: “ To evaluate the concept of Equality and diversity in the workplace”. A research project
conducted on Marks & Spencer.......................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................1
1.1) Research project description...........................................................................................1
1.2) Research aim and objectives...........................................................................................1
1.3) Reasons for choosing this research project.....................................................................2
1.4) Activities and timescales................................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Literature review............................................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................................................3
Importance of managing equality and diversity.....................................................................3
Impact of gender equality on organizational growth..............................................................4
Strategies to manage gender equality.....................................................................................4
Chapter 3: Methodology..................................................................................................................5
Chapter 4 Data Collection and Analysis..........................................................................................7
4.1) Data collection................................................................................................................7
4.2) Data analysis, presentation and discussion.....................................................................8
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations............................................................................15
5.1) Conclusions...................................................................................................................15
5.2) Recommendations.........................................................................................................16
Chapter 6: Personal Reflective Statement......................................................................................16
6.1) Reflect on the research methods used in your project...................................................16
6.2) Consider research methods that could have been used.................................................16
6.3) Areas for further research..............................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18
Appendices.....................................................................................................................................19
1.1)Research Proposal Form................................................................................................19
1.2) Research Ethics Approval Form...................................................................................24
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Topic: “ To evaluate the concept of Equality and diversity in the workplace”.
A research project conducted on Marks & Spencer.
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1) Research project description
In today’s world with rapid expansion of organisation at diversified place and in different
economies the issue and challenges related with equality and diversity are faced by all
organisation that effects and hamper the performance of organisation, thus proper steps are need
by companies to effectively manage equality at its workplace and focus on providing a
discrimination free atmosphere to its employees (Daly, 2019). Marks & Spencer is one of the
major British multinational retail organisation having it’s headquarter in London. This
organisation is growing and expanding with a rapid speed thus, facing issues related with gender
inequality and diversity that is hampering performance and morale of its employees. Therefore,
the current research is focused on evaluation of concept of equality and diversity to have better
understanding about its implication on performance of employees together with determination of
possible strategies that can be adapted by organisation to manage gender equality in its
organisation.
1.2) Research aim and objectives
The aim of this research work is, “To study the impact of gender equality in leadership and
management on growth of an organisation.”
Research Objective
The main objectives behind conducting this research project on Marks & Spencer are
stated below:
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 To study the importance of managing equality and diversity for an organization.
 To study the impact of gender equality in leadership and management on growth of
organization (Van der Vleuten, 2016).
 To study the strategies that can be adopt by M&S to manage gender equality at
workplace.
Research Question
 What are the importance of managing equality and diversity for an organization?
 What impact or influence is created by of gender equality in leadership and management
on growth of organization?
 What are the possible strategies that can be adopt by M&S to manage gender equality at
workplace
1.3) Reasons for choosing this research project
The main reason behind choosing this current research topic is that with increase in
globalisation and expansion of organisation at diversified places the issues of managing equality
and diversity has increased thus, it become necessary for all organisation to understand the
importance of managing equality at its workplace to ensure better growth and development of
organisation. Thus, the selection the current research topic is suitable and justifiable as it
facilitates better information about the importance of gender equality in organisation together
with the strategies that facilitates better management of equality and diversity in organisation.
Beside this, the educational and academic background is also a reason for selection of this
research topic as fulfil the academic criteria of researcher and also lead to improvement in
knowledge and skills together with providing better information to other scholars.
1.4) Activities and timescales
To organise all the activities and task of research use of Gantt chart is made for current
investigation. It facilitates more transparency and clarity in research work through ensuring
systematic and more practical presentation of all research activities (Verloo, 2018) . Following
Gantt chart is prepared by investigator for current research to ensure timely completion of work
through eliminating chances of chaos and confusion.
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Chapter 2: Literature review
Introduction
This part provides large amount of information to address research objectives, by
summarising viewpoints of various researchers. For this purpose, a number of articles and books
are explored from internet and other secondary resources, based on chosen topic. In context with
present topic, as it is based on importance and impact of gender equality, therefore, it can be
analysed in following way –
Importance of managing equality and diversity
As per views of Martinsson and Griffin, 2016, it has been evaluated that today in order to
operate business successfully, both national and multinational organizations are required to
introduce diverse workforce. For this purpose, hiring workers from different background,
religion, gender and more, will help in developing diversity at workplace (Why is diversity in the
workplace important?, 2020). In context with M&S, as this retail firm operates business at
worldwide level, therefore, diverse workforce helps in understanding customers more efficiently.
Along with this, employees of different-different background, also aid respective firm in break
down language barriers, through which needs and demands of customers can be determined.
Furthermore, providing equality to workers especially as per gender basis, also aid managers of
M&S in increasing employee satisfaction. In this regard, gender equality can be introduced by
employing more females and given them leadership or management position at workplace. It will
help in boosting morale of female staff as well as, improve organizational image also.
Impact of gender equality on organizational growth
According to different viewpoint of Blankenship and Kubicek, 2018, it has been
articulated that increasing diversity and gender equality at workplace, impact on organization in
both negative and positive manner. Here, giving equal opportunity to female staff to gain high
position as management and leadership, will help a firm in increasing creativity at workplace. In
context with M&S, this would help in enhancing women’s role at workplace. Having a women’s
presence in leadership and management position, also aid to get high employee engagement,
with a stronger commitment of workers to contribute best efforts and performance, to meet
customer satisfaction (Female leadership: The impact on organization, 2018). This would also
help in increasing productivity of workers when they feel equality at workplace, regardless of
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their sex, age, race or more. But it may also lead to arise a number of issues, by creating gender
equality at workplace, because due to male counterparts or gender stereotypes, male staff mostly
do not accept to work under guidance of females or support them to complete a task. Along with
this, as male workers mostly regarded as of higher value, so, such kind of asymmetrical situation
also may lead violence against women. It includes sexual harassment, unequal wages because it
is generally think that females are less capable then men, in contribution of efforts (Ross and
Padovani, 2016).
Strategies to manage gender equality
Through different perspectives of Arvind Rongala (2019), it has been evaluated that as
developing diversity and gender equality becomes to be essential for each and every
organization. Therefore, to promote it successfully, it is also necessary to develop better
strategies for the same, so that negative influence of same for business growth can be reduced (6
Ways to Promote Gender Equality at Workplace, 2019). Therefore, ways through which
management of M&S can incorporate gender equality and overcome from its issues, are given as
below –
 Reducing wage pay gap: For promoting gender equality, it is foremost duty of managers
of M&S to ensure that both men and women who are on same place, get equal pay. This
would help in reducing chance of conflicts as well as manage diversity efficiently.
 Change in recruitment process: To develop and manage diversity, it is essential to
make changes in hiring process first. For this purpose, including a diverse panel, having
fair and justified compensation practices and more, need to be included in job
description.
 Provide leadership role to both men and women: Placing both men and women on
leadership or management position, will help in reducing chance of conflicts as well as
increasing employee engagement at workplace (Kabeer, 2016).
 Priorities’ work-life balance: Giving flexibility in working hours will help women to
perform their roles and responsibility, as well as balancing their work-life prioritize in
desired way.
 Compliance laws: Making strict policies against discrimination by compliance laws like
Equality Act 2010, will help in reducing sexual harassment or any kind of violence
against women and managing gender diversity effectively.
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 Develop an inclusive and open-minded atmosphere: By developing inclusive
environment, where each man and women have to work collaboratively will help in
managing diversity more easily (Melnick, 2018).
Chapter 3: Methodology
Research methods and methodologies refers to that tools and process that assist an
individual to gather information and interpret the data related to a particular topic. It provides
brief information about the methods that are used in term of collecting information.
Research philosophy- This system offer the belief so that how the information is gathered
and it is utilised by the surveyor in accordant to analysis. There are two forms of philosophy in
research like positivism and interpretivism. With the help of positivism, a person can gather
scientific information where interpretivism helps in gathering subjective information. In exiting
research document, the person will use positivism philosophy to collect scientific ad practical
information.
Research approach- This approach offers a relevant process and consist different
assumptions affiliated to data gathering. There are two kinds of approaches such as inductive and
deductive (Breitenbach and et. al., 2016). Deductive approach is related to hypothesis theories
and offer detailed assumption of information collection. Whereas inductive approach consist
logical activity that offer development of new theory that based in emerging information, in
current research, investigator will use deductive approach to gather information on the basis of
hypothesis.
Research methodology- It mention to those method that are used by a person to gather
intimation and data for the completion of a research project. There two basic form of methods
such as qualitative and quantitative research methods (Agustín, Siim and Borchorst, 2018). In
qualitative method, the researcher collect data which is already accessible where as in
quantitative method, the research gather numerical and stastical information. In this research, the
individual will use qualitative research method as it offer effective and numeric data in
appropriate manner.
Data collection source- It refers to those ways and sources through which a person gathers
information. The main source of data collection is primary and secondary source (Coleman,
2017). In this research, the investigator will use primary source of data collection because it offer
pure and first hand information that is collected with the help of interview, group discussion and
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questionnaire etc. So researcher will use questionnaire as an effective tool of information
gathering. Secondary source help in collecting information that is already available in books,
articles, journals and others.
Sampling- It states to picking up specific number of people form a group and population in
term of gathering information. In this research, the surveyor will use simple random sampling
and select 20 individual in term of Marks & Spencer employees to gather data (Young, 2016).
Questionnaire- It refers to a document that consist a series of question which help in
gathering reliable information for the effective completion of research project. With the help of it
a person can gather information by making direct communication with its selected group of
people by asking a set of questions regarding a particular topic.
Chapter 4 Data Collection and Analysis
4.1) Data collection
For collection of primary data from the respondents use of following questionnaire is
made:
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Contact No.
Q1) Do you think that managing equality and diversity will really aid M&S in attainment
its high growth and success?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) According to you, today which aspect forces M&S to develop diversity at workplace?
a) Emerging business at global level
b) Enhancement of organisational capabilities
c) Breaking down the language barrier
Q3) According to you, how gender equality in management and leadership impact on
growth of M&S?
a) Positive
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b) Negative
Q4) What are the positive impact of gender equality in management and leadership on
growth of M&S?
a) Improvement in workplace productivity
b) Increase in employee engagement
c) Increase in organisational capabilities
Q5) According to you, what are the main negative impacts of gender equality in
management and leadership on growth of M&S?
a) Sexual harassment
b) Wage gap
c) Violence against women
Q6) As per your opinion, how negative impact of gender inequality can be reduced by
management of M&S?
a) Reducing wage pay gap
b) Compliance business with laws
c) Prioritise work-life balance
Q7) Do you agree that compliance with laws will reduce gender equality issues at
workplace of M&S?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q8) Recommend ways by which management of M&S can implement gender equality to
develop diverse workplace successfully…
4.2) Data analysis, presentation and discussion
Use of thematic approach is made by for analysis and discussion of data and for
presentation use of frequency table and pie chart is made an interpretation of which is provided
below:
Theme 1: Managing equality and diversity will really aid M&S in attainment its high
growth and success
Q1) Do you think that managing equality and diversity will really aid Frequency
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M&S in attainment its high growth and success?
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Interpretation
It can be observed that managing equality and diversity will really aid M&S in attainment its
high growth and success as 15 respondents out of 20 are in support of this fact while only 5
participants are their which neglect or disagreed with above theme.
Theme 2: Aspect forces M&S to develop diversity at workplace
Q2) According to you, today which aspect forces M&S to develop diversity
at workplace?
Frequency
a) Emerging business at global level 7
b) Enhancement of organisational capabilities 7
c) Breaking down the language barrier 6
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Interpretation
The above chart is reflecting information about the main aspects that forces M&S to develop
diversity at its workplace. It has been observed that 7 respondents are having a thinking that
emerging business at global level is the main factor that lead to development of diversity at
workplace while 7 other participants are in support of enhancement of organisational
capabilities. Further, 6 employees has supported breaking down of language barrier for support
of above theme.
Theme 3: Gender equality in management and leadership impact on growth of M&S
Q3) According to you, how gender equality in management and leadership
impact on growth of M&S?
Frequency
a) Positive 15
b) Negative 5
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Interpretation
15 respondents are having a view point that gender equality in management and leadership
have positive impact on growth of M&S while 5 participants are there who are in favour of
negative impact of gender equality in management and leadership on growth of M&S.
Theme 4: The positive impact of gender equality in management and leadership on growth
of M&S
Q4) What are the positive impact of gender equality in management and
leadership on growth of M&S?
Frequency
a) Improvement in workplace productivity 8
b) Increase in employee engagement 7
c) Increase in organisational capabilities 5
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Interpretation
There are various positive impact of gender equality in management and leadership on
growth of M&S as 8 participants are in favour of improvement in workplace productivity, 7 are
in support of increase in employees engagement where as 5 are having a thinking that increase in
organisational capabilities is positive impact of the gender equality in management and
leadership.
Theme 5: The main negative impacts of gender equality in management and leadership on
growth of M&S
Q5) According to you, what are the main negative impacts of gender
equality in management and leadership on growth of M&S?
Frequency
a) Sexual harassment 7
b) Wage gap 8
c) Violence against women 5
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Interpretation
The negative impact of gender equality in management and leadership on growth of M&S
include various factor. In accordance with above pie chart 7 respondents are in support of sexual
harassment, 8 are in favour of wage gap while 5 participants has shown a support for violence
against women as main negative impacts of gender equality in management and leadership on
growth of M&S.
Theme 6: Negative impact of gender equality can be reduced by management of M&S
Q6) As per your opinion, how negative impact of gender inequality can be
reduced by management of M&S?
Frequency
a) Reducing wage pay gap 6
b) Compliance business with laws 8
c) Prioritise work-life balance 6
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Interpretation
The above pie chart is showing that 6 respondents are in favour of reducing wage pay gap, 8
participants are in support of compliance business with laws while 6 other individuals are having
a thinking that prioritisation of work life balance is a best way to reduce the negative impact of
gender inequality by management of M&S.
Theme 7: Compliance with laws will reduce gender equality issues at workplace of M&S
Q7) Do you agree that compliance with laws will reduce gender equality
issues at workplace of M&S?
Frequency
a) Agree 12
b) Disagree 8
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Interpretation
With respect to above theme and pie chart it can be analysed that 12 respondents are agreed
with the fact that compliance with laws will reduce gender equality issues at workplace of M&S
while 8 participants are also there who are disagreed with above noted fact and theme.
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1) Conclusions
On the basis of above research it can be concluded that managing equality and diversity
will aid in attainment of high growth and successes it facilitates improvement in workplace
productivity, increase in employee engagement and also enhance organisational capabilities.
Further, it can be evaluated that emerging business at global level and breaking down of
language barriers are the main aspects that lead to development of diversity at workplace of an
organisation. Beside this, in accordance with above research it has been concluded that gender
equality in management and leadership have positive impact in growth of an organisation. Beside
this, it has been find out that reducing wage pay gap, compliance with business law and legal
acts together with prioritisation of work-life balance are effective ways and strategies through
which gender inequality can be reduced at workplace of an organisation.
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5.2) Recommendations
On the basis of evaluation of above research findings following recommendations can be
made through which management of M&S can implement gender equality to develop diverse
workplace successfully:
 Proper compliance of business with laws and acts is recommended for M&S as it
facilitates better creation of equality and diversity at workplace. Compliance with
provisions of Equality act, 2010 ensures reduction in gender discrimination through
leading strict actions against favouritism thus, ensures creation of better gender equality
to develop diverse workplace successfully at M&S.
 Reducing wage pay gap is also recommended for M&S as it is an effective way to reduce
gender inequality at workplace through ensuring equality and fairness in pay and other
incentives thus, lead to creation of a more inclusive and motivated workforce for success
of M&S.
Chapter 6: Personal Reflective Statement
6.1) Reflect on the research methods used in your project
The research method that are used by me for current research project includes Positivism
research philosophy that facilitates a more scientific and practical way for data collection and
other research activities. Further, use of deductive approach is made by me for current research
as it ensures better generalisation of quantitative data. Beside this, use of quantitative research
method and questionnaire is made by me that ensures ease in data collection directly from
respondents in numeric from that facilitates better and more effective presentation. Further,
proper care was taken by me to eliminate the ethical issues through complying with all morel and
principles of research and a proper consent is also taken form respondents. Further, to eliminate
the issue of time management and bifurcation of resources use of Gantt chart was made by me
that facilitates efficiency in my research work .
6.2) Consider research methods that could have been used
The other research method that could be used for conducting research includes inductive
approach and interpretivism research philosophy that lead to a more in-depth research through
making use of qualitative research instruments and tool. Further, use of interview can also be
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made for collection of primary data but it is a more time consuming and complex method and
presentation of theoretical data is also quite difficult.
6.3) Areas for further research
The areas for further research includes the topic which meet the education criteria of
research like behaviours that support equality and diversity in the workplace, managing cultural
diversity in the workplace, workplace discrimination, the work-life balance and enrichment
experiences that ensure better and more effective management of employees to have better
success and growth of organisation .
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Daly, M., 2019. The Long Road to Gender Equality. Social Politics: International Studies in
Gender, State & Society. 26(4). pp.512-518.
Van der Vleuten, A., 2016. The price of gender equality: Member states and governance in the
European Union. Routledge.
Verloo, M. ed., 2018. Varieties of opposition to gender equality in Europe. Routledge.
Martinsson, L. and Griffin, G. eds., 2016. Challenging the myth of gender equality in Sweden.
Policy Press.
Kabeer, N., 2016. Gender equality, economic growth, and women’s agency: the “endless
variety” and “monotonous similarity” of patriarchal constraints. Feminist Economics.
22(1). pp.295-321.
Melnick, R. S., 2018. The Transformation of Title IX: Regulating Gender Equality in Education.
Brookings Institution Press.
Breitenbach, E., Brown, A., Mackay, F. and Webb, J. eds., 2016. The Changing Politics of
Gender Equality. Springer.
Coleman, L., 2017. Japan's Womenomics Diplomacy: Fighting Stigma and Constructing ODA
Leadership on Gender Equality. Japanese Journal of Political Science. 18(4). pp.491-
513.
Blankenship, J. and Kubicek, P., 2018. Democratization and Gender Equality in Sub-Saharan
Africa. The Journal of the Middle East and Africa. 9(1). pp.27-50.
Young, Z. P., 2016. Gender and development. In Handbook on Gender in World Politics.
Edward Elgar Publishing.
Agustín, L. R., Siim, B. and Borchorst, A., 2018. Gender equality without gender quotas.
Transforming gender citizenship, pp.400-423.
Ross, K. and Padovani, C. eds., 2016. Gender equality and the media: A challenge for Europe.
Routledge.
Eastin, J., 2018. Climate change and gender equality in developing states. World Development,
107. pp.289-305.
Miller, T., Saad, P. and Martinez, C., 2016. Population ageing, demographic dividend and gender
dividend: Assessing the long term impact of gender equality on economic growth and
development in Latin America. In Demographic Dividends: Emerging Challenges and
Policy Implications (pp. 23-43). Springer, Cham.
Burman, M. and Svensson, E. M., 2018. Women’s Human Rights in the Governance of the
Arctic–Gender Equality and Violence against Indigenous Women. The Yearbook of Polar
Law Online. 9(1).pp.53-78.
Online:
Why is diversity in the workplace important? 2020. [Online] Available Through:<
https://www.brighthr.com/articles/equality-and-discrimination/equality-and-diversity-in-
the-workplace/ >.
Female leadership: The impact on organization. 2018. [Online] Available Through:<
https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/female-leadership-the-impact-on-organizations/ >.
6 Ways to Promote Gender Equality at Workplace. 2019. [Online] Available Through: <
https://www.invensislearning.com/blog/workplace-gender-equality/>.
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Appendices
1.1)Research Proposal Form
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: _ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name:
Tutor: ________________ Date:
Unit: 11 Research Proposal
Proposed Title:
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Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
The title selected for current research project is, “Equality and diversity in the
workplace”. A case study on Marks & Spencer
Research Aim
The aim of this research work is, “To study the impact of gender equality in leadership
and management on growth of an organisation.”
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer? What do you want
to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?):
The main objectives behind conducting this research project on Marks & Spencer are
stated below:
 To study the importance of managing equality and diversity for an organisation.
 To study the impact of gender equality in leadership and management on growth
of organisation (Flynn, Cavanagh and Bilimoria, 2017).
 To study the strategies that can be adopt by M&S to manage gender equality at
workplace.
Question Tag
 What are the importance of managing equality and diversity for an organisation?
 What impact or influence is created by of gender equality in leadership and
management on growth of organisation?
 What are the possible strategies that can be adopt by M&S to manage gender
equality at workplace?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest, future
plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):
The main reason behind selecting this current research topic is related with the importance
of managing equality and diversity at workplace of organization to ensure better growth
of an organization. This research topic is focused on strategies that can be adopted by an
organization to ensure better gender quality in the organization thus, selection of this
research project is justifiable as it ensures creation of better workplace environment at an
organization that is essential to achieve success and growth. Beside this, the current
research topic that is based on gender equality is also important and justifiable for the
academic and educational purpose of researcher thus, the selection of current research
topic is rational.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
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It is a comprehensive summary of past research on a particular topic. The literature review
surveys books, articles, websites and other source that reliable to a species are of
investigation. The review should define, analyse, objectively measure and clarify this
previous investigation.
The importance of managing equality and diversity
Management of equality and diverseness is essential for a company because it help
in development and success of a company. As per the view of Merier K.S. (2019), if a
company administrate and manage equality and diversity within the workplace then it can
provide equal opportunities its employees in term of growth and development. It is
essential because with the assistance of it, the firm can provide equal growth options to all
employees. Management f diversity is also crucial because it help in making innovation
and creation that make contribution development growth of the business of an enterprise.
The impact of gender equality in leadership and management on growth of company
Gender equality favourably affect leadership and management of the company
term of growth because when the company equality in the workplace then issues and
complexities are not arisen and the business run in effective manner. According to Morad
R. (2019), when an enterprise do not discrimination on the basis of gender and provide
equal change to lead the team and manage it then all the workplace feel encouragement
and work in effective manner in form of performing their roles and responsibilities in
crucial manner. Then this situation, the management will form similar policies and leader
will provide information about them which motivate workforce and work in productive
manner which make contribution in development of the economic situation of the firm
(Unterhalter and North, 2017)..
The strategies that can be adopt by M&S to manage gender equality at workplace
Accordant to Rongala A. (2019), to manage gender equality in a working
environment the company should formulate effective plan of action that help in
minimising discrimination regarding gender pay gap. The administration of M&S should
provide equal pay to all the employees who are working on same position and provide
them equal growth option. Apart for it they can follow the strategy of prioritising work
life balance in term of providing equality in term of working hours by leaving
discrimination of less working hour to female and more to man. It will help in managing
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equality in working environment.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g research,
development and analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical
analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing
the report):
Aims and objective
Literature review
Research methodology
Data collection and analysis
Evaluation and recommendations
Review and correction
Final submission
How long this will take:
2 days
5 days
7 days
10 days
13 days
8 days
3 days
Gantt Chart
It is also known as a bar chart that is used by a researcher as an important project and time
mangent tool (Cirillo, 2016). Gantt chart facilitates a sequence wise and more practical
presentation of research activity through ensuring a proper list of all required task. Thus,
it brings clarity and more transparency in research work that ensures timely completion
of research together with efficient achievement of objectives without any delays and
overlapping of work.
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Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why? What your areas of
research will cover:
Research philosophy- This part if research method is categorised in to main section like
positivism and interpretivism. As per the nature if exiting research project implementation
of Positivism research philosophy is made because it assist in organising investigation in
scientific and practical manner (Razavi, 2016).
Research approach- There two research approach deductive and inductive in which use
of deductive approach is made for existing research made as it make sure effective
generalisation of quantitative information.
Research method- There are two common methods that are highly used in research are
qualitative and quantitative within which, in this research, the surveyor will use
quantitative research method. It will help in gathering effective information in numerical
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form.
Source of data collection- There are two main source of gathering information are
primary and secondary. In which, in current research the investigator will use primary
source and the information will be collect with the help of questionnaire (Siller,
Hochleitner and Congress, 2017).
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification and
is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date
1.2) Research Ethics Approval Form
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Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected form human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their
research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your
unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
The chosen title for this research project is, “To study the impact of gender equality in
leadership and management on growth of an organisation.” A case study on Marks and
Spencer.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews No
 Questionnaires Yes
 Observations Yes
 Use of personal records No
 Data Analysis Yes
 Action Research No
 Focus Groups No
 Others (Please specify) : n/a
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: No Young people aged: 17-18 No Adults: Yes
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Employees of Marks and Spencer will be recruited and selected as participants.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
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Use of notice boards, social media and other online channels will be used by researcher to inform
participants.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to participants
that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
Consent will be obtain from employees of Marks and Spencer and other related participants in written form
with the help of signing a consent form.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that do not wish
to answer?
Yes
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be
observed.
Yes
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a brief summary of
your findings in general)
Yes
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act
(1998)
Yes
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only Researcher and tutors
During the research:
Reseacher/Supervisor
Where will the data be stored?
Stored in DOC document with the use of USB and Laptop
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research: the data will be safely disposed
Where will the data be stored?: USB/Laptop
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Four to five months
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical concerns? If so, please
outline how you will deal with these: N/A
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise because of your
research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not
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limited to the following :
 Informed consent. Yes
 Potentially vulnerable participants. n/a
 Sensitive topics n/a
 Risk to participants and /or researchers: n/a
 Confidentiality/anonymity: Yes
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality: Yes
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection). Yes
 Reporting: Yes
 Dissemination and use of your findings: Yes
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may arise in the
course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your tutor and also attach to the Research Proposal when
submitting to Turnitin.
References
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elephant in the room. In Integrating gender equality into business and management
education (pp. 26-54). Routledge.
Cirillo, M., 2016. Gender equilibrium but no gender equality. Medicus. 56(3). p.33.
Razavi, S., 2016. The 2030 Agenda: challenges of implementation to attain gender equality and
women's rights. Gender & Development. 24(1). pp.25-41.
Siller, H., Hochleitner, M. and Congress, S. G. E., 2017. Gender Equality work at the Medical
University of Innsbruck.
Unterhalter, E. and North, A., 2017. Education, poverty and global goals for gender equality:
How people make policy happen. Routledge.
Online
Merier K.S. 2019. Equality & Diversity in the Workplace. [Online]. Available Through: <
https://work.chron.com/equality-diversity-workplace-18485.html>.
Morad R. 2019. How gender equality is a growth engine for the global economy. [Online].
Available Through: < https://www.nbcnews.com/know-your-value/feature/how-gender-
equality-growth-engine-global-economy-ncna963591>.
Rongala A. 2019. 6 Ways to Promote Gender Equality at Workplace. [Online]. Available
Through: < https://www.invensislearning.com/blog/workplace-gender-equality/>.
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