Ethical Behaviour and its Impact on Company Performance: Sainsbury

This research proposal investigates the impact of ethical behavior on company performance, particularly focusing on Sainsbury. The study aims to understand the concept of ethical behavior, evaluate its influence on managing equality and diversity, identify challenges faced by Sainsbury, and recommend strategies for improvement. The research explores the importance of ethical conduct, the challenges of promoting it, and the positive influence of ethical behavior on employee morale, company goodwill, and sales. The proposal reviews existing literature, including the views of various authors on ethical behavior, its influence on equality and diversity, and the challenges companies face in promoting ethical practices. The research will involve activities such as literature review, data analysis, and the development of recommendations. The research will contribute to understanding how ethical practices can enhance company performance and create a more equitable and diverse workplace, offering insights into how Sainsbury and other organizations can improve their ethical behavior and management strategies.

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis)
“To identify the impact of ethical behaviour in managing equality and diversity for improving
performance of company. A study on Sainsbury.”
Background
Managing equality and diversity is the essential need for the company to get successful in
managing business. Hence, the equality is referred to as the act of treating all the employees working
within the company on same level according to their capacity and capability. On the other side the
diversity is defined as recruiting the employees form the different cultural background so that there are
a wide variety of cultures within the company (Wright, Hassan and Park, 2016). In managing the
equality and diversity the major important thing is that the employees behave in the ethical manner.
This is because if the employees and management will not work on moral principles and carry on their
working with ethical behaviour then the company will not be able to manage equality and diversity. In
the other case if the employees and the top level management will ensure that all the principles and
practices of ethical behaviour are applied effectively in the company then this ethical behaviour will
make sure that there is no inequality within the company.
The present report is based on company Sainsbury which is a large chain of retail stores and
supermarket within the company. The company is headquartered in London in UK and was founded by
John James Sainsbury in the year 1869. The company is a large chain of stores which deals in different
superstore, hyper store, forecourt shop, convenience stores and many others. The current research will
outline the fact that how the ethical behaviour of the employees assist the company in managing the
equality and diversity within the workplace. The present research will start by using the formulation of
the aims and objectives and then try to reach to the conclusion of the aims and objectives. After the
formulation of aims and objectives the researcher will review different articles, books, journals relating
to the research topic. In the end te different methods which will be used in the completion of the
research will be outlined.

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?):
Objectives
 To understand the concept of ethical behaviour.
 To evaluate the influence of ethical behaviour on managing equality and diversity with respect
to Sainsbury.
 To outline the challenges being faced by Sainsbury in managing the ethical behaviour within
the company.
 To recommend some strategies for improvising the ethical behaviour of employees within
Sainsbury
Research questions
1. What is the concept of ethical behaviour?
2. What is the influence of ethical behaviour in managing equality and diversity?
3. What are the challenges being faced by company in managing ethical behaviour within
company?
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 major reason for selecting the research topic is that many companies are suffering from the
problems of equality and diversity and ethical behaviour will help the company in managing these
problems. The present research will guide the company in ways which can be adopted by the company
in promoting ethical behaviour. Also, another major reason is the academic and personal interest of
researcher as they want to learn how to deal with the problem of equality and diversity with help of
behaviour of the employees. Also, the researcher wants to develop different behaviours other then
ethical behaviour in managing the equality and diversity within the company.
Section Three: Literature sources searched

Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
Concept of ethical behaviour.
In the views of Papadimitri, Pasiouras and Tasiou, (2020) ethical behaviour includes the way a
person must behave within the company. This is majorly pertaining to the fact that if the employees
will not behave in the ethical manner then company will not be able to manage equality and diversity.
Hence, for the minimization of the equality and diversity the only option is working and behaving in
better and morally correct manner.
As per the opinion of Papadimitri, Pasiouras and Tasiou (2020) if the employees and the
management work in ethical manner then the working of the company will be more effective and good.
Hence it is very essential for the company to promote ethical and morally correct behaviour so that the
employees can promote equality and diversity within the company. This is so because of the fact that if
the employees will be working in good and effective manner then the company will not face issues in
managing the equality and diversity within workplace.
In against of this Shah, Anwar and Irani, (2017) states that management and application of the
ethical and moral behaviour assist the company in managing and motivating the employees to perform
better. This is majorly pertaining to the fact that when the employees and top management behaves and
work in ethical manner then the employees like this fact and they are treated in good and effective
manner. Thus, this motivates the employees and they work with their fullest potential and this improves
the efficiency of the employees working in the company to a great extent.
Influence of ethical behaviour on managing equality and diversity.
But as per the opinion of Hunt, (2019) articulates that the most important influence of ethical
behaviour in managing equality and diversity is positive. This is majorly due to the fact that when it
comes to managing equality then it is very essential for the employees to work in proper and effective
manner. If the employees will work in more effective manner then the company will manage the
working style and environment.
As per the thinking of Trentesaux and Karnouskos (2019) it is clear that the ethical behaviour
by the company and its employees is very essential for the companies to manage good and ethical
behaviour in the company. Thus, this will have a great influence over the working and efficiency of the
employees as the ethical working and practices being used in the business will be much liked by the
employees working within the company. This is majorly pertaining to the reason that when it comes to
ethical behaviour and the company behaves in it then the morale of the employees is increased. This is
due to the fact that when the company uses all equitable practices then the employees within the
company likes this fact and they work in more effective and good manner.

On the other side Ganglmair-Wooliscroft and Wooliscroft (2017) argues that if the employees
and management within the company does not uses or applies the ethical behaviour then this will have
negative influence over the company and its operations. This is majorly pertaining to the fact that when
the ethical behaviour will not be followed by the company then this will discourage the employees to
work in effective manner. This is majorly due to the fact that when it comes to company not behaving
in good and effective manner and differentiating among the employees then this decreases the working
efficiency of the employees. Thus, this decreases the working capability of the company and the
employees working in the company. This is also due to the fact that when the working environment or
the surrounding is not good and safe then the employees will not like working in the company. Thus,
this will decrease the interest of the employees to work in proper and effective manner in the company.
In addition to this Alshehri, Kauser and Fotaki, (2019) argues that another major influence of
the using f ethical behaviour in the company is that this will increase the goodwill and popularity of the
business to a great extent. This is due to the fact that the when the company promotes ethical and moral
values and working style and behaviour within the company then the employees work in better manner.
Thus, this attracts more of the consumer and this increases the goodwill of the company within the
highly competitive market. Also, in addition to this the sales of the company will also increase. This is
due to the fact that when the company uses the ethical behaviour then the consumer will like this and
they will prefer the goods and services of the company over the other competitors and this will increase
the sales. In turn if the sales will increase then the income and revenue of the company will also
increase and this will again increase the popularity of the company to a great extent. Hence, it can be
said that the use of ethical and moral behaviour and values in the practices and working of the company
is very essential for the company in getting success in this highly competitive world.
Challenges being faced company in promoting ethical behaviour in company.
In against of this Trentesaux and Karnouskos (2019) argue that the major challenge in
managing ethical behaviour is the thinking and mentality of the employees working in the company.
This is due to the fact that many of the people think that the preference of the some people will make
the environment of the company in biasness. Also, there are many of the challenges which the company
faces at time of managing the equality and diversity within the workplace. It is because of the fact that
when the company has employees working from different cultural backgrounds then this creates a
problem for them to adjust in the working environment. Also, many a time the management of
company becomes bias relating to some person or employees coming from a particular culture. Thus,
this unethical behaviour decreases the morale of the employees working in the company.
As per the opinion of Kaddari, Koslowsky and Weingarten (2018) the major challenge being

faced by company in implementing ethical behaviour of employees in company is that many people do
not know the importance of working in ethical and morally correct manner. The major reason
underlying this fact is that the unethical behaviour is due to the fact that the top management may use
some of biased practices. This is due to the fact that many a times the top management prefers those
people who are either in their close contact or the people who pay more of the money. Thus, this also
sometimes creates a problem for the company in promoting the ethical and morally correct behaviour
of the companies.
In the opinion of Castro, Lopes and Ferreira, (2019) articulates that the major challenge being
faced by the company is the thinking that all the people are not equal. Many of the people thinks that
the people belonging to some of the culture are not good and are inferior and this might affect the
thinking or mentality of the people working in the company. Hence, because of this reason many of the
employees and the top management view some of the people inferior to them and mistreat them in bad
manner. Thus, this also poses a problem or difficulty or challenge in the management of the company
and the employees working within the company. This is due to the fact that when it comes to
management of the company then these people are ignored or treated in wrong manner. Thus, this leads
to discrimination among the employees working within the company and the employees cannot adapt
to the ethical behaviour for fostering the working efficiency of the company.
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):
The timeline is defined as the sequential table which includes all the major
activities which are being undertaken for the completion of the research in successful
manner. This is a chronological chart which includes all the different activities in the
chronological sequence along with the time which will be taken to complete the whole
activity. These activities are the different division of the whole process of research. This
timeline help the researcher in knowing in advance that which activity will be
undertaken by the researcher and in which sequence the research activities will be
performed.
PARTICULARS WEE
K 1
WEE
K 2
WEE
K 3
WEE
K 4
WEE
K 5.
WEE
K 6
WEE
K 7
WEE
K 8
WEE
K 9
How long
this will
take:

Selection of
topic
Formulation of
aim and
objectives
Literature
Review
Research
methodology
Data analysis
Recommendati
on
Conclusion
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Gantt Chart
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 types- the type of research is defined as the method or the way in which the researcher
will conduct or carry on the research in successful manner. The research type is of two different ways

that is qualitative research and the quantitative research. The qualitative research is the one which takes
into consideration the attributes and different non- numeric data. On the flip side the quantitative
research type is referred to as the research which inculcates all the numeric facts and figures and data
relating to the research topic (Cortina, Aguinis and DeShon, 2017). The research type that will be used
in this research is qualitative because the researcher wants to gain theoretical knowledge relating to the
research topic that is the fact that how the ethical behaviour assist the company in managing equality
and diversity.
Research approach- the approach for the research is known as the assumptions which are
underlying the research and the collection and analysis of the data. There are two different types of
approach that is inductive and deductive. The inductive is the one in which aims and objective relating
to the research topic are made but in the deductive approach the hypothesis are formed and then these
are tested. The approach for research will be inductive as the researcher want to develop aim and
objective and then to reach to some conclusion.
Research philosophy- the research philosophy is the beliefs and the values which are being
underlying the selection of the data and the analysis of the data and all the other activities in the
research process (Zhu, Sari and Lee, 2018). The major two types of the research philosophy are the
positivism and interpretivism. The interpretivism is the one which includes the human interest in the
research and study and observation of the data being collected. The positivism is the philosophy which
includes study of factual information and facts and figures. The interpretivism philosophy will be used
as this integrates the human effort in the study and is more suitable for the company.
Data collection- this is the most crucial stage in the research because if the data will to be good
and reliable and relevant then the research is of no use. Thus, for this there are many different sources
through which researcher can collect the data that is primary and secondary source of data. The primary
source is the one which includes the collection of data directly from the respondent and which is a first-
hand data and is not used in any other research. But the secondary source is the one which includes
study of books, journal, articles and other published sources of data. For the completion of the present
research both primary and secondary sources will be used as this will assist researcher in collecting
more reliable and valid data.
Sampling- the whole population cannot be studied by the researcher and for this they select
some of the people from the whole population. This is referred to as the sampling that is selecting some
of the participant from the whole population and then researching on them. The sample can be taken
with help of random or non- random sampling. The random is the one in which there is probability of
each and every person within the population. The non- random sampling focuses on the characteristics

that need to be possessed within the samples. The sample of 20 respondent of the company will be
selected in order to conduct the research in good and effective manner with help of random sampling
method.
Data analysis- just the gathering and assimilation of the data relating to the research is not
enough rather it is essential for the researcher to analyse and evaluate the data. This can be done with
help of two different methods that is thematic and non- thematic method (Nind, Hall and Curtin 2016).
The thematic method is the one in which the use of tables, charts and interpretation is made. Under
non- thematic analysis the use of SPSS and related mathematical and statistical tools and techniques.
For this thematic analysis of the data will take place as this includes the use of tables, graphs and
charts.
Ethical consideration- this is also an important thing to be followed at time of the research and
its success. This is because of the fact that when the research will not be done in ethical and correct
manner then the research will not be of value and good and will not attain the aims and objective in
proper manner. For managing ethical consideration the most important thing for the researcher is to get
the consent form and ethical approval form by the research participant (Knoke, Marsden and Kalleberg,
2017). This is because of the fact that these forms give the permission to the researcher in using the
data and information being provided by the research participant. Also, it is the moral duty of the
researcher to keep all the information being provided by research participant in safe and secure manner
so that it cannot be misused by any other person.
Research limitation- this includes the some of the points or the things which restrict or limit the
working and completion process of the whole research. There are many different types of limitation
which are being faced by the researcher in the completion of the research relating to impact of ethical
behaviour in managing the equality and diversity within workplace is the time. This is a limitation
because of the reason that the time was very limited and it was not possible for the researcher to
manage it on time. But then also the researcher tried to complete the research in the time frame being
provided with their hard work and intellectual thinking. Also, another major imitation was the finance
as the budget being provided was very less and it was not at all possible for the researcher to complete
the whole research in that small amount of money.
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

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alshehri, F., Kauser, S. and Fotaki, M., 2019. Muslims’ View of God as a Predictor of
Ethical Behaviour in Organisations: Scale Development and Validation. Journal of
Business Ethics, pp.1-19.
Castro, C., Lopes, C. and Ferreira, F.A., 2019, August. Ethical behaviour of firms and
corruption–a cluster analysis. In Conferência-Investigação e Intervenção em
Recursos Humanos (No. 9).
Cortina, J.M., Aguinis, H. and DeShon, R.P., 2017. Twilight of dawn or of evening? A
century of research methods in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Journal of
Applied Psychology. 102(3). p.274.
Ganglmair-Wooliscroft, A. and Wooliscroft, B., 2017. Ethical behaviour on holiday and at
home: combining behaviour in two contexts. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 25(4).
pp.589-604.
Hunt, M., 2019. Parliament and ethical behaviour. In Ethics in public service for the new
millennium (pp. 23-34). Routledge.
Kaddari, M.F., Koslowsky, M. and Weingarten, M.A., 2018. Ethical behaviour of physicians
and psychologists: similarities and differences. Journal of medical ethics. 44(2).
pp.97-100.
Knoke, D., Marsden, P.V. and Kalleberg, A.L., 2017. Survey research methods. The
Blackwell companion to organizations, pp.781-804.
Nind, M., Hall, K. and Curtin, A., 2016. Research methods for pedagogy. Bloomsbury
Publishing.
Papadimitri, P., Pasiouras, F. and Tasiou, M., 2020. Do national differences in social capital
and corporate ethical behaviour perceptions influence the use of collateral? Cross-
country evidence. Journal of Business Ethics, pp.1-20.
Papadimitri, P., Pasiouras, F. and Tasiou, M., 2020. Do national differences in social capital
and corporate ethical behaviour perceptions influence the use of collateral? Cross-
country evidence. Journal of Business Ethics, pp.1-20.
Shah, N., Anwar, S. and Irani, Z., 2017. The impact of organisational justice on ethical
behaviour.
Trentesaux, D. and Karnouskos, S., 2019, October. Ethical Behaviour Aspects of
Autonomous Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems. In International Workshop on
Service Orientation in Holonic and Multi-Agent Manufacturing (pp. 55-71).
Springer, Cham.
Trentesaux, D. and Karnouskos, S., 2019, October. Ethical Behaviour Aspects of
Autonomous Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems. In International Workshop on
Service Orientation in Holonic and Multi-Agent Manufacturing (pp. 55-71).
Springer, Cham.
Wright, B.E., Hassan, S. and Park, J., 2016. Does a public service ethic encourage ethical
behaviour? Public service motivation, ethical leadership and the willingness to report
ethical problems. Public Administration. 94(3). pp.647-663.
Zhu, M., Sari, A. and Lee, M.M., 2018. A systematic review of research methods and topics
of the empirical MOOC literature (2014–2016). The Internet and Higher
Education. 37. pp.31-39.

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: “To identify the impact of ethical behaviour in managing equality and
diversity for improving performance of company. A study on Sainsbury.”
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 Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
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: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults: 18>
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Email,Text
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Direct interaction and email
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?
Ethical approval form
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting
questions that do not wish to answer? Yes No
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 No

Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief
explanation of the study)? Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a
brief summary of your findings in general) Yes No
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 No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Through laptops
During the research: laptops
Where will the data be stored? Pen drive
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Hard drive
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format? Till data analysis
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes 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:
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 limited to the following :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics
Policy: Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes No
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

in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to the Research
Proposal when submitting to Turnitin.