The Influence of Gender Pay Gap on Employee Productivity at M&S

This research project examines the influence of the gender pay gap on employee performance and productivity, using Marks and Spencer as a case study. The study explores the concepts of equality and diversity, highlighting their importance for organizational success. The research methodology includes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection through questionnaires and secondary sources. Key findings reveal the negative impacts of unequal pay, including lower employee morale, decreased productivity, and higher turnover rates. The report identifies challenges faced by Marks and Spencer in managing the gender pay gap, such as issues with reporting accuracy and employee demotivation. Recommendations include providing training and development opportunities to address the issue. The research emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and addresses limitations related to data availability and time constraints, concluding with suggestions for improving gender pay gap management at Marks and Spencer.

RESEARCH PROJECT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The management of equality and diversity is very essential for the success of the
company. The equality is referred to as the providing of better and equal opportunities to all the
employees within the company irrespective if their age, gender, income, experience and other
factors. In contrast to this the diversity is defined as the hiring of employees from the diversified
cultures and backgrounds. Both diversity and equality are important for the success of the
company as this will ensure that the employees within the company are comfortable and satisfied
while working in the company. The current study was based on the company Marks and Spencer
which is a company in the retail sector and which was founded in the year 1884 by Thomas
Spencer and Michael Marks. The company deals in a variety of product and services like food
products, home and furnishing products, clothing, fashion and other related product and services.
The current research was based on the objective of finding the influence of gender pay
gap over the performance and productivity of the workers within the place of work. From the
study it was found that the framing of aim and objective is the crucial stage for the success of the
whole research as the whole research is based on finding the issues of gender pat gap within the
company and with this research it was found that the major issue is the unequal pay, higher
employee turnover, inequality among employees and many others.
Also, in addition to this through the research it was found that the high gender pay gap
also affects the productivity of the employees and the working capacity of the employee
decreases as they feel demotivated as they are getting less pay against what they deserve. In the
end, it was also seen that there are many challenges which Marks and Spencer faces at time of
managing the gender pay gap. These challenges are like decrease in morale of employee, lower
productivity, accuracy of reporting and many other challenges. Thus, in the end some of the
recommendation was made to Marks and Spencer in order to improve the working and managing
gender pay gap. The most common recommendation was the providing of training and
development to the employees as if the employees will be trained then they will not get the
actual money which they deserve.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents...........................................................................................................................3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................4
RESULT AND FINDINGS.............................................................................................................7
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................24
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................25
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................26
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................29
Appendix...................................................................................................................................31

Research Aim
To examine the potential influence of gender pay gap over the productivity and
performance of employees at workplace. A case study on Marks and Spencer.
Research Objectives
 To critically elaborate the concept of equality and diversity in the context of business.
 To articulate the issue of gender pay gap within Marks and Spencer.
 To appraise how gender pay gap influence the productivity and performance of
employees at workplace.
 To access the measures that can be opt by Marks and Spencer to rectify the issue of
gender pay gap at workplace.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methods are the most important part of research completion and this is
majorly because of the reason that if the research methods are not selected in appropriate manner
then this will affect whole research. Thus, for this it is very essential for researcher to decide in
advance all various methods to be used in research. The research methods are the methods which
assist in successful completion of research and attain all aim and objectives of the research.
 Type of research- the most important decision in the research is the selection of type of
research method which will be used by researcher in completing research. This is of
majorly two types that is qualitative research and quantitative research. The quantitative
is the one which includes analysis of numbers and numeric information relating to topic
of research. This is necessary because of the reasons that when there are many different
type of information which can be used only in form of numbers in order to analyse the
research topic (Beins, 2017). On the flip side qualitative research is a type of research
which includes analysis of information which does not include numbers and which
studies attributes, values and other related concept. For the completion of current study
use of mixed research is made as this will include both qualitative and quantitative data
for the completion of research.
 Approach for research- the approach of research is defined as process or series of steps
which are used in order to manage the research and complete it in successful manner. The
approaches of research are of two different types and these are inductive and deductive
approach (ten Ham-Baloyi and Jordan, 2016). The deductive approach is the one which is

basically relating to evaluation of existing theory and strategies with respect to the
hypothesis set relating to research topic. On the contrary inductive approach is the one
which includes development of set of information by observing things happening in the
nearby places. In order to complete the research over influence of gender pay gap on
productivity and performance of employees the approach used is deductive approach. The
reason behind this selection is that this is majorly because of the reason that this will
include the analysis of the existing theory relating to the topic of research.
 Philosophy of research- the philosophy of research is defined as assumptions or beliefs
and values on basis of which various methods of research are being selected. It is very
essential for the researcher to use right philosophy behind selection of methods of
research. The philosophy from which the researcher can select is either interpretivism or
positivism. The first one is related with integration of efforts of human into the study. On
the other side second one that is positivism is related to analysis of factual information
relating to the topic of research. In the present case the interpretivism is being selected as
the researcher wanted to integrate efforts of human in research as well.
 Collection of data relating to research- this is extremely important stage for completion of
research in effective manner. This is majorly because of the reason that if data will not be
good and effective then researcher will not be able to analyse it in proper manner and no
conclusion will be drawn. Thus, for collection of data there are two main sources that is
primary and secondary source of data. The primary source is the one from which data is
collected for first time and is being used in research for first time. On the other side the
secondary source of data is the one which is already published source of data and which
has been used in some other research as well (Tarr, Gonzalez-Polledo and Cornish,
2018). For the present investigation combination of both primary and secondary data is
being used as for primary data the data will be collected with help of questionnaire. For
the purpose of secondary data, different articles, books and other publications will be
studies relating to topic of research. The mix of both primary and secondary data is used
as primary data gives the researcher first-hand information. In addition to this secondary
data provides the primary data authentication by adding the views and opinions of
different authors in form of literature review.

 Sampling- this is referred to as selection of some of participant from whole population
(Alpi and Evans, 2019). This is basically because of the reason that population is very
large and it is not possible to make study of every participant. Thus, because of this
reason some of samples from whole population are selected. This research has been
completed with help of random sampling method in which every participant from
population has equal chance of getting selected. Thus, the sample size of 60 participants
has been selected to conduct and complete the study in successful manner.
 Analysis of the data- this is also the crucial stage of successful completion of research
and this is majorly because of fact that if collected data will not be analysed in correct
way then it will be of no use. Hence, the analysis of data is very essential as this analysis
will only help researcher in successfully completing whole research. For the purpose of
analysing data use of thematic analysis is made and under this themes relating to
questionnaire is made. Further the data collected is presented in form of tables and charts
and then interpretation of data will be done. This is the simplest and easy method of
completing research as this will assist researcher in effectively analyse data and draw
effective conclusion from it. Thus, in this type of research data will be presented with
help of tables, charts in finding and then in discussion interpretation of data will be
presented supported by secondary sources.
 Ethical consideration- this is also very essential for successful completion of research
because if research will not be on basis of ethical principles then research will not give
intended result. Thus, for this most important thing is that researcher must get signed
ethical approval form from the participant. This is necessary as the researcher will use
personal information being provided by respondent in the research. Another major ethical
consideration for researcher is that they must include the data which is latest and valid as
if data will not be good then research will not list out intended results and due to this
research may become weak (Woodgate, Zurba and Tennent, 2016).
 Limitation of research- as every aspect have both sides that is positive and negative in the
same manner the research also has some of limitations. The major limitation in
undertaking research is that data is available in abundance and it cannot be figured out
that which source of data is more reliable and authenticate. Thus, for this as well the
research need to research with great concentration that they do not work with

inefficiency. Another major limitation was of time as time provided for research was very
low and but then also the researcher with their hard work managed to complete research
on time. In addition to this another major limitation of completion of research was the
budget as this is major requirement of research. The finance is major requirement of
completion of research as in every activity of research money is required but for current
study finance provided is very low and thus, this creates problem. But researcher with his
proper allocation and prioritising skill made research successful in that limited budget as
well.
 Reliability and validity- this is also major consideration for research to be successful.
This is majorly because of the reason that if data will not be reliable and valid then
research will not be much effective (Tang, Lai and Cheng, 2016). For this data need to be
reliable it means that whenever data is being used for test then test must give same result
all the time. In the same manner data also need to be valid and this means that data must
not be much older and also all details must be latest and relevant to the topic of the
research.
In the end it can be said that defining all research methods in advance is very helpful for
the researcher in completing the research successfully. This is pertaining to the fact that when
methods to be used for research are known to researcher then they know how they have to
strategize whole working. Thus, this will result in more effective and efficient completion of
research. This is majorly because of the reason that when research methods are being evaluated
and then selected then best research methods are being selected and this result in better working
and completion of research in successful manner.
RESULT AND FINDINGS
Theme 1: Respondents knows the concept of equality and diversity
Aware with the concept of equality and
diversity
Respondents
Yes 45
No 15

Theme 2: Yes, gender pay gap is one of the biggest issue face by company
Gender pay gap is consider the major issue due
to non- appropriate management
Respondents
Yes 50
No 10
Theme 3: There is no gender pay gap at Marks and Spencer
Gender pay gap in is Marks and Spencer Respondents
Strongly agreed 5

Agreed 10
Neutral 5
Disagreed 14
Strongly disagreed 26
Theme 4: No, company do not pay equal amount to men and women.
Company pay equal amount to men and
women
Respondents
Strongly agreed 7
Agreed 9
Neutral 4
Disagreed 13
Strongly disagreed 27

Theme 5: Gender pay gap affect productivity
Gender pay gap affect productivity Respondents
Yes 48
No 12
Theme 6: Unequal pay is considering the gender pay gap issue
Major issue of gender pay gap Respondents
Unequal pay 41
Inequality among employees 9

Higher employee turnover 4
Unconscious bias 6
Theme 7: Many challenges did company face due to gender pay gap
Challenges did company face due to gender
pay gap
Respondents
Lower productivity 23
Non- inclusive workforce 9
Accuracy of reporting 5
Decreasing employee morale 23

Theme 8: Yes, this issue affects the business in negative manner.
Gender pay gap affect business Respondents
Positive 10
Negative 45
Neutral 5
Theme 9: Bias in hiring and pay decision is a factor that affect gender pay gap
Factor affect gender pay gap at workplace Respondents
Workplace discrimination 9

Bias in hiring and pay decision 31
Lack of flexibility 5
Stereotypes 15
Theme 10: Employees are highly affected due to gender pay gap
Stakeholder that affect due to gender pay gap Respondents
Shareholders 3
Customers 4
Employees 50
Suppliers 3

Theme 11: Training and gap analysis is the action that lower issue within a business
Action to lower issue of discrimination Respondents
Conduct a gender pay gap analysis 20
Make equitable offers 5
Providing training and creating awareness 20
Effective policy implementation 15
Theme 12: Yes, provide training and creating awareness is the best way to reduce issue up
to some level.

Is training and creating awareness is best way
to reduce issue
Respondents
Yes 55
No 5
Theme 13: Management within Marks and Spencer is consider an effective way within
equality and diversity
Management of E&D is effective Respondents
Yes 55
No 5

Theme 14: There are many benefit which company gain to minimize the issue.
Benefit that should be gain by M&S to reduce
the issue
Respondents
Increasing business performance 23
Generating revenue 5
Employee sustainability 23
Equal Employee wage 9

DISCUSSION
Theme 1
In accordance with the primary research, it is interpreted that more than half of the
respondents are completed agree with a statement. Such as 45 out of 60 are completely agree and
only 15 of them stated no which is reflected that employees of Marks and Spencer are
completely aware with the concept of equality and diversity. This is because company recruit
diverse workforce and as it deals with different companies and that is why, it is analysed that
selected respondents are well known with the concept.
It is further supported by Boll and et.al., (2016) under literature review section that
equality is all about to make sure that everybody has an equal opportunity and they do not treat
them differently while diversity is about to taking account of all the difference between people so
that they will creates positive outcomes among each other’s. As there are many advantage of
placing equality and diversity at a single place and that is why, most of the companies are
focusing upon it in order to promote the term within each other’s. Thus, having equality and
diversity within a workplace means to promote equal opportunity among all and this in turn leads
to attain their potential and make them free from prejudice as well as discrimination.
Theme 2
Through the table and graph, it is reflected while doing first handed research that gender
pay gap is considering the biggest issue and this is because of not paying attention by
management system of the company which in turn leads to affect the results in opposite manner.
It is so because around 3/4th of the selected sample size are completely agree with the statement
while on the other side, only 10 out of 60 are disagree and stated no. Hence, it can be analysed
that there is a need to have full attention of management of Marks and Spencer so that proper
measures are taken to minimize discrimination.
This is also explaining by Segovia‐Pérez and et.al., (2020) in the Journal articles that
gender pay gap is considering one of the biggest issue at workplace which is caused due to non-
appropriate management of equality and diversity. So, there is a need to focus upon the changes
which in turn leads to improve the function and business performance at market place. This in
turn also assist to help the company in positive manner and that is why, management should keep
aware with the issue regarding equality and diversity in order to meet the define aim and
objectives.

Theme 3
Through the above graph within a theme 3, it is analysed that there is no gender pay gap
perform within a business such that out of 60 selected respondents, 4 of them are strongly
agreed, 10 of them are agreed, but 5 of them are did not say anything and 26 of them are
completely disagreed with the statement and 14 of them are disagreed. Therefore, it is reflected
from the company do not perform any discrimination regarding equality and diversity and this in
turn leads to create positive impact upon customers. As, company comply with all the laws and
policies which means that there is no discrimination at the workplace and this in turn leads create
positive impression.
Moreover, it is also analysed by Abdel-Raouf and Buhler (2020) when a company do not
promote the people on the basis of equality and diversity at workplace, then it affects the results
in opposite manner. Such that when the company have diverse workforce, it means the creativity
level of the company is high and employees support their managers in order to meet the define
aim. On contrary, if company faces issue with regards to gender pay gap then the chances of
conflict increases and this in turn leads to creates negative impact upon productivity and
performance level.
Theme 4
As per the research conducted by the investigator, it is interpreted that majority of the
respondents are strongly disagreeing with the statement that Marks and Spencer pay equal
amount to the employees. This is analysed through first handed research that, out of 60, 27 of
them are strongly disagreed, 13 of them are disagreed and 4 of them do not know anything about
it and thus, 9 of them are agreed as per the questionnaire and their response. It is because
company maintain hierarchy which has to followed by the each and every people and thus,
wages is also different for every employee and this is done as per their ability and position.
Therefore, it is also supported by Fortin, Bell and Böhm (2017) under secondary analysis
that if the company do not pay equal amount then it creates wrong impact upon the employees
but if this is mention in their policy or norms, then employees should understand that a firm is
valued their abilities rather than equality. If wages are not equal, that does not mean company do
not treat their employees equally, in the case of Marks and Spencer, company offer equal
opportunities and treat their employees equally by complying the rules and principle of equality

and diversity which further assist to meet the define aim and creates brand image at international
level.
Theme 5
As per the question asked within primary research, majority of the selected respondents
stated that gender pay gap affect the productivity of employees because graph reflected that 48
out of 60 are agreed and stated yes, while 12 of them are said no. Hence, it is analysed that if
company do not comply with equality and diversity, it does affect the productivity in opposite
manner. Such that in Marks and Spencer, most of the employees are highly agreed with this and
also stated that this affect the overall business in opposite manner.
In the same way, Brower and James (2020) also supported by stated that if company
perform any discrimination than it affects the results into opposite manner. For instance, Marks
and Spencer do not pay equal amount to their employees and this in turn leads to affect the
results in opposite manner and also, productivity of employees are affected and decrease the
performance level too. So, it is evaluated by the author point of view that company should make
sure that all the employees get equal opportunity during their working environment, as it leads to
provide healthy and positive environment which in turn improve productivity level. Overall, it
helps to improve the overall working performance of the company in positive manner and
provide a direction that assist to leads a business towards success.
Theme 6
In order to answer the question asked during the primary research, it is observing that
majority of the respondents are completely agreeing with the statement that there are many issue
that leads to gender pay gap within a business. Such that out of 60 selected sample size, 41 of
them are stated that unequal pay is the major issue while 9 of the stated that inequality among
employees is another issue that affect the result. On the another side, 4 of them stated that higher
employee turnover is consider as an issue and 6 of them are highlighted unconscious bias is the
issue of gender pay gap which is face by Marks and Spencer.
Miller and Vagins (2018) also explain their views in secondary study that gender pay gap
is considering one of the highly affected issue that affect the results in opposite manner and if
company pay unequal amount to men and women then it leads to affect the result in opposite
manner. Such that company treat the employees in unequal manner that leads to affect the results
and creates conflict which directly affect the results of business in opposite manner. Thus, it is

analysed that there is a need to pay equal amount to both employees without any discrimination
so that it causes positive impression.
Theme 7
As per the research conducted by the investigator, it can be stated that company faces
many issue due to gender pay gap such that more than half of the respondents are clearly
examine that lower productivity and decreases employee morale are two major issue which
Marks and Spencer faces. Such that 23 out of 60 are agree that they face lower productivity and
morale of all workers are affected in opposite manner, while 9 of them stated that non- exclusive
workforce are consider another issue and only 5 of them are stated that accuracy of reporting is
the major issue.
Thus, it is further evaluated by Kalogeraki, Georgakakis and Ruigrok (2020) that if
company perform gender pay gap then it leads to lower down the productivity of employees and
business. Thus, managers and employers do not treat the employees equally then it leads to affect
the results such as decrease employee morale which directly affect the results of business in
opposite manner. That is why, it is clearly examine that there is a need to provide inclusive
working environment so that it does not affect the results in opposite manner and keep a business
towards success way.
Theme 8
From the graph and table, it is interpreted that issues of gender pay gap affect the
business in negative manner as more than half of the selected respondents are completely agree
with the statement. Like, 45 out of 60 are highly agreed that issue cause negative working
environment within business and 10 of them are stated that it affect the result in positive manner
which is not possible, only 5 of them are neutral because they did not know anything about it and
that is why, feel blank. Hence, it is clearly analysed that most of them are stated and yes, it
causes negative impact upon the business performance which somehow affect the business
performance as well.
However, as per the view of Dugardin and Ginglinger (2019) it is also analysed that
gender pay gap only affect the business in negative manner such that it decreases the
performance level of employee, increase employee turnover, leads a business towards negative
working environment and affect the overall productivity as well. Thus, it can be stated that there

is a need to remove the issue because it does affect the results in opposite manner and increase
conflicts among employees as well.
Theme 9
As per the first hand research, and graph, table clearly reflected that there are many factor
that affect the gender pay gap at the workplace and this somehow affect the results in opposite
manner as well. Such that from the views of selected sample size, it is examine that out of 60
employees, 31 of them stated that bias in hiring and pay decision is consider one of the most
affecting factor for gender pay gap and 15 of them stated that stereotype is consider another
major issue that leads to affect the results, only 9 of them stated that workplace discrimination is
consider the major issue that leads to increase gender pay gap and 5 of them examine lack of
flexibility is the major issue. Hence, it can be stated that there are several factor that because
gender pay gap and employees feel low and demotivated as well.
Thus, Brynin (2017) supported that if manager of any company bias or differentiated the
people on any basis during recruitment, then it leads to cause gender pay gap. While it is also
supported that there is traditional belief which is clearly reflected that most of the company do
not pay equal amount to men and women because they think women do not perform the same
work which men do and this in turn leads to cause gender pay gap within an organization.
Theme 10
As majority of the selected sample size are highly agreed that employees are the only
stakeholder who affected the most due to gender pay gap because it is also related to their
performance and position. Such as out of 60 employees (respondents), 50 of them agree that
employees are most affected while 3 of them stated shareholder and suppliers are most affected
and only 4 of them are agreed that customer affected due to gender pay gap and this is somehow
affect the results of a company as well.
Amano-Patiño, Baron and Xiao (2020) also presented their views and stated that
employees are the pillars of the company and there is a need to involve them within a decision
making process so that they feel motivated rather than discourage on the basis of discrimination.
Thus, it is clearly evaluated that gender pay gap affect employees the most as compared to other
stakeholder because company pay salaries and wages to employees only as they are internal part
of the firm, rest of them do not affect from this.
Theme 11

Through the above table and graphs it is interpreted that there are many ways through
which the problem is reduce up to some level such that 40 employees from the sample size stated
that by conducting gender gap analysis and providing training and creating awareness is
considering two better action that lower the issue within a business and this is also promote
employees to understand the things in better manner. On the other hand, 15 of them are examine
that by developing effective policy for the employee’s welfare are another way through which
the problem is minimized. Only 5 of them stated that by offering equitable offers to the
employees is another way that helps to meet the define aim.
Thus, it is also examining by L'Herrou and Tynes (2020) with the help of training
session, company is able to prepare the employees to let understand by the gender gap issue
because it creates awareness among employees. This reflected that employees understand about
the things which assist to meet the define aim. Also, through gap analysis company is able to
meet the requirement of the company which leads to provide right direction.
Theme 12
With the primary data collected and the analysis of the other secondary information it is
clearly signifies that the training and creation of awareness is a better way of reducing the issue
that is the gender pay gap in the workplace (Thornley and Coffey, 2016). This is majorly because
of the reason that when the employees within the company will be provided proper training then
this will assist the employees in managing the need of the other employees as well. This is
pertaining to the reason that when the employees of the company are provided with proper
training and they are aware of all the working in the company then this will help the company in
reducing the gender pay gap to some extent.
Most of the participant agrees to this fact as they think that if the employees are being
provided by proper training then they will get the knowledge of operating the different types of
work within the company. If the employees will work in good and effective manner, then this
will motivate the company in paying the employees what they deserve. Also, in addition to this if
the employees of Marks and Spencer are having awareness relating to the work and other
requirements of the business then this will assist the employees in working in effective manner.
This is due to the reason that when the employees know what they have to do then this will
motivate the employees to work harder and this will result in company paying enough to the
employees without any discrimination.

Theme 13
From the study and the survey conducted over the 60 participant it was clear that the
management assist the company in effectively managing the equality and diversity within the
workplace. This is agreed by the majority of the participant that the management is very essential
for the proper maintenance of the equality and diversity within the workplace (Banerjee and et.al,
2018). This is due to the reason that the management is defined as the ensuring that all the
activities are interlinked and coordinated with one another and thus, it is completed in effective
and efficient manner.
This is crucial for the maintenance of the equality and diversity that the management of
company and the activities within the company is good. This is due to the fact that if the
management will not be good and effective then the employees of the company will not work in
good manner and this will result in inequality in the pay of the employees. Also, in addition to
this the management will make sure that the employees of Marks and Spencer are effectively
communicating with one another and this will make sure that the employees get what they
deserve.
Theme 14
With help of the tables and charts it is evaluated and inferred that there are many different
benefits attached if the gender pay gap issues are reduced. This is majorly due to the reason that
if within the company there will be low gender pay gap that is low discrimination on the basis of
the pay to the employees then this will motivate the employees to work more hard. Thus, this
will result in increase in the working efficiency of the employees and the working quality of the
employees as well. The major benefit which is agreed by the majority of the participant is the
increase in the performance of the business and the employee sustainability. The increase in the
performance of the business is there because of the fact that when the employees will get the
right payment in against of the efforts which they put for the company then they work with more
efficiency (Bishu and Alkadry, 2017).
In addition to this when the employees get what they deserve then they maintain positive
relationship with company and as a result, they do not leave the company. This benefit states that
there are low employees turnover and the employees are happy and satisfied. Along with this
some of the participant states that equal employee wage is the benefit of the reduction in the
gender pay gap. This is majorly because of the reason that when there is low gender pay gap then

the employees will get equal wages or the wages in accordance with their capability and thus,
due to this reason the employees feel motivated and they will work with more efficiency.
Theme 15
With the analysis of the above data and the secondary information it is clear that there is
a great requirement for the company to improve the working and reduce the gender pay gap.
Thus, for this it is very essential for the company Marks and Spencer to work in the direction of
reducing the high gender pay gap. Thus, for this the first and foremost recommendation for the
company is to maintain clear and understandable communication among all the employees
without any of the discrimination (Gale, 2019).
Thus, for this the most essential thing is that if the communication will be clear and
understandable then every task and work will be clear and this will increase the working
efficiency of the person. Along with this some of the participant states that major
recommendation for Marks and Spencer is to maintain a good sort of working environment
which needs to be positive and coordinated. Thus, this will make sure that all the employees
within the company are important for the company and the company takes care of the need and
requirement of the employees. Thus, this will motivate the employees to work in much harder
manner and this will increase the productivity of both the employees and the company as well.
CONCLUSION
After conducting and going through the project it has been concluded that there are
variety of the different type of the methodology which will be used by the scholar to find out the
outcome of the project and achieve the objective of the project in regards of the issue which is
being faced by the organization in the current scenario. Different methodology which has been
concluded in the project are Research type, research philosophy, research approach, Data
analysis, Ethical consideration and limitation of carrying out the project for the company.
After that in the result and finding section of the project it has been concluded that there
is good sort of understanding in regards of equality and diversity among the different respondent
in the organization. After that it has been concluded that Gender pay gape is one of the issue
which is one of the reason of equality and diversity but Mark and Spencer is able to manage the
impact of the same in the batter way in an organization. Looking at the impact concluded of the
same it has been identified that productivity of the company used to get affected very adversely

in the organization in the long run. Looking at the challenge which has been concluded from the
report is decreasing employee morale in the long run of the business which organization has to
look in the coming year. After that report concludes that employee are the one whom are highly
affected by the impact of gender pay gap in the organization, these issue can be overcome by
organizing different sort of training and development camp in the organization. Looking at the
benefit which has been concluded from the same is in the regards of managing equality and
diversity is that it used to enhance the performance of the business in the long run.
After that recommendation section of the research used to identify variety of the different
type of the changes which organization may bring into their operation this will eventually help
the company in enhancing the variety of the problem or the challenges which has been identified
by conducting the study for the client. After that in the reflection section of the project generally
used to explain the variety of the different type of the learning which has been learnt by me by
conducting the project and variety of the challenge which has been seen by me in conducting the
project. Also section highlights that using these sort of the methodology has helped me in
overcoming variety of the issue very easily as well in the project.
RECOMMENDATION
After going through the above report and conclusion it has been identified that gender
pay gap in the organization generally used to impact the productivity of the business very
adversely in the organization.
 It is recommended to the organization that they should maintain good sort of clarity in the
organization. These will assist the company in maintaining a good sort of relationship and
interest level of different employee in the organization these will eventually help the
company in maintaining the productivity of the business in the better way in the
organization.
 Another thing which has been concluded from the report that training and development is
the best way through which impact of gender pay gape can be maintain in the best way.
For the same reason it is suggested to the organization that they should provide training
to all the employee irrespective of gender they belong to. This will eventually help the
company in promoting good image in front of the employee that they used to care about
all the employee and provide equal sort of the opportunity to all the individual. Moreover,

this will eventually reduce the impact of equality and diversity in the better way in the
organization.
 Looking at the overall outcome of the project it has been recommended to the Marks and
Spencer is that organization has to make sure that they used to maintain a good sort of
positive environment in the organization in the long run these will help the company in
maintaining impact of equality and diversity in the organization in the better way. This
will also help the company in maintaining a good sort of the relationship with different
employee in the organization, as it is one of the most important thing which is require by
all organization as it has been identified that the morale of different employee is also
impacted in the organization. So it is quite important for all the organization that they
should maintain positive working environment in the organization which will help the
company in the long run as well.
 Another thing which has been recommended to the organization that they should provide
good sort of opportunity to both gender employee in the organization. This eventually
help the company in maintaining productivity of the company as it has been identified
that it is one of the biggest impact of gender pay gap in an organization.
REFLECTION
Conducting a research for the organization has taken me through variety of different sort
of different experience in real which has helped me in learning variety of the thing, some of them
will help me in future at the same time of conducting same type of project. At the same time
something has not gone that well as expected.
Starting from the biggest Question which was governing throughout the process of the
project was is I was able to achieve the objective of the research which was conducted by me and
the answer for the same is yes, reason for highlighting the same is that I was able to complete all
the task as per the schedule timeline and was able to get a good sort of the result from the project
as well.
Starting from the initial stage itself it has been identified that in the initial stage I was
somewhat nervous to carry out the project for the client reason behind the same is that it was the
first time I was conducting any sort of the project by my own so I was nervous. After sometime I
was helped by different senior and tutor in the organization these has eventually resulted in

turning a situation where I started feeling better in the project as well. Some issue which was
seen by me in the project was at the time of completion of the project, as it was identified by me
that we were finding it difficult to take the feedback and make the variety of the changes which
were require in the project.
Looking at the variety of thing which has been leaned by me there are two things which
in general has learnt by me in the project. First thing was in regards of sourcing skill of mine was
improved in general. As this project has eventually asked me to go through variety of different
source in general to collect different sort of the information to conduct project on the basis of the
same project is conducted. These has eventually helped me in improving the sourcing skill of
mine. Another thing which was learnt by me by carrying out the project is the technique of
conducting the project for the organization. Learning this sort of thing in the project will
eventually help me at the time of conducting any such type of project for the same or any other
company in the coming future. Looking at the issue which was faced by me at the time of
conducting the project was that I was not that confident in the initial stage to complete the
project on time but with the help of the team member in the project I was able to complete the
project on time. For the same reason if any such type of the situation will arrive in the future I
will be taking help of Gantt chart from the initial stage itself so that I am on to the project on
regular basis. These will help me in completing the project on time. Another issue which will be
seen by me at the time of conducting the project was in regards of taking feedback on time from
the tutor as tutor has to check project of different individual as well. For the same reason it has
been decided by me that from next time I will be taking the appointment of different tutor way
beyond the time so that I was able to get the different feedback from the tutor side on the time
whenever requires.
There are variety of different type of methodology which was used by me in the process of
finding out the outcome of the project in the better way. As it was identified that this
methodology has helped me in finding out the outcome and achieving the objective of the project
in the better way in the organization. As Selecting the Qualitative research type has helped me in
understanding the data in the better way as I was having the option of selecting the Quantitative
data as well, these would have eventually helped me in evidencing all the outcome but
Qualitative data has helped me in presenting the data in the better way.

For the purpose of analysing and presenting the data for the viewer in the market thematic
data analysis tool has been used by the me these has helped me in presenting the different data in
the better way in front of the viewer at the same type I was also having the option of selecting the
SPSS as an option as well but I have gone with the Thematic only as SPSS would have given
more specific sort of the answer to me this would have definitely helped me in getting more
accurate outcome but any one mistake in the usage of same would have created good sort of the
issue for the organization in the long run.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Abdel-Raouf, F. and Buhler, P.M., 2020. The Gender Pay Gap: Understanding the Numbers.
Routledge.
Alpi, K.M. and Evans, J.J., 2019. Distinguishing case study as a research method from case
reports as a publication type. Journal of the Medical Library Association:
JMLA. 107(1). p.1.
Amano-Patiño, N., Baron, T. and Xiao, P., 2020. Equilibrium Wage-Setting and the Life-Cycle
Gender Pay Gap.
Banerjee, S., and et.al, 2018. Gender-related challenges facing oncologists: the results of the
ESMO Women for Oncology Committee survey. ESMO open. 3(6). p.e000422.
Beins, B.C., 2017. Research method: A tool for life. Cambridge University Press.
Bishu, S.G. and Alkadry, M.G., 2017. A systematic review of the gender pay gap and factors that
predict it. Administration & Society. 49(1). pp.65-104.
Boll, C. and et.al., 2016. Magnitude and impact factors of the gender pay gap in EU
countries. Report prepared for and financed by the European Commission–Directorate-
General for Justice, European Union (Hrsg.), Hamburg.
Brower, A. and James, A., 2020. Research performance and age explain less than half of the
gender pay gap in New Zealand universities. Plos one. 15(1). p.e0226392.
Brynin, M., 2017. The gender pay gap. Equality and Human Rights Commission Research
Report, (109).
Dugardin, F.A. and Ginglinger, E., 2019. Gender Pay Gap, Labor Unions and Firm
Performance. Labor Unions and Firm Performance (December 20, 2019).
Fortin, N. M., Bell, B. and Böhm, M., 2017. Top earnings inequality and the gender pay gap:
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Gale, B., 2019. Closing the gender pay gap.
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Gender-Pay Gap in Top Management Teams. In Academy of Management
Proceedings (Vol. 2020, No. 1, p. 19066). Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510: Academy of
Management.
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Appendix
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Email:
Q1) Do you have an appropriate recognition about the conceptualisation of equality and diversity
in the term of business?
a. Yes
b. No
Q2) According to your perspective, gender pay gap is termed to be the major issue which is
caused due to non appropriate management of equality and diversity at workplace?
a. Yes
b. No
Q3) Is there any gender pay gap perform in Marks and Spencer?
a. Strongly agreed
b. Agreed
c. Neutral
d. Disagreed
e. Strongly disagreed
Q4) Does company pay equal amount to men and women?
a. Strongly agreed
b. Agreed
c. Neutral
d. Disagreed
e. Strongly disagreed
Q5) As per your view, the issue of gender pay gap influences the productivity and performance
of a business?
a. Yes
b. No
Q6) According to your opinion, what are the major issue of gender pay gap in the context of a

business?
a. Unequal pay
b. Inequality among employees
c. Higher employee turnover
d. Unconscious bias
Q7) As per your view, what obstacles are faced by Marks and Spencer due to the issue of gender
pay gap?
a. Lower productivity
b. Non-inclusive workforce
c. Accuracy of reporting
d. Decreasing employees morale
Q8) From your perspective, in which manner gender pay gap affects the performance of
employees within Marks & Spencer?
a. Positive
b. Negative
c. Neutral
Q9) According to your opinion, what are the major factors that cause gender pay gap at
workplace?
a. Workplace Discrimination
b. Bias in Hiring and pay decision
c. Lack of flexibility
d. Stereotypes
Q10) As per your view, which stakeholder of Marks and Spencer is mainly affected by the issue
of gender pay gap?
a. Shareholders
b. Customers
c. Employees
d. Suppliers
Q11) According to your view, what key actions can be taken by businesses to lower down the
issue of discrimination at workplace?
a. Conduct a Gender Pay Gap Analysis

b. Make Equitable Offers
c. Providing training and creating awareness
d. Effective policy implementation
Q12) From your perspective, Providing training and creating awareness is recognised to be the
best way for Marks and Spencer to reduce the impact of gender pay gap over the performance of
employees?
a. Yes
b. No
Q13) According to you, the management of equality and diversity is effective for the businesses
to prevent gender pay gap?
a. Yes
b. No
Q14) As per your perspective, what are the major benefits that can be gained by Marks and
Spencer via managing the issue of gender pay gap at workplace?
a. Increasing business performance
b. Generating Revenue
c. Employee sustainability
d. Equal employee wage
Q15) Provide best suggestions for Marks and Spencer to improvise their operations and
functional ability to gain growth.