Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: A Case Study of ASDA Plc

This report investigates equality and diversity within the workplace, using ASDA as a case study. The report begins with an introduction defining key concepts such as equality, diversity, and cultural diversity, and outlines the research aim, objectives, and questions. A literature review explores topics such as the importance of equality and diversity, work-life balance, gender equality policies, and strategies for fostering diversity. The methodology section details the research philosophy (Interpretivism), approach (inductive), strategy (survey), and choices (qualitative). Data collection methods, including primary and secondary sources, are described. The data analysis and interpretations section presents findings from both primary and secondary sources. The report concludes with research outcomes, conclusions, recommendations, and a reflection on alternative research methodologies, along with references and an appendix. The report aims to identify the negative effects of workplace discrimination on employee performance and provide recommendations for improvement within ASDA.

Research on Equality and Diversity in the
workplace Reflective report

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
Theoretical concept................................................................................................................4
Reasons for choice of Research Title.....................................................................................4
Brief on the company.............................................................................................................4
Personal motivation for Research Title..................................................................................4
Research Aim.........................................................................................................................5
Research Objectives...............................................................................................................5
Research Questions................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................6
Equality and diversity between the workers of the organization...........................................6
Importance of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and its effects on
performance............................................................................................................................6
Gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda Company..................7
Reasons and ways of developing proper diversity at the workplace......................................7
Effective strategies for developing the diversity and equality in the business.......................7
METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION...........................................................................9
Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................9
Research Approaches.............................................................................................................9
Research strategies.................................................................................................................9
Research choices..................................................................................................................10
Data collection......................................................................................................................10
Sampling...............................................................................................................................10
Time horizon........................................................................................................................11
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS.........................................................................12
On primary basis...................................................................................................................12
On secondary basis...............................................................................................................22
RESEARCH OUTCOMES............................................................................................................24
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................28

Conclusion............................................................................................................................28
Recommendations................................................................................................................28
REFLECTION & RECOMMENDATION OF ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................29
Reflection.............................................................................................................................29
Alternative Research Methodology......................................................................................29
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................32

TITLE: An investigation into Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace-A Case Study Asda
Plc.
INTRODUCTION
Theoretical concept
At workplace, equality and diversity is all about respecting staff of individual age, race,
gender, skills, cultural background and others. Equality is assuring that each one at workplace
has equal opportunity and treated differently. Diversity is related to taking account of differences
among people and the group of people (Abadeer, 2015). Cultural diversity is related to
appreciating that the firm is made up of the several various groups with the various talents and
interests. Phrase of the cultural diversity can have related to having various cultures respect the
differences of each other.
Reasons for choice of Research Title
The research title is related to Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace. The reason
behind choosing this research title is that it helps to an investigator in examining the issues faced
by employees due to the cultural diversity. Other than this, reason to selecting the cultural
diversity title is to assure that everyone at workplace has access same treatment and
opportunities. Managing the cultural diversity helps in developing the positive impact on
reputation of company (Antman, 2015).
Brief on the company
ASDA is British supermarket retailer and its headquarter is in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
This firm was founded in year 1949 when Asquith family merged retail business with Associated
Dairies firm of the Yorkshire. ASDA organisation commissioned Global Diversity Practice at
initial basis for series of the Unconscious Bias Workshops to the up skill the senior leaders on
the Diversity and Inclusion (Baah-Boateng, 2012).
Personal motivation for Research Title
The personal motivation for conducting this research is that it helps in enhance the
personal understanding as well as experience of an investigator. This assist in make improvement
in the research as well as analytical skills. Through conducting the present investigation,
researcher can able to conduct similar kind of investigation in future (Barthelemy, McCormick
and Henderson, 2016).

Research Aim
“To identify negative effects which workplace discrimination have on performance of
employees”. A case study on ASDA.
Research Objectives
 To explore ways of establishing equality and diversity between the workers of the
organization.
 To identify importance of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and
its effects on performance.
 To implement gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda
Company.
 To explore reasons and ways of developing proper diversity at the workplace.
 To recommend some effective strategies for developing the diversity and equality in the
business.
Research Questions
 Barriers using of diversity policy at workplace?
 What are the methods to solve diversity issues at workplace?
 What are the problems which are faced by the employee at workplace?
 Describe the strategies for implementing diversity policy?

LITERATURE REVIEW
Equality and diversity between the workers of the organization
According to viewpoint of Darshana Dutta (2020) Equality and diversity is explained as
promoting the equality related opportunities to all the employees. Diversity is related to
providing every person chance to attain potential and free from the discrimination. It is necessary
for managers to provide the equal opportunities to all the workers within organisation. The equal
opportunity is concerned to understanding that all the workers are treated without the judgement
made on the basis of stereotypes. Understanding as well as appreciating various skill set within
workforce, company has opportunity to be employer of the choice. Providing the equal
opportunities to workers help in motivate them and make improvement in their performance
level. ASDA organisation is mainly committed to maintaining environment that engenders the
Diversity and Inclusion as well as understand that the diversity is not policy (Chen and et. al.,
2013). Other than this, better diversity programme has several beneficial impact on the
employees and company. Staff members can be ensured that they will not discriminated against
at workplace and also they have the equal opportunities for progression and promotion purpose.
The employees can more confident if they will be provided right tools to perform their job in
proper manner.
Importance of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and its effects on
performance
As per viewpoint of Rachel Hill (2018) Maintaining healthy work life balance is not
necessary for relationship and health but this can make improvement in productivity and
performance of staff. Focusing on the work life balance will assist in draw valuable talent pool
for the new hires and enhance retention rates. In context to this, result of poor balance among the
personal life and work life not impact on staff but this affect firm for which they mainly work.
The stress of employees can enhance burnout level, resulting in the less growth at workplace,
absenteeism and stress of health problems. From all this, staff members many experience the
poor co- workers and personal relationship and also minimize job satisfaction (De Marco, 2012).
Maintaining the balance among family life and work life is helpful in minimize stress and this
can prevent the burnout in workplace. With the help of developing working environment that

mainly prioritize the work life balance, managers can save the money as well as maintain
productive and healthier workforce.
Gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda Company
Eric Feigenbaum (2020) stated that Gender equality defined as men and women enjoy
similar opportunity to be realize full rights of human and also contribute potential to enhance the
organisational productivity. This is not legal to engage in the gender discrimination when this
comes to benefits and pay. Wages should be the equal for men and women which performing
equal work under the same working situations in the job needed equal effort, responsibility and
skill. On the other hand, following norms of the modern business and seek best talent, ASDA
have the gender equality policies for the compliance reasons. Key to developing equal workplace
is permitting staff members to have opportunity to take care. It is necessary to provide the
generous policies which staff members feel comfortable. Implementing the gender equality
policy is helpful in developing the positive impact on employee’s performance as well as
profitability of ASDA (Cohn, 2019).
Reasons and ways of developing proper diversity at the workplace
Laura Sands (2020) stated that developing the proper diversity is beneficial for the
business. The reason for developing diversity at workplace is that it helps in greater employee
retention, enhance organisational productivity, greater innovation and others.
On contrary to this, Anja Zojceska (2018) stated that ASDA company use the different
ways to developing the diversity and positive working culture. There are different ways given
below to developing proper diversity at workplace:
Have diverse interview panel- Consisting the diverse people into hiring process will
assist to uncover the unconscious biases and also make improvement in equality principles of
recruitment process.
Reward diverse referrals- Explicitly ask existing staff members to refer the candidates
from the underrepresented groups in firm. Company can provide the additional bonuses and
rewards from suggested diverse candidates (De Paola and Scoppa, 2015).
Effective strategies for developing the diversity and equality in the business
As per opinion of Tom Wells (2020), Workplace inclusion assist the staff members of all
the religions, backgrounds, sexual orientation and ethnicities at workplace. The diverse teams

produce better outcomes and the inclusion to attract as well as sustain best talent. There are
effective strategies given below for developing the diversity and equality in business:
Educate organisation leadership- There are different reason that management and
leadership should attend the inclusion and diversity related workshops. First, this is one of less
diverse work areas, dominated through white males. Second is that leaders can be play important
role in shaping the values of firm.
Gather inclusion feedback regularly- It is necessary for employees to listen to company.
Manager should try to add the feedback on regular basis to know about the working. There is a
need to speak to the community mentors and assure that they have many opportunities to
enhance issues concerned to inclusion. Arrange the session among community and staff
members to assure that they have safe space to share feedback (Delavande and Zafar, 2013).

METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION
Methodology refers to theoretical and systematic analysis of methods applied to area of
study. This comprises theoretical analysis of methods and the principles related with knowledge.
The methodology permits reader to evaluate critically reliability and validity. In this, research
onion was developed through Saunders et al in year 2007 to explain stages by which an
investigator should pass when developing effective methodology (Ge and et. al., 2016).
Basically, this is an extension of research methods tree. Different layers considered in research
onion mention below:
Research Philosophy
This refers to set off the beliefs that concerning nature of reality that is being
investigated. It can different on research objectives and on better way that can used to attain
objectives. Interpretivism and positivism are two main research philosophies.
Justification: There has been Interpretivism research philosophy used as it comes up with
the research questions as well as detailed information which can be examined and evaluated. In
regards to this, common knowledge can be examined by using the Interpretivism.
Research Approaches
It is next layer in research opinion and related to plan that includes steps of the wider
assumptions of detailed data collection methods. Inductive and deductive are two different
research approaches (Kelso and et. al., 2014).
Justification: There has been inductive research approach used as it it fits with
interpretivism research philosophy. It gives comprehension of various understanding about the
managing the cultural diversity. For present investigation, inductive research approach will give
observation which required in forming views for outcomes in order to address research
objectives.
Research strategies
In the present investigation, survey research strategy used. It is an effective way to
collecting information from large cohort. Benefit of survey consists having large population and
better statistical power, ability to collect the more information and also having validated models
availability (Kuhn and Shen, 2013). Collection of data from questionnaire is helpful in providing

the responses of large number of respondents. This research strategy is time saving as well as
cost saving.
Research choices
The research choices refer to techniques, strategies and processes used in gathering
evidence and data for analyse in context to uncover the new information or develop better
understanding of topic. Qualitative and quantitative are two different research choices.
Justification: Qualitative research choice has been used because it provides the non-
numerical information. It is related with gathering as well as examining the non- numerical data.
This can have used to find the averages and pattens, make the predictions and generalise the
outcomes to the wider populations (Offermann and et. al., 2014).
Data collection
It is process of collecting as well as measuring the information and data on the targeted
variable in established system. It enables one to answer the relevant questions and also examine
the outcomes. Primary and secondary are two different methods of data collection. The primary
method is related to collecting the fresh information with the help of using different sources such
as questionnaire, observations, interviews and others. Other than this, in secondary information
data can be collected by using books, articles, internet sources and journals (Perry, Harp and
Oser, 2013).
Justification: In conducting the present information, there has been primary and
secondary both methods used. There has been questionnaire developed on negative effects which
workplace discrimination have on performance of employees. On the other hand, secondary
method has been used in conducting literature review part (Posthuma, Wagstaff and Campion,
2012).
Sampling
For collection of information, there has been random data sampling method used as it is
more effective in providing the equal chance to the chosen respondents. With the help of this
method, there has been 20 respondents of ASDA company selected as they have the
understanding about the working environment and culture of an organisation (Rosenblat and et.
al., 2017).

Time horizon
Activities
Week
1
Week
2
Wee
k 3
Wee
k 4
Wee
k 5 Wee
k 6
Wee
k 7
Week
8
We
ek
9
Understanding of topic, title,
objectives and responsibilities
Reason for choosing research
project
Literature review
Conducting research
Finding & analysing

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Data analysis is explained as cleansing, modeling and transforming the data with aim of
attaining useful information (Saha, 2013). For analysis of the collected data from questionnaire,
there has been thematic analysis techniques used as it is more effective in make the themes,
develop graphs and also make interpretations.
On primary basis
Frequency Table
Q1) Do you have understanding regarding equality and diversity
within organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Q2) How long are you working in ASDA organisation? Frequency
a) 6 to 12 months 10
b) 1 year to 5 years 5
c) 6 years to 12 years 5
Q3) Are you satisfy from the working environment and working
culture of your firm?
Frequency
a) Yes 18
b) No 2
Q4) According to your opinion, does creating equality at workplace
helps in motivate employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Q5) What is the significance of maintaining balance among family life
and work life?
Frequency
a) Creating happiness 5

b) Improving performance 5
c) Reduce stress level 10
Q6) What is the negative impact of workplace discrimination on
performance level of employees?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee motivation 5
b) Enhance employee turnover rate 5
c) Minimize organisational productivity 10
Q7) What are the effective gender equality policy company should be
implemented at workplace?
Frequency
a) Advantage of flexible work hours 12
b) Working remotely 5
c) Fair recruitment practices 3
Q8) According to you, what are the different reasons company have
to developing proper diversity within organisation?
Frequency
a) Greater employee retention 10
b) Enhance organisational productivity 3
c) Greater innovation 7
Q9) What are the various ways company should be adopted to
developing proper diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Have diverse interview panel 6
b) Reward diverse referrals 4
c) Take feedbacks 10
THEME 1: Understanding regarding equality and diversity
Q1) Do you have understanding regarding equality and diversity Frequency

within organisation?
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Interpretation: It has been interpreted from mention graph that there are 15 respondents and
according to them they have the understanding about equality and diversity at workplace while
the 5 respondents not.
THEME 2: Long are you working in ASDA organisation
Q2) How long are you working in ASDA organisation? Frequency
a) 6 to 12 months 10
b) 1 year to 5 years 5
c) 6 years to 12 years 5
a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
5

Interpretation: On the basis of 10 respondents that they are working n company around 6 to 12
months. 5 respondents are agreeing with 1 year to the 5 years. Remaining 5 respondents said that
they are working from 6 years to 12 years.
THEME 3: Satisfy from the working environment and working culture
Q3) Are you satisfy from the working environment and working
culture of your firm?
Frequency
a) Yes 18
b) No 2
a) 6 to 12 months b) 1 year to 5 years c) 6 years to 12 years
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
5 5

Interpretation: There are 18 respondents which stated that they are satisfied from working
culture as well as environment of company. According to them, company develops the positive
working culture so that each employee can work in satisfied manner and also sustain at
workplace for longer time period. Other than this, 2 respondents out of 20 are not agree with the
given statement.
THEME 4: Creating equality at workplace helps in motivate employees
Q4) According to your opinion, does creating equality at workplace
helps in motivate employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
18
2

Interpretation: There are 15 respondents which said that creating equality at workplace helps in
motivate employees. Providing the positive working environment and give the equal job
responsibilities to male and female employees so that they can be motivated and focus on
attaining the set objectives. Other than this, there are remaining 5 respondents and they said that
creating equality at workplace does not help in motivate employees.
THEME 5: Significance of maintaining balance among family life and work life
Q5) What is the significance of maintaining balance among family life
and work life?
Frequency
a) Creating happiness 5
b) Improving performance 5
c) Reduce stress level 10
a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
5

Interpretation: According to opinion of 5 respondents that maintaining the balance between the
work life and family life helps in creating the happiness. According to 5 respondents that
maintaining work life balance assist in improving performance level of business. Through this,
employees are able to work in an effective manner and focus on attaining the set objectives. On
the basis of 10 respondents that maintaining the balance among family life and work life is
helpful in minimize the stress level of employees and from this employee can work effectively.
THEME 6: Negative impact of workplace discrimination on performance level
Q6) What is the negative impact of workplace discrimination on
performance level of employees?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee motivation 5
b) Enhance employee turnover rate 5
c) Minimize organisational productivity 10
a) Creating happiness b) Improving performance c) Reduce stress level
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5 5
10

Interpretation: As per mention graph, it has been stated that there is a negative impact of the
workplace discrimination on employee’s performance level. According to opinion of 5
respondents that discrimination at workplace is helpful in minimize motivation level of
employees. 5 respondents said that the discrimination assists in increase the employee turnover
rate as if manager does not provide the equal treatment to female and male both then they will
leave company. In this manner, the workplace discrimination increase employee turnover. There
are 10 respondents which said that discrimination at workplace reduces organisational
productivity.
THEME 7: Gender equality policy company should be implemented
Q7) What are the effective gender equality policy company should be
implemented at workplace?
Frequency
a) Advantage of flexible work hours 12
b) Working remotely 5
c) Fair recruitment practices 3
a) Reduce employee motivation
b) Enhance employee turnover rate
c) Minimize organisational productivity
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5 5
10

Interpretation: As per mention graph, it has been examined that company should implement the
gender equality policy company should be implemented at workplace. On the basis of 12
respondents that company should provide the benefit about the flexible work hours to employees
so that they can work freely and not feel pressurize. On the basis of 5 respondents that firm
should be work remotely so that employees can focus on the work and achieving set objectives
effectively. On the basis of 3 respondents that at workplace, there should be the fair recruitment
practices because this helps company to reduce the discrimination and gives opportunities to all
employees.
THEME 8: Ways company have to developing proper diversity
Q8) According to you, what are the reasons company have to
developing proper diversity within organisation?
Frequency
a) Greater employee retention 10
b) Enhance organisational productivity 3
c) Greater innovation 7
a) Advantage of flexible work hours
b) Working remotely
c) Fair recruitment practices
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
5
3

Interpretation: As per opinion of 10 respondents that main reason company have about
developing the diversity at workplace is the high employee retention rates. For sustaining the
employees at workplace is helpful for company to enhance its profitability and productivity. 3
respondents said that for increasing the productivity of company, management develop the
diverse working culture. While there are 7 remaining respondents and as per their opinion that if
different background and culture employees work together then they will focus on make
innovation and enhance employees’ performance level.
THEME 9: Company should be adopted to developing proper diversity
Q9) What are the various ways company should be adopted to
developing proper diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Have diverse interview panel 6
b) Reward diverse referrals 4
c) Take feedbacks 10
a) Greater employee retention
b) Enhance organisational productivity
c) Greater innovation
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
3
7

Interpretation: It has been stated from given graph that there are different ways firm need to be
adopted to develop the diversity in an organisation. According to 6 respondents that from the
diverse interview panel, company can develop diversity in workplace. This will help in providing
the equal opportunities to candidates. 4 respondents are agreeing with providing the reward
diverse referrals for motivating the staff members. There are 10 remaining respondents and
according to them management should take the feedbacks from employees.
a) Have diverse interview panel
b) Reward diverse referrals
c) Take feedbacks
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6
4
10

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

RESEARCH OUTCOMES
THEME 1: To explore ways of establishing equality and diversity between the workers of
the organization.
It has been examined from the above mention information in literature review part that
developing the equality and diversity policies help in creating positive working culture and also
motivate the staff members. Equality at workplace is helpful in developing the positive working
relationship and this will be engaged, focused and productive. This mainly enhance performance
level as company is made-up of the diverse staff members and this enhance in productivity level.
From the data analysis, it has been examined that there are some respondents which said that
ways of establishing equality and diversity between the workers of the organization. 10
respondents said that company should take the feedback of employees so that they can be known
about their working satisfaction and the issues they mainly faced. Some other remaining
respondents said that company should develop the effective equality and diversity related
policies.
THEME 2: Importance of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and
its effects on performance
There has been evaluated from literature review that it is important of maintaining
balance between the family life and work life and its effects on performance. Setting the
boundaries to separate work as well as personal life enhance working efficiency and minimize
stress in personal life. These both mean less burnout and more relaxation. For an organisation, it
is helpful in minimize the employee turnover rate while developing reputation as better place to
be work. It has been analysed from the analysis and interpretation part that there is significance
of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and its effects on performance. 5
respondents stated that maintaining the work life and family life is helpful in creating happiness
to employees and they can work effectively. 5 respondents said that it helped in improving
performance level. 10 respondents are agreed with minimize the stress level of employees.
THEME 3: Implement gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda
Company
From the literature review, it has been analysed that gender equality is necessary at
workplace as it is concerned with providing the equal opportunities to men and women
employees. This helps to company in sustain the staff members at workplace and enhance the

organisational productivity. Implementing the gender equality policy at workplace helps in
providing the equal job opportunities and responsibility to female and male at workplace. Other
than this, it has been analysed that there are some respondents which are agreed and said that
implement gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda Company.
THEME 4: Reasons and ways of developing proper diversity at the workplace
There has been analysed that company have the different reasons to develop the diverse
working culture for an instance enhance organisational productivity, greater innovation,
creativity, more employee retention etc. Other than this, there has been studied about the
different ways Have diverse interview panel and Reward diverse referrals. These all provide the
motivation to employees to sustain at workplace. It has been examined from the data analysis
and interpretation that company should develop the diversity at workplace for different reasons.
10 respondents are agreed with the developing the employee relation in better manner.
Developing positive employee relationship helps in enhancing organisational performance as
well as productivity. 3 respondents age agreed with the increasing organisational productivity. 7
respondents out of 30 said that developing diverse workplace results in greater innovation.
THEME 5: Effective strategies for developing the diversity and equality in the business.
It has been analysed that company should use the effective or better strategies for develop
the equality and diversity at workplace environment. It has been examined that strategies are
helpful in enhancing the productivity and profitability at workplace. 6 respondents stated that
company should have the diverse interview panel so that chances of bias can be reduced. 4
respondents have been stated that company should provide the reward to diverse referrals.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
It has been concluded from above mention report that creating the equality and diverse
working environment is necessary for the business to sustain staff and develop positive working
environment. This helps the company to enhance the organisational profitability. The aim of
present investigation is to identify negative effects which workplace discrimination have on
performance of employees. The workplace discrimination arises many issues at workplace and
also develop the negative working culture. There has been literature review conducted by
consisting different sources such as books, articles, journals, internet sources, scholars and
others. Managing the work- life and family- life balance has been discussed effectively. There
has been studied about the different strategies which help company to develop the diverse
working culture. Research methodology is one of the main part of an investigation as there has
been research onion used by consisting different layers. There has been interpretivism research
philosophy, inductive research approach, qualitative research method used. For collection of
information, there has been primary and secondary both methods of data collection used. For
collection of information, random sampling method has been used as it reduces the biasness.
Recommendations
The present investigation is related to identify negative effects which workplace
discrimination have on performance of employees. It is necessary for company to provide the
diversity training to all staff members so that they can understand the diversity in a better
manner. With the help of this, employees can understand each other and also work together for
attaining common objectives. Manager should take the feedback from employee about the
working environment. Other than this, developing the positive working culture is necessary for
the company as this assists in motivating the staff members and also sustain them for longer time
period. Company should be educating the leadership through attending the workshops. Firm can
celebrate diverse nature of team. The cultural activities should be conducted so that each member
from diverse background can able to interact with each other effectively.

REFLECTION & RECOMMENDATION OF ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Reflection
The current research is concerned to identify negative effects which workplace
discrimination have on performance of employees. I feel better to conduct the present
investigation because this helped me in enhance my knowledge and improve skills and abilities
also. I conducted the literature review part by consisting different sources like books, articles,
scholars and others. I attaining all the research objectives in literature review to reduce the
research gap. In the research methodology part, I used the interpretivism research philosophy as
this provides the relevant and detailed information regarding the specific subject area. Inductive
research approach has been used as this provides the detailed explanation and analysis related to
the workplace discrimination and impact on employee performance. I used the primary and
secondary both method of data collection. In the primary method, questionnaire has been
developed by consisting different questions on particular subject area. The secondary method of
data collection has been used for doing the literature review. For analysis of collected data, I
used the thematic analysis in which I developed the themes on the basis of questions involved in
questionnaire, create graphs and also make interpretations.
Alternative Research Methodology
In this present research, questionnaire has been developed. The questionnaire developed
on the basis of negative effects which workplace discrimination have on performance of
employees. The main reason behind using this method is that it is time saving and the cost saving
technique. With the help of using this method, researcher can able to collect the more
information from large number of respondents. Other than this, there could be interview as the
alternative research methodology used. There has been interaction among the interviewer and
interviewee. The interviewer observes the response of interviewee. This method has not been
used in this research because it is more time taking and costly than the questionnaire.

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Offermann, L. R. and et. al., 2014. See no evil: Color blindness and perceptions of subtle racial
discrimination in the workplace. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
20(4). p.499.
Perry, B. L., Harp, K. L. and Oser, C. B., 2013. Racial and gender discrimination in the stress
process: Implications for African American women's health and well-being.
Sociological Perspectives. 56(1). pp.25-48.
Posthuma, R. A., Wagstaff, M. F. and Campion, M. A., 2012. 16 age stereotypes and workplace
age discrimination. The Oxford handbook of work and aging. p.298.
Rosenblat, A. and et. al., 2017. Discriminating tastes: Uber's customer ratings as vehicles for
workplace discrimination. Policy & Internet. 9(3). pp.256-279.
Saha, A., 2013. An assessment of gender discrimination in household expenditure on education
in India. Oxford Development Studies.41(2).pp.220-238.
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Darshana, D., 2020. Understanding and Driving Equality in the Workplace. [Online]. Available
through: <https://blog.vantagecircle.com/understanding-equality-in-the-workplace/>.
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<https://smallbusiness.chron.com/gender-equality-policies-2864.html>.
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<https://hirehive.com/work-life-balance-importance/>.

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through: <https://www.breathehr.com/blog/topic/business-leadership/reasons-you-
should-embrace-a-diverse-workforce>.
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<https://blog.talaera.com/strategies-diversity-inclusion-workplace>.
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through: <https://www.talentlyft.com/en/blog/article/246/how-to-build-manage-and-
promote-workplace-diversity>.

APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
Q1) Do you have understanding regarding equality and diversity within organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) How long are you working in ASDA organisation?
a) 6 to 12 months
b) 1 year to 5 years
c) 6 years to 12 years
Q3) Are you satisfy from the working environment and working culture of your firm?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) According to your opinion, does creating equality at workplace helps in motivate
employees?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What is the significance of maintaining balance among family life and work life?
a) Creating happiness
b) Improving performance
c) Reduce stress level
Q6) What is the negative impact of workplace discrimination on performance level of
employees?
a) Reduce employee motivation
b) Enhance employee turnover rate
c) Minimize organisational productivity
Q7) What are the effective gender equality policy company should be implemented at
workplace?
a) Advantage of flexible work hours
b) Working remotely

c) Fair recruitment practices
Q8) According to you, what are the different reasons company have to developing proper
diversity within organisation?
a) Greater employee retention
b) Enhance organisational productivity
c) Greater innovation
Q9) What are the various ways company should be adopted to developing proper diversity
at workplace?
a) Have diverse interview panel
b) Reward diverse referrals
c) Take feedbacks
Q10) Suggest strategies for developing diversity and equality in business.
Research Proposal Form
Proposed Title: An investigation into Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace-A Case Study Asda
Plc
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title: Managing Equality and Cultural Diversity in the workplace at Asda.
Aim:
“To identify negative effects which workplace discrimination have on performance of
employees”. A case study on ASDA.
Research Objectives
 To explore ways of establishing equality and diversity between the workers of the organization.
 To identify importance of maintaining balance between the family life and work life and its
effects on performance.
 To implement gender equality policy at workplace and their effectiveness on Asda Company.

 To explore reasons and ways of developing proper diversity at the workplace.
 To recommend some effective strategies for developing the diversity and equality in the business.
Responsibility
 Employees should not discriminate the employees against their religion.
 Developing the equal opportunities for employees.
 Company should treat the employees with dignity and respect.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project
The importance behind choosing this subject is to ensure about everyone that has access to the same fair
treatment as well as opportunities. If Asda company actively promote the diversity and equality at the
workplace so the business will thrive and background of all people can come together for achieving the
success of the business.
This project is also helpful for the company to focus on the other subjects for making the process of the
business run smooth. This could be depended on the issues of communication, hostility, many opinions,
challenges of diversity implementation and also retain the bad talents. The personal interest for studying
this topic is to make aware the individuals for varying religion, gender, age, race, sexual orientation,
education as well as ethnicity. The future plan for studying this subject is to make the activities of
company smooth without creating any kind of conflicts in the organization. For managing the diversity
at workplace individuals should focus on preventing and identify the unconscious bias, put equality
policies at workplace, mind the language, use the criteria of objects and proactive skills.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
Literature review
According to Vickers (2016), equality and diversity defines as promoting the equal opportunities for all
employees through the diversity and giving chance to each individual for achieving their potential targets.
The diversity and quality policy should be free from discrimination as well as prejudice of equality and
diversity. The equality and diversity policy is also affected by many types of workplace discrimination.
Age Discrimination involves the treating of the employees or applicant less favorably because of their
age. This kind of discrimination increases the challenges of the business to grow in the company. Gender
Discrimination at workplace occurs whenever the individuals of Asda company are treated as differently
and affect the anything from the decision of hiring promotions. Sexual harassment is known as the form
of gender discrimination that covered the find law of sexual harassment section. Religious
discrimination is related with the employment where employees differentiate in an organization because
of their belief, practices, religion.
As per Khaitan (2015), for better know this policy there are many theories and model available.
Cognitive Theory is beneficial for Asda company to know about the behavior of the employees. This
theory diversity has been defines as the differences in information and perspectives of the processing
styles. It is not predicted by the factors like ethnicity, gender and age. Organizational Culture Theory
emphasizes that culture is the set of the values ofgroup of people and organization. The culturally diverse

workers have different thoughts, opinions, norms, belief, values, customers, tradition as well as trends.
According to Ayón (2015), there are many factors which are related with the culture discrimination at
workplace. It includes race, age, gender, national origin, marital status, disability or religion. These
factors also create the many problems related with problem of language, problem of quality and the
problem of targeting the different groups in different ways. According to the research on Asda company it
shows that experiencing of the workplace discrimination as well as stress resulting from discrimination
are related with negative organization cultureand outcomes of employees. This includes low satisfaction
of job, commitment of organizational, reducing the performance of job, decreasing in the employees
helping behavior and increased the employee’s turnover.
In the opinion of Halim and Riding (2018), for mitigating the changes of workplace diversity and
equality. Asda company should focus on these points such as create the diverse workplace, provide the
inclusion and diversity training to employees, have the policy of anti-discrimination at the workplace,
build the effective team, build the strong communication between employees and encourage the
interaction level of employees.
Gap in Literature
There are many issues that have been faced during the literature review. The limitation of this research is
it hard to collect all information from the articles and books.
Research questions:
Barriers using of diversity policy at workplace?
1. What are the methods to solve diversity issues at workplace?
2. What are the problems which are faced by the employee at workplace?
3. Describe the strategies for implementing diversity policy?
Summary
The main conclusion of the research is to reach on the ultimate goals of research on diversityand equality
policy at workplace. In this research it provided the information about how Asda company should adopt
many strategies and planning to manage its diversity and equalitypolicy at workplace. For this purpose
the research report is indicated that company should focus on overcoming the barriers of organization
culture and traditions to establish the diversity at workplace. The project management plan schedule with
managing the diversity policy in an organization is given in below ( See appendix).
Section Four: Conducting research
Finding research methodology
The entire data which has been collected through observation of business
would connect with the customers, clients, and other group of people as well as
employees.
Primary research:
The data is collected by the researchers on his own is known as the primary
How long this will take:
two-months

research. This research has been conducting through survey and interviews.
There are several activities which will be performed by researcher in order to
gather relevant information and accomplishing goals such as: understanding
the topic, developing main aim and objectives on which basis they have to
perform further functions. After that researcher identifies the main reason of
selecting topic as to which extent it can help compnies, students and others.
After identifying reason, researcher will conduct literature and from different
views of authors, it gathers all information’s related to ivjectives and then
conduct research.
Secondary research: The data which is collected from the other sources like
books, journals, articles and other is called the secondary research. In this part
the data has been collected from office records as well as internet.
Sampling method
The random sampling methods will be applied in this research where the
primary data used in the data collection method. This sampling method will be
done among 20 employees of Asda company. Further for knowing the
perspectives of the employees on managing process of equality and diversity
the quantitative data also will be used.
Milestone one: Completion of comprehensive Literature Review & Research Methodology
Target date (set by tutor): Tues, 12th Oct 2020
Milestone two: Data Collection Analysis and Results of Findings
Target date (set by tutor):Tues, 20th Dec 2020
Milestone Three: Evaluation and Recommendation
Target Date: Tues, 25th Dec 2020
Gantt chart
Activities Week
1 Week 2
Wee
k 3
Wee
k 4
Wee
k 5
Wee
k 6
Week
7
Week
8
Understanding of topic, title,

objectives and responsibilities
Reason for choosing research
project
Literature review
Conducting research
Finding & analysing
Gantt chart
The Gantt chart provided the information about how the company managing the diversity policy at
workplace by setting the business aim and objectives. This is known as the set of schedules and
guidelines of the organization work:
Action plan
Activities Starting date Ending date Duration (in weeks)
Understanding of
topic, title, objectives
and responsibilities
12th October 2020 20 October 2020 1
Reason for choosing
research project
21 October 2020 28 October 2020 1
Literature review 29 October 2020 19 November 2020 3
Conducting research 20 November 2020 4 December 2020 2
Finding & analysing 5 December 2020 19 December 2020 2

Section Five: Finding and analysis
Research philosophy: Research philosophy is a belief about ways in which data about
phenomenon needs to be collected, analyzed and used. It is being mainly divided into 2 types
such as positivism and interpretivism. In positivism, researcher believes that reality is stable
and can be identified by observing objects. But it involves and requires manipulation of
reality with variation in only independent variable. On the other hand, in interpretivism¸
researcher believes that by focusing on subjective interpretation of intervention, reality can
be understood. It takes human interties into consideration and allow researcher in knowing
as what people think and why they think so. For this research, researcher will focus on
interpretivism.
Research approaches
A detailed research is done on the topic that helps researcher in understanding different
functions that are related to the research and can helps in accomplishing goals. There are
some approaches and theories which can help researcher in meeting their objectives by
gathering relevant information as how discrimination affects performance of employees and
others. Selection of research approaches mainly depends upon the research type as whether
it is qualitative and quantitative. It mainly shows a form in which researcher gather
information either in numerical form or in non numerical. For this research, scholar will focus
on gathering data relevant to workplace discrimination by making use of questionnaire,
interviews and observation.
Research strategy: Research strategy is a systematic plan of actions which give direction to
researcher as what they need to do for accomplishing goals. Qualitative and quantitative are
2 researcher strategies which show form in which data are being gathered by researcher. In
qualitative research strategy, scholar collects non numerical data and in quantitative research
strategy they gather numerical data. For this study, researcher will focus on collecting data in
non numerical or words form.
Time horizon: It defines time layer in research. In this element, researcher needs to estimate
time in which they can gather all information and collecting all data at specific point of time
makes them able to complete the whole study in a timely manner. For this researcher, there
will be requirement of 9 weeks.
Data collection: It is one of the important elements of research methodology which helps researcher
in accomplishing goals. There are two types of data collection such as primary and secondary. In
primary data collection, researcher gathers brand new data and in secondary data collection they
gather second hand data. Some source of primary data collection include: questionnaire, survey and
interview. Internet, books and journals are some sources of secondary data, For this researcher will
focus on both type of data collection.
Data analysis: For making research study successful there is requirement of having analysed and
accurate data because accurate data help researcher in making better decision. There are 2 data
analysis tools which helps them out in analyzing both numerical and non numerical data. For analyzing
or making data accurate to non numerical data, researcher has to use qualitative data analysis tools.
For analyzing numerical data they use quantitative data analysis tools. For this researcher will use
qualitative data analysis tool.

Research limitation: Completing research is not an easy task as scholar has to follow all
elements in a systematic manner. There are some factors which can create some problems.
Some research limitation or factors created problem in completion of research include: lack
of financial resources and lack of technical staff.
Summarizing primary research data
In this research the primary research data has been collected through self. This could be depended on
the observations, interview, surveys and ethnographic research.
Analysis of finding
The research found that the primary concern of Asda company is to focus on the equality
establishment between the workers. For doing this Asda company focuses on promoting the diversity
and equality areas in recruitment and working environment. This will helpful for the employees to
understand that what the expectations of the organization from the employees are like treat their
colleagues and clients with respect and dignity.
Discussion the findings
The main concern of Asda companyis to focus on many areas like gender diverse workforce, equality
establishment, strike the balance between family and work life and etc.
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: Elena Nicoleta Busoi Date 04.10.2020
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: Agree (Name of the IV) Date
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: An investigation into Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace-A Case Study Asda
Plc
Student name: Elena Nicoleta Busoi
Student ID number: HE07365
Programme: Research Proposal
College Name: Regent College Wembley
Intended research start date: 12-10-20
Intended research end date: 20-12-20
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?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Through random sampling method for survey and purposive sampling for interview
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Send the electronic mail about the research study and its purpose of conducting it
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?
Electronic mail
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?
During the research: Researcher
Where will the data be stored? Personal computer
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Personal computer
Where will the data be stored?
Personal computer
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Till the project completion and it will be stored in the softcopy format
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 :
 Informedconsent.
 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
Name: Elena Nicoleta Busoi Date: 04.10.2020