Analyzing Communication Challenges in Diverse Organizations: M&S

This report analyzes the challenges of managing cultural diversity within organizations, focusing on Marks & Spencer as a case study. The study investigates the impact of cultural diversity on workplace communication, exploring issues faced by management in maintaining effective communication. The research employs a quantitative methodology, utilizing primary and secondary sources, including questionnaires and literature reviews, to examine the concept of cultural diversity, identify management challenges, and assess the impact of communication on promoting diversity. The report examines the importance of recognizing and accepting individual differences, explores the challenges that arise from cultural diversity, and emphasizes the role of effective communication in fostering a cohesive and productive work environment. The study aims to provide recommendations for improving communication strategies and managing diversity within the organization. The report covers introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings and analysis, discussion, conclusion, recommendations, and reflection, providing a comprehensive overview of the issues and potential solutions.

Research Project

Abstract
The present study aim to analyse the issues faced by management in maintaining
effective communication due to diversity in the organisation. Therefore, it is a wide investigation
area which is effective in exploring the idea and knowledge base in regards to the chosen study
area. In this overall study is being executed over Marks & Spencer as it is a large multinational
firm on which study execution is easy as the firm is operating at global level and be concern over
resolving the issues that affects the management of equality and diversity. Therefore, culture
diversity is a major issue and for a multinational corporation managing diversity is essential to
effectively operate at international level and fulfil the desires of buyers. In the present
exploration work, quantitative research is recognised to be the selected methodology as it is
efficacious in conducting detailed evaluation with the support of accurate facts and figures. In
addition to this, in this existing evaluation both primary and secondary sources are applied to
assist the overall work in right manner. Primary investigation executed via the support of
developing questionnaire as it is efficacious in gathering information that are reliable for a
particular analysis. On the other side, secondary sources like books, journals, articles etc. are
significant in developing literature to enhance understanding over a specified area. Furthermore,
the study leads towards reaching at the outcome in which issues related with culture diversity are
analysed and how these are needs to be addressed via the help of implementing appropriate
strategies and methods. At the end recommendation are provided to make changes in the
operations that are required for a business to gain growth.

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Title:.................................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2: Literature Review...........................................................................................................4
Chapter 3: Research Methodology...................................................................................................8
Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis..................................................................................................15
Section 5: Discussion.....................................................................................................................24
Chapter 6: Conclusion....................................................................................................................25
Chapter 7: Recommendation..........................................................................................................26
Chapter 8: Reflection.....................................................................................................................27
References......................................................................................................................................29
Appendix........................................................................................................................................32

Title:
“Managing cultural diversity in the workplace”.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview of the Research
Work place diversity is defined as the variety of differences among individual in an
organisation which encompasses over gender, race, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive
style, tenure, business operations, education, background and other. In addition to this, diversity
is refers as the set of conscious practices which include an appropriate understanding and
appreciating interdependence of humanity, culture and the natural environment (Noe and et. al.,
2017). Culture diversity has developed the issue of communication, therefore, people from
different culture and religion affects the communication process of business. In the resent
investigation work Marks & Spencer is the chosen organisation, thus it is a large British
multinational retailer firm. This present study aim to cover the issues faced by management in
maintaining effective communication due to diversity in the organisation. Therefore, in this aim
and objectives are created to support the work in right manner. Literature review is effective in
developing a detailed theoretical evaluation which is appropriate in developing the understanding
of the researcher in regarding to the chosen subject area (Pemsel and Wiewiora, 2013). In
addition to this, methodological support helps the investigator in systematic arrangement of
investigation actions in appropriate manner. Data analysis is effective in analysing the
accumulated information to reaching at the potential outcome. At the end of the research,
conclusion and recommendation has been made over the findings of the research.
Background of the Research
Diversity can mainly be refers as recognising, understanding and accepting people
differences irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, class, physical ability. In the modern
business environment, the key purpose of businesses is to attaining higher growth and success at
market place via the expansion of business, therefore, diversified culture have both positive and
negative influence over the operations of the firm (Marquardt, 2011). Communication is
recognised as the key aspect which is mainly affected by the diversity at work place. Marks and
Spencer group plc is a wide British international retailer firm, with its headquarter is in
Westminster, London, the specialises of the firm is in selling high quality clothings, home
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products and food products. It is a large public limited company, which is founded in the year of
1884 by the potential efforts of Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. The headquarter of the firm
is in Waterside House, 35 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London, United Kingdom. The
company is having around 80,787 employees, who are contributing their significant efforts in the
growth and success of the business. Therefore, the company is concern over managing culture
diversity in respect to enhancing the overall operations and functions of the firm (Fowler, 2013).
Rationale of the Research
The investigation into consideration is based on identifying the issues faced by the
management in maintaining effective communication due to diversity in an organisation. This is
a wide area of investigation which is effective in providing a detailed academic support to the
researcher to assist their knowledge in right direction to gain benefits in their future perspective
(Holmes and Stubbe, 2015). The present study area is effective in exploring the idea and
knowledge base of an individual learner or researcher related with the chosen subject area,
therefore, this is beneficial in developing the personal and professional ability of an individual
which could be effective for them in attaining growth and success. The another reason for
conducting the research is the personal interest of the researcher, therefore, this personally
professional helps them in attaining growth in future perspectives.
Research Aim
To examine the issues faced by management in maintaining effective communication due
to diversity in the organisation. A case study on Marks & Spencer.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concept of cultural diversity in the context of an organisation.
 To explore recognition about the issues faces by the management due to the emergence of
cultural diversity at workplace. To articulate the potential impact managing communication for promoting diversity at
workplace. To critically identify the approaches of communication that can help management of
Marks and Spencer in maintaining diversity at workplace.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of cultural diversity in the context of an organisation?
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 What major issues are faces by the management due to the emergence of cultural
diversity at workplace?
 Which kind of impact does communication has over promoting diversity at wokrplace?
 What approaches of communication can help management of Marks and Spencer in
maintaining diversified workforce?
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Chapter 2: Literature Review
This refers as the most important part of an exploration which is effective in developing
the understanding of the learner and researcher towards a specified area of work., Therefore, this
is effective in developing an in-depth analysis which would be efficacious in assisting the overall
work in right direction to reaching at the potential outcome. This section of investigation is
consist over secondary sources, i.e. books, journals, published research articles etc. therefore,
these are suitable in providing valuable information to develop an appropriate discussion over
the chosen subject area.
The concept of cultural diversity in the context of an organisation.
As per the views expressed by Kimberly Amadeo, 2019, cultural diversity is arises when
population differences are effectively represented within a community. These mainly involves
ethnicity, race, ability, language, age, nationality, status, gender, sexual orientation etc. In the
context of an organisation, culture diversity has become a major issue as it is a direct result of
values, tradition, practices or belief of individual that are based on age, race, gender, religion and
so on. In the contemporary business world, workforces are made up of a diverse population of
employees from assorted part of the globe, therefore, it is effective in developing multicultural
and dynamic multiracial business (Leonardi, Huysman and Steinfield, 2013). As per the views
analysis of Jennifer Lombardo, 2018, Culture diversity has positive and negative impact over the
operations of the firm. Thus this is effectual in strengthen the workforce of the firm which create
value in expansion of business at wide level, but on the other hand culture diversity has direct
influence over the communication of the firm, therefore, differences are arises among the
employees due to non effective management of communication (Schermerhorn Jr and et. al.,
2019). However, communication is a key aspect of business which is significantly affects by
diversity at workplace. It is very hard for the organisation and its management to avoid different
cultures come together in a workplace environment, so it is important for the management of the
firm to manage diversified culture in respect to suitably assist the organisational activities in
effective manner.
The issues faces by the management due to the emergence of cultural diversity at workplace.
Management is defined to be the most imperative aspect of a business as the operations
of the business are effectively managed by the management for the intention of enhancing the
operations at wider level. Therefore, cultural diversity is recognised as the key aspect which is
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widely considered and managed by the management for promoting effective working
environment. Donatus L. Amaram has stated that, Cultural diversity has been defined as “the
representation within one social system, of individual with distinctly assorted group affiliations
of cultural significance. Therefore, diversity also defined that each individual is unique and
considering the individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity,
gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs,
political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive,
and fostering environment. Stephen Migiro, 2010, has stated that, diversity is about
understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the
rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. However, the businesses and its
management are facing assorted challenges due to emergence of diversity at workplace, thus
improper Communication, resistance to change, ethnic and culture difference, gender inequality,
execution of workplace policies, cultural collaboration and so on. According to hthe opinion
analysis of Harold Andrew Patrick, Vincent Raj Kumar, 2012,, these are the key challenges
which influence the operations of management effectively. In addition to this collaboration and
coordination of employee working is also a major challenge which is arises due to inappropriate
management of diversity at workplace. These potential issues can be measures through
evaluating the performance graph of the firm as it is important for the businesses to manage
diversity at work place in respect to effective execution of organisational operations with the
support of collaborative employees working.
The potential impact of managing communication for promoting diversity at workplace.
Management of communication is the primary consideration of each size of business to
managing the entire working process through implementing an effective connection among the
employees. Ephraim A. Okoro and Melvin C. Washington, 2012, has stated that, the workforce
becomes gradually more global and increasingly more culturally diverse, therefore, individual in
organizations are basically challenged to communicate more effectively interpersonally,
intercultural, and in groups. However, managing communication has direct impact over
promoting diversity at workplace, thus Communication is indeed an imperative tool that
performs an effective role in binding employees together. Therefore, communication plays a
crucial part in violation of the ice in between of employees that are efficacious in bringing them
closer to each other and thus managing organizational diversity. Along with this, a person may
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belong to any culture, religion or community, but it is their power to communicate with others,
which aid them to know about their co-employees. However, it is essential for the people to talk
and share their experiences. Unless and until, they do so, they would never be able to enjoy their
work and treat it as a key source of burden. In the context of business, the suitable assessment of
communication is required for the business to attain growth and success, thus communication
helps the business in managing diversity and inclusion at workplace to attain growth and success.
In today's modern business environment, workforces are made up of different type of
individual's, therefore, people from different culture are indulged in the operations of the firm
and are requires to be managed by the management of the firm in respect to assisting
organisational activities in right manner. However, Marks and Spencer is a large multinational
corporation which is effectively concern over managing communication as the business has
operated at international level and has employees from diverse areas involving different culture,
race, gender, religion and so on, thus communication helps the business in establishing suitable
coordination and collaboration among employees which helps in guiding the entire business
processes effectively.
The approaches of communication that can help management of Marks and Spencer in
maintaining diversity at workplace.
According to the views expressed by Anton Vdovin, 2017, Globalization has brought about
more diversity in the working environment. This has aid to the challenge of making sure that the
communication tools and techniques being implemented and tapped into are imperative even if
the workforce is made up of staff members through diverse backgrounds. In the context of
business, communication and diversity management are the key aspect which is interconnected
with each other to improvise the operations and progression of the business. Marks and Spencer
is a large corporation which has its operation at global level, therefore, the primary obligation of
the business is to attain higher growth and success via managing diversity at workplace, thus
diverse workforce helps the business in managing suitability of customers demand and also
improvises the operations via enhancing productivity. However, as a large multinational
corporation, Marks and Spencer is concern over implementing suitable approaches of
communication for promoting diversity at workplace, thus, Avoid stereotypes, Individualize your
approach, Listen and learn, Provide training and support, prioritize communication, Encourage
open communication, Avoid jargon and slang, Assign mentors, suitable training and so on are
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the key approaches of communication which widely implemented by the management of Marks
and Spencer in assessing diversity at workplace to attain higher progression. As per the views
expressed by Zach Lazzari, 2019, businesses needs to develop open communication where
individual can express their feeling and attain positive response which helps the business in
achieving higher growth and success. The management of Marks and Spencer is concern over
implementing effective communication approaches in respect to building effective
communication at work place to maintain diversified workforces. Therefore, Marks & Spencer is
operating at global level and having employees from diverse areas so it is important for the
management of the firm to manage communication at work place.
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Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction
Research methodology is termed to be the most important area of an investigation as it is
effective in providing suitable assistance to the investigator to guide the whole work in right
manner to drawn valid and reliable results. Therefore, Costley, C., Elliott, G. & Gibbs, P. (2010),
states that, the work base learning and practitioners research has growing very fast and facing a
lot issue and for better handling of the issues faced by insider investigators, learner, practicing,
managers are implementing research over an organisation, community, region in which they
themselves work and they are already family with. However, this states that an investigation is
mainly executed to resolve issue of business, community, region and so on, and for this better
selection of ethics, applications are required by the investigator to assist the work in
approachable manner to generate results (Daim and et. al., 2012). Therefore, the chosen study is
based a management research in which issues faced by management in maintaining effective
communication due to diversity in the organisation, is being analysed through making suitable
selection of methodologies.
Research Philosophy:
This defined to be the another imperative aspect of research methodology, therefore,
Mark NK Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill and Alex Bristow, (2019), stated that,
research philosophy is defined as the system of beliefs and assumptions in regards to the
development of knowledge. Thus the philosophical selection is based on different aspects i.e.
positivism, Interpretivism, critical realism, Postmodernism, pragmatism and so on. For
undertaking the present research based on analysing the issues faced by management in
maintaining effective communication due to diversity in the organisation, Interpretivism
philosophy has been applied by the researcher because it is an effective management research
and Interpretivism philosophy entails that humans are different from physical phenomena
because they create different meaning and for this study information is mainly accumulated is the
views evaluation of people. Thus, another motive of selecting Interpretivism philosophy is that it
is effective in creating richer understanding and interpretations of business phenomenon (Berry,
2011). The key merit of Interpretivism philosophy is that, it is effective in providing detailed
analysis over the qualitative research and helps in exploring detailed understanding of individual
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