Employee Retention: The Impact of Racial Discrimination at Tesco

This research project investigates the influence of racial discrimination on employee retention within Tesco. The report includes an executive summary, methodology, results, and findings derived from a survey of Tesco managers. Key objectives include identifying the importance of employee retention, determining the challenges of racial discrimination in the workplace, and ascertaining the relationship between discrimination and employee retention. The methodology employs a positivism philosophy with a deductive approach, utilizing a case study strategy and a quantitative data analysis method. Findings reveal a negative impact of racial discrimination on employee retention, affecting employee performance and organizational productivity. The study concludes that diversity training, awareness programs, and adherence to the Equality Act 2010 are vital for eliminating discrimination and improving employee morale and retention at Tesco. Recommendations suggest fostering an inclusive environment to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.

Research Project

Contents
Executive summary.............................................................................................................................3
Methodology........................................................................................................................................4
Results and Findings...........................................................................................................................5
Discussion...........................................................................................................................................16
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................18
Recommendations..............................................................................................................................19
Reflection............................................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................21

Title: The impact of racial discrimination on the employee retention.
Executive summary
Employee retention can be termed as the efforts made by a business organisation to
provide an environment which encourages the employees to remain associated with the
company and don’t actively seek any other employment opportunity. Employee retention is
vital for maintaining goodwill and reducing the cost incurred in frequent employee training
and development programs by a business organisation. In the following report, effect of
discrimination within the teams which exists due to globalisations and diverse team structures
on employee retention is being determined with the help of information collected using
primary and secondary research method for TESCO Ltd. It has been concluded that
discrimination has a negative impact on the employee retention and reduces the motivation
and morale of the workforce. At last, it has been concluded that with the help of providing
diversity training and monitoring any discrimination within the organisation, the management
of TESCO Ltd. can eliminate the adverse effects of discrimination on employee retention and
improve the goodwill of the company.
Research aim
“To investigate about the influence of racial discrimination over the employee retention
within an organization”. A study on TESCO plc.
Research objectives
 To identify the importance of employee retention for an organization.
 To determine the challenges that racial discrimination brings within the workplace of
TESCO.
 To ascertain the relationship between racial discrimination and affecting employee
retention within TESCO plc.
Research questions
 What is the importance of employee retention for an organization?
 What challenges does that racial discrimination brings within the workplace of TESCO?
 What is the relationship between racial discrimination and affecting employee retention
within TESCO plc.?

Methodology
Research Methodology can be defined as the section of a report which provides vital
information about the different types of tools, techniques and methods which have been used
by the researcher to obtain, gather, present, arrange and analyse useful and relevant
information and draw conclusions and interpretations to accomplish research objectives
(Stoermer, Hitotsuyanagi-Hansel and Froese, 2019). In order to achieve research objectives
under this report, onion framework of research will be implemented which comprises of
different layers that are essential to ensure effective and efficient execution of research in a
systematic manner. The different layers are being explained as follows:
Research Philosophy: In the following report, a positivism philosophy for research is
being considered as it helps in deriving scientific and logical conclusions to determine the
manner in which society operates.
Research Approaches: Inductive and deductive are the two primary approaches under a
research study. In the following research, deductive approach is being followed as it assists in
better analysis of the quantified data.
Research Strategy: It includes the comprehensive manner in which activities under a
research are carried out. For the following research report, experimental and case study
including active research strategy will be used. With the help of these strategies, a survey will
be conducted based on a questionnaire for obtaining information and collecting data.
Research Choice: In the following report, quantitative method of data analysis will be
used which is more effective in presenting the entire information in numerical facts and
figures which also improves the accuracy of conclusions and interpretations based on the data
analysis.
Time Horizon: In the following report, cross-sectional type of time horizon will be
followed as it helps in execution of research study within the time period or duration of time
decided during the initial phase.
Sources of Data Collection: Among the primary and secondary methods of collecting
information and data, secondary method of data and information collection will be used in the
form of books, articles and journals to gather relevant information and improve the research
quality (Jackson and Jackson, 2019). Primary method of data collection will also be used in
the form of a survey conducted through a questionnaire based on sampling method where

respondents are chosen on a probability basis to give equal opportunity for each person to be
selected. In this report, survey is being conducted on the 10 managers of TESCO Ltd.

Results and Findings
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have any idea about racial discrimination?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Does employee retention is important for business organization?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) What are the importance of employee retention for Tesco?
a) Increase morale
b) Reduce employee turnover
c) Greater productivity
Q4) Does racial discrimination may affect employee performance at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What are the major challenges that racial discrimination brings at working area
of Tesco?
a) Reduce employee performance
b) Arise conflicts
c) Reduce organizational productivity
Q6) In which manner racial discrimination impact on employee retention?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q7) What are the ways company adopted to remove racial discrimination from
workplace?
a) Spread awareness
b) Implement Equality act 2010
c) Encourage employees
Q8) What benefits Tesco can acquire after removing the racial discrimination from
working environment?
a) Improve employee improvement
b) Motivate workers
c) Reduce conflicts among workers
Q9) What are the effective ways by which Tesco can retain workers for longer period

of time?
a) Rewards
b) Training and development
c) Provide proper guidance
Q10) Is Equality Act 2010 is effective for eliminating racial discrimination at working
area?
a) Yes
b) No
Q11) Suggested the ways by which company can enhance their employee retention at
working area without any kind of discrimination.
Data Sheet
Q1) Do you have any idea about racial discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 6
b) No 4
Q2) Does employee retention is important for business
organization?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 3
Q3) What are the importance of employee retention for Tesco? Frequency
a) Increase morale 4
b) Reduce employee turnover 3
c) Greater productivity 3
Q4) Does racial discrimination may affect employee
performance at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Q5) What are the major challenges that racial discrimination
brings at working area of Tesco?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee performance 4
b) Arise conflicts 4
c) Reduce organizational productivity 2
Q6) In which manner racial discrimination impact on Frequency

employee retention?
a) Positive 3
b) Negative 7
Q7) What are the ways company adopted to remove racial
discrimination from workplace?
Frequency
a) Spread awareness 5
b) Implement Equality act 2010 3
c) Encourage employees 2
Q8) What benefits Tesco can acquire after removing the racial
discrimination from working environment?
Frequency
a) Improve employee improvement 4
b) Motivate workers 3
c) Reduce conflicts among workers 3
Q9) What are the effective ways by which Tesco can retain
workers for longer period of time?
Frequency
a) Rewards 5
b) Training and development 3
c) Provide proper guidance 2
Q10) Is Equality Act 2010 is effective for eliminating racial
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2
Theme 1: any idea about racial discrimination.
Q1) Do you have any idea about racial discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 6
b) No 4

6
4
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: From the preceding graphical representing it can be analysed that racial
discrimination is one of the major issues that faced by company. In this, employees are
discriminated on the basis of skin colour or ethical origin. Along with this, individual can
discriminate as per refusing to do business with socialise and also share resources with people
of certain group. In this regard, 6 out of 10 respondents are aware and familiar with this
theme and on the other side rest of 4 participants are not agree with this statement.
Theme 2: Employee retention is important for business organization.
Q2) Does employee retention is important for business
organization?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 3
7
3
a) Yes b) No

Interpretation: Every business organization wants to retain their workers by providing them
better training and development activities, rewards, extra benefits and many more. With the
help of this, company can improve overall performance of company. In context to this, 7
people think that employee retention is crucial for business to accomplishing their positive
brand image at market place. On the other side, rest of 3 participants are not familiar with this
statement.
Theme 3: The importance of employee retention for Tesco.
Q3) What are the importance of employee retention for Tesco? Frequency
a) Increase morale 4
b) Reduce employee turnover 3
c) Greater productivity 3
4
3
3
a) Increase morale b) Reduce employee turnover
c) Greater productivity
Interpretation: Employee retention is one of the effective activities through which firm can
established its positive brand image by reducing its employee turnover. In this, 4 people think
that retention of employees may assist in increasing their morale to execute their
performance. Along with this, 3 participants share their views that it also supports in reducing
employee’s turnover and rest of 3 respondents said that it contributes in increasing
productivity level of the workers and company as well at market place.
Theme 4: Racial discrimination may affect employee performance at workplace.
Q4) Does racial discrimination may affect employee
performance at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2

8
2
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: From the discussed graphical representation it can be evaluated that racial
discrimination is a major challenge for company because in which employees get
discriminated as per their colour. This is the reason that workforce may reduce their positive
performance at working area. As, 8 participants think that racial discrimination is directly
affect the employee’s performance because they fail in managing positive relation. On the
other side, 2 respondents are not agreeing with this theme.
Theme 5: Major challenges that racial discrimination brings at working area of Tesco.
Q5) What are the major challenges that racial discrimination
brings at working area of Tesco?
Frequency
a) Reduce employee performance 4
b) Arise conflicts 4
c) Reduce organizational productivity 2

4
4
2
a) Reduce employee performance b) Arise conflicts
c) Reduce organizational productivity
Interpretation: Racial discrimination is a biggest concern for business organization as it
affects the overall performance of company along with its workforce as well. In includes
various challenges that reduce positive performance of company. In this, 4 people think that it
may reduce the employee’s performance at workplace, 4 respondents said that it also arises
conflict among workers within the business organization. On the other hand, rest of 2
participants said that it reduces organizational productivity level.
Theme 6: Racial discrimination impact on employee retention.
Q6) In which manner racial discrimination impact on
employee retention?
Frequency
a) Positive 3
b) Negative 7

3
7
a) Positive b) Negative
Interpretation: As per mentioned bar chart it can be evaluated that racial discrimination put
their huge impact over the company and employee’s performance. This is the reason that
organization is required to manage workplace by promoting equality at working area. This
will directly contribute in developing positive image of company at market place. In relation
to this, 3 people think that racial discrimination put positive impact over the employees and
rest of 7 participate said that it negatively affect the employees performance at working area.
Theme 7: Ways company adopted to remove racial discrimination from workplace.
Q7) What are the ways company adopted to remove racial
discrimination from workplace?
Frequency
a) Spread awareness 5
b) Implement Equality act 2010 3
c) Encourage employees 2

5
3
2
a) Spread awareness b) Implement Equality act 2010
c) Encourage employees
Interpretation: It is important for company to eliminate all the issues and discrimination
from workplace in order to increase the productivity level of workers and organization as
well. In this, 5 people think that spreading awareness is an appropriate way to eliminate the
racial discrimination. Along with this, 3 participants said that implement or follow Quality
act 2010 is effective and rest of 2 respondents give their views that encourage employees is
also effective to remove the racial discrimination from working area of company.
Theme 8: Benefits Tesco can acquire after removing the racial discrimination from
working environment.
Q8) What benefits Tesco can acquire after removing the racial
discrimination from working environment?
Frequency
a) Improve employee improvement 4
b) Motivate workers 3
c) Reduce conflicts among workers 3

4
3
3
a) Improve employee improvement b) Motivate workers
c) Reduce conflicts among workers
Interpretation: It is important for company to eliminate all the issues and discrimination that
help workers in developing their performance level at working area. With the assistance of
this company can reduce employee turnover and at the same time also develop positive
working environment wherein workers put their best efforts for attaining their set targets. In
relation to this, 4 out of 10 respondents think that it helps in improving the employee
involvement that support in developing positive workers performance. Along with this, 3
participants said that it also supports in motivating workers towards the set goals and
objectives of the company. Apart from this,
Theme 9: Effective ways by which Tesco can retain workers for longer period of time.
Q9) What are the effective ways by which Tesco can retain
workers for longer period of time?
Frequency
a) Rewards 5
b) Training and development 3
c) Provide proper guidance 2

5
3
2
a) Rewards b) Training and development
c) Provide proper guidance
Interpretation: There are various ways that help business organization in retaining workers
for longer period of time. As it is also effective in developing overall performance of the
company and employees as well. In this context, 5 out of 10 people think that providing
rewards to employees is an effective way that motivate workers to improve their performance
level. In addition of this, 3 participants said that providing training and development is also
an appropriate effective way that make workers productive at working place. On the other
side, 2 respondents give their views that provide proper guidance is help in retaining
employees for longer period of time.
Theme 10: Equality Act 2010 is effective for eliminating racial discrimination at
working area.
Q10) Is Equality Act 2010 is effective for eliminating racial
discrimination at working area?
Frequency
a) Yes 8
b) No 2

8
2
a) Yes b) No
Interpretation: From the above-mentioned graph it has been analysed that Equality act 2010
play a significant role in promoting equality at working area by providing equal opportunities
to all the employees. This can be beneficial in improving employee performance and at the
same time also eliminate racial discrimination at working area. In this regard, 8 out of 10
people think that equality act 2010 help in eliminating racial discrimination at working area
that support in enhancing the productivity level of the company at working place. On the
other side, rest of 2 participants are not aware with this theme.
Discussion
Employees are considered to be one of the main components of the organisation
because the work they do can put a positive as well as negative impact on the performance of
the company. Thus, employee’s retention for the company is very important however, there
are different kinds of ways through which company can keep their valuable employees for a
longer period of time. For example: company can provide health benefits or monetary
benefits so as to make their employees feel like they are the part of the organisation. With the
help of the literature review it is determined that to keep employees retained for a longer
period of time it is crucial that that they are upto dated and capable of performing the task
according to the current market situation. Therefore, it is required that employees are
provided with appropriate training so that positive and productive outcomes are gained. This
will not only motivate and enhance the morale of employees but will also help in developing
a sense of belongingness towards the organisation. Moreover, company can take feedbacks
from the employees who are working within the organisation so that facilities can be

provided according to the needs and wants of the customers. Besides this, of there are any
issues that it can be resolved on top priorities without any delay.
Every organisation, face some or the other challenges while operating their business
some can be smaller and some can be bigger in nature but the important thing is that
company should have proper strategies in order to cope up with the situation. However, racial
discrimination in recent times is one of the important factors and is creating problems for the
companies while operating their businesses and maintaining a better working environment.
According to the report some of the challenges are decrease in the performance of employees
and as a result, reduction in the productivity of the company. Furthermore, this can lead to
rise in conflicts and the common reason could be issues in perception. Company can easily
get rid of this situation if they have proper planning such as they can make employees aware
about the rules and regulations and different acts related to racial or any other discrimination.
On a regular basis company should conduct programmes, activities so that interactions can be
promoted and predetermined thoughts towards a race or an individual can be avoided.
However, if any individual goes through such problems than they should develop a different
forum where all these issues could be discussed and unbiased solutions can be evaluated. As
a result, it will minimise the levels of conflicts and keep the minds of employees focussed
towards achieving goals and objectives of the company within the determined time frame.
Racial discrimination can bring a lot of issues for the company whether directly or indirectly.
If it is considered than, racial discrimination can be linked with employee’s retention which
means, if the nature of working environment will be positive than results will be on the behalf
of the company but if, the culture of the organisation will be against the needs and wants of
employees than they may like to leave the job. The main reason of doing so is mental status
of an individual. Regular issues related to racial discrimination can reduce the motivation
level and thus, it can hamper the productivity of the person and the company as well.
Therefore, to have a control over employee’s retention it will be crucial for the company to
look after racial discrimination and they should implement different kinds of activities
through which it can be minimised. For example: for every good work, workers should be
appreciated moreover, their skills and competencies must be valued and this can help them in
turning out their disappointments into job roles.

Conclusion
Tackling racial discrimination has become one of the important elements in order to
maintain a peaceful working environment. According to a study conducted by “Trade Union
Congress”, they have found out that around 70 percent of the people has faced racial
discrimination while working in the organisation. So, it is very natural that employees face
such kind of discrimination. Thus, from the above report, it has been concluded that, racial
discrimination with the change in course of time, has become one of the crucial elements to
be considered because it can hamper the business activities and people are aware about the
same as well. This can be evidence from the data collected which means around 6 out of 10
respondents, they have an idea about racial discrimination and knows that it can direct or
indirect. Whereas, other 4 participants don’t know about racial discrimination and its
consequences which they can face.
Moreover, 7 of the respondents also believe that maintaining employee’s retention
also plays a crucial role as they agree with the fact and think that it increases the productivity
of the company such as, it can increase the morale of the employees and can however,
minimise the employees turnover in a specific time period. Furthermore, if these are not
maintained than there can be possibility that well-balanced working environment is
hampered. On the other hand, 3 of the participants doesn’t know feel like employee’s
retention is crucial for business organisation. However, racial discrimination and employee’s
retention both can be linked with one another because in some situations racial discrimination
becomes the main reason for quitting a job. So, it can be said that it puts a negative impact on
the performance of an individual.
Besides this, if all these factors are not considered and severe actions are not taken
then major challenges can be faced but the company and according to the information
gathered with the help of the questionnaire, it can be evaluated that 4 of the respondents
believe that reduce of employee’s performance and increase in conflicts can be the severe
issues which company can face. Whereas, 2 of them thinks that decrease in the productivity
level of the organisation can be faced. However, this can be reduced by taking these factors
into consideration i.e. by spreading awareness, motivating employees and proper
implementation equality act (2010). Therefore, it becomes crucial for the company to
undertake all the factors that can impact the performance of the company as well as
individual.

Recommendations
Racial discrimination arises when an individual is treated indifferently because of its race
however, this can be faced or experienced in different ways such as because of prejudice,
stereotype and bias nature. Moreover, it can be said that racial discrimination can be direct or
indirect based on its nature. In order to have a control over all these activities government of
a respective nations have developed certain acts, rules and regulations so that any violation
can lead to some punishment so as to make sure that certain actions is not repeated. Although,
globalisation has provided company with diverse workforce but we cannot deny that it has
increased the cases of racial discrimination and many people working within the organisation
are facing such issues and as a consequence they are leaving their jobs. Therefore, it is
increasing the cost of hiring new employees and furthermore a rise in extra amount can be
seen. There are some recommendations which TESCO, can apply so that they can have a
control or minimise their employee retention rates.
 First and foremost, things which a company can do in order to limit the chances of
racial discrimination and this is to implement proper rules and regulations developed
by regulatory bodies. Such as Equality Act (2010), whose main motive is to protect
people from discrimination. However, if any individual face such kind of
discrimination or humiliating behaviour than company should have a separate
department where all these issues can be resolved.
 Along with this, employees and other workers should made aware about the rights and
responsibilities during the interview itself or the time of hiring process. Thus,
company’s policies should be written in such a manner that it outlines all the
requirements that are important to be followed in order to maintain the decorum of the
corporation. Moreover, company can develop a “code of conduct” where all the rules
and regulations should be mentioned along with the consequences which an
individual can face if they violate the norms.
Reflection
With the increase in the diverse workplace racial discrimination has also increased in
rapid speed. Thus, this is the reason why I choose this topic for my research i.e. in order to
know whether employees of TESCO, are facing any kind of discrimination or not and if any
then, what are measures firms are taking so as to coping with the issues. While doing this
research my experience was every good because I get to connect with people who are

associated with the company. I got to know more about racial discrimination and the laws
that needs to be applied to maintain a peaceful working environment. The following research
was successful because it has cleared various aspects of racial discrimination like most of the
respondents thinks that racial discrimination can leads to high employee’s retention rates and
there is a relationship between both the factors. However, if not taken care off in time than it
can lead towards different kinds of challenges which company can have to face therefore, all
my objectives were achieved. In regards to research methodology, all the methods used were
appropriate and goes along with the research. For example: questionnaire, which means at a
single time frame I can collect the information and data from different persons without
wasting any time. Meanwhile using primary data provided me with authentic information that
are not being used before.
While doing the research I have learnt that racial discrimination happens because of
prejudice or stereotype. Thus, a clarity should be there and if any kind of confusion is there
than it should be resolved. If I get a chance to do the research one thing that I will change is
that this time while interacting with respondents I will be more confident so that I could
explain the purpose of the research more easily.

REFERENCES
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between discrimination at work and employee organisation commitment and turn-over
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to Boost Organizational Performance. Journal of Human Resource Management, 7(2), pp.41-
48.
LaFave, D., Nelson, R. and Doherty, M., 2018. Race and retention in a competitive labor
market: The role of historically Black colleges and universities in NCAA basketball. Journal
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Ezorsky, G., 2018. Racism and justice: The case for affirmative action. Cornell University
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Pizarro, M. and Kohli, R., 2018. “I stopped sleeping”: Teachers of color and the impact of
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