HND Business: Research Proposal on TK Maxx Workforce Diversity

This research proposal examines the opportunities and challenges of managing a diverse workforce at TK Maxx. The background highlights the importance of diversity for company reputation, productivity, and employee morale. The aim is to explore the problems associated with a nationally diverse workforce and strategies for managing cultural diversity, specifically within TK Maxx. Objectives include understanding the conceptual framework of diversity, identifying issues, analyzing benefits, and investigating management interventions. The research will use a primary data collection method with questionnaires and simple random sampling of 30 employees. The literature review covers diversity management and its impact on employee morale and productivity, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and ethical practices. The proposal includes an ethical form addressing participant recruitment, consent, data storage, and potential ethical concerns.

DIVERSITY IN THE
WORKPLACE

Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
RESEARCH PROPOSAL...............................................................................................................3
Background:.................................................................................................................................3
Aim and Objective......................................................................................................................3
Justification of the Topic.............................................................................................................3
Research methodology:...............................................................................................................3
Literature review..........................................................................................................................4
Activities timescale......................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Topic:
Opportunities and challenges of managing diverse workforce in TK Maxx
Background:
Diversity is been selected for the report as it is really essential for employees because it
provides the support to build a reputation for their own company. Diverse workforce is one of
the most essential aspects which need to be adhered by organizations. It assists firm in increasing
their productivity and creativity. It will also help organization in boosting morale of workers. By
this they are better able to achieve their goals and objectives. Diversified workforce brings
various opportunities and challenges in organization. It brings out more innovative and creative
concepts which can assist firm in growing. It has been analysed that in some companies they do
not accept the individuals of other background or religion. In some organisations leaders
belonging to particular group tend to promote his particular group members and exploiting the
rights of other members. TK Maxx has been selected for the report as inclusion of diversity will
support in encouraging partnership among leaders, mangers. This will increase value of
company.
Aim and Objective
Aim
“To examine problems associated with working with nationally diverse workforce and
way to manage culture diversity at workplace: A study on TK Maxx, Leyton”
Objectives
 To understand conceptual framework of diversity
 To identify issues associated with working of nationally diverse employees together
 To analyse the benefits of working with diverse workforce in company.
 To investigate management interventions to manage culture diversity in organisation
Research Questions
 What is the meaning of diversity?
 What are the issues associated with working of nationally diverse employees together?
 What are the benefits of working with diverse workforce in company?
 What are the effective management interventions to manage culture diversity in
organisation?

Justification of the Topic
I have selected this company because I have worked for TK Maxx for 3 years. It has been
analysed that diversity is important in this organization so that better relationship can be built
with employees. It will assist in interacting with others and build bridges to trust, respect, and
understanding across cultures.. Seniors and management have to ensure that employees are given
preference and promoted on the basis of their work and efforts.
Problems faced during research: There were many problems that were faced during the
time of research like it took more amount of time by collecting the data with the help of
questionnaire. This has also led to increase of expenditure. There were also certain gaps which
were identified during the time when the research was been done.
Problems to work in nationally diverse workforce: Diversity in cultural, spiritual, and
political beliefs can sometimes pose a challenge in a diverse workplace. Employees need to be
reminded that they shouldn’t impose their beliefs on others to prevent spats and disputes.
Methodology justification:
Data collection is a process of collecting data based on variable of interests. There are two
type of data collection method one is primary and other one is secondary (Moraes Mello, 2017).
Primary data collection method consists of raw data which has not been processed. Secondary
data collection method is generally gathered through published journals, articles and blogs of
company. For present report, researchers will make use of primary method of data collection.
They will make use of Questionnaire to complete the research. This data is more reliable than
secondary data. In primary data collection method various methods are included like
Questionnaire, focus group, observation, surveys. Sampling is defined as process that used as
statistical analysis for which predetermined observation has to be taken from larger population.
For the present research, simple random sampling will be used. It is used so that no biasness
exists during time of research. In this 30 employees will be selected for the research.
It consists of methods which are used to collect, analyse and gather information so that end
results can be obtained by researchers. It helps researchers in gaining deep knowledge about
subject matter. It makes their data collection process easy. There are two types of research one is
qualitative and another one is quantitative research type. First one only deals with theoretical
aspects and frameworks. his type of data is collected through methods of observations, one-to-
one interview, conducting focus groups and similar methods. Qualitative data in statistics is also

known as categorical data. In comparison to Quantitative data, it is easier for researchers to
collect. Quantitative data deals with numbers, it provides with more accurate and reliable result.
Research approach is basically a process based on assumptions so that data can be collected and
analysed effectively. There are two type of research approach one is inductive and other is
deductive (Syed and Ozbilgin, 2019). Inductive approach lays emphasis on theoretical
framework and observation process in order to get end results. Deductive approach is based on
process of reasoning in order to get through reliable conclusion. For the present report researcher
will make use of inductive approach, as this type is linked to Qualitative data. Research strategy
is a step by step action plan that assist researchers in obtaining final results, these strategies helps
them in providing quality of results.
There are two type of research strategy one is descriptive and another one is analytical.
Descriptive research method is fully based on theoretical framework; it is related to qualitative
research type. Analytical research consists of statically terms; it is fully based on numbers. For
the present report Descriptive research will be used so that deep understanding of the subject
matter can be done by researcher. It will provide researchers with better result.
Disadvantages of Primary method of data collection
This method basically lacks control over data quality. It provides less reliable data and also
this method is more costly than secondary method. Another disadvantage is that it is limited to
the time, place and number of participants etc., whereas secondary data can come from different
sources to give more range and detail.
Literature review
Theme 1: Diversity management
In the opinion of Coelho and de Moraes Mello, (2017) diversity refers to promoting
equality in opportunities for everyone working in the organisation. Diversity refers to giving
every employee equal chance of achieving their goals and objectives, and potential free from
discrimination and prejudice. Ever company today is working with the objective of earning
profits and they are earning too. They are the well-structured organisations having equal
opportunities for every individual working with the organisation. They tend to have highly
positive and healthy work environment as compared with the other organisation that do not have
a health and positive environment.
Theme 2: Diversity

As per the view of Syed and Ozbilgin, (2019) Diversity not only affects the morale of
employee but also the productivity and efficiency of company. Organisations whose employees
are not treated equally and are not given equal working opportunities are not achieving the
required growth and success. Organisations should ensure a culture where the organisations are
having equal opportunities for all, employees are promoted on the basis of their work and
performance and not on the their background or gender. It should lay equality and diversity in its
core values to be followed from top of the organisation. When the seniors will be following
ethically diversified culture the below levels will also be promoting the same culture with high
acceptance.
As per the view of Krishnaswamy, (2016) Though it seems to be an easy task to be
performed organisations face difficulty in applying the diversified culture in its organisation. It
consists of many employees having diversified back ground and those belonging to a particular
background tend to form groups.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Questionnaire
Advantage: a large sample of the given population can be contacted at relatively low cost; they
are simple to administer.
Disadvantage: Data collected may not be reliable and can also consume lots of time in collection
of Data.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ganesan, R., 2019. Research Methodlogy for Engineers. MJP Publisher.
Krishnaswamy, K.N., 2016. Management Research Methodlogy: Integration of Principles,
Medthods and Techniques. Pearson Education India.
Coelho, N.M. and de Moraes Mello, C., 2017. Etepoi Kai Iool: Aristotle on Diversity and
Equality in the Constitution of Polis. Revista Brasileira Estudos Politicos.114. p.79.
Syed, J. and Ozbilgin, M., 2019. Managing diversity and inclusion: An international perspective.
SAGE Publications L
1

ETHICAL FORM
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
“-Opportunities and challenges of managing diverse workforce in TK Maxx
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Adults
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Simple Random Sampling
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Ethical form would be sent for informing and conducting face to face meeting with them.
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?
Written with help of Google doc forms
2

Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that do not wish to answer?
Yes
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
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a brief summary of your findings in
general)
Yes
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
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Researcher and top management
During the research:
No
Where will the data be stored?
USB and Laptop
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
USB
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
2 years
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
3

Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical concerns? If so, please outline how you
will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise because of your research. Please
consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the following :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing, encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes
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: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also attach to the Research Proposal when submitting to
Turnitin.
4

5