Researching Racial Discrimination at Unilever - ASS081-2 Report

This report, part of the ASS081-2 module, investigates racial discrimination within Unilever, a British consumer goods company. The study begins with an introduction defining racial discrimination and its impacts on employees and company performance, followed by a literature review exploring relevant research and articles. The report then presents a detailed data analysis based on a survey, identifying the grounds for discrimination, its impact on the organization, and recommendations for promoting diversity, with illustrative charts. A media analysis section examines racism and xenophobia experienced by Polish migrants in the UK. The report concludes with a reflection, research proposal, and references, providing a comprehensive overview of the issue and potential solutions for Unilever to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

RESEARCHING,
REPRESENTING AND
EVIDENCING THE SOCIAL
WORLD - ASS081-2

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................3
DATA ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................................5
MEDIA ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................9
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
RESEARCH PROPOSAL.............................................................................................................11
Aims and Objectives..................................................................................................................11
Research questions.....................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................14
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Discrimination can be defined as unfair treatment or behaviour done with people and it
can be basis on their gender, age, race, background, skin colour and disability (Carter and et.al.,
2017). This study is based on Unilever that is British consumer goods. In the context of racial
discrimination it can be said that it refers unfair behaviour that can be done with people because
of their skin colour and ethnic origin. When people are being discriminated on the basis of their
race or skin colour at workplace and in the society then it affects them mentally. It has several
negative impacts that leads to poor performance of their company as well. For taking advantages
of external opportunities and improving society as a whole, companies and people require
treating people in a fair manner and promote equality. This study will discuss impacts of racial
discrimination on employees and performance of retail sector. It will also discuss some strategies
by which Unilever and other companies can promote discrimination and can lead a better world.
LITERATURE REVIEW
In a search there are a lot of data which is collected and analysed so that there would be
higher results which are going to be present. The source which is going to be used for literature
review is going to be primary which is going to give a higher outcome which would be easier to
understand. Satisfaction and results of the literature review is going to be present so that there is
going to be better operations. It is important collect the right information which is going to make
the working more effective and understanding of the organization is going to change so that there
are right improvement which are taking place Oztemel and Gursev, (2020). Data used is from the
journals and articles which is going to be present by the authors so that there is going to be
primary researching which is going to be present and that is going to be very good. Unilever
being experienced and using the right measures to make sure that race discrimination is not
taking place analysed and observed the employees in the company effectively resulting in higher
satisfaction of the employees which is going to be present.
The articles and authors which have been selected for the further report are taken so that
there would be better understanding, and they have a straight forward idea of the topic which is
going to make the understanding higher. Narrowing down the research is very important so that
this idea can be used by other businesses to be able to operate effectively. Use of right citation is
important so that there is going to be higher understanding and functioning which is going to be

there. Race discrimination is a vast topic which can not be covered effectively therefore using the
right information is important so that there is going to be higher operations. Authors which are
not in the industry for entertainment but the authors which are selected are giving out the right
information related to this topic which is going to be very helpful for Unilever to understand the
business and make the rightful decisions accordingly Cho, Kim and Mor Barak, (2017). Criteria
which is used for collecting the data is that there is effective working which is going to be
present and that is also going to make the performance of the company be higher.
In according to Privot, (2019), the government has come up with a lot of acts and
regulations so that the people are aware of their rights and equality is going to be present. Race
discrimination is a global issue which is present in the market which needs to be controlled and
analysed effectively so that there is going to be better environment for the workforce to have.
There is a missing voice which is present in the market and that has to be heard effectively so
that there is going to be higher operations which is going to be there. In view of Hayes, Kaylor
and Oltman, (2020), awareness needs to be spread which is going to be good for the overall
performance as well. Workforce has to be well maintained so that there is effective working and
performance which is going to be there so that there is higher productivity. Employees would
want to get in changes and positivity in the working environment which is going to be very
helpful for an overall working. Equitable working will be beneficial for the working so that there
is going to be better operations which would be present. Training and development is also going
to get affected because of this factor so that there would be better branding which is going to be
involved.
As per the view of Leiber and Fix, (2019), the creativity and innovation in the
organization gets limited because of the discrimination which is taking place in the company.
The products of the company are going to be boycotted by the employees and clients in the
market when there is going to be limitations which are going to be present. The support for the
employees is going to be missing which is not good because till they do not feel accepted in the
company there is going to be effective working which would be present. And according to Misra
and et.al., (2020), there must be systematic working which has to be present so that the profit
margins and sales of the company are not being affected which is good for the reputation of the
company. Health issues of the employees are also going to rise which is going to impact the
working of the company and there is going to be effective working and operations. Pressure,

depression and anxiety in the workers is going to increase and that is going to impact the
working and overlook of working is going to be present. This is going to create extensive
damage to the working of the company and there is going to be higher performance as well
which is going to be there.
In opinion of Carter, Onyeador and Lewis Jr, (2020), right measures have to be adapted
and measures have to be decided by the company in order to be able to make the productivity
and operations higher. Which is going to be helpful for a long run of the company. Employees
have to have the control and monitoring of the company in regarding discrimination which is
taking place in businesses which is going to make the operations and productivity be higher.
Unfair judgements have to stop in organization so that there are going to be higher operations
and performances which are going to be there. In consideration of Pálmadóttir and Kalenikova,
(2018), awareness is very important to have the right information and knowledge which the
employees must have which is going to make the operations be higher. Working of the company
has to be there and there are still unfortunate events taking place in the country and companies
which is taking place. Reality is going to be different from what is present of the firm on paper
which is why the management has to take keen interest in the working so that there is going to be
higher operations.
DATA ANALYSIS
Theme 1: On what grounds does discrimination take place in Unilever
On what grounds does discrimination take
place in Unilever
Outcome
Gender 8
Race 17
Nationality 5
Total 30

Interpretation: From the above graph it can be analysed that there is a need for the company to
make sure that there is effective working but due discrimination on the base of race there is an
imbalance which is going to be present. 17 people said that there is discrimination which is
taking place in Unilever because of race and other 5 people said nationality is also a problem and
next 8 people said that there is discrimination on the base of gender.
Theme 2: Any affect is visible in the working of the organization due to the discrimination
Any affect is visible in the working of the
organization due to the discrimination
Outcome
Yes 19
No 4
Maybe 7
Total 30
Gender
Race
Nationality
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
8
17
5
On what grounds does discrimination take place in Unilever
Column B
Illustration 1: On what grounds does discrimination take place in Unilever

Interpretation: From the picture it can be gathered that there are employees and observers of
Unilever who have seen that there is still discrimination taking place in Unilever which is not a
good factor for the company. Out of 30 there are 19 people who said yes to discrimination
present in the organization, 4 people said no and 7 people said maybe because of the uncertainty
which they had. Discrimination is not going to be good for the overall performance of the
organization and the productivity and profit margins of the company are going to get affected.
Theme 3: Promote diversity in Unilever by using which method
Promote diversity in Unilever by using
which method
Outcome
Build diversity teams 6
Reassess employee benefits 15
Provide diversity training 9
19
4
7
Any affect is visible in the working of the organization due to the discrimination
Yes
No
Maybe
Illustration 2: Any affect is visible in the working of the organization due to the
discrimination

Total 30
Interpretation: Employees of the organization have also felt the need for the organization to
take the rightful measures in order to be able to operate effectively in the market. There are 15
people who said that using reassess employee benefit is going to be helpful for the organization,
6 people said that there is going to be good for building diversity teams and 9 people said that
providing diversity training is going to be effective in Unilever and that is also going to help in
making the operations higher. Reassess employee benefits is going to make sure that there is a
good operation which is taking place and there is also going to be better branding which is going
to be present.
Theme 4: According to the survey what are the required recommendations.
Interpretation: Employees feel that the working environment is not going to be healthy for
working which needs to be improved according to the employees. Employees know how to solve
this issue in Unilever which is a great factor and the management must take feedbacks so that
there are going to be effective working and satisfaction of them present. Pressure and other
Build diversity teams
Reassess employee benefits
Provide diversity training
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
6
15
9
Column B
Illustration 3: Promote diversity in Unilever by using which method

issues which the employees are facing can be resolved and operations would increase making the
brand value increase in the market.
MEDIA ANALYSIS
Racism and Xenophobia experienced by Polish Migrants in the UK before and after Brexit Vote,
2018.
In this article it is being discussed that Polish migrants experienced various forms of
racist abuse before Brexit votes. It also discusses importance of interplay between the media and
political discourses. In addition, in the context of racist discourses it can be said that it posits an
essential biological determination to culture but referent may be variant to any group such as:
minority, migrants, black, foreign and others. It is also stated and analysed in this article that
migrants from Eastern Europe are victims of xenoracism. So, there are strong evidence that
shows that racisms happens on the basis of skin colour and due to this, people of such race are
being treated in an unfair manner. They are not being given opportunities of promotion and other
on the basis of their performance. It makes them feel de-valued and lowers their morale. It
directly leads to poor quality and poor productivity of company.
Media on race discrimination: 2018
In the context of media it can be said that it plays a vital role in providing any type of
information to people. One of the main topic on which media gave detailed information is
migrants that came into EU. It is found that media played a vital role in exchanging information
across Europe and beyond among refugees themselves. This article discusses media coverage of
the refugee crisis in which they were being discriminated on the basis of their race. Migrants,
ethnic minority as well as refugees were main highlighted groups for media for coverage. It is
also found that media shown that refugee in EU countries were not being given equal rights and
opportunities as like others. It created the gap between the rich and the poor as well as between
developing countries and developed countries. It is also found that many European dependent on
media exclusively for understanding that exactly what is happening around them. So, in the
context of media it can be said that it has both positive and negative impacts. By telling people
about race discrimination, they make them aware and encourage them to promote diversity and
equality at their workplace and societies. On the other hand, sometimes media provide some fake

information in order to becoming popular in this industry and grabbing attention of people. It
affects image of companies and societies that discriminate people on the basis of race.
REFLECTION
In the regard to this study I can say that it helped me out in increasing my knowledge
regarding racial discrimination and their impacts. I learned effects that discrimination on the
basis of race have on people of the society, employees and productivity of companies. I also
came to know about different strategies and ways by which retail sector and its companies can
promote diversity at its workplace and can take advantages of external opportunities. On the
other hand, I found some gaps in literature review as there were argumentative views of authors.
It became difficult in identifying the authentic and strong views of authors and selecting the best
one. But this argumentative views helped out in improving critical analysing thinking because
for taking better decisions it is important of having idea of both sides of study. By knowing both
positive and negative sides, we can accomplish goal by talking better decision. So, I can say that
literature review also helped me out in increasing my skills. Media discussion done with articles
also help in gathering secondary data relevant to the topic. By conducting media discussion, I
increased my knowledge about discrimination, impacts and ways.
CONCLUSION
It has been summarized from the above study that racial discrimination or unfair
treatment with people done on the basis of their ethnic group and skin colour, has several
negative impacts. Racial discrimination affect employees and companies' overall performance,
image and productivity. It has also discussed ways in which racial discrimination leads gap
between cultures and societies. Further, this study will discuss importance of literature, ways of
conducting literature and ways in which it helps researcher in improving research study. With the
help of strong views of different authors it has also discussed strategies of promoting equality
and diversity at workplace. Diversity and equality can help companies and employees in
improving their performance, leading a better world and increasing morale of people of different
race. It has also shown effectiveness of media discussion in collecting information and taking
better decision regarding the topic.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
By conducting research and above study, some objectives can be accomplished that can
help employees and lead a better world. Above discussed study is all about discrimination on the
basis of race that not only affect employees within business but also to the whole society and it
has several negative impacts.
Aims and Objectives
Aim
“To discuss impacts that race discrimination have on performance of employees and
company”. Study on Unilever.
Objectives
 To explain meaning of race discrimination.
 To explore effects of race discrimination on overall performance of retail sector.
 To identify ways of promoting equality and reducing race discrimination.
Research questions
1. What is the concept of race discrimination.
2. How race discrimination can affect employees' and company's performance?
3. How Unilever can promote equality or diversity for reducing race discrimination within
its business?
Research type
For conducting research study it is important selecting research type or strategy in which
data can be gathered by researcher. S per the form of data, research is being divided into 2 types
such as qualitative and quantitative (Silverman, 2020). For gathering data in numerical form,
researcher conducts quantitative research and for gathering non-numerical data, qualitative
research is being conducted. For this research study, researcher will conduct qualitative research
as with non-numerical data, objectives related to the race discrimination can be accomplished in
a better way.
Data collection: Data collection is also known as important part of research study as
without gathering data and having data, researcher cannot even complete his study. For making
research study successful and accomplishing goals, accurate and proper data are required. There
are 2 types of data collection such as: primary and secondary. As with the name it can be said

that primary data give accurate and first-hand information. Whereas, in secondary data
collection, second hand data that may be used before, are being gathered. For accomplishing
goals related to race discrimination, both data will be gathered (Dreyer, Macedo and Velentgas,
2019). For primary data, questionnaire will be conducted and for secondary data, media
discussion will be done. Literature development and with the help of books and articles,
secondary data are being collected.
Data analysis: After collecting data there is requirement of analysing all collected data
for making them accurate and using them in the study. As like research type, there are 2 types of
data analysis such as: qualitative and quantitative. For analysing qualitative and non-numerical
data. Qualitative tools are being used. On the other hand, for analysing quantitative information,
quantitative data analysis tools are being used. As this research is qualitative so, scholar will
select thematic tool as qualitative data analysis tool (Akinyode and Khan, 2018.).
Research ethics: Ethics play a vital role in research study as it helps and protect
researcher against lawsuit and poor image. When all functions and performance are being done
in an ethical manner then it improves image of researcher and also leads successful research
study. Ethics make researcher able in understanding the difference between the right conduct and
the wrong conduct. Some ethics that can be followed by researcher include: fair and equal
chances to participants in research study, not forcing anyone for participation. Maintaining
authenticity of information by keeping all information safe and secure.