Managing a Successful Business Project: Sainsbury's Gender Pay Gap

This report evaluates the influence of the gender pay gap on Sainsbury's workforce productivity. It begins with an introduction to equality and diversity, defining key concepts and highlighting the importance of an inclusive workplace. The report then outlines the research aims, objectives, and questions, followed by a literature review exploring the concept of equality and diversity and the impact of the gender pay gap on workforce productivity. A project management plan, including cost, scope, quality, communication, and risk assessment, is presented. The report details the use of a work breakdown structure (WBS) and a Gantt chart for project management. Primary and secondary research methods are discussed, including the use of questionnaires for data collection. The second part of the report focuses on data interpretation, analyzing survey responses to assess awareness of equality and diversity, the impact of gender pay gaps, and potential solutions. Recommendations for addressing the gender pay gap and improving workforce productivity are provided, along with a reflection on the research process. The report concludes with a summary of findings and a list of references.

Managing A Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO1..................................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aim and objectives................................................................................................................1
Concept of equality and diversity at workplace..........................................................................2
Influence of gender pay gap on Sainsbury's workforce productivity..........................................2
Techniques through which gender pay gap can be resolved.......................................................2
P2 Project Management Plan......................................................................................................3
P3 WBS and Gantt chart ...........................................................................................................4
P4 Carry out small-scale research applying primary and secondary methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives...........................................................................................6
PART 2 ...........................................................................................................................................7
LO3..................................................................................................................................................7
P5 Data Interpretation.................................................................................................................7
LO4................................................................................................................................................13
P6 Recommendations................................................................................................................13
P7 Reflection.............................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity states equal opportunities to every individual without
discriminating them to the bases of disability, religion, race, sexual orientation, belief, person's
sex or age. In simple terms equality is defined as ensuring equal opportunities for everybody and
does not treat any individual because of their characteristics. While on the other hand, diversity
is termed as making individuals of different background and geographical regions to work in a
workplace structure and place positive value among them (Hassandoust and Díaz Andrade,
2020). It is essential for an organisation to create an inclusive work place structure of all the
employees in order to effectively promote equality and diversity.
Present report has been made on Sainsbury's. This organisation was established in the
1869 and perform their business activities in retailing sector. Is a large scale company and offer
their services in many locations with number of employees. This generates need for organisation
to positively embrace equality and diversity policies and principles in company premises. In this
report formative discussions has been conducted on the manner in which company can
effectively respond towards current issues of gender pay gap of equality and diversity at
workplace. For this, aims and objectives has been formulate along with project management
plan. Lastly, recommendations and reflections has also been included in this report.
LO1
P1 Aim and objectives
Research Aim: “ To evaluate the influence of Gender pay gap on employees performance in
organisational workplace structure”. A case study of Sainsbury's.
Research Objectives:
 To identify the concept of equality and diversity at workplace.
 To evaluate the influence of gender pay gap on Sainsbury's workforce productivity. To explore various techniques through which gender pay gap can be resolved.
Research Questions:
 What do you mean by concept of equality and diversity at workplace?
 What is the influence of gender pay gap on Sainsbury's workforce productivity?
 What are the techniques through which gender pay gap can be resolved?
Literature Review
1

Concept of equality and diversity at workplace
As per the view point of Elia, Margherita and Secundo, 2020, equality and diversity is
defined as a formative concept in which equal opportunities to every individual is being offered
irrespective of their sex, religion, race, age or any other characteristics. Implementation of this
concept in organisational workplace structure allows entity to provide equal and positive
working environment to employees (Muhsin, 2020). This will not only enhance productivity,
performance and satisfaction level of employees but also facilitate company to ensure long term
sustainable growth.
Influence of gender pay gap on Sainsbury's workforce productivity
According to the perception of Einhorn, Meredith and Marnewick, 2020, Gender pay gap
is a major issue which directly affect performance of employees that further lead towards
decease in overall productivity of organisation. Gender pay gap mainly define as a certain
difference between remuneration or wage of male and female workers those who are operating
their business operations on same position (Michalak and Rysavy, 2020). If an organisation offer
comparatively less salary to women employees than male worker on same role, it will affect
workplace environment, develops negativity among workers, affects organisation brand image
on external market and reduce entity capability of profit generation.
Techniques through which gender pay gap can be resolved
According to the perception of Sońta-Drączkowska and Mrożewski, 2020, gender pay
gap issue is having adverse impact on both company and employees. As due to less pay
compared to men, women employees feel demotivated and less satisfied. It also decreases their
commitment and loyalty towards entity which automatically decreases overall profitability of
organisation (Trewin, 2020). Thus, it is essential for an entity to effectively resolve this issue.
For this, organisation by undertaking use of transparency in company workplace structure along
with legal rules and regulations can assure equal treatment to employees of all gender. With the
assistance of this entity can assure higher growth, profitability, long term sustainability and
development of both employees and company.
2

P2 Project Management Plan
Project management plan is a formal document that mainly outlines project aim,
objectives, goals, scope, deliverables, budget and timeline. With an effective project
management plan proper track on project activities is assured through which accomplishment of
project objectives is done in efficient manner (Edwards, Vaz Serra and Edwards, 2020). There
are some certain form of elements that are included in project management is elaborated below:
Cost :-
This factor is an approximate amount that are going to be occurred in completion of
project. In order to accomplish present research project there is a requirement of £60,000.
Scope :-
It include all the essential elements of project such as ultimate costs, project functions,
features, tasks, deadlines and deliverables (Fasna and Gunatilake, 2020). These factors are
crucial for project manager to accomplish present project requirement with great effectiveness.
Quality :-
Quality is an essential aspect that are required to be consider by project manager. In
context with present research, project manager assure that they inform all the stake-holders of
project about all the necessary information in order to maintain project quality.
Communication :-
This is an important element through which project objectives get fulfilled with more
efficiency. It has been evaluated that in order to fulfil present research on Sainsbury's researcher
will take advantage of social media, telephone and advertisements to assure regular
communication.
Risk:
It is an essential factor that are required to be undertaken by researcher, in relation with
present research, researcher is required to identify different sources of funds and information
from authenticated sources in order to decrease risk impact upon research outcomes.
3

P3 WBS and Gantt chart
Work Break down structure:
Work break down structure is defined as a deliverable-oriented breakdown that allows
researcher to divide research in small parts. With the help of this, present research can be
fulfilled in manageable manner in given time period.
Gantt chart:
Gantt chart is basically termed as visual view with the help of which project can be
scheduled in efficient manner (Moschko, Blazevic and Piller, 2020). This bar chart will facilitate
present research researcher to effectively undertake team communication, resource planning in
feasible manner.
4

5

P4 Carry out small-scale research applying primary and secondary methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives
Primary research-
In this, data and information are allocated from fresh sources. In this required or
necessary informations can be allocated from direct sources such as interviews, observations or
online surveys. It is mainly involves more time and huge cost.
Secondary research-
In this data collection method, informations get acquired from already used sources such
as data of government agencies, internet, books, journals, libraries and more (Stephenson,
2020). It has been evaluated that this research evaluation mainly include less cost and time.
It has been evaluated that in order to fulfil present research objectives research will
undertake use of both primary as well as secondary sources.
Quantitative research-
Quantitative research mainly used to evaluate data which is basically in terms of statistics
or numbers. It mainly include various methods such as observations, surveys or interviews.
Qualitative research-
This research mainly include proper and effective understanding of experiences and
concepts. With this unstructured or semi structured techniques are involved to allocate data in
effective manner. In this methods like literature review, open ended questions or observations
are covered.
In order to fulfil requirements of Sainsbury's research, researcher will undertake
advantage of qualitative data to evaluate attitude and preferences of customers.
Questionnaire :
This is mainly defined as a formative set of questions with the help of which researcher
acquire data and informations from respondents in order to fulfil research with great
effectiveness. In order to fulfil present research 30 respondents is being undertaken.
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you aware with the concept of equality & diversity in workplace? Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
6

Q2) Do you think equality & diversity helps in fulfilling organisational
goals and objectives?
Frequency
a) Agree 25
b) Disagree 5
Q3)Did you have knowledge of the importance of overcoming the issue of
gender pay gap in entity workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 15
Q4) What according to you the most effective way to overcome gender pay
gap issue in an organisation?
Frequency
a) Equal job and Equal pay 10
b) Implementation of equality policies 10
c) Provide support women into more senior roles 10
Q5)Do you think that with the elimination of gender pay issue company
can increase its productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
Q6) State some effective issues that can be generated because of gender
pay gap among Sainsbury's employees?
Frequency
a) Anxiousness mental state at work 18
b) Demoralisation 6
c) Improper guidance by higher authorities 6
7

PART 2
LO3
P5 Data Interpretation
Theme 1: Concept of equality & diversity in workplace
Q1) Do you aware with the concept of equality & diversity in workplace? Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
Interpretation:
Equality and diversity is mainly termed as a concept that states equal treatment to all
employees without discriminating them on any basis. In this, organisation offer equal
opportunities and rights to every individual. With the help of offering discrimination free
environment company can enhance performance and productivity of employees in an effective
manner. Equality and diversity is an essential element that allows an entity to offer
discrimination free workplace environment to employees. According to the above mentioned
graph, this is being underlined that 20 out 30 respondents are in the favour of the fact that they
are well aware with the concept of equality and diversity in workplace. According to them, it is
an essential concept that facilitate higher productivity and growth of both employees and
8
20
10
a) Yes
b) No

company. While on the other hand, it it is talked about remaining 10 respondents it has been
defined that, they are not aware with the concept of equality and diversity in company workplace
structure.
Theme 2: Equality & diversity helps in fulfilling organisational goals and objectives
Q2) Do you think equality & diversity helps in fulfilling organisational
goals and objectives?
Frequency
a) Agree 25
b) Disagree 5
Interpretation:
Equality and diversity is an essential element that not only facilitate organisation to
provide equal and discrimination free environment to their employees but also allows employees
to maximise their performance and loyalty towards company. By implementing equality and
diversity in workplace structure entity can effectively enhance their brand image and
sustainability in respective industrial sector. It has been evaluated from the above mentioned
graph that, 25 out of 30 respondents believes that with the implementation of equality and
diversity organisation can accomplish their underlines goals and objectives. As it allows entity to
treat every individual on equal basis that increases their motivation and loyalty towards
company. These co-defendant think that equality and diversity allows company to increase
motivation level of their employees that facilitate employees towards accomplishing entity
objectives with more effectiveness. While remaining 5 respondents out of 30 states that, they did
not think that equality and diversity helps entity to fulfil their objectives and goals. As these
respondents did not posses basis knowledge of equality and diversity concept.
9
25
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Theme 3: Importance of overcoming the issue of gender pay gap in entity workplace
Q3)Did you have knowledge of the importance of overcoming the issue of
gender pay gap in entity workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 15
Interpretation:
Gender pay gap elimination is having significant importance in growth and development
of a company. As with the help of this organisation can effectively ensure that all the employees
are paid on equal basis . In addition to this, by eliminating gender pay gap entity can create an
environment in which women and men are valued equally. Further it has been evaluated that
company can also develop positive culture in which every employee contributed their
productivity through which entity can assure higher growth as well as success. According to the
above mentioned graph, this has been determined that 15 respondents out of 30 said that they are
fully aware with the importance of addressing gender pay gap within workplace premises. As by
addressing this entity can have access of positive brand image among consumers that will further
lead them towards having higher profitability. While on the other hand, remaining 15
10
15 15 a) Yes
b) No

respondents did not aware with the importance of addressing gender pay gap within premises of
company.
Theme 4: Most effective way to overcome gender pay gap issue in an organisation
Q4) What according to you the most effective way to overcome gender pay
gap issue in an organisation?
Frequency
a) Conduct regular pay audits 10
b) Implementation of equality policies 10
c) Provide support women into more senior roles 10
Interpretation:
Gender pay gap is one of the major issue of equality and diversity which affects
organisation in number of ways. It not only reduces performance of employees but also affects
productivity of company. Thus, it becomes essential for company to effectively overcome this
issue as to assure that employees are working in equal environment in which each and every
employees get treated on equal basis. According to the above mentioned graph, it has been
evaluated that there are various ways through which issue of gender pay gap can be resolved
within an organisation. According to the above mentioned graph, it has been evaluated that 10
out of 30 respondents said that organisation can overcome gender pay gap issue with the help of
conducting regular pay audits. With this, entity can assure that women get paid equally to men
for the same job.
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While on the other hand, other 10 respondents are in the favour of the fact that with the
help of implementation of equality policies company can overcome the issue of gender pay gap.
Lastly, remaining 10 co-defendants said that organisation by offering support to women into
higher managerial position can overcome this issue.
Theme 5: Elimination of gender pay issue company can increase its productivity
Q5)Do you think that with the elimination of gender pay issue company
can increase its productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
Interpretation:
Gender pay gap issue is having tendency to affect overall performance and productivity
of employees in an adverse manner. It not only decreases effectiveness of employees but also
lower down profit generation capability of organisation. It is essential for an entity to overcome
this issue in an efficient manner as to increase motivation and satisfaction level of employees
towards organisation. As per the above mentioned graph it has been evaluated that, 20 out of 30
respondents are in the favour of the fact that by eliminating gender pay issue company can
effectively maximise their productivity. These respondents believes that by eliminating gender
pay gap issue company can increase sense of being valued within employees. It automatically
increases their productivity level at great extent. Further it has been evaluated that, It is important
for an entity to make sure that women get equal pay like men if both are working on same
12
20
10
a) Yes
b) No

position. While on the other hand, if it is talked about remaining 10 respondents, they believes
that removal gender pay gap could not maximise productivity of employees. They think that
entity is required to undertake different tools and techniques to increase performance of workers.
Theme 6: Issues that can be generated because of gender pay gap among Sainsbury's
employees
Q6) State some effective issues that can be generated because of gender
pay gap among Sainsbury's employees?
Frequency
a) Anxiousness mental state at work 18
b) Demoralisation 6
c) Dis-satisfaction among workers 6
Interpretation:
Gender pay gap affects an organisation in many ways. It has been evaluated that this
issue is having tendency to lower down overall profitability of organisation as gender gap affect
performance of employees in an adverse basis. According to the above mentioned report it has
been stated that 18 out of 30 respondents said that gender pay gap can generate anxiousness in
mental state of employees at work that can affect their productivity. While other 6 respondents
out of 30 said that gender pay gap demoralise employees that can lower down their level of
contribution in their roles within organisation. While at last, 6 out of 30 co-defendants said that
gender pay gap increases dis-satisfaction among Sainsbury's employees that can automatically
affect company overall profitability.
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LO4
P6 Recommendations
The equality and diversity within working place is the major constraint of employee job
satisfaction and besides this equality and diversity is providing ability to the organisation to
perform in extra ordinary manner within market at attract pool of customers around global
periphery. Sainsbury's is having prominent base of their customers so with the help of diversified
workforce the company can retain their customer for longer duration and attain sustainability. In
the context of equality gender pay gap is one of the major and primary issue which may exists in
the business that is having high negative implications on the employees and utilisation of their
talent or skills. When a female employee thinks that within the organisation scope is limited as
gender pay gap is practised then this may have adverse impact on company and skilled
employees tend to lose their position due to lesser pay for their hard work and skill set. This has
been observed that in the department of leadership female are better decision maker which could
help Sainsbury's to enhance their level of productivity. Some of the recommendations are given
to Sainsbury's so that to assist them in eliminating gender pay gap and implement practices for
the same:
 For HR manager this is imperative that they acknowledge equal pay in the working
organisation so as to pull talented workforce due to this innovative ideas can be inhaled
by the business and goals can be accomplished in easy manner. Equal pay approach is
helpful in motivating employees so as to boost their efficacy and intensifying employee
involvement within organisational activities which may have direct impact on upgrading
performance of whole the working environment.
 As the the governmental rule equal pay has already been came into force and there are
strict and rigid rules made by the governance (HOONSOPON and PURIWAT, 2020). For
Sainsbury's this is imperative that they obey all the guidelines and laws associated with
equal pay in order to eliminate any legal actions against their organisation.
 For HR manage this is recommended that they encourage female leaders so as to bring
innovative ideas in the business and to attain positive opinions. This may help them in
understanding needs of their potential customers and fulfilling the same in prominent
manner. Females are multitasker and have ability to manage complexities in relaxing way
as they can handle intricate conditions with more empathy.
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 Sainsbury's is having huge customer base around global periphery so for managing them
they need employees from diversified culture and values so that their customer can be
handled in direct way without facing any language barrier. Due to existence of language
barrier customer face blockade in communication and justifying their needs. So with the
help of equal pay potential employees can be attracted and manage diversified customers
in prompt manner.
 Due to discriminatory treatment employees morale can be lowered which may reflect
overall organisational performance in negative manner as employees are lacking behind
confidence and this may limit employees of Sainsbury's to draw best outcomes. So in
order to attain positive results for Sainsbury's this is required that they adopt practices of
fair treatment and obey Equality Act in proper manner.
 The department of human resources are making policies which encourage equatable
treatment and for all employees including leaders and employer these rules are required
to be abided. This is helpful for Sainsbury's to attain proficiency in goal attainment and
resource utilisation as well.
 For HR manager this is imperative that they initiate all those necessary steps which are
requisite for obviate discrimination. Such steps includes elimination of clean cut rules so
the one who is having long hairs due to religion purpose may not face any discrimination.
 In order to manage diversity HR manager of Sainsbury's is required to arrange various
training sessions such as 'Diversity training programs' so as to train their manager in such
a way that diversity can be governed (Ireland and Statsenko, 2020). In order to
understand diversified workforce high challenges are faced by employer so by these
programmes workforce can be understood in better way.
All the above recommendations high assistance can be given to the management of
Sainsbury's in order to attract efficient employees and undertake higher productivity (McGrath
and Whitty, 2020). Diversified workforce is helpful in eliminating language barrier which leads
in understanding demands of customer in prompt manner and satisfying them as well.
P7 Reflection
Equality and diversity is an essential aspect that allows an organisation to treat every
employees irrespective of their gender, religion, age, caste, race, colour and more in equal basis.
It has been evaluated that gender pay gap is a major issue which is affecting performance and
15

productivity of employees. This issue is required to be overcome by management of entity in
order to maximise overall productivity of both workers and organisation.
Present report has been conducted on gender pay gap which is a major issue of equality
and diversity at workplace. It has been evaluated by me that while starting of this research report
I faced issue related to allocation of accurate and authorised data from reliable sources. However,
while conducting this research I improved by critical thinking and data allocation skill. Further
this has been underlined by me that, due to ineffective communication skill I face difficulty in
collecting data from respondents that later affected time to fulfil research objectives.
I gathered different type of informations and data from authenticated sources in order to
increase effectiveness and efficiency of research. This research facilitate me to expand my
knowledge on gender pay gap along with the manner in which it is affecting performance and
productivity of employees and organisation. During this research I get to know about different
types of techniques and methods through which the issue of gender pay gap can be resolved.
This research not only enhanced my knowledge on the issue of gender pay gap but also facilitate
me to complete a research on time. All these experience that I have gained during this research
will benefit me in both personal and professional way through which I can enhance my future
growth and development.
CONCLUSION
As per the above mentioned report, it has been concluded that equality and diversity is a
crucial element for all organisations irrespective of their size, scope and structure. It is an
essential element that assure long term sustainability of company is respective industrial sector.
It has been evaluated that, it is essential for an entity to implement equal and diversified
workplace culture in order to provide a healthy working environment to employees. In addition
to this, it is essential for a company to make sure that they implement all the legal requirements,
obligations, rules and laws in organisational working premises in order to ensure that employees
does not feel discriminated on any basis. Further it has been evaluated that organisation is
required to make sure that they provide equal remuneration or wages to both women and men on
same position. This will significantly assist entity to increase overall productivity and
16

performance of employees through which organisation can assure its long term sustainability and
higher growth.
17

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