Research Project: Equality and Diversity at the Workplace - TESCO

This research project investigates the impact of equality and diversity practices on workplace discrimination, using TESCO as a case study. The report begins with an introduction to equality and diversity, defining workplace discrimination and outlining the research objectives, questions, and literature review. The study aims to understand workplace discrimination, the importance of equality and diversity practices for effective employee management, and the role of these practices in minimizing discrimination issues within TESCO. The research methodology includes primary and secondary research, considering cost, assessment, and ethical issues, along with the application of appropriate tools to analyze findings. The report presents the research design, including the research philosophy, type of investigation, research approach, and strategy, which incorporates a questionnaire to gather data. The findings of the research are then communicated, followed by an evaluation of the effectiveness of the research methods in meeting the objectives and a discussion of alternative research methodologies. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and recommendations, highlighting the benefits of equality and diversity practices in reducing workplace discrimination and fostering a positive work environment within TESCO.

Research Project
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Contents
TITLE: - Equality and diversity at workplace.................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
P1, State research objective, questions and literature review.................................................4
Research Aim.........................................................................................................................5
Literature review....................................................................................................................6
The concept of workplace discrimination..............................................................................6
Importance of equality and diversity practices towards effective management of employees in
TESCO...................................................................................................................................7
P2. Explain about research methods and secondary investigation.........................................8
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................10
P3. Conduct primary and secondary research while considering cost, assess and ethical issues
..............................................................................................................................................10
P4. Apply appropriate tool to research findings...................................................................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................15
P5. Communicate outcome of research................................................................................15
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................15
P6 Effectiveness of research methods in meeting objectives...............................................15
P7. Alternative research methodology.................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
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TITLE: - Equality and diversity at workplace.
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity is referred to as the procedure through which businesses promotes
equality within the company in terms of several opportunity that are provided to employees at
workplace. Workplace discrimination is determined as the one of the main issue that has been
seen in many companies. This discrimination can be seen in many forms such as like gender,
racial, religion, age, nationality, disability and sexual discrimination. It can be said that if any of
the stated discrimination takes place at workplace then it directly places negative impact over the
employees which results in decline in their productivity and proficiency. Businesses are taking
many initiatives with the motive of addressing workplace discrimination within the company so
that they can easily develop positive working environment for employees and also make them
realise that they are working in the company where all employees are treated equality. This is
ultimately results in the quick attainment of organisational goals and objective which ultimately
leads to the success. The present investigation has been conducted by considering TESCO a well
known retailer of UK, in order to explore detailed information on how equality and diversity
contributes in reducing workplace discrimination. In this regard investigator has developed
effective aim, objectives and questions which will lead whole team in gathering with the usage of
primary and secondary methods. It will provide explanation on several methods helpful in
conducting research and ends with the appropriate recommendation, reflection and conclusion
over the research problem.
TASK 1
P1, State research objective, questions and literature review
Overview & Background of the study:-
Equality is acknowledged as most important thing at workplace which ensures that all
employees working within the company are getting equivalent opportunity. Incorporation of
practices that includes equality are considered as the most effective initiatives taken by the
company that helps them out in motivating employees and influencing them to perform the
assigned work in best possible way. Whereas, diversity is seen as the inclusion of individuals
belonging to different cultural background, religion, education etc. at workplace who
collaboratively works together for attaining organisational goals and objectives in quicker
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manner. It has also been analysed that incorporation of equality and diversity practices at
workplace simply helps businesses in gaining competitive edge. The present report is based on
TESCO a large scale UK based company which belongs to retail industry. This company is a
large British multinational groceries and general merchandise retailer which operates its business
throughout the world. It maintains its presence world-wide where it operates approx. 3400 stores
and also maintains its online presence which makes it capable of catering the customers belongs
to different geographical background. The respective company has its operations across the
world. The main reason behind the success of the company is the hard work of its employees
who are working collaboratively for attaining success towards the same by achieving their
predetermined aim and objectives in quicker manner. The management team of the company also
believes that for maintaining performance of the employees. For this they ensure that none of
discrimination associated activities takes place within the company thus in order to attain the
success at international marketplace the respective company ensures to incorporate equality and
diversity practices at workplace. In this, regard the management team of this company has hired
professional researcher to conduct research over the equality and diversity practices and how it
effectively supports in eliminating workplace discrimination at workplace. With reference to the
same, the respected investigator has developed effective aim, objective and question based on the
chosen theme that will support investigator in conducting research in the same direction. The
formulated research aim, objectives and questions are specified as below:
Research Aim
The proposed research aim for the current investigation is “To determine the contribution
of equality and diversity practices in managing workplace discrimination.” A study on TESCO.
Research objectives
 To understand about the concept of workplace discrimination.
 To determine the importance of equality and diversity practices towards effective
management of employees in TESCO.
 To ascertain role of equality and diversity practices in minimising issues related with
workplace discrimination in TESCO.
Research questions
 What is the concept of workplace discrimination?
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 What are the importance of equality and diversity practices towards effective
management of employees in TESCO?
 Explain role of equality and diversity practices in minimising issues related with
workplace discrimination in TESCO?
Literature review
The concept of workplace discrimination
According to the views and opinions of ................., workplace discrimination can be defined as
the biased as well as differential treatment received by an individual while at work station.
Discrimination can be done on the basis of any of the following aspects: age, colour, caste,
ethnicity, parenthood, genetic information, creed, gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation,
religion and so on. Workplace discrimination takes place in an instance whereby a person is
discriminated in an adverse manner. This is acknowledged to be one of the most prominent
issues faced by a large number of companies across the globe at the present time. When a
company is found to be engaged in workplace discrimination practice, it can be said that the
practices of the firm are unethical or illegal. Whereby the information about an entity being
engaged in the act of workplace discrimination is publicised by the media, it brings extensive bad
name to the company. Also, the staff retention becomes an issue in such companies as employees
start developing a feeling that they might also get posed to a similar incidence of workplace
discrimination in the future context. Thus, the employees of such entities prefer to switch to and
work in those organisations which have strong policies and systems that can prevent workplace
discrimination from taking place within the premises of the company. One of the best ways
through which companies across the globe tend to deal with the issue of workplace
discrimination is by way of stipulating strong as well as effective equality and diversity policy
and practices. This will ensure that the management of the company treats every employee in an
equal and fair manner, thereby not giving preferential behaviour to any individual working
within the confines of the entity.
Importance of equality and diversity practices towards effective management of employees in
TESCO
As per the view point presented by ..............., equality at workplace is defined as the practice of
treating every individual working within the confines of an entity in an equitable manner
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irrespective of their age, caste, gender, creed, sex, race, religion, nationality etc. Opposed to this,
diversity is acknowledged as the practice of accepting individuals as they actually are, together
with their ideologies, thoughts, nationality and many aspects. Equality and diversity practices
imply the execution of those practices within the organisation that values the differences
underlying between the individuals. Such practices emphasize upon the development of a culture
whereby every individual is treated in an equitable manner and not discriminated against on any
basis. By implementing equality and diversity practices within the company, an entity can derive
a number of benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that the entity can gain the attention of a
larger pool of individuals to place at the positions vacant within the company. Yet another
benefit linked to the implementation of equality and diversity practices at TESCO is that the
respective retail firm can capitalise upon the ideas of individuals belonging to different national
and cultural backgrounds in order to take right decisions for the growth and development of
entity. In addition to this, such practices also provide assistance to entities like TESCO in
retaining staff for a longer period of time by valuing their differences and ensuring that they do
not face any kind of workplace discrimination. In the long run, equality and diversity practices
have a positive impact over the working along with financial performance of the corporation.
Role of equality and diversity practices in minimising issues related with workplace
discrimination in TESCO
In accordance with the perspective of ................., it has been acknowledged that equality
and diversity practices are quite effective in minimising the extent of issues prevailing within an
entity owing to workplace discrimination. In the present context, the concern of each and every
corporation operating within the confines of an economy is to maintain effective goodwill among
the public as this provides assistance to them in building their revenues as well as profitability. In
this relation, every company ensures that they do not incur any of such activities or practices that
bring bad name to the corporation. Workplace discrimination is one of such activities which if
supported by an organisation can create a very bad image of the brand in the mindsets of
customers. For an organisation like TESCO, it is important that workplace discrimination is not
supported in any instance and strict measures are taken which can ensure that no such cases of
prejudicial conduct encountered by employees emerge in the long run. For this purpose, the HR
management of TESCO executes equality and diversity practices which tend to emphasize over
the importance of valuing the differences lying between the employees working within an
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organisation. This encourages candidates of different origins and nationalities to become a part
of the company and stay loyal and dedicated to it for a long period of time. Furthermore, it also
boosts the morale of existing employees and encourages them to enhance their productivity so
that the entity can attain its corporate goals in a timely manner. This provides assistance to an
enterprise in creating an effective goodwill of the brand in the minds of customers and thereby
gaining their support in boosting the financial performance of the firm. This tends to imply the
improvement of financial performance of an entity in the long run, thereby helping it in gaining a
competitive advantage at market place.
P2. Explain about research methods and secondary investigation
Research design: -
Research philosophy
Type of investigation:
Research approach:
Research strategy-
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of workplace discrimination?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) Do you think workplace discrimination impacts growth rate of the company?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 3) Do you think, workplace discrimination affects morale of employees?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 4) As per your opinion, what are different ways through which workplace discrimination can
be identified within TESCO?
a) By taking feedback from employees
b) Regular based inspection at workplace
c) Providing liberty to employees to express things
Q 5) According to your view point, what are the main advantages that TESCO can attain by
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incorporating equality and diversity practices at workplace?
a) Good image at marketplace
b) Reduction in employee turnover
c) Quick achievement of predetermined goals and objectives
Q 6) Does effective implementation of equality and diversity practices helps TESCO in gaining
competitive edge?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 7) What are main consequences that TESCO might face due to workplace discrimination?
a) Increase in employee turnover
b) Enhancement in conflicts at workplace
c) Reduction in productivity and proficiency of employees
Q 8) According to your perception, what are the several ways that could support TESCO in
implementing equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Providing equal opportunity
b) Inclusion training
c) Assigning team work
Q 9) Do you think, incorporation of equality and diversity practices helps TESCO in reducing
workplace discrimination?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 10) According to you, how equality and diversity practices addresses workplace
discrimination within TESCO?
a) By providing equal chance to workforce
b) Promoting employees according to their performance
c) Taking feedback from employees
Q 11) Does employees feedback provides support to management of TESCO is determining
workplace discrimination and taking strict action towards it?
a) Yes
b) No
Data collection
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TASK 2
P3. Conduct primary and secondary research while considering cost, assess and ethical issues
Sampling-
Reliability and validity of study
Cost, access and ethical issue
P4. Apply appropriate tool to research findings
Frequency table
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of workplace discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Q 2) Do you think workplace discrimination impacts growth rate of
the company?
Frequency
a) Agree 32
b) Disagree 8
Q 3) Do you think, workplace discrimination affects morale of
employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 36
b) No 4
Q 4) As per your opinion, what are different ways through which
workplace discrimination can be identified within TESCO?
Frequency
a) By taking feedback from employees 15
b) Regular based inspection at workplace 12
c) Providing liberty to employees to express things 13
Q 5) According to your view point, what are the main advantages that
TESCO can attain by incorporating equality and diversity practices
at workplace?
Frequency
a) Good image at marketplace 14
b) Reduction in employee turnover 13
c) Quick achievement of predetermined goals and objectives 13
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Q 6) Does effective implementation of equality and diversity practices
helps TESCO in gaining competitive edge?
Frequency
a) Yes 33
b) No 7
Q 7) What are main consequences that TESCO might face due to
workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Increase in employee turnover 10
b) Enhancement in conflicts at workplace 16
c) Reduction in productivity and proficiency of employees 14
Q 8) According to your perception, what are the several ways that
could support TESCO in implementing equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Providing equal opportunity 11
b) Inclusion training 16
c) Assigning team work 13
Q 9) Do you think, incorporation of equality and diversity practices
helps TESCO in reducing workplace discrimination?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 5
Q 10) According to you, how equality and diversity practices
addresses workplace discrimination within TESCO?
Frequency
a) By providing equal chance to workforce 18
b) Promoting employees according to their performance 12
c) Taking feedback from employees 10
Q 11) Does employees feedback provides support to management of
TESCO is determining workplace discrimination and taking strict
action towards it?
Frequency
a) Yes 37
b) No 3
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Data interpretation
Theme 1: Concept of workplace discrimination
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of workplace discrimination? Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 5
Interpretation: Workplace discrimination is defined as the act of giving prejudicial treatment to
an employee in a negative manner. This implies that the entity gives preferential treatment to
some individuals or treats some employees in an inferior manner. Out of 40 respondents, 35 said
that they were aware of the concept of workplace discrimination as they had read about it in
school, college or over the internet. Some had even received information upon the same at their
workplace. On the contrary, 5 out of 40 respondents did not possess information of the concept
of workplace discrimination as they had not been quite social or proactive in online world.
Theme 2: Workplace discrimination impacts growth rate of the company
Q 2) Do you think workplace discrimination impacts growth rate of the
company?
Frequency
a) Agree 32
b) Disagree 8
Interpretation: Workplace discrimination is acknowledged to be an illegal or unethical practice
which affects the goodwill of the company in the long run. As per the graph, it has been
interpreted that 32 out of 40 respondents were of the view that workplace discrimination impacts
upon the growth rate of the company as customers do not prefer to stay associated with the
company which have been publicized about in media in a negative context. This tends to imply a
decline in sales and profits affecting the growth of entity in the long run. As opposed to this, 8
respondents said that workplace discrimination does not impact upon the growth rate of the
company as they already maintain a loyal customer base which is dedicated towards it.
Theme 3: Workplace discrimination affects morale of employees
Q 3) Do you think, workplace discrimination affects morale of
employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 36
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