Human Resource: Workplace Discrimination and Employee Performance

This report, titled "Human Resource Management - Impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and their performance," investigates the detrimental effects of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and overall performance, using Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts as a case study. The research aims to understand the concept of workplace discrimination, identify various types of discrimination, assess its impact on employee motivation and performance, and determine effective strategies for removing discrimination from the workplace. The report compares quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, detailing the use of questionnaires for data collection and statistical analysis for interpretation. It also explores research philosophies like positivism and interpretivism, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The findings suggest a significant correlation between discrimination and output quality, emphasizing the need for organizations to address discrimination to enhance employee motivation and productivity.

Business Research
Methods
1

Contents
Section 1: Comparing two research methodologies.........................................................................3
1.1 Research problem.......................................................................................................................3
Research Aim...............................................................................................................................3
Objectives of the study.................................................................................................................3
Research questions.......................................................................................................................3
Rationale of selecting this study..................................................................................................4
1.2 Selected key readings.................................................................................................................4
Concept of workplace discrimination..........................................................................................4
Different types of discrimination that may takes place in the organisation.................................5
Impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and performance........................5
Different ways of removing discrimination from workplace......................................................5
1.3 Two appropriate research methods............................................................................................6
Section 2: Instrument and Conclusions............................................................................................9
2.1 Instrument..................................................................................................................................9
Questionnaire ............................................................................................................................10
2.2 Conclusions..............................................................................................................................10
Section 3: Research Dissemination................................................................................................11
3.1 Relevance and audience...........................................................................................................11
3.2 Communication of research.....................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
2

TITLE – “Human Resource Management - Impact of workplace discrimination on
employee motivation and their performance”
Section 1: Comparing two research methodologies
1.1 Research problem
Workplace discrimination is one among the major issues that employees face within the
organisation. The discrimination is based on certain prejudices and happens when an individual
or employee is treated unfavourably due to their sexuality, religion, disability, gender, age, race
etc. It can perpetuate competitiveness, productivity, poverty and ignite political instability. It is a
common issue within the workplace due to which employees lack motivation and satisfaction.
For current project selection of Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts made for current investigation
as it is one of the leading multinational chain of upscale hotels and full service. It is located in
numerous locations and serves its products and services worldwide. This project aims to analyze
the impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and their performance. It covers
comparison of the research methodologies utilize in the literature reviewed along with the
information about proposed research instrument and relevance and communication of research to
the audience.
Research Aim
The aim associated with this particular research project is "To analyze the impact of
workplace discrimination on employee motivation and their performance. A case study on
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, United Kingdom."
Objectives of the study
The main objectives in relation to this specific research study are provided below:
1. To understand the concept of workplace discrimination.
2. To identify the types of discrimination that may takes place in the organisation.
3. To assess the impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and performance.
4. To determine different ways of removing discrimination from workplace.
Research questions
The main questions related to this specific study of research are provided below:
1. What is the concept of workplace discrimination?
3

2. What can be the some common type of discrimination that are seen within an organization?
3. How workplace discrimination impacts on employee motivation as well as performance?
4. What are the different ways of removing discrimination from workplace?
Rationale of selecting this study
This study is based on the title “Impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation
and their performance” and it aims to analyze the influence of workplace discrimination on
motivation of employees and their performance. The main reason of selecting this study is that it
helps researcher in properly understanding the concept of workplace discrimination and gaining
in-depth information and knowledge about it. It assists in determining the different types of
discrimination which main takes place within the company along with the impact of workplace
discrimination on performance and motivation of employees. Apart from this, this also assist in
determining the different ways through which an organisation can remove discrimination from
the workplace and keep its employees motivated and satisfied. By the assistance of this
investigation, the knowledge base of researcher will be increase. In addition to this, this research
will also prove to be helpful for the organisation analyzing the impact of workplace
discrimination and eliminating it from workplace by adopting appropriate strategies so that
employees can stay motivated and the performance can be enhanced.
1.2 Selected key readings
Concept of workplace discrimination
As per the opinions presented by Brake, D.L., 2016, Workplace discrimination happens
when a person is discriminated against because of various factors like age, religion, caste,
education, color, nationality, disability etc. It is based on some prejudices and happens when
workers are treated unfavorably. It is unlawful to treat any individual with discrimination.
Discrimination can happen in two ways including direct discrimination and indirect
discrimination. the direct discrimination happens when an individual is treated less favorably in
comparison to other employees. It can also happen when the employer pays someone less in
comparison to other employees for no good reason. On the other hand, indirect discrimination
takes place when certain regulations or rules put certain members of staff at a disadvantage. It is
the unfair treatment of a person the basis of their category or class they belong to instead of
individual merit.
4

Different types of discrimination that may takes place in the organisation
As per the view point of Chavez, L. J., and et. al., 2015, the different types of
discrimination that takes place within the organisation includes age discrimination, religious
discrimination, disability discrimination, victimization, harassment etc. The discrimination
against individuals with disabilities in the favor of individuals who are not is known as
disablism. Disability discrimination happens when an individual treats non-disabled people as
standard of normal living, outcomes in educational settings, services which are develop to serve
standard individuals, thereby exclude those with disabilities. The another type of discrimination
is age discrimination where the discrimination is based on the grounds of age of an individual. It
is the set of values, beliefs and norms that used to justify subordination or discrimination based
on the age of an individual.
Impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation and performance
As per the opinions presented by Fisher, G. G., and et. al., 2017, workplace discrimination
impacts adversely on the motivation as well as performance of the employees. If employees are
discriminated on the basis of any aspect including age, religion, gender, race, caste, creed,
culture, education, disability etc., then they get demotivated and are not able to perform their
roles and responsibilities effectively. They are not satisfied with their job which in turn declines
their productivity and thus leads to decline in the productivity of organisation. It puts the
discriminated individual at disadvantage in comparison to other individuals. Discrimination not
only affects the performance and productivity of employees, but impacts negatively the
performance and productivity of organisation. It is necessary for the employer to ensure that all
the employees are treated equally within the organisation so that this can improve the motivation
level of employees and they can work productively within the organisation.
Different ways of removing discrimination from workplace
As per the view point of O'Loughlin, K., and et. al., 2017, there are various ways by which
an organisation can remove discrimination from the workplace. One of the ways includes
treating all the individuals equally within the organisation irrespective of their age, gender,
religion and various other aspects. This will help in developing a sense of satisfaction and
belongingness among the employees and they in turn stay motivated within the organisation.
Apart from this, the another way to remove discrimination is that to pay equally to the employees
who are working at similar position. This will help in satisfying them and keep them happy. In
5

addition to this, developing anti-discrimination policy and executing it within the organisation is
also the way through which an organisation can remove discrimination from the workplace.
1.3 Two appropriate research methods
Research methodology is defined as the contextual framework of research based on the
beliefs, views and values that directs the choices that investigators make. It involves theoretical
analysis of different methods. The choice of methodologies that researches made is based on
differentiation between quantitative and qualitative data. Research methodology can be stated as
the way to resolve the issue of research and may be understood as science of studying the way
research is done scientifically. In the section of investigation, different types steps are studied
which are generally adopted by the investigator in studying the issue of research along with the
reasoning behind them. It is very much required for the researcher to know about the way to
develop certain tests or indices, the way to calculate median, mode and mean, standard deviation,
how to implement specific resource techniques, which technique is relevant or not relevant etc.
The need to understand the assumptions underlying different techniques as well as the
requirement to know the criteria through which they can decide certain procedures and
techniques applicable to specific issue.
The methodologies used in the literature that have reviewed includes quantitative research
method in which numerical information was gathered by researcher. The quantitative data might
be easy to collect as well as analyse and is based on large number of participants. It is based on
the data which can be objectively measured with the numbers and statistical analysis and
numerical comparisons are used for analysing the data. Apart from this, the methodology appears
more scientific and might appeal individuals who seek clear answer to particular casual
questions. It is quick to perform the quantitative research analysis and owing to more number of
respondents, it enables generalisation to wide group than the sample of research. On the other
hand, qualitative data is richer as well as generally grounded in interpretivist and subjective
perspective. It supports an in-depth understanding of the specific situation investigated because
of constraints like time, it generally includes a small number of participants. Because of this
reason, the findings in the qualitative study are limited to the sample which is studied and cannot
be generalized to wider population or other context. The popular method of qualitative data
includes unstructured or semi structured interviews, document analysis and participant
6

observations and is generally more time consuming. Whereas, in context of quantitative research
data, the methods include organisational statistical records and questionnaires.
The research design is referred as the plan which describes when, where and how data is
collected and analysed. In other words, it represents the blueprint of study. The reviewed
literature has used cross sectional survey design which is an aspect of Quasi experimental
research design as it demonstrates a type of observational study which analyses the data or
information collected from population, at specific period of time. Apart from this, the researcher
used probability sampling technique in the research. Because of the fact that samples are chosen
based on simple random sampling method that provide all the people in the population equal
chances of being selected. use of this method helped researcher in avoiding the biasness within
the research study that was performed. Both the primary as well as secondary method of
collecting data was utilised in which for collecting the primary data, researcher was used
structured questionnaire which consisted of some set of questions that the respondents required
to be answered. Statistical Analysis was carried out for analysing and interpreting the data. The
outcome of the analysis depicted in the review literature is that there is a significant relationship
between discrimination and quality of output which shows that the organisations which are
characterized through discrimination help employees with low output quality. In context to this
specific study, the different business research methods that will be utilized by the investigator are
as follows:
Research philosophies- There are two common types of research philosophies which
consists of positivism and Interpretivism research philosophy which are commonly used and
applied by an investigator to carry out a research work. A critique and analysis of both of these
research philosophy has been provided below: Positivism philosophy- an evaluation can be made that use of positivism philosophy
facilitates support for quantitative approach and relies on numeric data thus, facilitates
and ensures a well structured investigation and discussion. The drawback and pitfall
associated with use of positivism philosophy comprises of lack of human behavior and
inflexibility.
 Interpretivism philosophy- the biggest advantage of making use of interpretative
philosophy comprises of the fact that it support in-depth and theoretical analysis to
provide better perception of human behavior. But the limitation of interpretative
7

philosophy comprises of the fact that it does not support and lead out effective
presentation of collected data.
Thus, with respect to current investigation that is based on the topic of workplace
discrimination application of positivism philosophy is more vital as it lead to a more systematic
and scientific form of investigation based on statics and other numeric data.
Research approach- there are two main form and type of research approach which
consists of deductive and inductive form of approach a critique and evaluation of which is
provided as below: Deductive approach- It is properly inline with positivism philosophy thus provides an
better testing and scanning of numeric facts that is its biggest advantage but still the lack
of theoretical evidence and in-depth information is its drawback.
 Inductive approach- This approach is used in support with interpretative philosophy
which lead to better development of a new theory based on human perception and
opinion. Thus, the pitfall of making use of inductive approach consist of the fact that it is
more complex and time consuming.
Thus, on the basis of above discussion, an implication can be made that use of deductive
approach seemed more useful and appropriate with respect to current investigation as it lead to
betters support for positivism philosophy along with setting better testing and scanning of facts
presenting information about workplace discrimination.
Research strategy- this sections forms a vital part of research project which consists and
provide framework for collection of data. The main research strategy comprises of action
research, experiments, interview, survey and many more. A review of two most commonly used
research strategy has been provided below: Survey strategy- It is basically a quantitative form of research strategy which consists
use of questionnaire for data collection. The main advantage of using survey strategy
comprises of the fact that it facilitates most cost and time efficient way for collection of
data from a larger number of participants but the only pitfall associated with survey
strategy is that it does not consists any in-depth and in-sight information about human
opinion.
 Interview- This form of survey strategy is mainly related and associated with the one to
one communication with the selected participants thus ensures more efficient data
8

collection and in-rich information about the selected topic. The main consequence and
drawback of interview comprises of the fact that it is time consuming and complex
process which would affect the efficiency level of investigation.
In accordance with above discussion, selection of survey strategy seemed to be more vital and
appropriate as it helps in maintaining efficiency level while collection of data through ensuring a
most efficient way of gathering information through making use of questionnaire.
Research method- there are two common form of research method which consists of qualitative
and quantitative form of research method a critical evaluation of which is provided as below:
Quantitative research method- This form of investigation is based on collection of
numeric facts and analytical data which is easy to collect and present. The fore most advantage
of making use of quantitative research method is based on the fact that it ensures and leads out to
better presentation and analysis of collected fact with the help of statistical charts and tables.
Thus, use of quantitative form of research method support better analysis and specific research
result to have a more measurable and specific research outcome. The pitfall of quantitative form
of research method consists of fact that it lack theoretical and in-depth information hence does
not provide analysis of human opinion.
Qualitative research method- Use of qualitative form of research method is vital and
useful to have better understanding about the people's beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behavior,
and interactions through collecting and analyzing non numerical form of data. Thus, the pitfall
related with use of qualitative method comprises of the fact that it is a more complex and time
consuming research method along with the evidence that it does not lead to attractive and
effective presentation of facts and use of graphs and tables is not made normally.
With respect to above provided critique an analysis can be made that use of quantitative
form of research method is more appropriate and justifiable for current investigation as it support
easy collection of data for study along with supporting more effective presentation of facts to
have specific and measurable set of research results.
Section 2: Instrument and Conclusions
2.1 Instrument
An instrument of research can be the interviews, survey, checklist and test. This is usually
ascertaining by the investigator as well as is tied in order to study the methodology. In context of
9

this particular investigation, the proposed research instrument is questionnaire which is a tool
that consist of different questions that are answered by respondents. It is a very commonly used
instrument in order to gather data related to the research study from the participants. The
research instrument is mainly used by an investigative for better and efficient collection of data
thus, with respect to current investigation on workplace discrimination use of questionnaire is
proposed as research instrument a discussion and evaluation of which is provided as below:
Questionnaire
The research instrument which is proposed for current investigation is questionnaire
which is basically consists a set of questions (mainly close ended questions) to prompt and
collect data from selected participants.
Advantage- The main advantage of making use of questionnaire comprises of the fact that it
provides and facilitate most economical form of data collection along with facilitating a wide
coverage. Further, it puts less pressure on respondents and provides most suitable responses
related with a specific topic.
Disadvantage- The use of questionnaire as research instrument does not provide in-depth
information about research topic as not incudes in-depth human opinion thus limit the scope of
research work.
Thus, use of questionnaire for current investigation based ion the topic of workplace
discrimination is significant and appropriate as it would support easy collection of data from a
larger number of participants to meet the set objective in most efficient manner.
2.2 Conclusions
It has been concluded on the basis of above report that workplace discrimination is the
common issue in workplaces which employees are facing. There are different types of
discrimination takes place in the organisation including religious discrimination, gender
discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination etc. Discrimination impacts
negatively on the productivity and performance of employees as well as the organisation. It
lower down the morale of employees and decline their productivity. It is very necessary for the
organisation to adopt appropriate ways through which discrimination can be removed from the
workplace and a healthy environment can be maintained where all the employees can work
10

productively. The instrument utilize in this research will be questionnaire which highly
contribute in gaining responses from the respondents so that accurate outcomes of research can
be drawn. This help in accomplishing all the objectives of the research. The expected value of
the instrument is very high as it is assistive in drawing accurate and reliable outcomes of the
investigation.
Section 3: Research Dissemination
3.1 Relevance and audience
In order to executing the potential findings from suggested research, the organisation as well
as the employees might be the right audience as workplace discrimination is very common issue
within the workplaces due to which employees face many problems. By the assistance of this
investigation, the types of discrimination that may takes place within the organisation as well as
its impact on the motivation and performance of employees can be determine. Apart from this,
organisations can determine the different ways through which they can eliminate discrimination
from the workplace and keeping their employees motivated and satisfied. The potential findings
from the research will highly contribute in improving the motivation level and performance of
employees which in turn improving the productivity of organisation as well. This research is of
higher relevance for the organisation as by the help of it, the management of company will be
able to understand the significance of maintaining equality in the workplace and ensure that no
employee will treat discriminately in the organisation. It also assists in maintaining good
environment in the workplace which in turn help in improving its productivity.
3.2 Communication of research
In order to disseminate the outcomes of research properly and most effectively, that kind of
media that would be required includes oral presentations and posters. Dissemination of research
is paramount for its future progression and critical appraisal and generating interest in the work.
It is required to reach wider people which involves research Institute or group, research network
and research collaborators as well as those who involved in research discipline. In order to
present the research to other professionals, it is very useful to the findings in various ways as
possible. The posters provide a great opportunity to acquire feedback and let others know
regarding the research, specifically during the early stages of project. Apart from this, oral
presentation is an another way to communicate the findings of research. In order to interact with
11

the audience, it is necessary to convey the information properly without repetition of sentences
or words. In addition to this, use of another tools like emails, social media, internet websites etc.
are also the appropriate ways through which the findings of research can be communicate in an
effective way.
12