Workplace Discrimination's Impact on Employee Performance

This research project examines the detrimental effects of workplace discrimination on employee performance, focusing on a case study of Sainsbury's. The report investigates the background of workplace discrimination, the rationale behind the study, and its significance, outlining the aims, objectives, and research questions. It includes a comprehensive literature review, exploring themes such as the effects of discrimination on employee performance, Sainsbury's current practices for promoting equality, the positive impacts of equality and diversity, and strategies for decreasing workplace discrimination. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing inductive reasoning and interpretivism research philosophy, with data collected through questionnaires and literature review. Thematic analysis is used for data analysis. The project aims to provide insights into the negative consequences of discrimination, and ways to promote equality and diversity to improve employee performance and organizational success. The report concludes with recommendations for reducing workplace discrimination and promoting equality.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
Title: To identify impacts of workplace discrimination on working performance of employees. . .3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Background of the study.........................................................................................................3
Rationale.................................................................................................................................4
Significance of the study........................................................................................................4
Research methodologies..................................................................................................................4
Key findings and Results.................................................................................................................6
P6 Reflection..........................................................................................................................9
P7 Recommendations.............................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

Title: To identify impacts of workplace discrimination on working
performance of employees
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity is a term which is being used as fair treatment given by employers to
their employees in order to motivate them and make them feel valued. All those organizations
who treat their employees in an effective and fair manner are more likely to get success and
accomplish their goals. On the other hand, those companies who discriminate their employees on
the basis of gender, age, disability are more likely to affect and failure. So, from this, it can
clearly be understood that diversity plays an important role as it allows companies to increase
staff retention rate and bring innovation as well.
Background of the study
Discrimination refers unfair treatment at workplace which affects performance of
employees (Dhanani, Beus and Joseph, 2018). This present study is based on Sainsbury’s which
is the largest chain of supermarkets in the UK. It was founded in the year of 1869 by John James
Sainsbury. It wants to know different ways of promoting equality and that is why this retailer is
being selected. This study will discus all negati8ve effects of workplace discrimination and
unfair treatment with employees as how it affects image of the company, productivity and
performance of employees. Further, with the help of literature it will discuss some reasons of
promoting workplace diversity along with strategies of promoting.
Aim
To explore effects of discrimination on workplace and performance of employees: A study on
Sainsbury’s
Objectives
 To identify effects of workplace discrimination on performance of employees.
 To assess current practices used by Sainsbury’s to promote equality at workplace.
 To discuss some positive effects of equality and diversity at workplace for employees
and employers.

 To recommend some strategies for decreasing workplace discrimination and promoting
equality at workplace.
Research questions
 What are some effects of workplace discrimination on performance of employees?
 What are some current practices of Sainsbury’s for promotion of diversity at workplace?
 How employers and employees can make themselves beneficial by promoting equality at
workplace?
 What are some ways by which Sainsbury’s can make their workplace effective by
promoting equality and diversity?
Rationale
Equality and diversity is one of the main factor of the success of any organization as when
employers provide equal treatment to their employees then it motivates them and increase
loyalty,. By which they stay with the company for the long run and also help company in
accomplishing their goals. So, one of the main reason of selecting this topic is to help companies
in knowing effectiveness and ways of promoting workplace diversity and equality and make
themselves beneficial by it. Other main reason is to protect employees against unfair treatment
and increase their morale at workplace by making aware to all people about equality and
negative effects of discrimination.
Significance of the study
There are several benefits of conducting this reason for organization, for research and
academic as well. Discrimination and unfair treatment is one of the unethical behaviour which
can affect performance of organization, students at academic level and researcher as it leads to
poor image. On the other hand, equality and diversity or fair treatment is required in all sectors
whether it is organization, schools, universities and research study. By providing fair treatment to
each other, employees and researcher can boost confidence and motivate employees (Sobering,
2019). So, there are several benefits of conducting this study as it can allow all people to
improve their performance and image at workplace.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Theme 1 Effects of workplace discrimination on employee performance
As per the view of Ng and Stamper, (2018), companies are facing the major level of challenges
in providing the equal opportunities to all employees in the workplace. Ideally, workplace
provides diversified benefits from the employee creativity and innovation and varsity of talent
development. The author supported the statement as the discrimination in the workplaces have
occurred due to variety of negative stereotypes in the employee regarding the specific traits,
personal test and preferences or the inability to understand the personal conflicts. On the other
hand, the Bowl, (2018) contradicted as workplace discrimination can be treated as the level of
rivalry and increase in productivity by paying of the high-level efficiency and effectiveness in
working environment. But the author has stated as workplace discrimination have the several
negative or adverse effect on the firm productivity and profitability. Workplace discrimination
will lead to the decreased employee productivity as morale will in downward spirals which can
turn in major level of absenteeism and lack of motivation in assignment completions. In addition,
it will lead in the increase in financial expenditure of company regarding recruitment and
selection costly teams and building on the company budget. This can be because of
administration, education and training employees on the policy and technology.
Theme 2 Current practices used by Sainsbury’s to promote equality at workplace.
According to the view of Klein, (2016), Sainsbury have developed in hiring practices to promote
equality and diversity in the workplace with or holistic approach. the firm is building the diverse
workforces reflecting the areas and inspire people inside and outside in the firm. in addition to
that the firm have 2000 plus female colleagues been paired with the mentor in female mentoring
programmes along with 172000 colleagues been invited to the embrace the differences badge
supporting diversity, inclusion and quality. On the other hand, the Attfield and Attfield, (2019)
contradicted as providing there flexible working hours have been the biggest struggle for the
company maintains equality and quality of working by maintaining work life balance. The author
supported the statement as the younger employees have the feeling of working for longer hours
as compare to older team member. On the other hand, the Ng and Stamper, (2018), contradicted
as recasting the flexible working hours created the major level of drift on the single and childless
persons. There is need to have balances family friendly workplaces with people having feeling
unequal to their peers. So, it is important for the employers to wing the pendulums back closer

to the middle. The author supported the statement as when the evaluations and reprimand have
revolved around the behavioural issues but this counted to be difficult as the situation where
multiple people are present. The company is asking the department to help out in delivering the
feedbacks honestly and firmly without having the risk of unintended discrimination.
Theme 3 Positive effects of equality and diversity at workplace for employees and employers.
As per the view of Attfield and Attfield, (2019), diversity and equality in the workplaces is
having vitals to make healthy growth to the company. Employing people from the all genders
and races which can make the organization stronger. In addition to that their firm is treating the
people in equitable manners with appropriate diversification. As the positive impacts the
population have reduction in lawsuits by finding it easier to make recruitments for the new
employees. On the other hand, the Bowl, (2018) contradicted as diversity and inclusion have the
clear enhancements of brand and reputation. this have ad in increasing major level of
productivity by demonstrating clear commitments. this can be done through there aggressive
outreach and proper recruiting efforts. In addition, Sainsbury have been known for the ethics,
fair employment practices along with appreciation of diverse talent by attracting the wider pool
of qualified personnel. As per the view of (), this aspect also include loyalty for customers as
believing the business practice are socially responsible in various aspect.
Theme 4 Strategies for decreasing workplace discrimination and promoting equality at
workplace.
As per the view of Klein, (2016), proper level of pieces of training and development for the
employee will b helpful in determining the knowledge along with understanding the importance
of diversity along with its negative implication of workplace discrimination. The human
resource manager should task major level of responsibility for scouting employees for adequate
training and future development. there is need for finding out the level of qualifications for the
desirable practices which pay effective emphasis of organization vision and mission. On the
other hand, the Klein, (2016), contradicted that providing the training and development will not
be enough. There is need to have change in organization procedure and polices which cover
employee in equal manners regard governing the essence of diversity in the organization. The
author supported the statement as it is important for the company to nurture its employees to
have accepting the diversity and encourage there peaceful co existences.

Research methodologies
Research type: (125): Research type refers a form in which data are being gathered or collected
by scholar. There are mainly 2 forms of collecting data such as numerical and nn numerical data.
When researcher gather all data in non numerical form relevant to the topic then it is known as
quantitative and when it is being gathered in non numerical then it is known as qualitative
(Anderson, 2017). As compare to quantitative, in qualitative research type, researcher can know
that what people think about the topic and why they think like so by gathering data in words and
feelings form. Topic of this present study is workplace discrimination or identifying importance
of promoting diversity so, by knowing views of people, researcher can accomplish goals so, he
uses qualitative research.
Research approaches: After selecting the resaer4ch type, it is important to select research
approach in which data in detailed manner can be gathered and analysis as well. In inductive
research approach, scholar generate a brand new theory and when he generates new theory then
they are more likely to gatherer effective information and it increases their knowledge also.
Whereas, in deductive approach, researcher only develops an existing theory (Woiceshyn and
Daellenbach, 2018). For this study research focuses on inductive because it is associated with
qualitative research and researcher can accomplish goals easily.
Research philosophies: Research philosophies refer ways or methods in which researcher
collect, analysis and use data relevant to the topic. There are mainly 2 research philosophers such
as Positivism and interpretivism. Positivism research philosophy is considered as real and
independent in which researcher makes use of scientific methods as well as observable
measurable facts for explaining topic casually. Whereas, in interpretivism research philosophy
researcher focuses on theories and concepts which can easily be understood. It is somehow
complex but gives detailed information as what people think and why they think like this and it
makes them able to take better decision.
Data collection or research instruments: Data is one of the main important thing as without
data, it is not possible for researcher to even complete research study. With the help of data or
information, researcher take better decision regarding the topic as benefits of equality, negative
effects of workplace discrimination and others. For this purpose, researcher either uses primary
data or secondary. Sometimes it makes use of both data (Matei and et.al., 2019). All first hand
data are known as primary and second hand data which are being used before are known as

secondary data. Questionnaire, interview and survey are some sources of primary data. Internet,
books and journals, articles are sources of secondary data. By making use of questionnaire and
literature researcher gather both primary and secondary data.
Data analysis: After collecting data, researcher find requirement of analyzing them or
modifying them for better use of them for accomplishing goals. Qualitative and quantitative are 2
data analysis tools. Selection of data analysis tools depend upon the main research type. For
analyzing non numerical data, researcher has to choose qualitative data analysis tools. For
analyzing and modifying numerical or quantitative data, researcher makes use of quantitative
data analysis tools. This present study is qualitative so, researcher selects thematic analysis tool
as qualitative data analysis tool (Ganapathy, 2016). It can help them out in taking better decision
and also accomplish all pre determined objectives and allow Sainsbury to know about effects of
workplace discrimination on their overall productivity along with ways of promoting equality.
Sampling: Sampling refers a process of targeting people or selecting those people who help
researcher in providing answers related to the research topic. Sample refers target people or
participants for the study. Radom and non random are 2 ways of targeting people. In random
type, all people are being selected randomly and in non random, researcher set a criteria of
selection like qualification, experience and target on this basis. For this study researcher selects
random because it motivates all target people and make them feel valued.
Ethical consideration: Ethics also plays an important role as it refers moral principles which
helps researcher in identifying the difference between the right conduct and the wrong conduct.
For improving image in the eyes of participants it is important for researcher to have knowledge
about identifying that what is wrong and what is right and accordingly conduct research (Ryen,
2016). There are some codes of ethics which needs to be considered by researcher while
conducting this study such as:
 To mot force or pressurize anyone for participating in research study.
 To keep all private and professional information safe and secure.
 To not disclose any information with other institutes.
 To provide equal and fair opportunities to all participants of sharing their views.
Key findings and Results

1. Does your company treat fairly and equally with both gender of employees?
 Yes
 No
2. What is the main problem your company face while promoting diversity at workplace?
 Staff resistance
 Conflicts
 Different values of different cultures
3. What is the main advantage which your company can take by promoting equality at
workplace?
 Improve image
 Improve productivity
 Increase innovation at workplace
4. What is one of the main problem employees face due to workplace discrimination?
 Lowers performance
 Increase errors
 Poor relation with employers
5. Do you thing adequate training and development is provided into the employees for
promoting equality and diversity?
 Yes
 No
6. Does the company have strict action for workplace discrimination?
 Yes
 No
Theme 1. Company treat fairly and equally with both gender of employees
Participants Answers
22 Yes
8 No

Interpretation: On the basis of above data it can be said that majority of employees of
Sainsbury’s believe that their company do not discriminate their employees. In this regard, 22
employees said that their company treats all employees in a fair and equal manner. Whereas, 8
employees stated that they feel that Sainsbury’s do not treat all employees of different gender
and cultures in an equal manner as women are less likely to given business opportunities than
men.
Theme 2. The main problem your company face while promoting diversity at workplace
Participants Answers
13 Staff resistance
7 Conflicts
10 Different values of employees of different
cultures

Interpretation: From the above graph it can be said that promotion of equality and diversity
at workplace is not an easy task. In this context, majority or employees or 13 employees said that
there are some employees who resist to employers while promoting diversity due to fear of lack
of promotional opportunities. In addition, 7 employees said that it increases conflicts among
employees when employers promote and give equal treatment to all cultures of employees. 10
employees said that different cultures of employees have different values as some think that
women should not be given equal rights as they are not physically active as compare to men so,
it is other main barrier.
Theme 3. The main advantage which your company can take by promoting equality at workplace
Participants Answers
12 Improve image
8 Improve productivity
10 Increase innovation

Interpretation: On the basis of above data it can be said that there are several benefits
which company can take by eliminating workplace discrimination and promoting equality. In
this context, 12 employees said that by doing so, Sainsbury can improve image in eyes of
customers’ and employees. Whereas, 8 employees said that it can improves their overall
productivity and 10 employees said that it can increase innovation because motivated employees
are more likely to focus on their work.
Theme 4. One of the main problem employees face due to workplace discrimination
Participants Answers
13 Lower performance
11 Increase errors
6 Poor relation with employers