Research Project: Workplace Discrimination and Employee Motivation

This research project investigates the impact of workplace discrimination on employee motivation, focusing on a case study of Sainsbury's. The report begins with an executive summary, followed by an introduction outlining the background, rational, aims, objectives, and research questions. A literature review explores the concepts of discrimination and motivation, the impact of discrimination on employee motivation, and outcomes adopted by organizations to address discrimination. The methodology is presented, followed by the results and findings. The discussion section analyzes the findings, and the report concludes with recommendations for Sainsbury's and suggestions for future research, along with a reflection on the research process. The study uses qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis, to provide insights into the relationship between discrimination and employee motivation, and its impact on the workplace environment and brand reputation.

RESEARCH PROJECT
(Impact of workplace discrimination of
employee’s motivation)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It has been evaluated from the research study that, discrimination at workplace tend to
largely affects the mental and physical impact on the employees. It tends to result in lower
motivation level, depression, mental disorders, anxiety, lack of self control, etc. It has been
examined that, Discrimination on the grounds of race, caste, gender, religion, status, etc. results
in lack of job satisfaction among employees, affects workplace environment, impact
collaboration and team work and in turn also affects the brand image and reputation of the
company. This study has demonstrated that, use of qualitative research method is considered to
be very useful in gaining better insight on the particular subject matter. It helps in gaining
analytical and descriptive information on the subject matter related with the impact of
discrimination at workplace associated with employees motivation. The researcher of the study
will carry out thematic analysis and helps in critically evaluating the key elements of the research
objectives. It has been concluded that, discrimination tends to result in affecting the brand
reputation of the company which in turn largely affects the business operations. This study has
recommended that, enhancing communication, empowering employees and motivating them to
participate in decision making helps in eliminating discrimination and attain higher operational
goals and productivity.

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
Chapter One: INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................4
1.1 Background......................................................................................................................4
Rational...................................................................................................................................5
Aim and objectives.................................................................................................................5
Research question...................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................6
2.2 Themes of literature review..............................................................................................6
2.3 Brief summary of literature review..................................................................................8
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................9
ETHICAL ISSUE..........................................................................................................................11
TIME PLAN..................................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND FINDINGS.................................................................................13
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION........................................................21
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................25
Questionnaire........................................................................................................................25

Chapter One: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Motivation reflects the important aspects through which it assembles the company
integrity to motivate the employees to achieve targets within the stipulated time (Motivation,
2019). In context of employees motivation it carries various aspects which is adapted by
organisation to get better better productivity (Colella and King, 2018). Discrimination in
workplaces is mainly considered to be the negative aspects of the organisation as it mainly
occurs through genders, colour, region, religion or any sexuality issue.
Discrimination is referred to as the unjust treatment to various different categories of the
people on the grounds of age, sex, race, religion, culture, belief, etc. this in turn results in unfair
treatment of individuals which is based upon personal characteristics of an individual.
Discrimination at workplace tend to largely affects the mental and physical impact on the
employees. This in turn leads to depression, mental disorders, anxiety, lack of self control, etc.
which in turn leads employees to become hostile. Perceived discrimination within the workplace
tend to result in affecting both the workplace environment and employee within the organization.
Discrimination within the workplace tends to effect the mental health of the employees rather
than on physical health which eventually tends to lower the motivation of the employees within
the company. Discriminatory practice within the work environment is likely to affect the job
satisfaction of the employees within the organizational context which in turn also influence their
motivation level (Fox, Moroşanu and Szilassy, 2015). Discrimination has negative effect on the
workplace harmony and also effects the job satisfaction levels. This is because discrimination
tends to have psychological impact which in turn largely results in anxiety and depression.
Discrimination also tends to impact the collaboration which in turn leads to rise in the conflicts
within the workplace. Discrimination within the workplace is traumatic because it largely affects
the reputation and brand image of the company. Hence, non- discrimination within the
workplace tend to result in higher employee motivation and high degree of job satisfaction.
Present report is based upon the Sainsbury which was founded by John James Sainsbury
in 1869. It is considered to be one of the second largest supermarket chain in UK carrying
various products and also engaged with 1,86,900 employees carrying their business globally.
They also located at several places and also carried 1415 shops around the world.

Rational
The main reason of choosing this topic is that usually companies discriminate employees
on the bases of their capability and gender regarding accomplishing the task. Thus, the main
aspects of choosing this topic is that the identify the various aspects regarding the discrimination
which is committed by company and also it affects the employees motivation which reflect in
getting better productivity. Thus, from the above issue arises, the reason behind conducting this
topic is that it investigative the aspects relating to managing the employees motivation in respect
of facing discrimination at work place. As various authors had investigate the matter relating to
discrimination at work place thus, it is termed to be the easier task to gather data and information
related to the selected research topic.
Aim and objectives
Aim: To identify the impact of discrimination at workplace relating to employees motivation – A
study on Sainsbury.
Objectives:
 To evaluate the concept of discrimination and motivation among the employees at
workplace.
 To determines the impact arises through discrimination of employees motivation in
organisation.
 To assess the outcomes adapted by organisation in context of discriminating employees at
workplace.
 To provide recommendation to Sainsbury regarding adapting the best methods to
motivate employees through the aspects of discrimination at workplace.
Research question
1. What is the concept of discrimination and motivation among the employees at
workplace?
2. How the impact arises through discrimination of employees motivation in organisation?
3. What is the outcomes adapted by organisation in context of discriminating employees at
workplace?

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review is referred to as a scholarly paper which is very beneficial because it
tends to include current knowledge which in turn includes substantive findings associated with
the methodological and theoretical contribution related to the particular research topic. They are
considered to be as the secondary source which has been collected from already published in
formation. It helps in critically examining the viewpoints of several authors which in turn helps
in bridging the gaps which helps in gaining true and valid information and attain valid conclusive
points.
2.2 Themes of literature review.
Theme 1: Concept of discrimination and motivation among the employees at workplace
According to Marchiondo, Ran and Cortina (2018) the concept of discrimination which
affects the motivation of employees is mainly related to race factors. As every person had their
own capabilities and thoughts to interpret the work. In such perspective discrimination is done by
organisation regarding giving priority to that person which is more knowledgable and familiar
with the work and also the higher job position is offered to them similarly in case of motivation.
Through this perspective employees are motivated as they tried harder to achieve the post by
giving more productive results in workplace.
Nica and Molnar (2016) argued that through motivating employees regarding achieving
the higher post, it results in judging the other employees capabilities regarding not giving
accurate results. As every person had their own skills and strategies to accomplish the task. Thus,
by discriminating them on the bases of genders, race is not fair for the employees working in the
organisation. This results in facing lack of motivation of employees and also it affects the
company reputation and goodwill at lager scale.
Sia, Sahoo and Duari (2015) stated that discrimination is mainly committed by company
in respect of separating the employees who are weak or not accomplish the task better. For e.g.
In case of Sainsbury, they treat their employees equally and also discrimination occurs in respect
of women employees working in the premises. The discrimination mainly reflect the positive
aspects for company as employees which cannot work in hazardous places are to be set for
accomplishing in operational work.

Rana and Malik (2017) criticised that women had more power and capabilities to
accomplish the task in better perspective as compared from men. As women cannot be judged on
the bases of their power, they carry various skills to bring innovation in products and services
which is offered by company. Thus, discrimination in respect of gender results in demotivating
employees relating to work in similar post. This distract the mind and interest of other employees
to work accurately. Motivation is must at work place as every person are treated equally and also
employees are motivated if they given priority to presents their reviews and thoughts regarding
attaining the particular task.
Theme 2: Impact arises through discrimination of employees motivation in organisation
As per Mihăilă (2016) the impact arises through discrimination at workplace is resulting
to analysing the lack of productivity as employees are distracted by viewing the discrimination.
Employees are motivated if they finds that every employees are treated equally and also they
given equal opportunity to present their reviews and ideas at work premises. This in such case
impact arise through affecting the working environment and also it affects the goodwill and
reputation of the company.
Lain (2016) interpreted that the impact also find in respect of communication. As if the
employees are discriminated on the bases of various aspects, it results in bringing
communication barriers among employees. The success of the company is determined through
the employees team work and also through their innovative ideas and thoughts. Thus, if their is
less communication, it results in not sharing their ideas and thoughts with each other and it thus
reflects the conflict between the employees. Though this aspects, it indirectly affects the working
environment and also raise conflict among the employees to work as team. This also affects the
organisational culture through facing the discrimination issue at work premises.
Bender and Elliott (2018) examined that the impact also arises in respect of not following
the orders or values which is assigned by the superiors in respect of facing any discrimination at
work place. As due to having discrimination, It demotivated employees to follow the guidelines
which is given by leaders or managers regarding accomplishing the task within stipulated time.
In such manner employees are diversified regarding attaining the particular task in better manner
and also resulting to facing various issue in respecting other at workplace. As employees are
bound to follow the norms and condition which is imposed by the superiors so that they are

motivated to work as team. In case of discrimination it results in not maintain the values which
the company is imposing on employees and also it affects the company status in market.
Theme 3: Outcomes adapted by organisation in context of discriminating employees at
workplace
Fox, Moroşanu and Szilassy (2015) suggested that the major outcomes which is adapted
by organisation in respect of motivating employees is relating to improving the languages and
communication skills among the employees. As through this aspects, company can reduces the
discrimination between the employees and also coordinate with each employees relating to work
accomplished. Thus, this factor is considered to be one of the major aspect through which
company can enhances the employees interest and also they are self motivated to attain the task
with perfection.
On the contradictory to Neupane (2015) the language and effective communication, the
gives liability to the employees to share their reviews and thought with superiors and also leaders
encourage the employees to bring new innovation at their work place. This reflect in giving the
rights to use the resources which is given by company in positive aspects. By this procedure, it
build more learning and team work among the employees and also they had given opportunity to
share their ideas and thoughts with other and also work as team to give better results.
Modood and Khattab (2016) interviewed that respect and trust is also another important
aspects through which employees are motivated to work in the premises. As discrimination can
be overcome if the employee are given proper respect and also they involves in all the decision
which is taken by company. Through the aspects of training which is given to all the employees,
results in motivated them to sustain their interest in the workplace for longer time period.
Training is to be organised in group and also in training, employees are motivate to discuss their
ideas relevant to that topic. Through this aspect, company can enhances the interest of employees
and also they are motivated to achieve the task in team.
2.3 Brief summary of literature review.
From the above carried out literature review it has been summarized that, As per Mihăilă
(2016) motivation levels of the employees within the organization is mainly influenced by the
discrimination associated with the race factors which in turn lower the employee satisfaction and
motivation level. Individual in the organization who are been treated unfairly and discriminated
on the basis of caste, religion, belief, age, gender, race, etc. tends to largely impact employees

which in turn results in lower job satisfaction and motivation levels within workplace
environment. It has been summarized that, discrimination in workplace results in lack of
productivity and lower performance level of employees. Depression in turn leads to depression,
mental disorders, anxiety, lack of self control, etc. which in turn leads employees to become
hostile. The employees can effectively improve the working of the company by motivating
employees through proper communication, reduction in discrimination levels by improving
training and imparting knowledge, etc. Modood and Khattab (2016) said that, The organization
must also focus on enhancing the interest of the employees by motivating them to perform the
task of their interest. Encouraging employees to participate in the organizational decision making
tends to result in higher operational growth and sustainability within the company.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research types: This methodology is considered to be one of the most fundamental way
to attain valid and conclusive results. This methodology is categorized into Quantitative and
qualitative research types. Quantitative method is based on statistical and numerical data. But on
the contrary, qualitative method will be based on evaluating the social phenomenon and gaining
valid facts for particular research project.
Researcher will apply Qualitative method to conduct the research as through this aspect
they may conduct the questionnaire method to gather information through raising questions.
Research Approach: It is considered to be a procedure which in turn is based on broad
assumptions. This methodology is categorized into Inductive and deductive approach. Deductive
approach is based on the formulation of hypothesis.
By using the Qualitative method, researcher will choose the inductive methods. As
through this aspects they gather the information from internal sources (England, 2017). Inductive
research approach will help researcher in generation of new theories which can be effectively
emerged from the particular set of information.
Research Philosophies: This methodological approach is very useful in determining the
phenomenon according to which particular phenomenon should be gathered, used and analysed.
Philosophies carried with various ideas, thoughts and beliefs which is used to conduct the
research. This methodology is categorized into Positivism and Interpretivism philosophical
approach.

Thus, in these aspects, researcher will use the Interpretivism methods to conduct the
research. By this method they can interpret the results from the collected data because it tends to
integrate human interest into the subject matter.
Data collection: This is considered to be the most effective process for measuring and
gathering information on the basis of particular variables of the research study. This
methodology is categorized into Primary and Secondary methods of data collection.
Researcher will apply both the methods as by preferring the primary methods it results in
gathering the original information with the help of interview, experimentation, polls,
questionnaire, etc. and by choosing the secondary method it results in taking the data and
information from secondary sources like blogs, manuals, journals, newspaper, articles, etc.
(McGoldrick and Arrowsmith, 2017).
Sampling: It is considered to be an effective process which is very useful in pre-
determining the observation from the large number of population. This methodology is
categorized into Probabilistic and Non probabilistic methods. Probabilistic method is used
where the each individual in the population has equal chance of getting selected in the sample
size. On the other hand, non- probabilistic technique is where individuals do not have equal
chance of getting selected in the sample size.
Researcher in context of sampling has opted for probabilistic method in which random
sampling is used to collect data from random, people. In this research, the data is collected from
20 employees of Sainsbury company.
Data Analysis: This is an effective process which helps in cleansing, inspecting,
modelling and transforming the data which has been collected on the set research topic. This
methodology is categorized into Thematic and Non thematic method i.e., SPSS tool. SPSS tool is
useful in simplifying the complex statistical data.
Researcher of the study has opted for the thematic methods by which they present the
data on the basis of theme. Through these aspects, the research look presentable and also unique
from the other authors. This helps in bridging the gaps on the subject matter and attain
conclusive points.
Research Limitation: The limitation in research is relevant to not having appropriate
resources to gather as much information relevant to the selected topic (Farkas, England and

Barton, 2017). The limitation also faces in respect of lack of availability of time. Through this
aspect it restricts to inspect in such areas where there is strict government norms.
ETHICAL ISSUE
In respect of conducting the research, the ethical issue which is identified is relating to
signing the consent form from the participants to whom the data is collected. As this is the major
step which is to be adapted so that the interest of the employees is maintained at workplace.
Ethic are to be maintained in respect of undertaking the government norms which they imposed
at the time of gathering information from the restricted place (Smedley, 2017). As government
impose certain restriction in respect of not collecting the data from any such sector which is
covered under the government area. Thus, in such case ethics are to be maintained in respect of
not harming any person either mentally or physically by raising any such question which affects
their interest.
The major limitation of the researcher is mainly associated with the time constraints.
They are highly influenced or affected by the interpretation of the particular findings. The
researcher of the study will focus on preparing a time scale plan in order to take valid decision.
The researcher of the study will also largely affect the business operations which in turn hampers
the business performance.
TIME PLAN
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Selecting
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Conduct
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