Investigating Workplace Discrimination at Sports Direct: A Case Study

This report investigates workplace discrimination, focusing on a case study of Sports Direct in the UK. It examines the impact of the Equality Act 2010 on the company's practices, employee motivation, and the effects of gender discrimination. The research includes an introduction outlining the rationale, significance, aims, objectives, and research questions. A literature review explores the Equality Act's impact, discrimination's effects on motivation, and the consequences of gender discrimination. The methodology section details the research philosophies, approaches, methods, instruments, sampling, ethical considerations, and data analysis techniques. The findings and discussion section presents data analysis, research findings, and their limitations. The conclusion provides recommendations and reflections on the research, offering insights into addressing and improving workplace discrimination issues within Sports Direct. References and appendices are included to support the findings.

Table of Contents
Research Topic:...............................................................................................................................2
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................3
1.1 - Rationale........................................................................................................................3
1.2 – Significance...................................................................................................................3
1.3 - Research Aim:................................................................................................................4
1.4 - Objectives:......................................................................................................................4
1.5 – Research Questions.......................................................................................................4
Chapter 2: Literature Review...........................................................................................................4
2.1 - What do you understand by impact of Equality Act 2010 on organisations?................4
2.2 - Determine the effect of Discrimination on workplace motivation at Sports Direct
Limited?..................................................................................................................................5
2.3 - What can be major impact of gender discrimination on organisations like Sports Direct?6
2.4 - Asses the present practises & strategies that can help in solving issues of workplace
discrimination in Sports direct?..............................................................................................7
Chapter 3 : Methodology.................................................................................................................9
3.0 Research philosophies: ..................................................................................................10
3.1 Research Approaches: ...................................................................................................10
3.2 Research Methods and techniques:................................................................................11
3.3 Research Instruments: ...................................................................................................11
3.4 Sampling methods: .......................................................................................................11
3.5 Ethical Issues: ................................................................................................................12
3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation: ..................................................................................13
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion..............................................................................................13
Data analysis ........................................................................................................................13
Research finding...................................................................................................................19
Merits, limitation and pitfalls...............................................................................................19
Chapter 5: Conclusion, Recommendation and reflection..............................................................19
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................19
5.2 Reflection.......................................................................................................................20

5.3 Recommendation............................................................................................................20
REFERNCES.................................................................................................................................22
Appendix........................................................................................................................................24
Research Topic:
Workplace discrimination
Research Title: An investigation of the impact of “Equality act 2010” in protecting employees
from any types of workplace discrimination, A case study on Sports Direct in Shirebrook,
Mansfield United Kingdom.

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 - Rationale
Equality & Diversity is very important concept that is part of every organization. It is related to
way organisation are being managed and functions being performed. There are certain key
aspects that are part of the process of Equality and Diversity policies that is related to paying
equal wages to men & women, effective policies are required to provide equal treatment to all
employees irrespective of their caste, gender, background, colour. This concept is also very
helpful in maintain of stability across economic system globally (Ahmed, Jimenez-Jimenez, and
Martínez-Costa, 2013). Present research report is based on Sports Direct plc that is a British
retail organisation and is one UK's largest sports retail having 670 stores across different parts of
world. The research is related to exploring in depth procedures and policies of workplace
discrimination that are part of retail sector organisations. In the initial part there is collection of
information from secondary sources and further is use of primary research to collect required
information in order to achieve objectives of the research.
1.2 – Significance
Discrimination at workplace exists when all the employees are not treated fairly or equally and
there are some discriminatory policies that can be based on gender, skin, colour, religion, race or
any other such related attribute. It is very necessary for organisation to avoid the situations of
discriminating among their employees as there are lot of negative outcomes that have an
association with discriminatory workplace policies like negative impact on organisations overall
brand image, lower employee morale, loss of productivity, low staff morale and others. When
there will be fairness and a fight against discrimination then employees will be more satisfied.
Present research work is aimed to develop a understanding of various factors that can affect the
discriminatory policies at workplace with instance to Sports Direct (Annanperä, Liukkunen and
Markkula, 2016). There is a need to understand the factors that are having association with
discriminatory practises in the organisation. Present research work will also provide different
insights that can be helpful for legislators & industry regulators for improvement of employees
conditions.

1.3 - Research Aim:
The aim of this project is “To determine the role of “Equality act 2010” in protecting
employees from any types of workplace discrimination”. A study on Sports Direct in Shirebrook,
Mansfield.
1.4 - Objectives:
 To identify the impact of Equality act 2010 at the workplace of Sports Direct
 To determine the impact of Discrimination on workplace motivation at Sports Direct
Limited.
 To determine the impact of gender discrimination on workplace atmosphere in Sports
Direct.
 To assess the current practices and propose strategies that can improve the issue of
Discrimination in the workplace of Sports Direct.
1.5 – Research Questions
 What do you understand by impact of Equality Act 2010 on organisations?
 Determine the effect of Discrimination on workplace motivation at Sports Direct
Limited?
 What can be major impact of gender discrimination on organisations like Sports Direct?
 Asses the present practises & strategies that can help in solving issues of workplace
discrimination in Sports direct?
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 - What do you understand by impact of Equality Act 2010 on organisations?
According to William, equality plays vital role in business and environment as it develops
positive relationship between the society and people. In business sector, it has become crucial to
treat everyone equally so that work is being carried out effectively. The main purpose of equality
is to manage and maintain coordination so that problems or errors do not occur in near future. In
reference with Sports Direct, it is essential for management to give bonuses & incentives equally
to their employees for their services. In order to achieve goals and objectives, it is crucial for
them to follow the eliminate and reduce the discrimination at workplace so that personnel are
able to work in most efficient way. The impact of equality act 2010 has been affected the
organisational structure as because it has been revealed that female staff at company earns 6.2

per cent less than men (Sports Direct unveils 6.3% gender pay gap, 2018). By properly not
following equality act 2010, they were getting affected by the act at broader level because most
of the female workers were leaving and there employment turnover ratio was also increasing.
This therefore it has an impact on morale, internal relationships & ability of staff to deliver
products and customer services. According to their gender pay gap report, mean & median,
proportion of men and women in each quartile was mentioned that female are being paid less.
The chosen company need to change their policy and should pay every employee equally without
doing any discrimination. Also, impact of act is affecting the work culture, personal
relationships of colleagues at deeper level. The given act also force selected firm to make the
changes in management so that situations which gives chances to discrimination are avoided.
Moreover, the equality act 2010 also effects the employee motivation, morale, value at depth.
Thus, it is duty of manager to make ensures that everything is being done under government
rules as well as regulations. The concept of equality is crucial through which many problems and
issues can be solved within the management. This has been analysed that subordinates focus on
more on work culture rather than salary. Furthermore, adoption of this act allows organisation to
increase and enhance productivity (Enigmas of the Equality Act 2010—“Three uneasy pieces”,
2015). Moreover, the board members of enterprise are also all male, there is no female worker
with superior position. This reflects their values, ethics & work culture of entity. By supporting
equal opportunities, companies can demonstrate an active commitment to providing fairness and
embracing diversity. It allows every individual to feel like they have an opportunity and are able
to perform their daily ongoing activities without any restrictions or discriminations (Bell and
Harrison, 2018). Therefore, such tactics will increase goodwill of firm at larger scale and also
increases the sustainability period of an employee. So, by giving equal chance and importance to
everyone entity will be able to enhance the brand value at marketplace.
2.2 - Determine the effect of Discrimination on workplace motivation at Sports Direct
Limited?
As per the views of Tia Benjamin (2020), it has been determined that discrimination practices
will lead to have major impact on motivation of employees to work effectively and efficiently.
There are number of drawback or issues which is faced by due to effective discrimination at
workplace (The Ways Discrimination Negatively Affects Businesses, 2020). It is essential for
Sports direct limited company to analyse and evaluate the impact of discrimination on

organisation as well as motivation of employees to correctly perform business task. Different
major impact of effect of discrimination on respective company is mention below in detail. Decrease in job satisfaction – Due to discrimination practices in organisation s job
satisfaction level of employees will be decrease (Brown, 2013). Workplace
discrimination will lead to increase in bias in organisation and decision will not be taken
fairly or equality. This will lead to demotivate employees and their level of satisfaction to
work with Sports Direct will be decrease. Negative working environment – Discrimination at workplace will lead to have direct
impact on working environment of organisation. Because of this employees will not be
motivated to work correctly in organisation. Negative working environment will lead to
have increase in conflicts or issues which have have direct impact on productivity and
performance of organisation. Capability to perform task – The effect of discrimination will have direct on capabilities
of employees to effectively and efficiently conduct organisational task as well as attain
goals of organisation. This will lead to lack of motivation in organisation as
discrimination practices will lead to reduce the capabilities of employees to use their full
skills for performing organisational practices.
 Commitments or loyalty of employees – Employees will not be fully committed to their
job role as well as task. Discrimination practices will reduce the loyalty of employees for
performing business task as well as accomplishment of attaining goals (Evans and
Johnson, 2013). Employees will be demotivate and do not take full responsibility for their
job role commitments.
2.3 - What can be major impact of gender discrimination on organisations like Sports
Direct?
According to the views of Kimberlee Leonard (2020), It has been analysed the there are number
of effect of gender discrimination at workplace like Sports Direct. This is well known company
which have large number of staff and its is important that this company is provide fair and equal
opportunities to employees irrespective to their gender. Discrimination practices in organisation
due to gender will lead to negatively affect organisation as well as its image in market area (The
Effects of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace, 2020). Employees productivity and

performance will be decrease due to gender discrimination in organisation. Major impact of
gender discrimination on Sport Direct company is mention below - Individual mental health issue – Gender discrimination will lead to have major impact
on mental health of individual. If employees face gender discrimination at workplace thy
will be demotivate employees and they will not be able to work properly in organisation.
Mental health of employees will be affected due to gender discrimination and it can turn
into serious problems. Increase conflicts in workplace – One of the major impact of gender discrimination will
lead enhance conflicts in organisation (Fageha and Aibinu, 2013). Discrimination is
consider as the type of harassment and it will directly impact on working environment.
Increase in conflicts is not good for organisation as due to this job performance of
employees will be decrease. Company moral – Gender discrimination activities will lead to have impact over moral
business. It is essential for Sports direct organisation to consider the business ethics and
morals while performing organisational task in effective manner. Due to gender
discrimination practices in organisation image or value of business in market area will be
decrease.
 Reduce productivity of organisation – Business productivity will be hgihly affected
because of gender discrimination practices. Reduction of productivity of Sports Direct
organisation lead to reduce in its sales and profitability (Fernandez and Rainey, 2017).
Due to gender discriminate or conflicts at workplace, employees will not be able to
concentrate of performance and business goal will not be timely accomplished.
2.4 - Asses the present practises & strategies that can help in solving issues of workplace
discrimination in Sports direct?
As per the views of Brian Osborne (2020), it has been analysed that there are various ways and
techniques which is significant for reduction of discrimination practices form organisation. It is
essential for Sports direct organisation to develop and create effective business strategies that
will assist in resolving issues of organisation. These strategies will lead to provide direction to
employees for promoting equality at workplace as well as motivate employees to perform
organisation task in correct manner (Jeston, 2014). Workplace discrimination has become one of
the major issues in organisation and it will lead to have direct impact on performance or

productive of business. Different strategies that will support in solving issues related to
workplace discrimination is mention below in detail. Develop company policies – It is essential for respective organisation to develop and
create effective policies of organisation that will lead to impact reduction of gender
discrimination. Sport Direct organisation can create accurate business strategies which
will lead to provide fair and equal chances of opportunities to all employees (5 Ways to
Reduce Discrimination In Your Workplace, 2020). This will be significant strategies of
company as well as help in increasing equality in organisation as well as reducing gender
discrimination at workplace. Provide training - Sport Direct organisation can provide appropriate training to its
employees. This type of training will lead to increase in capabilities and potential of
employees for correctly conduct business task as well as successfully attain goals.
Training will help in motivating employees as well as resolving issues of gender
discrimination. Hiring on the basis of job requirement – It is essential that respective company is hiring
employees on the basis of job requirement not on the basis of gender (Gangotra and
Shankar, 2016). Sports direct organisation needs to create effective and strong strategies
for hiring right employees who is actually able to perform job role correctly.
 Develop positive working environment - Working environment will lead to have major
impact in performance as well as potential for employees. It is essential for respective
company to enhance positive working environment in order to reduce gender
discrimination. Due to this, issues or conflicts of organisation will be reduces and help in
successfully accomplishment of business goals.

Chapter 3 : Methodology
Figure 1, Research Onion
(Source: Research Onion, 2019)
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This is considered as the application of particular methods as well as process for intent of
performing research in respect of finding, choosing as well as evaluation of information
regarding specific topic (Dias, Zhu and Samaratunge, 2020). The main significance of this
particular section is enabling the reader to determine the whole research reliability as well as
validity effectively and efficiently.
3.0 Research philosophies:
This deals with nature, formation as well as sources of knowledge. Moreover, it is
considered as the way where information regarding a related topic should be accumulated,
evaluated and utilised. It categorised the research aspects in two distinguish manner that are
positivism and interpretivisim. Both of them are discussed below:

 Positivism: This comes up with question and hypotheses of research which researcher can
test. They can identify explanation of measuring the accepted world knowledge.
Moreover, with this they can obtain quantitative results.
 Interpretivism: This assists researcher to interpret how individuals involve into cultural
and social life. Moreover, with the help of this they can get knowledge about what people
understand about its own and other actions.
Therefore, the methods utilised for respective research is positivism as it assists
investigator to effectively accumulate and evaluate quantitative data on the basis of respective
topics.
3.1 Research Approaches:
This is considered as the plan as well as process which include steps of wide assumptions
towards described methods of data collection, analysis as well as interpretation. Moreover, this
depend upon the nature of investigation issues are being addressed. It is utilised for intent of
performing research called inductive and deductive. Both are explained below: Deductive approach: This approach facilitates the observation needed to develop the
views for outcomes for meeting the research objectives. It is performed through
conducting primary research with the help of structured questionnaire which will aids
them to obtain observation knowledge relate to particular topic.
 Inductive approach: It is considered as an alternative approach which is undertaken for
respective research. It depends upon subjectivity into assessment of findings for
supporting the investigation outcomes.
The approach that is utilised in this research is deductive as it assists researcher to
determine the accurate as well as quantitative data. Moreover, it will also facilitate an
opportunity into effective analysis of present work discrimination in firm.
3.2 Research Methods and techniques:
This is regarded as the procedures, strategies or techniques that is used into accumulation
of information in order to analysis for uncovering the new data or develops effective
understanding of related topics. There are mainly two types of methods qualitative and
quantitative method. Qualitative method: This is define as methods which includes accumulating as well as
evaluating non numerical information for understanding the experiences, concepts or

opinions and others. This may be mainly utilised for collecting in depth insights into issues
or produce new ides of research.
 Quantitative methods: It focuses upon objective measurement as well as statistical or
numerical analysis of information accumulated by questionnaires or surveys or through
manipulating pre- existent statistical information utilising computational techniques.
For respective research, the both qualitative as well as quantitative methods are utilised as
both can be helpful in accomplishing the outcomes in more effectual way.
3.3 Research Instruments:
This is considered as a tool which is utilised for accumulating, measuring as well as
analysing information associated with respective topics. This can be surveys, scales, tests and
many others. For this research, questionnaires are utilised (Mori and Richard, 2019). It is
regarded as the well known among researcher. Herein, various number of questions that are
formulated in a structured way. This is effective as it is less costly even if population is large as
well as also free from bias of researcher and participants has appropriate time to accomplish it.
3.4 Sampling methods:
This is considered as the method which is utilised through investigator into selection of
participants from overall population. In this, there are two common methods that is mainly
utilised such as non-probability as well as probability. Both sampling method are discussed
below: Probability sampling method: Respective sampling method will be utilised as it facilitates
them an opportunity to select the respondents from huge populations randomly.
Moreover, the main significance of this is determined in a way of accomplishing effective
outcomes.
 Non- probability sampling method: This is considered as the sampling method n which
investigators choose samples on the basis of subjective judgement of researcher instead
of random selection.
In respect to respective research, probability sampling method will be utilised as it
facilitates them an opportunity to select the respondents from huge populations randomly.
Moreover, the main significance of this is determined in a way of accomplishing effective
outcomes. In this research, in about 30 respondents are undertaken which are from Sports
Direct’s employees. The main cause behind not using non profitability sampling research method

is, this forms biasness into the procedures of choosing participants from large population which
reduces the outcomes viability.
3.5 Ethical Issues:
It is an issues or situations which needs an individual’s for selecting among alternatives
which should be determined ethical or unethical. So, some of the ethical issues that can be
developed are the data collected from irrelevant sources, confidentiality, redundant publication
and plagiarism and others. In order to perform respective investigation in most effectual manner,
the investigator should consider several ethical considerations such as they have to gather
information through consistent sources. Moreover, the issues which researcher faced while
conducting this research are in appropriate behaviour of respondents, lack of timing and funds.
To deal with this, research has to formulate an appropriate time schedule so that each and every
task can be performed on time. Also, it can show extra budget which will be helpful in getting
appropriate funds for investigation.
Time horizon: This is considered as teh required time for project accomplishment. It is
mainly of two types Cross sectional and longitudinal. Both are discussed below: Cross sectional: It is utilised where researcher is focused with study of specific topic at
particular time. Moreover, this is helpful in comparing several groups of population at
singular point into time.
 Longitudinal: This is considered as the accumulation of information repeatedly over an
extended period as well as it is utilised where a significant aspects for research is evaluating
over the time changes.
For this research, the Cross sectional are utilised as it assists them in comparing several
groups of population at a singular point into time.
3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation:
This is considered as the procedures of delegating meaning to the accumulated data as well
as ascertaining the conclusions, importance as well as implications of identification (Shen and
Dhanani, 2018). Data analysis is procedures which include identification as well as molding
accumulated information for interpretation for discovering accurate data and support decision for
resolving problems of research. In addition to this, data interpretation is defined as the execution
of methods through which information is reviewed for intent to arrive at effective conclusion.