Research Project: Analyzing Workplace Discrimination and Teamwork

This project investigates the impact of workplace discrimination on team working. It begins with an executive summary, followed by an examination of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, inductive and deductive reasoning, and descriptive strategies. The research utilizes primary and secondary data collection methods, with a focus on questionnaires and random sampling of employees. The study employs SPSS analysis for data analysis. The project includes a literature review exploring various types of workplace discrimination, such as those based on pay, gender, pregnancy, age, and religion, and their effects on team efficiency, employee morale, and conflict. The research also examines strategies to overcome workplace discrimination, including education, respect for diversity, and the implementation of workplace policies. The findings are presented in tables and charts, with reflections on the research methods applied and suggestions for alternative methodologies.

Project Research
1

Executive summary
It has been described about the impact of workplace discrimination on team working. Also,
various research methods have been discussed that is used by scholar in present study. Moreover,
primary and secondary research has been conducted to gather relevant data and questionnaire is
been used in it. However, research outcomes are been presented in table and charts. besides that,
reflection on use of research methods and alternative methodology is been explained.
2

Table of Contents
Executive summary.........................................................................................................................2
P2 Examine research methods and primary and secondary research..........................................4
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research...............................................................................4
P4 Appropriate analytical tools and research findings................................................................8
P5 Research outcomes...............................................................................................................11
P6 Reflection of research methods applied...............................................................................31
P7 Alternative research methodologies.....................................................................................31
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................32
3

P2 Examine research methods and primary and secondary research
It is basically the way of collecting, analysing, gathering and interpreting data. It will help
researchers in coming up with end results.
Research type: There are basically two type of research one is Qualitative and other one is
Quantitative. Qualitative deals with only theoretical framework and Quantitative deals with
numbers. For the present research quantitative data analysis will be used with the help of
Questionnaire: its limitation is that only facts and figures will be gather and evaluated. so, it will
be difficult to find out how much impact is there on equality in organisation. also, it is time
consuming process
Research approach: There are two type of research approach one is inductive and other is
deductive. Inductive basically consists of data related to theories and observation. Deductive
approach is used to analyse numerical patterns. For the present research inductive approach will
be selected based on quantitative study. its limitation is that it may give false conclusion on
study.
Research strategy: There are two type of research strategy on includes descriptive and other is
analytical. For the present research descriptive strategy will be used so that researcher can come
up with end results easily. This will help them in completing research on timely basis. its
limitation is it will not verify problem in statistical way.
Data collection: There are two type of data collection method one is primary and secondary. In
primary method of data collection raw data is been analysed. Secondary one is collected from
published literature, scholars and company bogs. For the present research primary method will
be used by making use of Questionnaire (Leslie and et.al., 2019). the limitation is that it will
consume more time.
Sampling: It means selecting the employees on basis of random sampling so that no biasness
exists. In this 25 employees will be selected and will be asked Questions related to workplace
discrimination. in random sampling new manager can be selected who are not having knowledge
about it
Data analysis: It is defined as process of cleaning, transforming and modelling data that aids to
find useful information for business decision making. In this researcher will make use of SPSS
analysis. it only provide numeric data which may not be accurate
4

P3 Conduct primary and secondary research
Literature review
Theme1: Types of workplace discrimination
As per the view of Dhanani, Beus and Joseph, (2018) workplace discrimination basically
means that several employees in company is not being provided with equal opportunities. This
situation can lead to loosening of employee’s morale and also it can reduce productivity of their
work. Employment discrimination happens when an employee or job applicant is treated
unfavourably because of his or her race, skin colour, national origin, gender, disability, religion,
or age. It is illegal to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or national original when
hiring or in the workplace.
In accordance with Berrey, Nelson and Nielsen, (2017) there are various type of workplace
discrimination that can happen in an organization. Like for example it can happen on basis of
pay scale that employees are not provided with equal pay for doing same work. Discrimination
can also happen because of gender. There can be cases that females are not provided with equal
opportunities just like male. Also discrimination can be done with women who are pregnant, like
company is not engaged in making them avail maternity leaves which is their right. If these
conditions exist in organization than employee’s morale can be reduced.
As per the opinion of Graham and et.al., (2019) if any type of discrimination exists during
the time of recruitment and hiring than this can reduce the job performance of employees. It can
reduce employee’s morale which can lay directly impact on productivity of workers. So
company needs to make sure that no biasness exists in firm on basis of colour, religion, gender
and disability. They must make sure that all employees are provided with equal opportunities.
Also special emphasis must be laid that no harassment exists in organization as this will reduce
productivity of work,
In the view point of Dhanani, Beus and Joseph, (2018) organization must make sure that
while posting advertisement for vacant position, they must not discriminate for preferred
employees as this will lay negative impact on mind of potential employees and they might not
feel to work with company. They can will feel negative and also it can raise feeling of aggression
in their mind which is really dangerous for brand equity and reputation of organization. So firm
needs to make sure that no such type of discrimination exists in their work place. This will also
5

reduce the morale of employees; they might not feel motivated to work. It can also make
employees ineffective and inefficient.
In accordance with Graham and et.al., (2019) organization must not engaged in excluding
potential employees during the time of recruitment and selecting someone who does not have
capability of doing the same type of work. Also discrimination like denying certain employees
compensation needs not be done by firm. As this will make them ineffective in their working and
also organization will not be able to achieve their short term as well as long term goals and
objectives. They must make sure that no discrimination should exist on the basis of disability as
this will make employees unproductive in their working.
In the opinion of Dhanani, Beus and Joseph, (2018) discrimination in basis of age is strictly
prohibited by law. Organization must make sure that while posting advertisement company
specifying certain age limit will be forbidden by law. It has been analysed that all employees
regardless of their age needs to be given with equal opportunities. Only this aspect can help firm
in growing and achieving their goals and objectives.
In the view point of Stypinska and Turek, (2017) It has been analysed that law has made it
illegal to discriminate on basis of religion. It has been analysed that no person can be rejected on
their religion viewpoints, culture or belief as if this happens than this can lay negative impact on
working of company. It can also severely affect reputation of firm which is severe for their
growth. It will also lay negative impact on the productivity and operational efficiency of firm.
This can also reduce their sales and also can lead to employee dis-satisfaction. So special
emphasis needs to laid by company on this.
In accordance with Daniels and Thornton, (2019) pregnancy based discrimination is also
needs to be avoided by organization. They must make sure that equal opportunities are being
provided to females even when they are pregnant. This can assist organization in creating loyalty
of employees. It will also help them in enhancing worker’s satisfaction and employee
belongingness. It is very essential for organization to be equal and provide better opportunities to
all of workers. This can assist them in growing and achieving their goals and objectives.
Theme 2: Impact of workplace discrimination on team working
As per the view of Berrey, Nelson and Nielsen, (2017) discriminating on basis of age,
colour, religion, disability can lay severe impact on efficiency of team. It can make them less
productive and also it can make them ineffective. They will not be able to achieve their goals and
6

objectives. Employees and team member if not provided with equal opportunities in TK Maxx
can lose morale and motivation to do work. It can make them dull and negative. So company
needs to make sure that no such type of behaviour from their sight exist. This will also impact
performance of employees and make them ineffective in their working. They must make sure
that if discrimination exists in workplace all leaders and managers are engaged in listening to
them. They must be involved in solving problems so that no further issue like this arises.
In accordance with Graham and et.al., (2019) If discrimination exists in workplace, it can
employees more anxious and depressed. It can lay severe impact on their health aspects. So
company needs to make sure that no such behaviour exists. It can also lay negative impact on
their thinking capabilities by which they will not be able to bring out more innovative and
creative aspects which can increase productivity of TK Maxx. Perceived discrimination has
effects on both the employee and the work environment.
As per the view of Stypinska and Turek, (2017) Workplace discrimination can also create
conflict among team members making them ineffective and unproductive, by this they also will
not be able to achieve their short term as well as long term goals and objectives. It has also been
analysed that any sort of discrimination can lead to legal issues and actions.
In the opinion of Daniels and Thornton, (2019) Employees or team members can file suit
against company that can lay negative impact on brand reputation and good will of organization.
It will also lead to making team members developing feeling of frustration and anger against
company.
As per the view of Noor and Shaker, (2017) So TK Maxx needs to be engaged in avoiding
all these kind of issue, in order to increase their productivity as well as sales revenue. Workplace
discrimination can lead to de-motivating employees and team members.
Theme 3: Strategies to overcome workplace discrimination
In accordance with Noor and Shaker, (2017) there are various strategies which can be used
by organization in order to remove workplace discrimination. Like they can have engaged in
educating workers about discrimination. Company needs to make sure that employees are well
aware about their rights, duties and responsibilities. This can assist them in achieving their
strategic goals and objectives. It can also help them in gaining trust of employees. This will
create employee belongings which is really necessary for firm to grow.
7

As per the view of Stypinska and Turek, (2017) Workplace discrimination can also be
reduced by making employees aware about each other’s culture and beliefs. They need to make
sure that all workers working in organization have respect for each other’s religion. This will
also assist firm in reducing cases related to harassment. They must also take in consideration
view points and perception of each other so that significant gaols can be achieved. This will also
assist organization in doing strategic planning. Also company can have engaged in developing a
workplace policy where discrimination is being prohibited.
In the opinion of Graham and et.al., (2019) This can assist enterprise in removing workplace
discrimination and increasing satisfaction level of employees. It has also been analysed that after
implementing the workplace policy, it needs to be reviewed on time to time basis so that its
effectiveness can be checked upon.
In accordance with Stypinska and Turek, (2017) Also company must be engaged in taking
strict actions against individual if they are engaged in doing any such illegal activity. This will
assist them in reducing the amount of causes related to work place discrimination. All these
strategies will help company in increasing their efficiency as well as productivity. It helps firm in
growing and achieving objectives.
In the view point of Berrey, Nelson and Nielsen, (2017) Organization can also engaged in
providing employees with training related to give respect to each other’s belief. Also other type
of discrimination like language discrimination can also exist in work place. Like employers may
want employees to only speak English Language so for this appropriate training can be provided.
It will assist firm in increasing confidence and morale of employees, it will also help them in
growing.
Summary of LR
It can be concluded that discrimination can also happen because of gender. There can be
cases that females are not provided with equal opportunities just like male. Also, discrimination
can be done with women who are pregnant, like company is not engaged in making them avail
maternity leaves which is their right.
P4 Appropriate analytical tools and research findings
Questionnaire
8

1. What is your gender?
Female Male Other
2. How old are you?
18-25 25-30 30-40 40-50 more than 50
3. Can you mention your religion please?
Orthodox Christian Christian Catholic Muslim Other
4. How many years are you working for TK Maxx?
Less than 1year 1-2years 3-4years more than 4years
5. Does company provide anti-discrimination training as part of induction for new staff?
Totally disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Totally Agree
6. I experience discrimination in my team on a regular basis?
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Totally Agree
7. Please select the type of discrimination that you experience in your team on a regular
basis:
a. Age discrimination
b. Gender
c. Pregnancy
d. Ethnic minority
e. Disability
f. Wage discrimination
g. Other
8. Do you have any policy in the company regarding workplace discrimination?
No, we don’t have
Yes, we have but I don’t know how to find that
Yes, we have, I can read that any time
9. How easy is it for you to access those discrimination policy in your company?
Extremely easy Easy Very hard Hard I never access it
10. State how the discrimination that you experience has affected your ability to work in
teams?
Stressed
Isolated
Frustrated
Insignificant
9

Didn’t affect me
11. Do you have any existing proper procedures to follow in case if someone in your
company was discriminated at workplace?
Exist Don’t Exist I don’t know
12. Do you know any organization, Trade unions which can help you when you are
discriminated?
Yes No
(If your answer is-Yes, write down please which organization you know)
I don’t want to answer
13. Are you member of Syndicate or Trade Union?
Yes, of course Never I don’t need it
14. If yes, how often have you said at work that you are a member of Syndicate or Union?
Sometimes Never All the time
15. Does TK Maxx organize for you any workshops or team building events?
Yes No
(If Yes, how often?)
Rarely Often Once a year
16. How often does your manager/supervisor organize any go out events (PUB, Restaurants,
Caffe, Bowling)?
Very often Often Rarely Never
17. How your Manager reacting in such situations?
He /She trying to solve such situation all the time
He /She is rarely involved in solving that
He /She creating such situation
He /she is indifferent
10

P5 Research outcomes
Statistics
3.Can you
mention your
religion please?
4.How many
years are you
working for TK
Maxx?
5.Does company
provide anti-
discrimination
training as part
of induction for
new staff?
6.I experience
discrimination in
my team on a
regular basis?
7. Please select
the type of
discrimination
that you
experience in
your team on a
regular basis:
N Valid 25 25 25 25 25
Missing 0 0 0 0 0
Mean 2.5600 2.3200 3.9600 3.3600 3.2800
Median 2.0000 2.0000 4.0000 4.0000 2.0000
Mode 2.00 2.00a 5.00 2.00 1.00a
Std. Deviation 1.41657 .98826 1.27410 1.25433 2.22711
Statistics
8.Do you have
any policy in the
company
regarding
workplace
discrimination?
9.How easy is it
for you to access
those
discrimination
policy in your
company?
10. State how the
discrimination
that you
experience has
affected your
ability to work in
teams?
11.Do you have
any existing
proper
procedures to
follow in case if
someone in your
company was
discriminated at
workplace?
12.Do you know
any organization,
Trade unions
which can help
you when you
are
discriminated?
N Valid 25 25 25 25 25
Missing 0 0 0 0 0
Mean 2.0800 2.5200 3.2400 1.6400 1.2400
Median 2.0000 2.0000 3.0000 1.0000 1.0000
Mode 2.00 1.00a 3.00 1.00 1.00a
Std. Deviation .75939 1.80555 1.30000 .75719 .43589
Statistics
11

13.Are you
member of
Syndicate or
Trade Union?
14.If yes, how
often have you
said at work that
you are a
member of
Syndicate or
Union?
15.Does TK
Maxx organize
for you any
workshops or
team building
events?
16.How often
does your
manager/supervi
sor organize any
go out events
(PUB,
Restaurants,
Caffe, Bowling)?
17.How your
Manager reacting
in such
situations?
N Valid 25 25 25 25 25
Missing 0 0 0 0 0
Mean 1.1600 2.0800 1.3200 2.7200 1.7200
Median 1.0000 2.0000 1.0000 3.0000 1.0000
Mode 1.00 3.00a 1.00 4.00 1.00a
Std. Deviation .47258 .90921 .47610 1.10000 .89069
a. Multiple modes exist. The smallest value is shown
3.Can you mention your religion please?
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
1.00 6 24.0 24.0 24.0
2.00 9 36.0 36.0 60.0
3.00 5 20.0 20.0 80.0
5.00 5 20.0 20.0 100.0
Total 25 100.0 100.0
12