A Comparative Study of Criminal Justice Major Students

The study probes the perceptions of criminal justice majors. In essence, the study aims to determine if the formal educational background of a criminal justice major is a vital factor in the shaping of an individual’s perception of the criminal justice system as compared to those who do not have any.Students from the university were sampled to serve as the respondents for the study who were divided into two groups: criminal justice majors and non majors. The study’s assumption was: there is no significant difference between the perception of the criminal justice majors and non majors.Chapter I: IntroductionOver the years, studies have been made to shed light on the issue of criminal justice as perceived by the general public and by the criminal justice majors. The perception of the general pubic and the criminal justice majors, of course, differs in a lot of aspects.Logically, non criminal justice majors or the public mainly rely on the mass media for the information th at they need while the criminal justice majors have a broader background on the issue of crime and criminal justice.Criminal justice majors are usually exposed with researches that would explain phenomena in the field of criminal justice. Thus, there is a definite difference between the perception of the criminal justice majors and the public (Tsoudis, 2000).But then, an exploratory study is needed to further back up this claim. Does the education background of the criminal justice majors has something to do with their perception of crime and criminal justice?How can this educational background of the criminal justice majors would eventually influence or affect the perception of the general public? How influential can the media be in shaping the public’s perception of crime and criminal justice?These questions are only few that have to be answered to prove that the claims of the previous studies are valid and logical.The media has also been the main source of information amon g the public. Undeniably, groups of people mainly rely their notion and perceptions over things on the information that they consume provided by the media.There have been debates over the influence of the media and its tendency to veer away from truth. Some media outfits are guilty of exaggerating news items especially those dealing with crimes for the simple reason of getting a â€Å"controversial scoop† or because they have doing it unconsciously.Nadler (2005) writes, â€Å"Such media play can undermine the public’s perception of the legitimacy of law enforcement generally.   This loss of legitimacy and distrust of the fairness of the legal system, can in turn lead to more widespread lawbreaking.†Connie McNeely (1995) writes that most of what Americans understand about law enforcement comes from what they view in the media, mainly television and movies.Aside from these media experiences, many Americans do not have the first hand knowledge of the inter-workin gs of border patrol or general law enforcement at the community level.True enough, media have the great role of shaping the minds of its audience.Because her insights are somewhat outdated in this day and age of television shows like CSI and 24, it would be interesting to carry out further study of this idea.   Still her study warrants close examination as she furthers her argument by writing:

Personal Space

Personal space was an idea first developed by German born Swedish psychologist David Katz in 1937. It is very often describes as an â€Å"emotionally charged bubble of space which surrounds each individual† or alternately â€Å"Personal space is the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs. Most people value their personal space and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their personal space is encroached.† On the other hand, some research suggests that the personal space bubble is not circular, but elliptical and so we can tolerate people coming closer to us at the side than front or behind.The 4 stages of a person’s Personal SpaceThis is a Proxemics Theory, which had been investigated by Edward T Hall in 1959, who describes a person’s personal space to be in 4 layers;Intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering Close phase – less than 6 inches (15 cm) Far phase – 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm)The clo sest distance is generally the domain of those who have an intimate relationship with each other, but also includes situations where the social rules allow contact, for example in a wrestling match (Edward Hall distinguishes between near situations requiring body contact and far distances which require being very close but not in contact (whispering)). This distinction is rather artificial since whether contact occurs will depend on a variety of things such as the social and physical setting.Personal distance for interactions among good friends or family membersClose phase – 1.5 to 2.5 feet (46 to 76 cm) Far phase – 2.5 to 4 feet (76 to 120 cm)This zone generally reserved for good friends or intimate partners in a social setting; the near aspect is generally reserved for couples or very close friends, whereas, the far phase is used by acquaintances or simple friends.Social distance for interactions among acquaintances Close phase – 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 m) Far phase – 7 to 12 feet (2.1 to 3.7 m)This is the zone where those who are not acquainted interact or where business transactions occur. The near distance would be used by those being introduced or for informal business transactions whereas the far phase would be reserved for more formal business processes.Public distance used for public speaking Close phase – 12 to 25 feet (3.7 to 7.6 m) Far phase – 25 feet (7.6 m) or more.It is subdivided into near phase such as the distance between a speaker and an audience, and the far phase being the distance for example between the public and an important public figure.This is an easy concept to understand; if anybody enters our bubble, then they are invading personal space.Invading Personal SpaceWhen somebody invades another person’s personal space it can make the person feel anxious, awkward, insecure, vulnerable, annoyed and uncomfortable simply because there is another person standing too close to them and makes t hem question the intensions of the invader.. The term â€Å"invasion† would generally only be used if the person â€Å"invading† it has not earned their place in one of the four layers. There are actually many psychological and physical effects that are activated when a person is getting too close to another and they cause people to behave a little different than usual, for example:Extreme self awareness – suddenly we forget how to act ‘naturally'.Limited movements and gestures.Reduced eye contact.Turning aside or away from the intruder.We'll usually immediately take a step back.Adopting a defensive position – folded arms, less smiles, frowning, tense posture.Stopping the conversation entirely.Factors that influence personal space:GenderMales interacting with other males require the largest interpersonal distance, Men are more territorial and aggressive by nature and will keep more distance from other men, but when it comes to women we will usually prefer to get a little closer. This is then followed by females interacting with other females, which requires a little less space and distance as compared to just two men, as investigated by Gifford in 1987. Women are also more sociable than men: they get social cues better, more emotionally expressive and are generally better than us men when it comes to emotional communication. It's only natural then that women will feel more comfortable being closer to each other than men. However it probably depends on the situation, or the relationship, or the age group and so on as well.CultureThis is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to investigating the difference in invasion of personal space. Hall (1959) identified the importance of cultural variation. He suggested that while all cultures use personal space to communicate, and tend to conform to the different categories, the size of the space within the categories varies across cultures. Hall also identified the essential is sue in inter-cultural difference as the tendency to interpret invasions of personal space as an indication of aggression.Some international examples of this are: ‘Distant' cultures (northern Europe, US, and many other westerns cultures) tend to keep more personal space and use less touching than other more ‘warm' cultures. Asian cultures are characterized as more accommodating and accepting attitudes when it comes to personal space, the theory says it's due to more crowded living conditions. Other cultures including south Europe, Middle East and South American's are considered to be more ‘warm' by nature – touch and close proximity are more welcomed and socially accepted. Age- Some evidence suggests that personal space gets bigger as we grow older (Hayduk, 1983). Children tend to be quite happy to be physically close to each other, something which changes as awareness of adult sexuality develops. In addition the gender difference does tend to also appear at this time.StatusStatus has a huge effect on your personal space size and demand. First of all, like the alpha male of the pack, the higher the status the more space is considered to be one’s (no surprise that the first class seats are bigger and have more space per individual!). Status also affects the size of the territory that is required. Just Like the kings of old owned a huge palace – not because they needed 20 bedrooms and an Olympic swimming pool, but because it showed the measure of their power and influence. In modern days we have the equivalent mansions of the rich and famous to demonstrate their wealth and rich lifestyle.PersonalityThere is some evidence of personality difference but effects here need to be treated with caution given the situational dependence of traits. Extraverted and gregarious persons tend to require smaller personal space, while cold and quarrelsome people require a larger interpersonal distance (Gifford, 1982).Urban vs. RuralThe amount of personal space someone needs is relative to the population density of where they live, for example, in sparsely populated areas people get more space than in densely populated areas; country people are used to live in a vast and mildly populated areas while city dwellers are more used to crowding. This means that city dwellers will usually have a smaller personal space than country people due to this habit of density.The distance someone extends his/her arm to shake hands gives us a clue whether he/she is from a rural or urban area. People from the city tend to have an 18-inch bubble which allows the hands to meet in neutral territory. People brought up in a town with a small population have a space bubble of up to a meter. People from rural areas tend to stand with their feet firmly planted on the ground and lean forward for the handshake, whereas a city dweller will step forward to greet you. People raised in remote areas might require an even greater Personal Space, which cou ld be as wide as 6 meters. They prefer to wave rather than shake hands.Case StudiesStudy 1- Felipe & Sommer 1966AimTo examine the effects of the invasion of personal space Method- Research was carried out in a public library amongst people of similar cultural backgrounds who were sitting alone. These people were split into two groups: 1) Those where the confederate approached them, sat in the chair next to them and moved the chair closer to them. 2) Those where the confederate approached them and sat in the next-but-one chair.ResultsWhen someone came and sat in the chair next to them and moved the chair closer to them, 70% of the lone people left within half-an-hour. When someone came and sat in the next-but-one chair only 13% of the lone people left within half-an-hour. Conclusion- People found this invasion of their personal space disruptive. Researchers also noted that those whose personal space had been invaded moved their chair, put ‘barriers’ up such as books and changed their body position to move away.Evaluation of this study:StrengthHas high ecological validity since it was conducted in a public place. Weakness- This study used people from a similar background and hence may only be applicable to those sorts of people- this study cannot be generalised.Case Study 2- Sommer 1969AimTo examine whether there are cultural differences in the use of personal space Method- Researchers observed groups of Arab people and groups of white English people in conversation. Results- The comfortable distance for conversation for Arab people was under 1 m, whereas for white English people the comfortable distance was between 1 m and 1.5 m. Conclusion- Different cultures are comfortable with different amounts of personal space.Evaluation of this study:StrengthExplores how culture affects somebody’s personal space and hence raises awareness of how different cultures have various tolerance levels (when it comes to personal space). This study also raises awareness to people of different cultures when they are visiting other, culture rich countries. Weakness- The study was conducted a long time ago and due to the many revolutions and acceptances between cultures in today’s day, the results and findings may not be as accurate now as they were then. This poses questions about whether and how time has affected personal space within the different cultures, and would possibly need a new experiment to be conducted, to update the results.Examples of invading personal space:Inviting a teacher into a student’s personal space when their help is needed at school/in class for example to help solve a problem; this relation is always a professional relationship. When caught fighting and stopped, some kids like to tease the other party with a simple trick- they reach out with their hand and almost touch the other kid (or even worse, stuck the palm in front of their face), then they say something like â€Å"I don't touch you†. I t's actually an invitation for a fight, without taking responsibility for starting it, because it's impossible not to respond to this kind of irritation.If you'll meet your favorite movie star, you will welcome his company and even his touch; even though he's almost a complete stranger to you. But it won't go the other way around- it will be highly inappropriate to get too close to that star without a clear invitation to do so. You'll probably keep a distance from your boss (probably the same one from the previous example) during work, but on fishing at trip together some of the social borders will fall down, and you'll feel more comfortable being in closer distance. However, when you'll get back to work again, you'll retain the appropriate workspace between you.

International Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Business strategy - Essay Example The importance of doing business globally helps an organization build a wider base of customers and coming up with products that satisfy customers needs and wants. Moreover, international business helps utilize excess manufacturing capacity that is not being utilized. In addition, it also enhances lower production costs through using low prices abroad (Ansoff & McDonnell, 2000). The Coca Cola Company is a multinational company that deals with selling of soft drinks is successful in the implementation of its strategies. For instance, the company has invested a lot in marketing globally and this is the reason the business is doing so well. Organizations that operate globally have a strong international vision and have international management experience as well as developing strong working partnerships with other countries. Moreover, the typical goal for doing business internationally is to grow and gain expansion. In addition, international business strategy is about manufacturing and selling products that relate to the degree of product standardization and the response from the business environment (Steiner, 2010). Foreign market entry strategies vary according to the business transactions and the country in which an organization wants to conduct business. Firstly, the importation and exportation of goods and services to and from other nations enhances products to be transported from one country to another. Organizations that export their products are able to advertise and market their products in foreign markets thus gaining a competitive advantage. The other ways that organizations enter other markets is through licensing where the international licensing firm gives the licensee exclusive rights, trademark rights, copyrights, and the knowledge of products and services. In return, licensee produces the licensors products and markets them in the assigned areas. This method is normally welcomed by nations because of

Oil Exploration And Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Oil Exploration And Development - Essay Example Political, legal and economic conditions need to be researched in depth before deciding whether or not to join forces with the oil industry. Ruritania, considered a developing country, has been under the same dictatorship for over thirty years and their internal political asylum is very stable. However, neighboring countries that have Ruritania land-locked from large bodies of water, are not so predictable. Known as ‘the axis of evil’ by several peaceful governments, Urbania and Translavia border both sides of Ruritania, blocking export opportunities for the inland country. Creative negotiations will have to take place with one or both of these countries in order to work out land rights if a pipeline were considered. Intense study of oil exploration is a first step in realizing the right conditions for an oil trap. The right source rock and reservoir rock entrapment can only be done by an experienced team of geologists. The project/asset lifecycle that normally includes Field Development Planning, Conceptual/Feasibility, FEED, Detailed Design, Procurement, Construction Support and Commissioning can run into the tens or hundreds of billions of Dollars. Actual costs depend on such factors as the location of possible oil reserves, how large the oil field is expected to be, how detailed the exploration information must be and the type and structure of the rock below the ground.

Behavior Management Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Behavior Management Plan - Essay Example The main features or basic strategy of a behavior management plan may not always remain the same it can be altered and changed as per circumstances as every children has different behavioral requirements. Behavior plans are basically formulated to help the child in getting rid of certain attributes that can have unfavorable effects on his/her personality. Moreover these plans also work on the traits that act as a hindrance blocks in a child’s way when he\she is trying to learn new skills. While composing a behavior management plan, a fundamental behavior analysis should be carried out. Fundamental Behavior Analysis (FBA) is an appraisal or consideration that points out or estimates the basic behavioral traits that should be eliminated from a child’s personality. Behavior management plan has five basic steps through which it is constructed. These steps are: (1) analysis or estimation of the behavior that needs to be changed (2) Information assembling that is when, where and how does the inappropriate behavior arise and how often does it occur. This information is important because it helps one to take suitable and appropriate steps and decisions. (3) Analysis and Interpretation of gathered information that is go through the information thoroughly and keep each minute point in your concern.

Evaluate the problems and improvement of performance management system Essay

Evaluate the problems and improvement of performance management system implementation - Essay Example In order to understand the concept of performance management system, it is critical to analyze its general regards in performance. There is a consideration of the process of performance management as a cycle in general performance planning, performance coaching, and performance appraisal and performance feedback. The overall purpose of performance management is to ensure that the organization is working together with its subsystems in an optimum fashion to achieve the firm’s goals. Given the low rating of the performance management system among employees, it is necessary to undertake a thorough analysis to realize the reason for the low ratings. Therefore, this research focuses on the performance management system in the organization internal context. In the main body, the study puts forward the problems arising in the designing and implementation of a performance management system. The paper does this by separately considering the problems that can arise in the design of a performance management system and then follows this with an explanation of problems that can arise in the implementation of the system. Further, the paper evaluates measures that can lead to improvement in the performance management system. The article aims at contributing to the development of the performance management system through exploring the problems of the performance management system in the practical application. Designing and the implementation of the performance management system are not an easy task and require a combined of effort by the Human Resource Managers. There are a number of potential challenges encountered in achieving a fit that is best for the organization and ensuring an effective and efficient implementation of Performance Management System. Some of the intricate problems that can occur in the design of performance management

Determining Your Perfect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Determining Your Perfect - Essay Example Lately, the same case happened with me. While our company was heading towards restructuring, I was asked by my employers about the position that would suit me the best. A detailed analysis of that job position is mentioned in subsequent paragraphs. I was working at the position of Assistant HR Manager at a local company. When our company undergone for restructuring and expansion, I was asked by my employers if I would like to change my job position. They had seen my performance for the past 4 years and therefore provided me with this opportunity of selecting my desired position. It was a chance which comes once in a lifetime and I never wanted to waste it. Therefore, I asked a time period of 24 hours in order to brainstorm and think carefully about what my skills, abilities, strengths and weakness and then answer them about their question. The very next day, I met my Senior HR Manager, with whom I have been working very closely for past 6 months. He listened and acknowledged my position as ‘HR Specialist’. The job is, indeed, of greater responsibilities covering all the disciplines of HR including hiring, recruiting, postings, employee relations, employee referral programs, training, monitoring special developmental programs when needed etc. This job not only required me to assist the subordinates but also required substantial amount of responsibility. In order to assist the subordinates, it is essential to analyze the leadership skills of a person. My employers would also have considered this point before finalizing me for this job. The way I have analyzed my leadership style and skills is mentioned below in a detailed manner. Learning Agility; HR Specialist needs to be very adaptive to the changing situation because they also have to lead the change to their subordinates. If they, themselves won’t be able to accept the change then communicating this message to employees at lower level of hierarchy can be

Models of Comparative Healthcare Analysis Essay

Models of Comparative Healthcare Analysis - Essay Example Each nation has devised its own health care system, which is adapted to provide for health needs of the citizens. Different countries devise different models, which they follow to attain the chief objectives of the healthcare system that include protection of families and individuals from financial exploitation and ruin through healthcare bills, treatment, and care of the sick people and keeping individuals healthy (Paranjape & Sadanad, 2010). It is not necessary to study the variations and health systems that exist in every nation, as the arrangements for health care providers seem to follow a similar pattern. Though there tend to be four models of healthcare analysis, the span of this write up does not encompass all the four models, but three models only.The first model of comparative healthcare analysis is The Beveridge Model, which was named after a social reformer who designed the National Health System of Britain. This social reformer was named William Beveridge, and he was a f amous person who influenced the health system in Britain for long. The system advocates for payment and provision of health services by the government, which finances the operations through taxes and revenue collection from the citizens (Wurman, 2004). In countries where the model operates, most of the hospitals, clinics and other health infrastructures are owned by the nation, and most of the health personnel who work in the health facilities are employees of the government (Paranjape & Sadanad, 2010).... This social reformer was named William Beveridge, and he was a famous person who influenced the health system in Britain for long. The system advocates for payment and provision of health services by the government, which finances the operations through taxes and revenue collection from the citizens (Wurman, 2004). In countries where the model operates, most of the hospitals, clinics and other health infrastructures are owned by the  nation, and most of the  health personnel who work in the health facilities are employees of the government (Paranjape & Sadanad, 2010). However, other doctors and nurses in this model work on a private basis, and they get their salaries from the government. Britain’s citizens never get hospital bills that wipe out the entire savings of families, relatives and friends (Institute of Medicine, 1994). The Beveridge Model has reduced per capita since the government regulates the practices of doctors and other medical personnel, as well as the fees that they charge for treatment of patients. The Beveridge Model is popular in the original place where it started (Great Britain), and other regions and countries, such as Scandinavia, Spain and New Zealand. Hong Kong has maintained The Beveridge Model of the healthcare system, which is a symbol of the ideology that the nation has maintained after its independence from the Britons. Despite the fact that The Beveridge Model is evident in most parts of the world, Cuba is a perfect example of a country where this model is practiced to the letter. The government has total control of the heath system, and it controls all services and operations of doctors. Patients get their health services at the expense of the government, and every citizen is guaranteed

The Human Resource Management in an International Setting Research Paper - 1

The Human Resource Management in an International Setting - Research Paper Example A flow of new migrants in any country may have a huge impact on the labour market, however the positive or negative aspect of the impact greatly depends on the jobs being created due to the spending of the immigrants to boost businesses and their production, the drop-off in the activity of the existing population such as the retirement or number of dependent population, and the capabilities of immigrants to fill the existing gaps of skills. Such factors are considered when it is decided whether migration has actually affected the labour market of a particular country negatively or positively. Moreover, in the UK, analysts suggest that immigration has led to a huge impact on the labour market which is mostly regarded as a positive one (Adesina, 2008, p. 72). According to the statistics and trends which have been observed in the labour market since the 1940s when the mass migration took place, it can be concluded that there have been several positive impacts of migration when it comes to the diversity and the increase in skill levels. But at a critical level of analysis, it can be said that there have been many distributional impacts which means that competition levels in the market rose and businesses experienced more rivalry. As the years have passed since the 1940s, the pressure of migration has increased and the impact of immigration on the UK local communities have also been obvious especially at a time of rapid change that Britain is going through continually from time to time. This is why countries need to maintain the laws and policies for migration and control the negative effects (Ham, 2010, p. 152). Migration has taken place in a number of countries which had opportunities in the labour market. However, due to this migration, the prominent labour markets such as that of the UK have been overcrowded which has resulted in the reduction of wages.

Incarceration of African American Males Essay Example for Free

Incarceration of African American Males Essay Introduction The trend of African American males between the ages of 25 and 29 has seen a dramatic increase of incarceration. Attention has been focusing on areas of housing, education, and healthcare but the most prominent problem for African American males is the increase in the incarceration rate. African American males between the ages of 25 and 29 incarceration rate has been thought, by many, to be caused by economic factors such as under employment or unemployment, poor housing, lack of education, and lack of healthcare. Yet, others believe it is due to the imbalance of minorities within the criminal justice system, such as judges, lawyers, and lawmakers. This paper will explore two different outlooks; society has come up with so far, as to why African American Males between the ages of 25 and 29 are increasingly incarcerated. Finally, the information will give awareness to the problems that is faced by African American Males between the ages of 25 and 29. Prevalence – Problem 1 More than 40% of all American prisoners, men and women, are African American men, yet they make up just 13% of the U. S. male population (Roberts, 2004). This statistic does not include those African American men who are in local jails nor does it include those African American men under custodial supervision (Table 2). They enter the state and federal prison system, at the prime of their economic and reproductive lives and yet they exit prison behind both economically and socially. The high rate of incarceration among African Americans has been noted by the interconnection of poor economy, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, absence of a strong black male role model, lack of access to education, or some type of combination of these factors. Statistics don’t even give African American males a good chance to stay out of jail. They have a one in four chance of being incarcerated, while Hispanic American males have a one in six chance, and white males only have a one in twenty three chance of incarceration. The color of African Americans sets them apart and makes them targetable. Prevalence – Problem 2 There is evidence, in our American Justice System, of structural inequality as seen in the percentages of minorities to the percentage of majorities employed in high ranking positions, within the system. The percentage of United States judges by race are 79% Caucasian, 12% African American, and 2% Hispanics American (Federal Judicial Center, 2012), as for the thousands of lawyers in the United States it is approximate of 3% are African American (National Law Group, 2010-2011), and about 1 in 4 police officers are members of a racial or ethnic minority in 2007 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2013). An investigation into racial profiling showed that African American and Hispanic American offenders, who often are young unemployed males, are more likely than their white counterparts (Spohn, C., 2000). Their prison sentences are also typically longer or they receive differential benefits from guideline departures than do similarly situated white offenders (Spohn, C. , 2000). We must acknowledge the problems of racial disparity within the criminal justice system, communicate racial disparity within the criminal justice system with those we who are not informed of the problem, and stay committed to changing racial disparity within our justice system for change to begin. Causes In researching the high rate of incarceration in America it is more likely than not that the increase in African American Males being incarcerated is due to the War on Drugs (Table 1). It is public knowledge that drug crime ranks high among the effects of poverty. These poor neighborhoods not only endure crime they have poor schools, poor food, cramped living areas, and shortage of jobs if any jobs at all. Drugs and drug crime has become regularity in low income communities, arrests of Hispanics made up 55% of cocaine powder offences and 52% of marijuana offenses and 49% involving opiates: African Americans were suspected in 75% of crack cocaine cases; White males were suspected in 41% all methamphetamine cases (Motivans, M. , 2011). Decades of failed public and private remedies for chronic disparities and disadvantages in communities of color invite us to reexamine systems and institutions that provide and restrict opportunity in new ways (Lawrence, K. , 2011). The causes seem to be intertwined being poor equals, equals a poor education, equals lack of employment, and ultimately equals an increased rate of crime. Consequences The causes seem to be intertwined being poor, equals lack of education, which equals lack of employment, which equals increased rate of crime which equals impossibility to join criminal justice system. Also, many of these men are incarcerated while all the other non-incarcerated American young men are finishing school, starting careers, earning seniority at work, marrying and having children thus gaining capital. Even when released from prison, these men return back to their communities with a felony record that will pose extreme problems for them. The incarceration leads the released convict into a lower social class even if they were considered lower class Americans prior to their incarceration; they now are lower in social class standing in most instances. This leads to a poor African American community, perhaps as many as 50% of the male population will have been in prison. These incarcerated African American Males, who are in their prime of life, also are leaving half the families in this community facing such things as poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse, violence, absence of a strong black male role model, lack of access to education, or some type of combination of these factors. The community ultimately will become poverty stricken, struggling to survive, and ultimately vulnerable to the situation repeating. Solutions – How can this be changed? There are four key aspects to addressing racial disparity, in my opinion: 1. Acknowledge 2. Communication 3. Setback = Strength 4. Commitment Not only is the problem of racial disparity under recognized by society it is not being communicated effectively to make change. Majority groups needs to acknowledge racial disparity and minority groups need to communicate their knowledge regarding racial disparity. As each group majority and minority begins to become share their information with each other and work together for a common solution acknowledging there will be setbacks but with continued commitment systemic change will happen. Conclusion By refusing to tolerate disparate treatment of people of color or anyone within the criminal justice system we empower ourselves and our country. It is time that everyone including our legislators, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges work collectively and courageously to eradicate this negative stigma. Despite, America being known for its equal rights we are living proof that in this era inequality is a factor that cannot be taken lightly. The statistics that are surrounding African American males is astounding. We need to empower African American males with the knowledge that they have a one in four chance of becoming incarcerated. It is also important to know that Hispanic males have a one in six chance, and white males have a one in twenty three chance of incarceration. All of these statistics need to be addressed to empower each and every one us. Throughout history we have not seen a change in majority groups (White, Male) and minority groups (Women, anyone that is not White) although we have seen numbers of minorities increasing at a fast pace. Today, however, the election of Barack Obama, not once but twice, may set the new ideal of what an American actually is. As we embrace different cultures and their ethnic backgrounds society will prosper. As society increases their knowledge, in regards to each person’s differences, they will acquire greater strength and prosperity. The only issue, that can occur, will be in the short term empowering others to embrace diversity. When we look beyond short-term, focus will shift to diverse empowerment through embracing the knowledge of our differences thus making us stronger as a society. TABLE 1: BLACK PROPORTION OF DRUG ARRESTS, EXCLUDING MARIJUANA POSSESSION YEAR BLACK % 1999 40. 1 2000 39. 3 2001 39. 1 2002 35. 8 2003 33. 8 2004 33. 1 2005 33. 2 Data calculated from drug arrest figures by race provided by the Uniform Crime Reports division of the FBI TABLE 2: FBI CRIME REPORT Arrests By Race, 2006 [11,249 agencies; 2006 estimated population 216,685,152] Total White Black American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian or Pacific islander Total White Black American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian or Pacific Islander TOTAL 10,437,620. 7270214 2924724 130589 112093 100. 0 69. 7 28 1. 3 1. 1 Drug abuse violations 1376192 875101 483886 8198 9607 1000 63. 6 35. 1 0. 6 0. 7 DUI’S 1034651 914226 95260 13484 11681 100 88. 4 9. 2 1. 3 1. 1 Liquor laws 466323 398068 50035 12831 5389 100 85. 4 10. 7 2. 8 1. 2 Drunken-ness 408439 344155 54113 7884 2287 100 84. 3 13. 2 1. 9 0. 6 Dis-orderly conduct 5117264 325991 179733 7606 3934 100 63. 0 34. 7 1. 5 0. 8 (The FBI: Uniform Crime Report, 2010) References Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2013, http://bjs. ojp. usdoj. gov/index. cfm? ty=tptid=71 The FBI Uniform Crime Reports, 2010, Table 43, http://www. fbi. gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u. s/2010/crime-in-the-u. s. -2010/tables/table-43 Federal Judicial Center, 2012, Overview of the United States Court System, http://www. fjc. gov/public/pdf. nsf/lookup/FJC_Standard_PPT_English_June_2012. pdf/$file/FJC_Standard_PPT_English_June_2012. pdf Lawrence, K. , 2011, Race, Crime, and Punishment: Breaking the Connection in America, http://www. aspeninstitute. org/sites/default/files/content/docs/pubs/Race-Crime-Punishment. pdf Motivans, Mark, 2011, Washington, DC: US Dept. of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, http://bjs. ojp. usdoj. gov/content/pub/pdf/fjs09. pdf National Law Group 2010-2011, http://blacklawyers. net/ Roberts, D. , 2004, Measuring the Social and Moral Cost of Mass Incarceration, in African American Communities, http://www. law. fsu. edu/faculty/2003-2004workshops/roberts. pdf Spohn,C. ,2000, Thirty Years of Sentencing Reform: The Quest for a Racially Neutral Sentencing Process, http://www. justicestudies. com/pubs/livelink3-1. pdf.

Spiritual Coping Strategies (SCS) Scale Research

Spiritual Coping Strategies (SCS) Scale Research Background of the Study The study of religion and spirituality has been gaining much attention to researchers nowadays. Research studies on these two areas and their relationship to health are expanding rapidly. (Koenig Bà ¼ssing, 2010) The relationship of religion and health has been existing in all groups of population even in the past. (Koenig, King, Carson, 2012 as cited by Koenig, 2012) Koenig (2012) comprehensive systematic review of existing research about the relationship of religion and spirituality to health revealed positive influence of religion and spirituality to patients health and longevity, specifically to psychological, social and health behavior. Religion offers resources for coping with stress and increases the positive emotions rather than the likelihood of the negative effects of stress. On the part of the healthcare providers, religious beliefs found to be influential in making medical decisions. Furthermore, it may generate beliefs that conflict with medical care, induce spiritual struggles that create stress and impair health outcomes and it may interfere with disease detection and treatment compliance (Koenig, 2004). While Christian dominated countries in the west have been serious in this area, there is a much lesser studies that has been done in the Muslim – dominated Middle East countries that examines the relationship of these variables to health. (Koenig Alshohaib, 2014) This holds true in Saudi Arabia where Islam was born and is considered as one of the most religious place in the world. Little is known about religiosity and spirituality and their relationship to health as perceived by Saudi Muslims. (Al Zaben, et al., 2014) For the last three decades, there has been a marked rise in the prevalence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Saudi Arabia. (Al-Sayyari Shaheen, 2011) Alsuwaida et. al (2010) reported in their study that the prevalence of ESRD in the young Saudi population is around 5.7%. Furthermore, a systematic review conducted by Hassanien, et. al (2012) reported yearly mortality rate in three different regions in Saudi Arabia. The data showed that between 2001 and 2003, there were no significant changes in the mortality rates of these regions. However, at present, the annual cases of ESRD in the country continue to grow. It was anticipated that the Saudi population will rise up to 3.5 folds over the next 20 years. Probably this will also cause a rise in new cases. In 2008, 2976 new patients were added to the hemodialysis program pool. This represents 29.2 % of the total 10,203 patient. (Al-Sayyari Shaheen, 2011) Patients undergoing dialysis experience serious challenges to their physical and mental health. These challenges are brought by stresses, fears, family problems, and physical discomforts. (Al Zaben, et al., 2014) In addition, the complexity of their treatment regimen as well as the unknown complications which are associated with such disease contributes to the suffering of these patients. (Lingerfelt Thornton, 2011; Barnett, Yoong, Pinikahana, Si-Yen, 2007). These patients also perceive uncertainty of life on dialysis because of the struggles and hard times that they experience in life as related to their mode of treatment. (Polascheck, 2003) Likewise, psychiatric disorders such as major depression, dementia and delirium are relatively high in these patients. Furthermore, coping problems are very common to these patients which if not addressed can lead to more serious problems such as higher mortality. (Kimmel et al. 1998; Drayer et al. 2006; Chilcot et al. 2011; Mapes et al. 2003; Al Zaben, 2014) The involvement of religion and other spiritual activities are widely used by patients to cope with physical and mental challenges that they face throughout the course of their disease. (Saad de Medeiros, 2012; Wachholtz Sambamoorthi, 2011; Amjad Bokharey, 2014) Patients from Saudi Arabia have shown similar use of these variables as ways of coping. Interventions with religious background are widely used which indicates the strong influence of religion to their lives most especially when they are in life-threatening situations such as in chronic illnesses. (Jazieh et al. 2012) Religious and spiritual coping are widely studied in relation with hemodialysis patients both in Christian and non – Christian patients. (Valcanti, Chaves, Mesquita, Nogueira Carvalho, 2012; Saffari, Pakpour, Naderi, Koenig, Baldacchino Piper, 2013; Spinale et al. 2008; Asayesh, Zamanian, Mirgheisari, 2013; Patel, Shah, Peterson Kimmel, 2002; Berman et al. 2004) Studies have reported that spiritual coping affects the over-all health of patients with ESRD. It also assists in the patients’ adaptation as well as in their health – related quality of life. (Patel, Shah, Peterson Kimmel, 2002; Valcanti, Chaves, Mesquita, Nogueira Carvalho, 2012; Ramirez et al. 2012) Thus, religiosity is potentially influential to the overall health of dialysis patients, including their commitment and compliance to dialysis treatment. (Pruchno, Lemay, Field Levinsky, 2006) In Saudi Arabia, researchers are beginning to focus on this area in Hemodialysis patients. Al-Jahdali et al. (2009) surveyed 100 HD patients at King Fahd National Guard Hospital in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah about predictors of advanced care planning preferences. They reported that majority (70%) of the patients scored high in a single question religiosity scale. However, they found out that religiosity is not identified as a predictor of advanced care planning preferences. A more recent study was conducted by Al Zaben et al. (2014) to examine the relationships between religious involvement and the mental and physical health of HD patients in Jeddah region. They have found out that involvement in religious activities is associated with better overall psychological functioning, better social support, improved physical and mental functioning, better health behavior and better commitment to dialysis treatment. Because of the increasing interest of researchers in Saudi Arabia in this area, it is essential to have an instrument that can accurately measure the spiritual coping of patients. Majority of the available instruments in this area were structured for Christian patients. (Baldacchino Buhagiar, 2003; Koenig Bà ¼ssing, 2010; Hawthorne, Youngblut Brooten, 2011; Charzynska, 2012) To my knowledge, there is no available valid instrument that measures the spiritual coping strategies of Saudi Muslim HD patients. It is for this reason that this study was conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale (SCS) among Saudi HD patients. Methodology Design This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated the validity and reliability of the Saudi Muslim version of the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale (SCS) among hemodialysis patients. Participants The participants of the study included _______ patients enrolled and undergoing hemodialysis in the HD unit of a general hospital located in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling technique was employed for sample identification. The study participants’ number was adequate for a factorial analysis. Inclusion criteria were: (1) being a Saudi, (2) self-identified Muslim, (3) being HD patient with CRF or ESRD, (4) enrolled in the HD unit of the general hospital, (5) 20 years old and above, (6) male and female, and (7) conscious, coherent and oriented. Measures Demographic Characteristics Patient’s information in the patient’s chart was examined to collect the data for their demographic characteristics. These included: (1) age, (2) gender, (3) religion, (4) civil status, (5) employment, and (6) duration of undergoing HD. Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale The Spiritual Coping Strategy Scale (SCS), developed by Baldacchino and Buhagiar (2003), is a self – administered questionnaire that determines the spiritual coping of the respondents. It has a Judeo-Christian orientation and was based on the nursing, psychological, sociological, philosophical and theological literature. The SCS scale was developed in English and then translated into the Maltese language. It is a scale that measures both religious and spiritual (nonreligious) coping strategy which constituted its two subscales. It measured the respondents’ attitude towards religion and belief in God. The SCS is a 20-item, 4 – point response scale from â€Å"never used† or 0 to â€Å"often used† or 3. The responses indicated how often they use the various coping strategies presented. The Religious Coping subscale was comprised of 9 items which were meant to assess the respondents’ attitude towards their religious practices and their relationsh ip to God. On the other hand, the Spiritual Coping subscale has 11 items which relates to coping strategies that involve relationship to self, others and nature. The scores of all items is ranging from 0 to 60. A higher subscale and total scale score indicated more frequent use of the religious or spiritual coping strategies. The internal consistency reliability of the religious and spiritual coping factors was 0.82 and 0.74, respectively. A test – retest reliability of r=0.47 and r=0.81 for the subscales and total scale, respectively, was also reported. (Baldacchino Buhagiar, 2003) The SCS was earlier translated to Italian (Burrai, Scalorbi, Sebastiani, Cenerelli Cocchi, 2009), Spanish (Hawthorne, Youngblut Brooten, 2011) and Farsi (Saffari, Koenig, Ghanizadeh, Pakpour Baldacchino, 2014) languages. Validity and reliability of these versions were established accordingly. Muslim Religiosity Scale This is a 13 – items scale that measures the religiosity of Muslim population. It has two subscales. The first subscale is a 10 – item religious practices scale while the second subscale is a 3 – items intrinsic religious beliefs scale. Validity and reliability of the scale was earlier established with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.68, 0.64 and 0.93 for the full scale, religious practices scale and intrinsic beliefs scale, respectively. (Koenig, Al Zaben, Khalifa Al Shohaib, 2014; Al Zaben et al. 2014) The Arabic version of the scale was utilized in this study. Quality of Life Index Dialysis Version III The Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index Dialysis (QLI) Version-III measures the HRQoL of the HD patients. This scale has four subscales which includes health and functioning subscale, social and economic subscale, psychological/spiritual subscale, and family subscale. The QLI has two parts. The first part measures the satisfaction of the respondents and the second part measures the importance of the various aspects of life. The ratings in the second part are used to weight the satisfaction responses. Items that are rated with higher importance have a greater effect on scores than those of lesser importance. Overall quality of life as well as scores in the four domains is calculated. A score of 19 and lower means poorer quality of life. Validity and reliability of the QLI Dialysis Version was reported somewhere else with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93. Likewise, the four subscales exhibited acceptable validity and reliability. Content validity was good as it was based from ext ensive literature reviews on HRQoL and with patients’ report. (Ferrans, 1996; Ferrans Powers, 1985; Ferrans Powers, 1992) The Arabic version of the Quality of Life Index Dialysis (QLI) Version-III was used in this study. Translation and Cross Cultural Adaptation of the SCS The translation and cross – cultural adaptation of the SCS followed the cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures guidelines for translation. (Beaton, Bombardier, Guillemin Ferraz, 2000) The guideline suggests five stages: (1) translation, (2) synthesis, (3) back translation, (4) expert committee review, and (5) pretesting. In this study, the cultural and religious context of Saudi Arabic language was considered in the translation process. The first step of the adaptation is the forward translation. Two independent forward translations were made from English to Arabic by two bilingual Saudi nationals. One of them is a nurse educator who specializes in mental health nursing. The other Saudi is a lecturer with specialization in English language. After the translations have been done, the two translators together with an observer met to synthesize the result of the translation. A consensus from the two translators signified the completion of the Saudi Arabic version of the SCS. The Arabic version was then presented to two non-medically inclined translators who translated it back to English. These two translators were unaware of the concept as well as the purpose of the scale. The Arabic version was then presented to a panel which comprised of a: (1) Muslim religious leader; (2) Islam scholar, (3) nurse clinician, (4) nurse researcher, and (5) translator. The committee decided for the cultural and religious equivalence of each items in the scale. After reaching a consensus, the pre-final Arabic version of the SCS was formed. The pre-final Arabic version was then subjected for pilot testing for validity and reliability. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (Add modifications done here) Data Collection Data gathering was performed from May to June 2015. The SCS Arabic version, the Muslim Religiosity Scale Arabic version and the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index Dialysis (QLI) Version-III Arabic version was distributed to the respondents by the researchers with the assistance of the nurses on duty. The nurses where properly informed about the purpose and procedure of the study. The respondents were given 20 to 25 minutes to respond to the scales. Three weeks after the initial data collection, the same questionnaires were redistributed to a subsample of 25 respondents. (Hawthorne, Youngblut Brooten, 2011) Ethical Consideration Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Review Board of Shaqra University. Permission to conduct the study was sought from the administration of the general hospital. Modification and translation of the original version of the SCS to Arabic language was permitted by the original authors. The respondents were asked prior to participation to sign the informed consent signifying their understanding of their voluntary participation to the study. No incentives were offered to the respondents for their participation. Statistical Analysis All statistical analyses were done using the SPSS version 21.0. Internal consistency reliability of the Arabic version was assessed with coefficient alpha and item–total correlation (ITC). An alpha higher than 0.70 was considered acceptable internal consistency reliability while an ITC between 0.30 and 0.50 is considered moderate and ITC higher than 0.50 means good. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the factor structure of the SCS Arabic version. Kaiser – Meyer – Olkin (KMO) index was computed to check for sampling adequacy. KMO value equal to or higher than 0.6 indicate sampling adequacy. Further, to determine whether the correlations among variables were appropriate for the factor model, the Barlett’s test of sphericity was used. A Barlett’s test of sphericity with p The stability reliability for the test–retest subsample of the translated scale was assessed with Pearson product moment correlations. Convergent validity was established by examining the association between spiritual coping and religiosity. Divergent validity was established by the relationship between spiritual coping and health-related quality of life. Both were tested using Pearson product moment correlations. Differences between demographic profiles on the spiritual coping strategies using the SCS Arabic version were also examined using t-test and One-way ANOVA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Capitalism, Marketing, and the Insidious and Covert Co-optation of the

Capitalism, Marketing, and the Insidious and Covert Co-optation of the Self Subtitle: A Manifesto for Avatars 1. Introducing Avatars AVATARA-Sanskrit.; ava-'down', tarati-'he goes, passes beyond' literally, 'a descent', a conception described in the Bhagavad gita, 4th Teaching, 1-8 where Krishna confides: "when goodness grows weak, when evil increases, I make myself a body." (OED) Originally referring to the incarnation of Hindu deities, avatars in the computing realms have come to mean any of the various "strap-on" visual agents that represent the user in increasing numbers of 2 and 3D worlds. (Lonehead, ONLINE SOURCE, NO PAGE NUM) This essay studies the covert, market driven forces at work in our choices of images for the avatars inhabiting cyberspace, in order to understand the dangers of the exchange of self-images for advertisements. To forge a set of alternative resistant and forceful conditions for imaging what Sherry Turkle has termed "the second self," tactics based in imaging, language, and psychology can be opposed to the insidious and covert co-optation of the self by commodities. This essay is an attempt to examine the construction of alternative figures as models of resistance. The Manifesto for Avatars offers a formal set of oppositional strategies for constructing unconsumable self-images. The apparent freedom of identity and gender enjoyed by the participants in multi-user domains and the Internet in general (Langley, Stone) is a dangerous illusion, masking the corporate agendas dominating the nature and spirit of the construction of cyberspace and avatars. Imagine an internet chat room where we are all represented by the commodity of our choice. Much like the large, recognizable logos th... ...hler, L. Cartwright, and C. Penley. New York: New York University Press, 1998, 312-314 Stephenson, Neal. SnowCrash, New York, Bantam Books, 1992. Stone, Allucquere Rosanne."Will the Real Body Please Stand Up?: Boundary Stories About Virtual Cultures." In Cyberspace: First Steps, ed. Benedikt, 82-85. Talking Heads. "Once in a Lifetime." Perf. David Byrne, Brian Eno, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth. Remain in Light. Sire Records, 1980. Thacker, Eugene. ".../visible_human.html/digital anatomy and the hyper-texted body", CTHEORY, 2 June, 1998. Online, n pag. Oct. 1998. http://www.ctheory.com/a60.html Turkle, Sherry. The Second Self-Computers and the Human Spirit. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984. Ziff-Davis TV, Inc. "If You Build It, They Will Come." thesite: The Avatars 97 Conference. Aug. 1997 Online, n pag. ZdNet Sept. 1998 .

William Blake; The schoolboy Essay -- English Literature

William Blake; The schoolboy William Blake believed in freedom of speech, democracy and ‘free love’, for these reasons he disagreed strongly with formal education and conventional teaching in both schools and churches. He believed that this constrained people stopping them from having their own thoughts. Blake believed that children who were not given a formal education would want to learn off their own accord making learning more fun and enjoyable for the child. Blake portrays these opinions in the poem ‘The schoolboy’; which he chose to write in the voice of ‘the schoolboy’ himself, to stand up for children who’s views on schooling are rarely acknowledged. Blake’s decision to use a definite article in the title; ‘The schoolboy’ shows that the poem is a biographical piece about a specific schoolboy, and allows Blake to voice his own opinions as if they were that of a school child provoking more sympathy from the reader than would simply expressing his own views, therefore making his opinions on formal education more persuasive. The poem uses strong themes of nature throughout; the first verse describes a sense of harmony between the schoolboy and nature through a positive description of the sounds of the birds which the schoolboy awakes to hear. Pathetic fallacy is used relating the ‘summer’ morn to the schoolboy’s joy for being awoken in this way. The second verse starts with the conjunction ‘but’ to link the two verses, yet show the contrast in mood between them. This negative verse outlines the child’s dread of school and brings the reader back to reality after the dream-like feel to the first stanza. The line ‘under a cruel eye outworn’ suggests that the children are exhausted by school, personif... ...is used throughout the poem referring to the stages of a person’s life as the seasons in the year, the last stanza uses this metaphor to insinuate that a persons childhood is the most important time because if they don’t learn how to have fun in the spring of their life they will not know how to enjoy themselves in the summer of life. This makes the last line of the poem particularly effective ‘when the blasts of winter appear’ as people rarely think about how the way they live their childhood will effect their later lives, this rhetorical question makes the reader contemplate whether a formal education in an early life is worth facing the regrets it will cause them to live with in later life looking back upon few happy memories. And maybe learning the joys of life and how to live to the fullest is the most important lesson to be learned within childhood.

The Ontology of Many-Worlds: Modality and Time Essays -- Compare Contr

The Ontology of Many-Worlds: Modality and Time ABSTRACT: There are two types of theories regarding many worlds: one is modal, while the other is temporal. The former regards reality as consisting of many possible worlds, while the latter holds that reality consists of many momentary worlds, which are usually called moments. I compare these two theories, paying close attention to the concept of transworld identity and compare trans-possible world identity with trans-momentary world identity (or transmoment identity). I characterize time from the point of many-worlds view, believing this to be one of the best ways of grasping the reality of time. First, I show that there is reason to adopt the many-worlds view because transworld identity is meaningful for both of them, while it is not for space. Second, I argue that transmoment identity is different from transpossible world identity concerning reality. The former is a realistic relation, while the latter is not. Thus, I find that the reality of time is in the relation of transmomen t identity. Such a view, I contend, has merit on the basis that it recognizes the reality of time in a sense that is not true of space. Introduction There are two kinds of theories of many-worlds; the one is modal and the other temporal. The former regards the reality as consisting of many possible worlds, while the latter as consisting of many momentary worlds, which usually are called 'moments'. (1) In this paper I make a comparison between modal and temporal theories of many-worlds, especially paying attention to the concept of transworld identity and so making a comparison between trans-possible-world identity and trans-momentary-world identity (or trans-moment identity abbreviately). (2... ... for the present argument. (5) Kaplan's theory of direct reference does not necessarily presuppose the ontology of many-worlds. So my critcism is not directed for his theory itself but for its application to the ontological explanation of trans-moment identity. (6) This sentence is a slight modification of the example which Kaplan himself used. (Kaplan, D., 1989, p. 577, n.21) References (Kaplan, D., 1977) "Demonseratives", in Themes from Kaplan, Almog, J. etc. ed., Oxford University Press, 1989, pp.481-563. (Kaplan, D., 1989) "Afterthoughts", in Themes from Kaplan,pp.565-614. (Kripke, S.,1980) Naming and Necessity (2nd ed.), Basil Blackwell. (Lewis, D., 1986) On the Plurality of Worlds, Basil Blackwell. (McCall, S., 1994) A Model of the Universe, Oxford University Press. (McTaggart, J., 1908) "The Unreality of Time", Mind 18, pp.457-484.

Erie Performance Polymers Essay

INTRODUCTION This case tells us about Stanley Wong, division manager for Erie Performance Polymers and general manger of Wuhan Erie Polymers joint venture who had received an approval for his transfer request to Gary, Indiana, USA, headquarters of Erie. He was given the task of recommending to the board, from a list of six candidates, a successor to his position. During his tenure Stanley Wong has tried to modernize the thought process of his mainly Chinese employees, at the same time being sensitive to the cultural differences, he tried to create an organisational culture which was a mix of both Chinese and western values. He must make sure that his successor is sensitive to the existent differences in culture and that he is well equipped to handle problems or conflicts which these differences might cause. NOMINATION OF SUCCESSOR (Q1) After considering the six candidates it can be said that all of them six have certain shortcomings and none can be considered ideal for the job, however Bruce Po would probably best suit this position since he possesses several important qualities required for succeeding in this position. Wright and Mischel (1987) have stated that predictable behaviour would be achieved when management practices would be congruent with national cultural values which according to Earley (1994) would further result in high performance. According to Perlmutter (1969) polycentric firms are those, which, by experience or by inclination of the top executive begin with the assumption that host country cultures are different and that foreigners are difficult to understand (p11). Perlmutter (1969) further states that local people know what is best for them and the part of the firm which is located in the host country should be as local in identity as possible. Bruce Po is a national manager and possess’ the advantage of having the knowledge of the local business scene (Scullion & Collings, 2006). Being fluent in Chinese and  having a good understanding of Chinese culture and traditions, he will be able to not only communicate and motivate his staff efficiently but also socialize and maintain good relations with government officials, which is required for this post. Governmental policies favour appointment of HCN managers (Dowling & Welch, 2004). Wilson, Bernadin and Russel (1998) have concluded that the failure rate of PCN managers is also high compared to HCN managers. Appointment of Po would satisfy the need to appoint a host country national (HCN) as the manager. Po has shown in the past that he is capable of making crucial decisions much needed for this managerial post. He is intelligent, committed and hardworking and will successfully be able to implement modern business techniques which he is currently learning. The current scenario requires a manager who can ensure that the subsidiary has a similar corporate culture and shares similar values of the main firm to maximise productivity using socialization must to assert control, much like a ‘bumble–bee’ (Harzing, 2001). Po lacks networking skills with the head quarters and might fail to assert the required amount of control. The Chinese have shared the tradition of respect for elders for many generations (Wales, 1946). Po, being only 32 years of age might not be able to command that respect from his colleagues. AREAS WHERE CROSS-CULTURAL CONFLICTS MAY ARISE AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO SOLVE THESE CHALLENGES (Q2) According to Choi and Beamisch (2004) conflicts could cause substantial problems to a company and cultural conflicts may further complicate the process. Large cultural differences would increase the difficulty for the involved groups to understand each other’s point of view. To get a better understanding of the cultural differences between the two nations lets take into account the research done by Hofstede (1984). Hofstede (1984) developed and named 5 dimensions, which best characterised a culture, enabling us to make a comparison between cultures. These five dimensions were individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and long-term orientation (Hofstede, 1984). Chinese differ substantially with respect to individualism, long term orientation and power distance when compared to the Americans (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). These differences  could result in conflicts in the following areas:- Intercultural communication Problems often occur due to misunderstandings, which come up as a result of cultural differences in methods of negotiation and handling conflict (Adler, 1986; Adler and Graham, 1989). The Americans who are associated with individualism believe in confrontation while the collectivist Chinese try to avoid conflict and heated arguments (Hofstede, 1984). This could lead to misunderstandings when the two parties communicate. For example the Americans might think that silence from their Asian colleague is a sign of consent when actually it isn’t. The Chinese might misunderstand their American colleagues’ arguments and confrontation as lack of respect. Even in negotiation, which is the two sided exchange of signals between parties, people from different cultures interpret signals differently; negotiators might thus misread the signals or transmit an unmeant message. Thomas & Pondy (1977) have suggested that often ones words, facial expressions, body language and speech lead to attributions of intent that could cause conflict. Augsburger (1992) further stated that this phenomenon runs rampant in cross-cultural communication. Adoption of modern business practices Its observed that collectivist values are more suited for agrarian economy and are very different from the individualistic values which encourage more openness, conflict and innovation (Chen, Tjosvold and Pan, 2010). It is important for organisations to adopt modern business techniques in order to compete in emerging global market. Individualists are more up to date and endorse modern management ideas while collectivists don’t (Hofstede, 1984). These differences in individualistic and collectivist values of the two culture could lead to hindrance and conflict with regards to adopting modern business techniques (Inkeles and Smith, 1974). Selling price decisions Taking into consideration the fifth dimension, which is long-term orientation. The Chinese and the Americans have a different mindset when it comes to running a viable business. The Americans use long term strategies to achieve their goal while the Chinese aim for quick profits. The Chinese  focus on cutting edge prices and on getting in and out of the market fast. Discussing selling price and decisions on future prospects could lead to conflict escalation due to differences in ideology. Conflict management is vital in a joint venture but to prevent conflicts by clear initial agreements and open communication is preferred. Cultural distance has been defined as ‘†¦basic differences between cultures, such as value systems, beliefs, customs and rituals in addition to legal, political and economic systems’ (Cao, Hirschi and Deller, 2012, p. 167). According to Tung and Verbeke (2010) the first step in overcoming uncertainty and its consequences is managing this process with an understanding of cross cultural relations. Zhang, Y., Harwood, J. and Hummert, M. (2005) have stated that misunderstandings related to cultural differences can be avoided and performance can be improved by applying effective conflict management in the joint venture. Cultural awareness and cultural value systems must be put in place to overcome misunderstandings. This will help two parties to understand each other better (Tang and Ward, 2003). In a joint venture it is important that both groups understand each other’s point of view. This will lead to a mutual understanding between the parties enhancing trust and communication and reducing the chances of a conflict. Conflicts cannot always be averted, some need to be addressed. Conflict management approaches must be used to deal with these conflicts. Blake and mouton (1964) have stated two conflict management styles, the accommodating approach and the avoiding approach. The accommodating approach is when concern is shown for the other group. This conflict management method is appropriate due to the fact that reaching common objectives are in the best interest of the joint venture. Finally Conflict management is a skill that can be taught and developed. It must be taught to specialists in the human resources section. CHALLENGE IN ATTRACTING, RETAINING AND REWARDING INTERNATIONAL TALENT (Q3) Reiche (2007) states that retention of valuable employees is a critical strategy for HR managers and organisational leaders in order to survive in the long term and achieve competitive advantage in the global economy. Senior executive selection and retention is of prime importance since they are responsible for overall direction and scope of business activity. The  retention of intellectual capital is of growing strategic importance (Tymon, Stump and Doh, 2010) and there has been a growing interest among organisations, practitioners and academics (Scullion, Collings and Gunningle, 2007). Asian countries have particularly faced significant problems with respect to employee retention despite their economic growth in recent years (Barnett, 1995). It was important to choose a successor who could motivate his employees and encourage them to be a part of the organisation for longest possible time. Stanley would also have to take into consideration the candidates ethnicity, since to work and live in china might prove quite difficult for expatriates and they might end up leaving. Employee retention benefits both the organisation as well as the employee because organisational performance is a product of individual performance (Pfeffer and Sutton, 2006). In order to retain employees companies provide training and mentoring to their top employees which would help them broaden their skills (Groysberg, Nanda and Nohria, 2004). Wong’s challenge is to communicate clearly the possibilities for future training, development, and career progress which is a crucial part of a successful retention strategy (Lasserre and Ching, 1996) The successor must have good team work skills since it is observed that team work allows greater employee participation and increases organisations performance which influences motivation and satisfaction of employees (Nel et al 2002). This would lead to employee retention. Job satisfaction is very important in order to ensure that the successor retains his position for a long time. Autonomy, good relations with co-workers and working co nditions are factors which influence job satisfaction. In china it is very difficult to maintain good relations with co-workers if you cant communicate in Chinese. Managers who might not be able to speak Chinese might not be satisfied with the job since they would not be able to communicate and maintain relations with their co-workers. The reward system is strongly influenced by economic and social factors. According to Schhuster and Zingheim (1992) designing of the reward system must be done strategically in a way to reward results and behaviour, which are consistent with goals of the organisation. WEP must use the total reward approach, which takes into consideration the totality of extrinsic/intrinsic and transactional/relational rewards in reward design (Thompson, 2002). The challenge that Wong faces is to shape reward systems such that they balance  the needs and desires of HCNs, PCNs and TCNs (Fisher, Schoenfeldt and Shaw, 1999). He must make sure that he motivates his employees by ensuring that compensation is given to skilled e mployees who achieve their targets and make international business operations succeed (McNally, 1992). Harvey (1995) identified the problem that compensation was different for HCNs and expatriates. Often expatriates make more money than HCNs who might have a job of equal or more importance (Harvey, 1995). This might make the HCN employees feel like they are being treated unfairly (Fisher, Shoenfeldt and Shaw, 1999). Wong faces the challenge of trying to create a somewhat equal compensatory system. He must tailor rewards to fit the Chinese culture.(Westerman, Beekun, Daly and Vanka, 2009). Wong must consider the balance sheet approach, which facilitates mobility among expatriate staff in the most cost affective manner (Reynolds, 1995). This approach is considered expensive and complicated. Phillips and fox (2003) have stated that this is not an effective means of attracting and retaining the best expatriates. An alternative approach would be the going rate approach, which is primarily based on host country market pay rates (Dowling, Welch and Schuler, 1994). A good reward system could attract, retain and motivate employees. It is important for WEP to offer special benefits such as housing provision and cost of living allowances to attract expatriates. Benefits were found to be an important component in encouraging prospect expatriates to accept international assignments (Konopaske and Werner, 2005). Job applicants are attracted to organisations that fit with their personal values (Kristof, 1996). CONCLUSION To conclude we can say that Stanley Wong has numerous factors to take into consideration before nominating a successor. Neglecting cultural differences, dependency on the other partner and unresolved conflicts could lead to termination of the joint venture (Kemp, 1999). With a large increase in globalization rate over the years in order to create an environment in which workers are able to communicate and achieve common goals, it is important that multinational organizations learn to integrate diverse value systems and engage global work values (Rosenblatt, 2011; Erez and Drori, 2009; Ralston, Holt, Terpstra & Kai-cheng, 1997). REFERENCES Adler, N. (1986). International dimensions of organizational behavior. The International Executive, 28(1), 31-32. Adler, N. and Graham, J. (1989). Cross-Cultural Interaction: The International Comparison Fallacy?. J Int Bus Stud, 20(3),.515-537. Augsburger, D. (1992). Conflict mediation across cultures: Pathways and patterns. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press Barnett, R. (1995). Flexible benefits: Communication is the key, Benefits and Compensation International, 24(6), 25-28. Blake, R., & Mouton, J. (1964). The managerial grid: Key orientations for achieving production through people. Houston, Tex.: Gulf Pub. Cao, L., Hirschi, A., & Deller, J. (2012). Self-initiated expatriates and their career success. Journal of Management Development, 31(2), 159-172. Chen, Y., Tjosvold, D. and Pan, Y. (2010). Collectivist team values for Korean–Chinese co-worker relationships and job performance. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34(5), 475-481. Choi, C., & Beamish, P. (2004). Split management control and international joint venture performance. Journal of International Business Studies, 35(3), 201-215. Dowling, P., & Welch, D. (2004). International human resource management. London: Thomson. Earley, P. (1994). Self or Group? Cultural Effects of Training on Self-Efficacy and Performance. Administrative Science Quarterly, 39(1), 89. Erez, Miriam and Gili S. Drori. (2009) â€Å"Global Culture and Organizational Processes† in Rabi S. Bhagat and Richard M. Steers (eds.) Handbook of Culture, Organizations, and Work, Cambridge University Press,148-179. Fisher, C., & Schoenfeldt, L. (1999). Human resource management (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Geert-hofstede.com,. (2014). United States – Geert Hofstede. Retrieved 28 November 2014, from http://geert-hofstede.com/united-states.html Groysberg, B., Nanda, A., & Nohria, N. (2004). The risky business of hiring stars. In Harvard Business Review (pp. 1-10). Boston, Mass.:Harvard Business Online. Harvey, M. (1995). The Impact of dual-career families on international relocations. Human Resource Management Review Studies, 5,223-244. Hofstede, G. (1984). Culture’s consequences (p. 153). Beverly Hills: Sage Publications Harzing, A. (2001). Of bears, bumble-bees, and spiders: the role of expatriates in controlling foreign subsidiaries. Journal Of World Business, 36(4), 366-379. Inkeles, A., & Smith, D. (1974). Becoming modern: Individual change in six developing countries. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Kemp, M. (1999). Science in culture. Nature, 646-646. Konopaske, R., & Werner, S. (n.d.). US managers’ willingness to accept a global assignment: Do expatriate benefits and assignment length make a difference? The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 1159-1175. Lasserre, P. and Ching, P.-S. 1996. From expatriation to localization of managers in China. INSEAD Euro-Asia Centre, Research series no 41. Fountainbleu: INSEAD Mcgraw, P. (n.d.). Book Reviews: P.J. Dowling, R.S. Schuler and D.E. Welch (1994) International Dimensions of Human Resource Management, 2nd edn Belmont: Wadsworth. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 145-146. Perlmutter, H. V. (1969). The tortuous evolution of the multinational corporation. Columbia Journal of World Business , Jan/Feb, 9-18. Phillips, L., & Fox, M. (n.d.). Compensation strategy in transnational corporations. Management Decision, 465-476. Ralston, D., Holt, D., Terpstra, R., & Kai-cheng, Y. (1997). The Impact of Natural Culture and Economic Ideology on Managerial Work Values: A Study of the United States, Russia, Japan, and China. J Int Bus Stud, 28(1) Reiche, B. (2007). The effect of international staffing practices on subsidiary staff retention in multinational corporations. The International Journal Of Human Resource Management, 18(4), 523-536 Rosenblatt, V. (2011). The impact of institutional processes, social networks, and culture on diffusion of global work values in multinational organizations. Cross Cultural Management, 18(1), 105-121. Scullion, H., & Collings, D. (2006). Global staffing. London: Routledge. Scullion, H.,Collings,D.G., and Gunningle, P.. (2007). International human resource management in the 21st century: Emerging themes and contemporary, Human Resource Management Journal, 17(4), 309-19 Ssonko, D. (n.d.). Training Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Human Resource Development in Southern Africa, P.S. van Dyk, P.S. Nel, P. van Z Loedolff and G.D. Haasbroek, Oxford University Press, Southern Africa, Cape Town, 2001, pp. 476. European Management Journal, 107-108. Tang, J., & Ward, A. (2003). The changing face of Chinese management. London: Routledge Thomas, K.W. & Pondy, L.R. (1977). Toward an â€Å"intent† model of conflict management among principal parties. Human Relations, 30: 1089-l 102.†¨ Tung, R., & Verbeke, A. (2010). Beyond Hofstede and GLOBE: Improving the quality of cross-cultural research. J Int Bus Stud, 41(8), 1259-1274. Tymon, W., Stumpf, S., & Doh, J. (n.d.). Exploring Talent Management In India: The Neglected Role Of Intrinsic Rewards. Journal of World Business, 109-121. Wales, N. (1946). : Chinese Family and Society . Olga Lang. Far Eastern Survey, 15(17), 271-271. Westerman, J., Beekun, R., Daly, J., & Vanka, S. (n.d.). Personality and national culture: Predictors of compensation strategy preferences in the United States of America and India. Management Research News, 767-781. Wilson, M., Bernardin, H., & Russell, J. (1998). Instructor’s manual and test bank to accompany Human resource management : an experiential approach, 2nd edition. Boston: Irwin/McGraw-Hill. Wright, J., & Mischel, W. (1987). A conditional approach to dispositional constructs: The local predictability of social behavior. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 53(6), 1159-1177. Zhang, Y., Harwood, J. and Hummert, M. (2005). Perceptions of Conflict Management Styles in Chinese Intergenerational Dyads. Communication Monographs Vol. 72, No. 1. Zingheim, P., & Schuster, J. (n.d.). Designing Pay and Rewards in Professional Services Companies. Compensation & Benefits Review, 55-62

Desert Hikers

According to John Muir, â€Å"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. † Desert hikers explore a desert for things such as different species of animals, a new environment or even a vacation. Not only for the enjoyment, but some may go out for business references. Regardless of, they must fully prepare themselves in order to survive in a desert. Inexperienced desert hikers do not fully prepare. Because some desert hikers are inexperienced, many dangers await them such as, the scorching heat, dangerous animals and getting lost.For instance, the scorching heat is probably the first danger desert hikers may face above all the others. Many inexperienced desert hikers know that it is blazing hot in the desert, but may not know the hours which to hike. To avoid much of the heat, hikers shouldn’t hike between the hours of noon and three. A heat stroke, caused by lack of water, is common to most hikers. Symptom’s associating with heat stokes are diz ziness and headaches. To avoid this, drinking plenty of water is good for the body because of the constant sweating.If not taken into caution, these inexperienced hikers could experience nausea and vomiting from the heat, causing them to have heat exhaustion. These inexperienced desert hikers also may not know that drinking lightly salted fluids can avoid cramps, due to all the walking. These are just a few elements of dangers due to the scorching heat in a desert. Another reason inexperienced desert hikers face danger is because they may not know the actual harm desert animals could bring. For example, rattlesnakes and sidewinders, which are the most common in a desert.These snakes are extremely poisonous. Most of these snakes are camouflage to the grass and sand, especially the sidewinders. They bury their bodies into the sand and have only their eyes and nostrils above the sand. Stepping on them, causing them to strike without warning, could lead to serious damage. And even thoug h scorpions are small, they are deadly. These are found in dark places such as wood and under rocks. Inexperienced desert hikers may not know that it is best to shake off clothing and boots before putting them on each time.These desert hikers need to be extremely careful because if bitten by any poisonous animal, medical attention is far away and could take miles to reach. This may lead to a result of death. Indeed, getting lost in a desert could propose a threat. Inexperienced desert hikers could easily get misplaced. Some hikers may know to get a book about hiking in a desert before rushing into the actual hiking trip, some may not. The book may give a few essentials on which can be useful. Like the compass for one.Inexperienced desert hikers may not know how to use or read one right off. This may take a learning process. Having a map and knowing major points of an area is a way to get back on trial. By using that map, these desert hikers could mark their starting points. For thes e reasons, getting lost is a possible threat if inexperienced desert hikers don’t take proper cautions. To conclude, inexperienced desert hikers should be aware of the scorching heat, getting lost, and the dangerous animals that await them.Wouldn’t you want to know? It’s very important to know the dangers of a desert and what to do to have a safer hike. Whether the trip is for enjoyment or just business, always knowing the proper precautions and guides it take to be safer is always a good benefit to hiking in a desert. Despite the numerous dangers reasons inexperienced desert hikers may face; planning ahead, taking time to learn and fully prepare could result in a more successful trip in the future.

A Study of Career Plateau in Education Sector Essay

If Employee’s jobs are filled with routine and boring tasks or if desired promotions are blocked in the organization, then they are likely to feel an intrinsic sense of loss and become skeptical about findings fulfillment in their careers Career plateau employees are likely to have demotivation and higher labour turnover because they want to advance their careers elsewhere in the environment Researcher find out the causes, difference of career plateau among the Admin Staffs, Support Staffs, Teaching Staffs, Technical Staffs in education sector, its effects and strategies to remove the career plateau. The Major finding of this study is that career plateau is a major contributing factor of employees dissatisfaction, organization commitment and employee turnover. Technical staffs have more career plateau. Management and other stakeholder to develop the best strategies to manage career plateau in the organization. Keywords: Career Plateau, Strategies, Employee turnover, Dissatisfa ction 1. Introduction Career plateau is not a new phenomenon, but there is a worrying situation about the rate at which it is becoming increasingly widespread in various organizations (Yama- moto, 2006; Lee, 2003). Many scholars on organizational careers’ have suggested that plateau is fast becoming a critical managerial and organizational issue which needs to be managed properly to avoid employee’s discontent (Burke and Mikkelsen, 2006; Tremblay and Roger, 2004; Tremblay et al., 1995). Career plateau is defined as the point where employees like hood of additional hierarchical promotion is very low. International Journal of Business and Management Tomorrow   Employees who have experienced career plateau would think that their employers have forsaken their careers (Lee, 2003). Career plateau has been used as antecedent to many undesirable work outcomes such as low satisfaction, high stress, poor performance and other withdrawal symptoms (Yamamoto, 2006; Lee, 2003; Choy and Savery, 1998). Career plateau has the potential to cause discomfort among the employees because lack of continued upward progression is considered as a yardstick to measure employee’s performance. Thus career plateau leads to poor performance. In any organizations upward movement in terms of promotion of employees is accompanied by increase in salary, power and status (Lee, 2003). Plateau employees are likely to have higher labour turnover because they want to advance their careers elsewhere in the environment. For many employees, the time comes when all career movement ceases. Some feel unchallenged, while others simply don’t have the motivation to move upward. It is management’s responsibility to pull the best from staff members at such times. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult when you are prepared with a game plan and a little understanding. * Definitions. Plateaued employees, one observer has written, are those who reach their promotional ceiling long before they retire. Structural plateauing occurs when opportunities for promotions end. The hierarchy in most institutions is designed like a pyramid, leaving room for only a select few at the top. Therefore, everyone eventually plateaus. The inabilit y to climb the career ladder is an emerging concern for employees in the 1990’s. With aging of the baby boom generation and shrinking of middle management positions brought about by recession, improvements in office technology, and mergers and acquisitions, there are fewer opportunities for advancements in office technology, and mergers and acquisitions, there are fewer opportunities for advancement (Weiner, Remer, & Remer, 1992). One significant vocational effect is plateauing, â€Å"a unique form of career stall† (milstein, 1990b p, 325) which can result in a feeling of malaise on the part of upwardly mobile individuals. This phenomenon is labeled plateauing because it resembles a long flat uninterrupted expanse with minimal contours and a sameness that stretches endlessly. If people’s jobs are filled with routine and boring tasks or if desired promotions are blocked, then they are likely to feel an intrinsic sense of loss and become skeptical about findings fulfillment in their careers. (Milstein, 1990a, P48) 2. Examine the causes of career plateau Examine the difference in plateauing among the various levels of staffs in education sector. Examine the effect of career plateau in the organization. Give suggestions to manage career plateau effectively to minimize employee intention to quit. 3. In the subsequent pages, an attempt is made to review the literature pertaining to career plateaus of the employees. The literature of these studies has been collected through various magazines, journal, website and other published sources. 3.1 Various types of career plateaus are being experienced by the employees in organization. According to Bardwick (1986), there are three types of career plateau which are very common in organizations and there are: Structural Plateaus:- represents occupational situations where advancement is unavailable due primarily to the pyramidal nature of organization hierarchies. Content Plateaus: – When no challenge remains in their job. Tasks have been mastered and little new or exciting remains to be learned. Life plateauing:-occurs when individuals believe they are trapped in their ongoing everyday routines, cycles, obligations, and relationships. They may lead them to have â€Å"the sense that there’s little fulfillment left in any area of life. As per Rita M. Choy, Lawson K. Savery, (1998). Organizations are under pressure to cope with factors such as resource scarcity, increased competition, slow economic growth, increased utilization of technology and an increase in acquisitions and/or mergers. All these can lead to downsizing of the workforce. Many organizations believe downsizing can reduce costs and increase competitiveness. However, flattening structures reduces the number of people needed in organizations and such practices escalate the plateauing ISSN. International Journal of Business and Management Tomorrow The present study explores the relationship between job satisfaction, organizational commitment and the plateauing phenomenon. Non-plateaued workers seem to have a better relationship with their organization and find coaching new staff more rewarding than plateauing workers. This finding is important because trainers must hold positive attitudes toward the company and this seems more likely when the person is not plateaued. Non-plateaued employees are also more likely to view the organization as encouraging job performance – another issue of importance to managers of organizations. Susir Kumar – CEO, Intelenet Global Services expresses, â€Å"In spite of all the buzz and hype progressive HRM creates, career plateau remains a regular phenomenon and a problem that HR managers across industries and organizations have to grapple with. It can be defined as reaching a level of complacency, in many cases leading to employee burnout. It is not that such employees are incompetent; however, there is a general feeling of ‘being stuck’. Such employees often harbour an illusion, that they have nothing more to achieve.† Sharing his opinion on the organizational ailment that is a stagnant employee, Aleem Merchant, director, Synapse Marketing Consultancy Pvt. Ltd says, â€Å"Employee plateauing is a disease that hampers almost every organization, big or small and today, this malady is threatening the very potential and future of the corporate world as fast as most lifestyle diseases. This too needs expert treatment and its own set of managerial medications.† In order to analyze this plague, we must dissect it to get to the root of the problem. â€Å"Plateaued employees could stem from boredom of routine work or just plain complacency. Very often, external stimulators such as excitement of new work or a hard reality session can help yank the employee out of his stupor,† reasons G Ravindran, CEO, and MD- SHRM India.   Potter, author of â€Å"Overcoming Job Burnout: How to Renewing Enthusiasm for Work†, contends that often plateauing exists in the minds of employees. â€Å"In many cases it may be an illusion.† she said. According to Potter, employees also can imagine themselves plateaued with they fail to adapt to the changing employment picture. â€Å"Sometimes the person is not blocked; they just don’t understand the rules of the game have changed.† she said. Some workers are frustrated trying to climb the corporate ladder, Potter said, unaware that the old traditional hierarchical construction no longer exists. Another cause of the illusory plateau, Potter said, is a worker who is â€Å"actually chronically depressed.† She explains that for a depressed individual, a new job acts as a â€Å"sort of self-medication,† giving the person a temporary high. However, Potter said, once that boost wears off, the employee goes back to feeling depressed and might be inclined to blame this condition on a lack of job satisfaction. â€Å"It’s another kind of unrealistic expectation.† When employees feel plateaued, Potter said, â€Å"They can start getting into this problem of burnout†Ã¢â‚¬â€a loss of motivation that can leave workers feeling helpless. She warned that burnout can lead to chronic absenteeism, anger, thievery, and substance abuse. Potter warned that any attempts at curbing burnout can be too little too late, because losing one’s motivation is akin to losing one’s spirit. â€Å"When that gets damages, it just doesn’t bounce back, † she said. Study Design and Methodology 100 samples selected from various education society of Pune by using the convenient sampling method. The following categories/Levels of employees are selected as respondents.   Teacher   Admin staffs (4.3) Professional /Technical staffs (4.4) Support staffs. 25 respondents from each category are selected from for the research. The Instrument, containing 50 items and 29 attributes, each query is ranked by the respondents according to a five point Likert scale.

Research about Life

The trip was known in advance only to a few and not announced to the public until the president had left Baghdad alarm space; he was accompanied by only a few select reporters and a small official entourage. The month ended with a spate of violence, much of it aimed at non-American foreigners. Seven Spanish intelligence officers died south of Baghdad Novo. 9 when their Subs were attacked by rocket- propelled grenades and a rifle fire. Separate attacks the same day also killed 2 Japanese diplomats and a Colombian OLL worker, and 2 South Korean contractors were killed in ambush Novo. 30. For all of November, guerrillas killed 104 coalition troops, Including 79 Americans. When they came under attack In Samara, Novo. 30, U. S. Forces struck back, killing 54 Iraqi fighters according to U. S. Military sources, although bodies were not recovered and Iraqi sources claimed many fewer were 1 OFFS largely Muslim nation that supported the U.S. Invasion of Iraq. On Novo. 15, 2 Truck bombs explode d outside 2 synagogues in Istanbul, killing 25 people and wounding more than 250; most had been attending Sabbath prayers. On Novo. 20, Truck bombs exploded in Istanbul, at the British consulate and Turkish headquarters of HASH bank, killing 30 and injuring 450; the British consul general, Roger Short, was among those killed. An anonymous caller attributed the bank attack to al-Qaeda and the Islamic Front of Raiders of the Great Orient, a Turkish group that had also claimed responsibility for the synagogue bombings.A car bomb that exploded Novo. 8 in a residential compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, claimed 17 lives and wounded more than 120. * Bush Visits Britain- Pres. Bush arrived in London Novo. 18 to begin a state visit to Britain. The next day he was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth lat Backing palace; in a speech he urged Britain to stand with the U. S. In a long term effort to defeat terrorism and bring democracy to Islamic nations of Middle East. Bush's movements were sharply rest ricted for security reasons; the usual procession trough the streets was scrubbed, and he did not address Parliament.Ata meeting between Bush and Prime Min. Tony Blair Novo. 20, the 2 deplored terrorist attacks that day in Turkey. The same day a crowd of anti Bush protesters estimated by authorities at 100,000 to 110,000 marched through London streets. President of Georgia Resigns – Pres. Eduardo Spearheaded resigned his office Novo. 23, after mass protest in Georgia. On Novo. 20, the Central Election Commission had certified that his supporters won the parliamentary election of Novo. 2, but international observers had reported instances of fraud, On Novo. 2, protestors had broken into Parliament, forcing Spearheaded, the last foreign minister of Soviet Union, to flee. His decade-long rule had been marked to ward the end by national economic collapse and charges of official corruption. General U. S. Episcopal church consecrates Gay Bishop- The Rev. V. Gene Robinsons consecrat ed Novo. 2 as bishop of New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay prelatic The Episcopal Church U. S. A. The consecration went forward despite warnings from Anglican primates in Africa, Asia, and Latin Americana it could cause a schism in church.Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, issued a statement Novo. 2 that recognized the right of the American branch to choose its bishops, but expressed regret that the concerns of other church leaders had not been given consideration. On Novo. 3, Anglican leaders in Africa declared that they were in State of â€Å"impaired communion† with the U. S. Episcopalian. Man admits killing 48 women in†Green River† case- Gary Ridgeway, a resident of a Seattle â€Å"(WA) suburb pleaded guilty Novo. 5 to killing 48 young women, most of them prostitutes or runaways.Since the sass authorities had been seeking the so-called Green River Killer, who had strangled the women after having sex with them and left many of their bodies near the river. Ridgeway confessed the crime in an agreement with prosecutors that spared him the death penalty; no other serial murderer in U. S. History had been convicted of so many killings. On DCE. 8, Ridgeway was sentenced to 48 consecutive life terms. 2002 DC Sniper Convicted – A Virginia Beach (VA) Jury Novo. 17 found John Muhammad guilty in sniper attacks that plagued the Washington, DC, accomplice, Lee Mallow, currently on trial separately.He was convicted of 2 counts of capital murder, one for committing multiple murders over 3 years and one for killing Dean Meyers in Cot. 2002 to further a terrorist scheme aimed at extorting $10 mil. Muhammad was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and illegal use of a firearm. Prosecutors relied on strong circumstantial evidence, including a rifle mound in his car that ballistics tests showed had been used in 13 shootings. The Jury Novo. 24 recommended a death sentence, which was imposed by the Judge Mar. 9,2004. Mi chael Jackson Arrested for Child Abuse- law enforcement officials in Santa Barbara, CA, Novo. 9 issued an arrest warrant for singer Michael Jackson on multiple counts of child molestation. They said that the pop star would be charged with â€Å"lewd and lascivious conduct† with a child under age 14. Allegations a decade earlier that he had molested a 13-year- old boy had been resolved out of court with a multimillion-dollar settlement. Jackson was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail, Novo. 20, and released on $3 mil bail; he was formally charged DCE. 18. Jackson rejected the charge as unfounded. DECEMBER 2003 NATIONAL Bush Lifts Tarries on Steel Imports- Pres. George. W. Bush reversed one of his state policies DCE. When he lifted tarries on sport imported steel, effective DCE. 5. His administration had imposed the tarries in March 2002, and they were scheduled to be in effect for 3 years. However, the World Trade Organization Novo. 10 had upheld an earlier ruling declarin g the tariffs illegal, and the European Union and a number f countries had threatened to retaliate against them. South Dakota Congressman Resigns After Conviction- Rep. William Jackson (RED), a former governor of the state, was convicted DCE. 8 of 2nd-degree manslaughter and other charges, and announced he would resign from Congress in January.In August, Sandlots car had struck and killed a motorcyclist. Gore Endorses Dean for democratic nomination – Former Vice Pres. AH Gore DCE. 9 endorsed Howard Dean for a Democratic presidential nomination. Gore, the party's presidential nominee in 2000, passed over another candidate, Seen . Joe Lieberman (CT), his 2000 running mate, and was redirected by some specially for having failed to notify Lieberman of his decision before it was made public. In DCE. 9 speeches in New York and Iowa, Gore praised Dean for being the only leading Democratic contender who had consistently opposed the Iraq war.The 9 Democrats seeking the nomination deba ted that day in Durham, NH. On DCE. 14, Lieberman remarked, â€Å"If Howard Dean had his way, Sad Hussein would be in power today, not in prison. † On DCE. 15, Dean asserted,†The capture of Sad Hussein has not made America safer. † On DCE. 23, consumer advocate Ralph Ender, the Green Party presidential nominee in 1996 and 2000, said e would not seek the party's nomination for 2004. Democrats elected in San Francisco, Houston- In a nonpartisan election, businessman Gavin Newswomen, a Democrat, won a runoff election for mayor of San Francisco DCE. , defeating Green Party member Matt Gonzalez, 53% to 47%; this was the best showing yet by a green in a U. S. Biscuit mayoral election. Newswomen was to succeed outgoing Mayor Wily Democrat and a former U. S. Deputy energy secretary, won with 62% of the vote, defeating Cuban-born Ronald Sanchez, a Republican. Supreme Court Upholds Campaign Finance Law- A 5-4 majority on the U. S. Supreme Court, DCE. 10, upheld the 2002 cam paign-finance law as a constitutional approach to combating spending abuses in a political process.The 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act had been challenged on first-amendment grounds by a number of desperate organizations; they objected to the ban on unlimited â€Å"soft money' contributions to the political parties and to a ban on certain advertising Just prior to elections. California Governor Declares Fiscal Crisis- Gob. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R,CA) DCE. 18 declared that his state was in a fiscal crisis. This proclamation would allow him, he said, to cut pending by $1 50 mil without having to get the legislature's approval.Californians bond ratings had been reduced to near Junk-bond levels, and a state deficit of $15 bill was projected for 2004. Terror alert in U. S. Is Raised to ‘High'- Tom Ridge, secretary of homeland security, announced DCE. 21 that the U. S. Antiterrorism alert status was being raised to â€Å"high† (orange) from â€Å"elevated† (yello w). Ridge said that the danger of a terrorist attack was â€Å"perhaps greater now than at any point since Swept. 11, 2001 . † He cited unspecific new intelligence information that suggested plans to strike during the holiday season. On DCE. 24, Air France, responding Tao U.S. Request, canceled 6 flights between Paris and Los Angles; U. S. Officials reportedly suspected that the passengers on the flights could have links to terrorism. On the same day the FBI circulated a warning to law enforcement organizations to be on the watch for almanacs, since they could be used by terrorist â€Å"to assist with target selection and pre-operational planning. † Some media reports noted the warning humorously, since these general reference works, official the largest * selling is The World Almanac and Book of Facts, are read by millions of people each year. On DCE. 9, the Department of Homeland Security announced a Rule requiring armed air marshals on certain foreign carriers' flig hts entering U. S airspace that intelligence suggested were at special risk of terrorist attack. When a British Airways plane landed at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC, DCE. 31, authorities held the passengers, interviewing some, and rescanned the luggage. U. S. Bans Use of Weight Reduction Pill- the Bush administration DCE. 30 said it would prohibit use of Phaedra, a herbal supplement used by millions of Americans to lose weight or to improve athletic performance.Tommy Thompson, secretary of Health and Human services, said the supplement â€Å"was too risky to be used. † Phaedra had been linked to heart attacks, stokes, and sudden deaths. In February 2003, Steve Bechtel, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, died after taking Phaedra tablets, and a medical examiner said that the supplement was a factor in his death. Special Council to Investigate Leak of Agent's Name- Tatty. Gene. John Ashcroft DCE. 30 removed himself from any role in the investigation int o the leaking of a CIA name Tao journalist.At issue was whether anyone in the Bush administration had violated the awe by revealing the name of the agent, Valerie Blame, to columnist Robert Novak, who published her name in July. The Justice dept. Said DCE. 30 that a special council would head the investigation. Blame was the wife of Joseph Wilson, a former U. S. Ambassador who had publicly cast doubt on an administration assertion of nuclear for 3 years in a row, investors had much to cheer about DCE. 31, as major stock indexes showed large gains for 2003. The DOD Jones industries average has risen 25%to 10,453. 92.A broader measure, Standard and Poor's 500-stock index, posted a 26%gain, moving up to 1. 92. The tech-Agave NASDAQ index advanced 50%, to 2003. 37. Averages were still below their all-time highs of the late sass, however.. Forces Strike Back in Iraq- U. S. Forces continued the tactic of launching massive raids targeting insurgents resisting the occupation. On DCE. 2, 1,0 00 troops raided Hajji, west of Kirk, in an effort to capture an aide to former Pres. Sad Hussein. Ata meeting in Iraq DCE. 6 with U. S. Sec. OF Defense Donald Remorseful, Lit. Gene. Richard Sanchez said that attacks on U. S. Ores were running below 20 a day, half the rate of a few weeks earlier. Remorseful Visits Afghanistan- Amid reports of a growing number of attacks on u. S forces in Afghanistan