Personal portfolio application for an overseas leadership position Essay

Personal portfolio application for an overseas leadership position - Essay Example This emotional intelligence competency, along with maintaining a well-educated background in sociology and psychology, will assist in developing meaningful relationships with diverse foreign workers and managers that is crucial to maintaining competitive edge through human capital development. In today’s business world, a company requires establishment of a cohesive and dedicated organizational culture. To develop culture successfully, individual competencies that must contribute include inspiring through mission and vision iteration, opening lines of communication, and being prepared to serve as a transformational teacher (Fairholm, 2009). Knowledge of how to build a diversity-focused organizational culture is one of my most valued and vital competencies that has prepared me well for a role as expatriate. The Philippines The Philippines is considered to be a collectivist country, one in which group membership and group loyalty are paramount social characteristics. Citizens in collectivist countries help to mold their personal identities through consideration of the thoughts and opinions of peer networks and, oftentimes, loss of face (reputation) is a major concern (Cheung, Cheung, Zhang, Leung & Yeh, 2008). Though much of these values differ from my own personal values as it relates to identity formation and personal social needs, having an understanding of the collectivist mindset will assist in developing appropriate human resources policies to gain commitment and dedication through organizational culture development. I will be able to effectively create reward policies linked with transactional management philosophy that consider group affiliation and group contribution rather than attempting to use Western models of individual reward that work sufficiently in the United States. Since the establishment of a performance management system often leads to better worker productivity in which regular appraisals are conducted, understanding how to develop g roup-minded HR policies will lead to more loyalty and trust in the organization. The Philippines culture is also one that is risk tolerant, scoring moderately low in the dimension of culture known as uncertainty avoidance (Hofstede Centre, 2013). This is very similar to my own home culture and my own set of personal values. In today’s business world, entrepreneurship in many executive managers and employees is a critical dimension to attaining a positive business reputation and finding competitive advantage. Entrepreneurial behaviors include being willing to take risks and trying new strategies in order to outperform competition. These cultural similarities maintain many opportunities for creating not only a cohesive culture within the business, but also coming up with multiple baskets of ideas about how to find absolute advantages over competing firms. Recognizing that both the United States and The Philippines share similar propensity to gamble on innovative strategic objec tives will also assist in developing appropriate policies that will meet with unified dedication throug

Same Sex Marriage Essay Example for Free

Same Sex Marriage Essay Nancy Gill has been working for the American Postal office for almost 23 years but unlike other employees who can provide health benefits for their families, she cannot provide the same for her spouse because of one reason – she is married to a woman. Gill and her spouse, Marcelle Letourneau were married in Massachusetts in 2004 and now, they are challenging the federal law Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA that â€Å"defines marriage as a being between a man and a woman† (Seelye). The couple are backed up by Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders together with 15 other couples who also complained about DOMA. The same sex couples are fighting against DOMA because they claim that DOMA makes same sex marriage look very immoral. Also, it gives a big burden on same sex couples because â€Å"ended up hurting such couples by making them pay twice for health insurance, for example, or denying them death benefits† (Seelye). The Obama administration disagrees with DOMA but as of the moment, there is nothing drastic they can do about it because it is not unconstitutional. The issue here is not whether to allow same-sex marriage; five states and the District of Columbia have allowed it but it does not change the fact that couples in same sex marriages are left out of the benefits that the typical heterosexual couple receives. As one may notice, same sex marriages are not legal in all the parts of the United States. Only some states have approved of it and as of the moment, same sex marriages are not really prioritized by law as seen in the article. They are not given the same benefits as normal couples. Anthropology is useful in the subject of same sex marriage because the study of anthropology has documented the development of same sex marriage from all over the world. For example, it is only in some societies that same sex marriage is allowed such as Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium (Haviland et al, 20). Anthropology tells us that the development of same sex marriage is different depending on the society because â€Å"it is human societies that define the boundaries of social relationships† (20). According to many feminist anthropologists, the reason why same sex marriage is not readily acceptable in the society of the United States is because the societys has allowed men to dictate on the womens sexuality and make rules for it (Lewin et al, 71). That kind of society is called patriarchal and in that society, men use sexuality as a tool to dominate and oppress women through sexual objectification (71). From the feminist perspective, sex, marriage and family were all tools used by men to limit women to heterosexuality and as a result, under the male power. Anthropologists point out how males dominate the females in many aspects of culture and society. Examples of these are â€Å"arranged and child marriages, brideprice, foot-binding, purdah (the segregation of women from men typical in some Islam societies), veiling, the chastity belt, clitoridectomies, and female infanticide† (71-72). Practices like these are made by society to make sure that women are always paired up with men. That is how men dominate women in society through major and minor cultural and societal practices. Given this information, it is not a surprise as to why same sex couples are having a hard time attaining rights that are equal to the typical heterosexual marriage or marriage to the opposite sex. As stated above, DOMA dictates that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, not a union of two men or two women respectively. DOMA is a law created by the government, a patriarchal institution. The government patronizes heterosexual unions, which is a political institution in itself. Heterosexuality is a â€Å"political union that makes women less powerful† (71). Society goes by heterosexuality and dictates that women should always end up with men. The fact that there are more women nowadays who are open to same sex marriages is a threat to the political institutions because women, after all, can have the freedom to choose whether or not they would like to marry and who they will marry. This fact is unacceptable to society because it does not agree with the rules of societal relations that have been established. If one goes back to history, marriage in most cultures have always been known to be a union between a man and a woman. The union of two sexes is still highly unthinkable for many societies because in that union, most likely there is no more inequality between the two entities because they are of the same sex. Same sex marriage may be accepted in some states but it does not mean that it is warmly accepted. Life for same sex couples is still difficult because society sees it as a breaking away from the norms. Same sex unions are making progress in gaining acceptance but they still have a long way to go. After all, we are still governed by a patriarchal society. sWorks Cited Haviland, William et al. The Essence of Anthropology. California: Thomas Wadsworth, 2007. Lewin, Ellin Leap, William, eds. Out in Theory: The Emergence of Gay and Lesbian Anthropology. Illinois: University of Illinois, 2002. s Seelye, Katharine. â€Å"Marriage Law is Challenged as Equaling Discrimination. † New York Times,May 6, 2010. http://www. nytimes. com/2010/05/07/us/07doma. html. Accessed

In Defense of Canadas Rejection of the Death Penalty Essay -- Canada

A man, allegedly accused of first degree murder, has been put on a trial to see what his sentence will be. People are outraged and protesting for him to be put on death row. Family and friends of the victim are traumatized, seeking vengeance for the one that they have lost, hoping that Canada can bend the rules just once to get the justice they think they deserve. On the other hand, the prisoner sits in the court room waiting for the verdict that will ultimately change his life forever. He only has two options: if found guilty he will receive life imprisonment, if found innocent he will be let off scotch free. Or there’s always the third choice, the death penalty. How far does the battle have to go to stop him from killing? This could mean bringing back capital punishment to Canada. There’s the theory of an eye for an eye, or also the chance of a wrongful conviction. As with any debate there are pros and cons all weighing up to the final question, should Canada use the death penalty, or continue to use life imprisonment? Although in the United States, most placed do not use the death penalty there are some that still do under certain circumstances. Canada is a Country that has not one province or territory that used the death penalty but Canada hasn’t always used life imprisonment. Between 1892 and 1961, the death penalty was used in Canada and the result was death by hanging. It wasn’t until 1914 that the death penalty was up for debate and the first bill to abolish it completely was made. In 1954, rape did not qualify as a death penalty punishment anymore. The Parliament dived murder into capital and non-capital categories in 1964. It took a long time, but the first time that the bill to abolish the death penalty was debat... ...serli, Joe. . (2010, December 10). In a nutshell. Retrieved from http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.htm †¢ Munroe,. (2010, October 31). Canada online . Retrieved from http://canadaonline.about.com/od/crime/a/abolitioncappun.htm †¢ Phil B., . (2010). Phil for humanity . Retrieved from http://www.philforhumanity.com/Capital_Punishment.html †¢ Robinson, Bruce.A. (2007, August 07). Religious tolerance. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/executb.htm †¢ Skerrit,. (2009, February 03). Dominica news. Retrieved from http://www.dominica-weekly.com/news/prime-minister-roosevelt-skerrit-supports-the-death-penalty/ †¢ Tackaberry,. (2000, April). Amnesty international. Retrieved from http://www.amnesty.ca/deathpenalty/canada.php †¢ Tempest, Rone. (2008, June 30). Death penalty focis. Retrieved from http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?id=42

Can Culture Be Caught or Taught Essay

A culture of an organization includes the norms, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, collective experiences, history, assumptions and values of an organization. Culture is something a new executive senses even before his first day on the job. That is, new employees are told ‘how things are around here’ by their colleagues and their team-leaders. â€Å"Caught and not taught† means you learn values or behaviors from the people that practice them, instead of by being told. You â€Å"catch† such values by seeing them lived. For example, if you were told (or â€Å"taught†) by someone, â€Å"You ought to live a certain way† (but you saw them not being a very good example of their teaching), chances are you won’t â€Å"catch† or consistently practice that value. On the other hand, if you see someone consistently living out what they believe, you might â€Å"catch† it. If their modeling of those values is powerful enough, their values c an be caught. The amount of catching and the amount of teaching is a balancing act that depends on any organizations existing culture (how entrenched it is, how far removed from the culture you need etc.), the degree of change that is required to make it happen and then the stage that you are going through. E.g. you will do more teaching in the early stages of rolling out a culture, but less when it is clear that influential people (top managers, team leaders etc.) have caught the gist of it and are out there passing it around. There is a well-known saying â€Å"You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink† Building a company culture is the aspect of strategic business planning that most employers feel is most important to their business. Companies that truly live their corporate cultures are higher performing and better places to work than companies that lack them. The 10 reasons why it’s important for a company to pay close attention to its solid corporate cult ure: 1.Generates positive public relations. Free PR creates visibility for a company. 2.Attracts ideal candidates. If the company’s corporate culture permeates everything from the way meetings are conducted to the format for the bios on the company’s Web site, candidates will know if they are a good fit. 3.Repels undesirable candidates. Without a clear corporate culture, undesirable candidates might join the company only to find months later that they do not fit in. 4.Rejects poor hires. Firing an employee is painful both financially and emotionally. Employees who are out of sync are often unproductive underperformers; they also disturb the established culture. 5.Fosters company loyalty. Employees who are a fit with the corporate culture will quickly integrate with the team and find their stride. This combination of ease and teamwork fosters employee loyalty. Loyal employees perform better, are more productive, are willing to exert extra efforts and are likely to influence others in a positive way, will spread po sitive energy throughout the office and attract top talent through word-of-mouth advertising. 6.Encourages dialogue between employees and management. A clear corporate culture opens the lines of communication for employees and employers to discuss what employees really want and what management expects of them, utilizing the right combination of coaching, knowledge and skills that focus on high performance. It communicates to employees what they need to do if they want to fit in, survive and become successful within the organization. 7.Facilitates creation of relevant benefits packages. When employers know what their employees really want, they can offer benefits that are customized to suit their employees’ needs. The benefits a company offers should be tied directly to what the employees want, making them a great recruiting and retention tool. 8.De-emphasizes the importance of cash compensation. A thriving corporate culture that fosters loyalty and provides intangible benefits to employees, such as work that is fulfilling and leaders they respect and trust, can actually reduce employee demands for higher compensation. 9.Encourages utilization of technology for productivity improvement. Leverage personalized, interoffice technologies that are customized to suit the company’s specific needs to save time, improve communication and enhance productivity. 10.Increases the efficacy of outsourcing. A solid corporate culture allows focus on the firm’s core capabilities. Hence, from the above discussion we can clearly state that solid, clear corporate culture has to be caught — not taught.

Foreign Universities

I’ve often wondered how best to define education. I’d like to define education as the procurement of those preternatural skills which would enable a person to choose between what is right and what is not. Our Indian system of education since time immemorial has been sailing magnificently on the winds of hope, moral coherence and ethical values with the principal objective of making all of us good human beings as opposed to mere knowledge banks. As of today, ‘Indian Education’ is an immaculate melange of our conventional ideals of education, blended with infrastructural and technological boom, catering to the demands of modernization. Over the decades, we’ve produced some very fine men and women. From Swami Vivekananda to Sir C V Raman, from Amartya Sen to Rajendra Pachauri, they’ve all been fine lode stars of our educational system. I’ve never really been a fan of the Western Educational systems. Students there are bestowed with way too much unconditional liberty. They’re treated like empyreal emperors at a time when they should be ordered to shut their PlayStations and take a good look at their school books. There’s too much rationalism in there and very little humanism, which in a sense explains the reason for the rapid moral degradation among a significant number of students in the West. Look at the list of school related criminal attacks worldwide and you’d observe the US perched handsomely at the top. We read almost every week about teen shootouts, teen pregnancies and yet do not wish to speak about them in the open. ‘It’s taboo’. We, Indian students here, atleast under the fear of failure, the fear of humiliation, the fear of corporal punishment are compelled on to the right track as far as our pursuit of educational excellence is concerned. But the very fact that there exists no substantial force which can have similar influences on the students of the West is indeed quite a concern. Another factor working significantly against Western education is its exorbitant cost of education which almost puts it virtually out of reach for many middle class students world over. I know there’s been criticism of our Indian Educational system too. I know there’ve been people cynical of our ‘harsh’ and ‘stern’ methodology of education. But if the drilling exercise is a necessity for intellectual growth, a boon for the nation’s ambitions of having an educated electoral roll, the antidote for illiteracy and ignorance, the quintessential need for individual prosperity, then why not tread that path fearlessly? After all, it is only under pressure that coal turns to diamond. The dominant role of Indian Americans in the US economy is pretty noticeable as well. As of 2008, 4000 PIO professors and 84000 students made their way into US universities and Indian Silicon Valley entrepreneurs generate whopping revenue of $250 billion every year. Is it not ironical then that the well oiled products of our educational system are largely responsible for the economic boom of a ‘global superpower’? Who’s the Big Daddy now? Is this not tangible testimony of our profound educational prowess? Above all the number crunching and intricate statistics, above all the heated cacophony of debates and discussions, just one phrase rings euphoria and triumph in my mind. Vande Mataram. Nothing else. Thank you. I have just received a list of the top Universities of the world (1) University of Cambridge (2) University of Oxford (3) Harvard University (4) University of California 5) The Stanford University (6) University of Tokyo and it is certainly not a matter of great pride that the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai is ranked 30th and except the IIT's, not a single university has made to the top 50. it is — p. m and the speed is so fast that you might see another foreign university getting into this list by the time I finish my speech. Today's topic states â€Å"Should there be an entry of Foreign Educational Institution or University in India† and I stand here firmly opposing the motion. India right now has 487 Universities and 2200 colleges whereas the requirement is 1000 Universities and 35000 Colleges more. So foreign Universities is the only option left. Learning in a Foreign University has a definite advantage in terms of ambience, cultural environment and most of all provides an international mix. For India to become an economic superpower, we first need to become an educational superpower. The number of universities and institutions of higher learning are wholly inadequate to cater to the aspirations of a billion people – unless of course our purpose is to keep large sections of our population out of the education system. Having known different parts of the world and different types of institutions, I can say categorically that as far as the intellect is concerned, we are second to none. How we can overlook the sorry state of our universities and institutions of higher learning. Results are not announced in time. Evaluation is neither objective nor done with any sensitivity. Regulation in education still dates back to the license-permit regime that could do precious little for the country for over five decades.. Our Universities, have failed to impart education in all subject areas. Many new sciences and technologies are never introduced to our students immediately after their inventions. We tend not to care too much for quality, and are pretty complacent about what is acceptable standards. What we lack is a work ethic that nurtures excellence in all its manifestations. The ‘Chalta Hai' attitude is predominant and the only way to break it is to expose this mindset to global standards. Recently cabinet has approved Foreign Educational Institution Bill 2010. I salute Minister of HRD, Mr. Kapil Sibbal for this revolutionary move towards getting a class education in India. Afterall the bill upon becoming a law is sure to make it more convenient for domestic students to get world class education at their door steps. With this, I rest my case but not my thoughts. Thanks I’ve often wondered how best to define education. I’d like to define education as the procurement of those preternatural skills which would enable a person to choose between what is right and what is not. Our Indian system of education since time immemorial has been sailing magnificently on the winds of hope, moral coherence and ethical values with the principal objective of making all of us good human beings as opposed to mere knowledge banks. Over the decades, we’ve produced some very fine men and women. From Swami Vivekananda to Sir C V Raman, from Amartya Sen to Rajendra Pachauri, they’ve all been fine lode stars of our educational system. I know there’ve been people cynical of our ‘harsh’ and ‘stern’ methodology of education. But if the drilling exercise is a necessity for intellectual growth, then why not tread that path fearlessly? After all, it is only under pressure that coal turns to diamond. Look at the list of school related criminal attacks worldwide and you’d observe the US perched handsomely at the top. The dominant role of Indian Americans in the US economy is pretty noticeable as well. Is it not ironical that the well oiled products of our educational system are largely responsible for the economic boom of a ‘global superpower’? Who’s the Big Daddy now? Is this not tangible testimony of our profound educational prowess? Above all the number crunching and intricate statistics, above all the heated cacophony of debates and discussions, just one phrase rings euphoria and triumph in my mind. Vande Mataram. Nothing else. Thank you.

Market segmentation approaches Essays

Market segmentation approaches Essays Market segmentation approaches Essay Market segmentation approaches Essay Coca Cola Market Segmentation Approaches The Coca Cola product in question is the Minute Maid Just 10 juice that is consumed by over a billion people throughout the whole world. Geographically, Coca Cola should approaches should be broad-based and undifferentiated. They should perceive the market as comprising of many customers having a fundamental desire that must be satisfied. For instance, it can be assumed that nearly all customers who want to purchase Coke have a thirst need. While this is possibly the largest market that any company would seek, they have no products that would appeal to all consumers globally as people have different tastes, preferences and requirements. Globally, Coke has an approval among the young generation that is made up mostly of teenagers, working class and other youthful individuals. This market segment is the most lucrative for Coca Cola Company as its main features include an access to income or money, increased social activity as well as varied tastes when it comes to soft drinks. Coca Cola should also focus on segments having high incomes such as white-collar professions. Lastly, Coca Cola also targets children as they consume a considerable amount of cola products and they have a hold on their parents who supply the income. In terms of demographics, it follows a similar fashion to that of geographic segmentation where the parent company has subsidiaries all over the world that have a high degree of autonomy (Ryan et al 45). This autonomy should be reinforced to allow subsidiaries to make geographical-specific decisions that will boost growth and revenue margins. The reason for recommending these approaches is to maximize the profits and achieve the goals set by the company. Within the present economy, tailor-made approaches stand a better chance of being successful when compared to conventional and universal approaches that lack applicability in different circumstances (Ryan et al 4). Minute Maid is positioned as a drink for individuals who are generally mobile and active. Minute Maid Just 10 is the perfect drink for healthy, stress-free consumption at any time of the day. This is because it is provides essential minerals such as potassium, calcium as well as vitamin C extracted from real fruit juice and very low in calories. The Sunkist Company applies the undifferentiated marketing strategy by completely ignoring the segment differences and attracting the entire market with one strategy. The company main products are citrus fruits particularly oranges and lemons. The Unilever Company applies differentiated marketing strategy throughout its subsidiaries across the world. Within Sub-Saharan Africa where the purchasing power is low, the company has developed smaller sizes of the same products to enhance purchases. This is slightly different from their product in developed states that are bulkier and sold at relatively higher prices. Concerning the concentrated marketing strategy, the Toyota Company applied it in the development of the hybrid market that began with the Prius model. After the inception, the company increasingly focused on developing hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander. The company was able to get more customers by focusing on eco-friendly products (Ryan et al 18). Lastly, customized marketing that involves designing a particular product to meet the exact needs of a customer. Companies that use this type of marketing include website builders such as Wix. The Wix Company allows users to customize their products to their needs and standards before purchasing them. Marketing products this way ensure that in the end, the customer has to buy the product as he/ she finds exactly their preferences. Customized marketing is however reserved for unique or expensive product as it takes a lot of time and resources before a product is selected, customized and finished to the customer’s preferences. This is considered the highest type of target marketing. Work Cited Ryan, Damian, and Calvin Jones. Understanding Digital Marketing: Marketing Strategies for Engaging the Digital Generation. London: Kogan Page, 2009. Print.

History of Baseball Essays

History of Baseball Essays History of Baseball Paper History of Baseball Paper One of the most popular sports in the United States is baseball.   It is even regarded as the national pastime (Rader 42).   For the average American, every summer and spring time, is the season to play this exciting â€Å"bat and ball† game of baseball.   Still, other baseball enthusiasts who catch the games live or on screen as they keep track of the progress of their players and teams of choice. At the eastern region of the country during the middle part of the 1800s, people started to learn how to play the game of baseball (Reiss 236).   Eventually, the game started to spread across the Untied States.   In the year 1876, the National League was established.   In 1900, the American League was then formed (Riess 4).   Over the years, the game began to spread beyond the borders of the United States reaching different regions around the globe. Historians suggest that the game of baseball can trace its origins from an old English sport called rounders (Block and Wiles 3).   They claim that it is from this game that early Americans developed what is now known as baseball.   Notwithstanding the aforementioned evidence however, many people still regard Abner Doubleday, an American as the inventor of the game. Beginning in the year 1700s, American colonists who settled in New England started to play a game of rounders (Block and Wiles 160).   The game they played came to be known by several other names such as the Massachusetts game, town ball, and occasionally, baseball.   Sets of rules have been printed in books every so often.   Nonetheless, those who play the game normally manipulated the rules in accordance to their local traditions (Block and Wiles 15). The distances between the bases, the number of bases themselves, as well as the number of players on either side, together with other rules of the game differed from one place to the other.   Eventually, Americans changed the game into what is now known as baseball.   Among the significant highlights of such development happened the moment the practice of soaking runners has been replaced by the practice of tagging them instead.   Historians believe that the players in New York City made such changes to the rules of the game some time around 1830s or 1840s (Block and Wiles 185). Regardless of the evidences presented suggesting that baseball developed from the game of rounders, many people still believe that it was indeed Abner Doubleday of Cooperstown, New York, who must be regarded as the inventor of the game.   Many people believe that Doubleday invented the game in the year 1839 (Rader 7). During the early part of the 1900s, the Doubleday Theory surfaced from a debate over the origin of the game.   Albert G. Spalding proposed the appointment of a commission to resolve the argument over the origin of baseball.   Many people expressed before the commission that the game developed from rounders.   In 1908 however, through a published report made by the commission, Doubleday was credited to be the inventor of baseball.   The commission based its judgment from a letter written by the childhood friend of Doubleday named Abner Graves.   Graves claim that he has witnessed the invention of the game (Rader 93). Today, historians believe that Doubleday has hardly any contribution if not none, to the game of baseball (Riess 17).   Moreover, they stress that the game illustrated by Grave involved the routine of soaking runners.   Therefore, the game Graves describe is actually no different from rounders. A New York sportsman named Alexander Cartwright is acknowledged to be the Father of Organized Baseball (Block and Wiles 20).   Cartwright formed the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York in 1845.   He was also the one who crafted its set of rules.   The first of its kind, the club’s main goal is to play baseball.   The set of rules initially drafted as well as the additions which came in 1848 and 1854 largely influenced how the game is played at present (Block and Wiles 84). In accordance to the original set of rules, the distance between the bases measures 90 feet or 27.4 meters (Block and Wiles 82).   Each base is composed of nine players.   The 1845 set of rules was where the earliest recorded mention of the need to tag runner instead of the need to soak them can be found.   Three years after, the set of rules has been amended indicating the need to tag the first base to put a batter out on a ground ball.   This rule is still being followed until today.   In 1854, the force out rule was incorporated (Block and Wiles 84). The Knickerbocker Club competed with the New York Nine on June 19, 1846 making history as the first baseball game ever to be played involving two organized teams (Rader 7).   The game was held at the Elysian Fields located in Hoboken, New Jersey.   The teams scored 23 to 1 in favor of the New York Nine (Rader 9). The Civil War was instrumental in spreading the game across the United States.   Union soldiers regarded baseball as a form of recreation (Riess 4).   Whenever Union soldiers play the game, prisoners and troops alike were watching them.   Thus, more and more people learned how to play the game.   When they returned home after the war, they shared what they have learned.   From then on, the game has gained a huge following all over the country. Interest in the game of baseball increased following the year 1900 (Rader 100).   From that time on, it has become an important component of the average American life.   Leisure time has been spent playing the game outdoors.   Baseball players leading their respective leagues become local if not national heroes.   Famous philosopher Jacques Barzun once said that if one wants to know the mind and heart of America, he or she must learn how to play the country’s national pastime (Riess 1). Block, David and Tim Wiles. Baseball before we knew it: A Search for the Roots of the Game. Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 2006. Rader, Benjamin. Baseball: A History of America’s Game. Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 2008. Riess, Steven A. Touching Base: Professional Baseball and American Culture in the Progressive Era. 1999.

Joan of England, Queen of Sicily

Joan of England, Queen of Sicily About Joan of England Known for: daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England, Joan of England lived through kidnapping and shipwreck Occupation: English princess, Sicilian queen Dates: October 1165 - September 4, 1199 Also known as: Joanna of Sicily More About Joan of England: Born in Anjou, Joan of England was the second youngest of the children of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. Joan was born in Angers, grew up mainly in Poitiers, at the Fontevrault Abbey, and at Winchester. In 1176, Joans father agreed to her marriage to William II of Sicily. As was typical for royal daughters, the marriage served political purposes, as Sicily was looking for a closer alliance with England.   Her beauty impressed the ambassadors, and she traveled to Sicily, with a stop in Naples when Joan became ill. They arrived in January, and William and Joan were married in Sicily in February of 1177. Their only son, Bohemond, did not survive infancy; the existence of this son is not accepted by some historians. When William died in 1189 without an heir to succeed him, the new king of Sicily, Tancred, denied Joan her lands, and then imprisoned Joan. Joans brother, Richard I, on his way to the Holy Land for a crusade, stopped in Italy to demand Joans release and the full repayment of her dowry. When Tancred resisted, Richard took a monastery, by force, and then took the city of Messina. It was there that Eleanor of Aquitaine landed with Richards chosen bride, Berengaria of Navarre. There were rumors that Philip II of France wanted to marry Joan; he visited her in the convent in which she was staying.   Philip was the son of her mothers first husband. This would likely have raised objections from the church because of that relationship.   Tancred returned Joans dowry in money rather than giving her control of her lands and property. Joan took charge of Berengaria while her mother returned to England.   Richard set sail for the Holy Land, with Joan and Berengaria on a second ship. The ship with the two women was stranded in Cyprus after a storm. Richard narrowly rescued his bride and sister from Isaac Comnenus. Richard imprisoned Isaac and sent his sister and his bride to Acre, following shortly. In the Holy Land, Richard proposed that Joan marry Saphadin, also known as Malik al-Adil, the brother of the Muslim leader, Saladin. Joan and the proposed groom both objected on the basis of their religious differences. Returning to Europe, Joan married Raymond VI of Toulouse. This, too, was a political alliance, as Joans brother Richard was concerned that Raymond had an interest in Aquitaine. Joan gave birth to a son, Raymond VII, who later succeeded his father. A daughter was born and died in 1198. Pregnant for another time and with her husband away, Joan barely escaped a rebellion on the part of the nobility. Because her brother Richard had just died, she could not seek his protection. Instead, she made her way to Rouen where she found support from her mother. Joan entered Fontevrault Abbey, where she died giving birth. She took the veil just before she died. The newborn son died a few days later. Joan was buried at Fontevrault Abbey. Background, Family: Mother:  Eleanor of AquitaineFather: Henry II of EnglandSiblings:full siblings were William IX, Count of Poitiers; Henry the Young King; Matilda, Duchess of Saxony; Richard I of England; Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany;  Eleanor, Queen of Castile; John of Englandolder half-siblings were  Marie of France  and  Alix of France Marriage, Children: husband: William II of Sicily (married February 13, 1177)child: Bohemond, Duke of Apulia: died in infancyhusband: Raymond VI of Toulouse (married October 1196)children: Raymond VII of Toulouse; Mary of Toulouse; Richard of Toulouse

Presentation of a Research Article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Presentation of a Research Article - Essay Example that nurses and doctors believed that their main purpose was to raise the issue of obesity, but that the responsibility for treating it is with the parents. Another major point in the article was that the doctors and nurses believed that because of time constraints, a lack of training, and ill-defined roles they were not able to aid children with obesity issues. Still a third major point was that the child and medical professional relationship could be compromised or jeopardized if the issue of obesity was raised, as they recognized the issue of obesity was a sensitive issue. The major point was that these individuals believed they were ill-equipped to deal with the issue as they believed simplifying informing the patient to engage in more diet and exercise would be ineffective. These cumulative perspectives formed the backbone of recognition and understanding within the study findings. There are a number of further concerns. In terms of generalizability the study is a qualitative study and as such is generally considered as only being applicable to the set population group (Creswell 2003, p. 40). Still, Creswell (2003, p. 42) indicates that qualitative study designs may hold the same level of generalizability as external studies. This consideration indicates that this study could potentially be considered as indicate of broader ranging doctor and nurse perspectives on the nature of obesity treatment. In terms of validity, it seems apparent that the study followed the accepted guidelines for qualitative research. However, there is no way to determine if the study precisely recorded the interview respondents answers or conducted the interviews in a valid and unbiased way. Ultimately, it seems that the study holds a great degree of worthiness. In these regards, the study identified a significant and pressing gap in research. Namely, medical professionals perspectives on treating obesity. As there are a variety of shortcomings in this treatment approach, the value

The different factors and effects of Air Pollution policies between Essay

The different factors and effects of Air Pollution policies between China and UK - Essay Example According to Gurjar, Molina and Ojha, air polluting emissions â€Å"occur at many stages in the life cycles of products and services, that is, from raw material extraction, energy acquisition, production and manufacturing, use, reuse, recycling, through to ultimate disposal† (1). After being released, the emissions go through different chemical and physical changes leading to a variety of impacts on the environment and health of living things. In recent years, air pollution has caused harmful effects to human life. It has been realized that incidences of chronic illnesses have been constantly rising; the incidences and seriousness of acute illnesses have also increased, as well as mortality rates. Together with the health effects institute, Bates and Kennedy assert that â€Å"when air pollution began to have a significant deleterious effect on human life , it became necessary to discover and understand the links between emission sources and the air quality deterioration and h ealth effects they cause† (162). Currently, environmental social movement groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty international are playing a significant role in influencing negotiations over environmental protection and management of oceans, the ozone layer, and nuclear deployments. In addition to that, they aid in enforcing national compliance with international mandates (Goodwin and Jasper 227). Scientist’s currently consider climate change, which is caused by air pollution as one of the most serious problems the world faces. Furthermore, the entire globe is also faced by the looming grave threat of global warming, which is a serious environmental security issue. In fact, climate change has a major impact on all aspects of human social and economic life (Yu 37). China’s Environmental History The environmental history of China is quite unique compared to that of other nations. Apart from being â€Å"one of the largest and most climatically diverse countries on t he planet† (Leibo 52), its population has been historically larger than that of other societies around the world. This â€Å"has seen Chinese territory significantly more impacted by human activity than the usual situation elsewhere† (Leibo 52). China was also among the most biologically diverse and affluent places on earth four thousand years ago. Ironically, the very rich biodiversity in China was the main explanation it has supported one-third of the human population at any given time. Initially, the effects of the large population on China’s environment were insignificant. However, with the subsequent spread and development of agriculture and clearance of farmland, the impact of the human population on the environment has become perceptible. The twentieth century has also been marked with the emergence of a consumer culture coupled with rapid industrialization. This has resulted in the rapid ecological degradation in China. Five Year Plan (1953-1957) and the Great Leap Forward (1958-1960) The five year (1953-1957) soviet inspired plan was adopted during the Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong’s era (Marks 273). This was due to his dissatisfaction with the Soviet model, because he concluded that it would lead the People’s Republic of China away from realizing their dream of attaining a socialist country. He instead adopted a ‘Maoist’ path, fast industrialization of a socialist China, with rapidly collectivized agriculture spearheading the

Employee Assistance Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Employee Assistance Program - Essay Example The EAP can be the place where a grieved employee could approach and seek advice on family issues that nag him or her. Also find ways to set right their own thoughts on the happenings in the company; whether these are for the good or the bad. As a matter of fact, the supervisors in the company should encourage EAP and resorting to EAP when behavior of a person is not in line with his usual performances. Since the advice given is from professionals in the trade and they do not cost to the company or to the employee, the EAP will stabilize and produce the expected results over a period of time (Dept of Employee Relations, 2004). One, EAP will be a place where people could go for any of their not so obvious problems. Many times, men and women are bogged down by problems that come out of mental stress. This created either by an event or sometimes by presumptions. One of my friends, who was married for nearly two years, had a kid out of the marriage, suddenly found herself at a loss when her husband died suddenly in an accident. She used to be young and agile. She was a qualified computer programmer but mentally she was shocked at the turn of events. Her own working performance shattered in face of this personal calamity. To make matters worse, the company could not appreciate the reason behind her lack of performance and found that she was not worthy of what they were paying her. She was shunted out of the company nine months after her husband’s death. Jobless and with no heart to hunt for one, kid to take care, she was really in a soup. Good that some of her friends could spend time with her, counsel her and put her slowly back to normalcy. It took almost another year for her to get back to work in full swing and produce results in a different company. Another incident of importance happened with one of my friends. He became an addict; I am not sure what drugs he employed. But it was certainly spoiling his high flying career.

Current Issues of Modern Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Current Issues of Modern Law - Assignment Example In Arbitration, the two disputing parties agree to have a person who will hear out both parties and make a decision as to who is right/ aggrieved. The two disputing parties may choose to make the process either binding or non-binding. If the process is, binding then a document to that effect is being prepared and duly signed by both parties stating it to be so. The decision of the arbitrator in this process will be final and neither party can dispute it and proceed to trial. In the non-binding arbitration, either or both parties may dispute the decision of the arbitrator and proceed to trial. The process in Collaborative Family Law is designed to encourage mutually agreeable solutions to couples who want to legally put an end to their marriage unions. Each partner has the right to have their legal representatives in the proceedings but would have to hire new ones if they decide to proceed to court. Either party reserves the right to go to court at any point in the proceedings. This t ype of process is not advisable for couples who have domestic violence, or and intimidation issues. In Case Conferencing as an alternative dispute resolution, the focus is on narrowing the issues that are in dispute between parties. This is done by a judge or their representative and the legal representative of both parties with little input from the disputing parties. Neutral Evaluation makes use of expert evaluation of the matter in dispute through the professional opinion of projected outcomes of the matter if it went to court. The expert evaluates the pros and cons of each side’s case and with the consent of both parties offers advice on a settlement. The expert also offers case planning to encourage settlement. Mediation is a dispute resolution process where a person/mediator acts to enable disputing parties to reach a mutually agreeable settlement amongst them. The mediator unlike the arbitrator does not decide the case but helps the disputing parties do on their own. P arent Coordination as an alternative conflict resolution uses an experienced trained legal or health professional in assisting high conflict parents to carry out their parenting plan. The main objective of this type of dispute resolution is to resolve and manage conflicts so that meaningful parent-child relationships can be obtained or created if absent. Summary Jury Trials can be binding or non-binding as agreed to by parties. They are only available in limited jurisdictions. It entails giving a summary of both sides of the disputing party in order to get a projected outcome of a case if it were to go to trial.        

Business - Organizational Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business - Organizational Communication - Essay Example Organizational communication takes place horizontally, downward and upward. Downward communication takes place from executive and managerial levels to the other staff through formal channels like organizational charts, policy manuals and rules and regulations. Upward communication takes place from the members of staff to the managers, and mainly, inform of a request or a complaint. Horizontal communication flows among colleagues, especially in a meeting, where they share information, discuss issues of common interest and resolve problems. The paragraphs below discuss the importance of organizational change and issues involved by managers in creating effective organizational communication. Organizational communication is highly essential because it improves the relationship between employees and managers in an organization. This is because; it becomes extremely hard for employees to perform their work effectively without proper communication from the manager. The manager should use th e correct channels of communication, and know what he expects from the communication channel used. Indeed, most management issues arise in organizations due to ineffective communication. Proper communication system minimizes misunderstanding and misrepresentation (Smith & Turner, 1995). Organizational communication is a key tool for motivation among the employees since it improves the employees’ morale. Lack of communication or inappropriate communication in every organization causes conflicts between the employees and managers. Inappropriate communication issue is one of the major causes of conflict in the work places and eventually leads to low morale for the employees. Therefore, managers should state clearly to employees on what should be done, how perfectly it should be done, and what can be done to improve the performance. The manager can do this by clarifying to the employees the relationship between personal and company’s objectives, and incorporate the interes t of the two. Effective communication within an organization leads to productivity increase. Proper communication enhances good human relation in every company because it encourages suggestions and ideas from workers and employees. Importantly, the organization is encouraged to implement the suggestions, and this increases production at a remarkably low cost. Organizational communication enables employees to submit their comments, work reports, suggestions and grievances to the management. Speedy and effective communication is highly essential because procedures and policies should be clear to avoid confusion, delays and misunderstandings, and; therefore, harmony is established in all departments, and among all people. Written communication is better in an organization than oral communication. Communication in written form should be clear and concise to avoid misinterpretation. Written communication can be used for future reference because it provides a permanent record and gives a chance to employees on writing down their suggestions and comments. Organizational communication is essential since it allows rationalization. Simply, the management clarifies and explains instructions in a way that employees can comprehend, using downward communication. On the other hand, upward communication in an organization enables workers to air their views to the management. If an employee identifies a problem in motivation, for instance, he or she may use upward

Current Issues of Modern Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Current Issues of Modern Law - Assignment Example In Arbitration, the two disputing parties agree to have a person who will hear out both parties and make a decision as to who is right/ aggrieved. The two disputing parties may choose to make the process either binding or non-binding. If the process is, binding then a document to that effect is being prepared and duly signed by both parties stating it to be so. The decision of the arbitrator in this process will be final and neither party can dispute it and proceed to trial. In the non-binding arbitration, either or both parties may dispute the decision of the arbitrator and proceed to trial. The process in Collaborative Family Law is designed to encourage mutually agreeable solutions to couples who want to legally put an end to their marriage unions. Each partner has the right to have their legal representatives in the proceedings but would have to hire new ones if they decide to proceed to court. Either party reserves the right to go to court at any point in the proceedings. This t ype of process is not advisable for couples who have domestic violence, or and intimidation issues. In Case Conferencing as an alternative dispute resolution, the focus is on narrowing the issues that are in dispute between parties. This is done by a judge or their representative and the legal representative of both parties with little input from the disputing parties. Neutral Evaluation makes use of expert evaluation of the matter in dispute through the professional opinion of projected outcomes of the matter if it went to court. The expert evaluates the pros and cons of each side’s case and with the consent of both parties offers advice on a settlement. The expert also offers case planning to encourage settlement. Mediation is a dispute resolution process where a person/mediator acts to enable disputing parties to reach a mutually agreeable settlement amongst them. The mediator unlike the arbitrator does not decide the case but helps the disputing parties do on their own. P arent Coordination as an alternative conflict resolution uses an experienced trained legal or health professional in assisting high conflict parents to carry out their parenting plan. The main objective of this type of dispute resolution is to resolve and manage conflicts so that meaningful parent-child relationships can be obtained or created if absent. Summary Jury Trials can be binding or non-binding as agreed to by parties. They are only available in limited jurisdictions. It entails giving a summary of both sides of the disputing party in order to get a projected outcome of a case if it were to go to trial.        

Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 10

Annotated Bibliography Example I concur with the author`s conclusion that AIDS screening and training programs that are gender-specific lowers HIV transmission in prisons. This research used questionnaires to figure out gender differences in the level of knowledge about HIV symptoms, transmission and prevention measures among inmates in the United States. Both sexes showed an understanding of what HIV is and the common routes of transmission. However, some presenting symptoms associated with HIV, like the frequent vaginal yeast infection and vaginal discharge, are only in women and not in men. In addition, prevention measures in women were slightly different from the ones for men. Due to these differences, the author concluded that preventive education oriented programs used in male inmates prisons may not be entirely beneficial to female inmates. Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS. (2009). Advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of people living with HIV: a guidance package. Amsterdam: The Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+). This paper intends to educate women inmates living with HIV on how and why to fulfill their sexual needs and have a reproductive health. The well-being of HIV-positive women is taken into consideration as one way of respecting the human rights. Methods meant to make them live longer, be healthier, be more productive and live more satisfying lives are explored. Inmates are encouraged to get involved in physical exercise, avoid intravenous drug use and avoid risky sexual behaviors. Peer education and respecting human rights (no rape) can prevent the spread of new infections. The author concludes that preventing transmission of diseases protects not only the inmates but also the society at large. This work is one of the articles from United Nations & AIDS (UNAIDS) - an international body that focuses on HIV/AIDS. The author explains what makes women more vulnerable to

Transformational Leader Profile Essay Example for Free

Transformational Leader Profile Essay One of the most debated, described and defined aspects of managerial competence, leadership continues to claim the attention of practitioners and theorists alike. Leadership, essentially a synthesis of arts, reflects individual experience, understanding, values and capabilities, interacting with situations where, realistically, there is rarely an ideal solution. The recognition that transforming a business is something of an heroic journey explicitly and implicitly acknowledges the key role of leadership in todays world as a determinant of success, in an organization’s change, progression and development. The quality of that leadership is itself largely determined by the leaders effectiveness as a coach and mentor who can grow the skills and confidence in others, necessary to shape tomorrows businesses, organizations and successes. To develop leadership one must work at developing himself.   The transformation of the self is central to the leadership development process. Meeting Peter was a very profound experience for me. I met Peter, CEO of a large healthcare management organization, a year ago. The CEO had recently been picked by the Chairman of the Board to head up the organization of approximately 20,000 employees. Everyone knew him, and it appeared that he was well-liked by employees and generally trusted. Peter is someone I totally admire. He is someone who always makes sure employees all know why they are part of the organization. The terms charismatic and transformational are used more or less interchangeably in much of the literature. Distilling a large literature on the transformational leader, the notion can be broadly captured by reference to six elements: an heroic figure (usually with attributed past success stories); a mystic in touch with higher truths; a value-driven individual rather than one who is apparently purely self-serving; someone who is perceived to know the way; an individual who has a vision of a more desirable and achievable future; and finally someone thought to be capable of caring for and developing followers. All six points reflect attributes of personality and behavior of Peter. Peter has an approach which aspires to significant organizational change through engaged and committed followers. It was John McGregor Burns (1978) who emphasized the meaning and significance of transformational leadership by contrasting it with transactional leadership (Orlikoff 2000). This theme was picked up and elaborated by Bass (1990). According to Bass, transformational leadership has four components: individualized consideration (the leader is alert to the needs of followers and also takes care to develop them); intellectual stimulation (the leader encourages followers to think in creative ways and to propose innovative ideas); inspirational motivation (energizing followers to achieve extraordinary things); idealized influence (offers followers a role model). The core of Peter’s model is cantered on the concept of developing oneself to develop others. Specifically, as Peter matures and gains moral perspective, he invests more time and energy in promoting the development of others versus satisfying his own needs. As Avolio and Yammarino (2002) note, through the accumulation of developmental experiences the moral structure of an individual can be enhanced providing sufficient structure to assess complex moral challenges. This basic premise is at the core of what drives transformational leadership to the highest end of the full range of leadership. In his daily work, Peter identifies developmental opportunities, where there is scope for: Challenge, and the breaking of new ground. Work that makes a significant, demonstrable contribution to the business. Bigger/wider leadership roles, preferably the earlier the better within the leaders career progression. Shifting gear and moving up into more strategic roles/tasks and relationships. Moving and operating out of existing comfort zones. Multi-disciplinary and cross-functional working. Building stakeholder coalitions and alliances, supply chain projects, involving suppliers, deliverers (own organization) and customers. Acquiring new contributive competencies which will test and enhance both skill and will. Working on specific role/task assignments in other comparable, but noncompetitive organizations. Making keynote presentations at major events, where there is a sense of occasion and opportunities to establish reputation and credibility. Leading (preferably) or acting as a member of jointly run projects with a leading business school, professional body or significant consultancy group. Setting up and managing increased outsourcing for supportive activities. In effect, leader learning development (like so much interpersonal skills training) is about building competence – and confidence – in three related areas of activity. On the reasonable assumption that competence – like charity – begins at home, the first priority in Peter development is learning to manage oneself. This includes not only the development of effective self-management skills, but also acquiring high levels of competence in the three primary areas of know-how identified as: Transforming Integrating Mobilising Peter’s personal skills and leader competencies form an appropriately strong base for developing consistently sound working relationships with others. Particularly important are the following interpersonal competencies: Self awareness and awareness of others. Negotiation techniques. Listening and questioning skills. Influencing skills. Coaching skills. Assertiveness. Motivational skills. Working as a partner (primus inter pares) as opposed to leader. Collaborative problem solving. Empowering and delegating skills. I identified five significant distinguishing characteristics which differentiated Peter from the less effective: He is neither perfect, nor perfectionists in their demands of others. He quickly learns skills which he does not possess personally. He sees management as essentially a team effort. He strives endlessly for improvement – to him, the game is not over until its over. He admits his weaknesses and learns from his mistakes, but differentiates himself from the less successful. The leadership theory proposed by Peter is based on the relationship and interaction between the leader and the follower. Under transformational theory, the leader and the follower may possess their own motivations for the interaction, but together they realize a common goal and are changed by the process. The change, or transformation, in the participants is found in the unity of purpose that raises the goal beyond individual satisfaction to a higher level. Peter’s theory is consistent with transformational theory. Collaboration cannot be achieved without the team members reaching a consensus and perhaps giving up something of themselves and changing in the process. Collaboration cannot be realized without facilitation, communication, information, participation, and expectation. Understanding something of the dynamics of group behaviour and the processes underlying transactions between people, is fundamental to effective leadership (Orlikoff 2000). There are no panaceas or cure-alls, but informed awareness of what is really going on, in behavioral terms, within and between groups helps to give managers – and others – a clearer idea of how to handle relationships in more productive ways. Peter believes that a business needs at least three interrelated forms of leadership: One which brings about requisite task performance and goal achievement. One to generate and maintain the commitment of its members. Another to ensure continuity of congruence between the requirements of the task, and peoples needs and expectations (Schein 1985). Peter has ability to overcome or compensate for (transform) organizational and individual limitations. He motivates others to do more than they originally intended and indeed often more than they thought possible. Team spirit is aroused. Enthusiasm and optimism are displayed. Peter enables his staff to overcome, to break through, to see beyond the limitations of their organization: he stimulates his ‘followers efforts to be innovative and creative by questioning assumptions, re-framing problems, and approaching old situations in new ways’ (Ackoff 1999). Peter is unique leader, on whom organizational success depends (and who therefore receives a considerable share of the benefits of that success). Peter seeks power not for self-aggrandizement but in order to share it. He empowers others to take an active role in carrying out the value-based mission or vision defined by him. That vision is based on what the organization and followers need, not what the leader wants personally. Thus, Peter appeals to followers values, emphasizing that certain important values serve as the common basis for our ideals and goals. Peter transforms organization by first using his cognitive power to understand complex causal chains and then acting to design outcomes that will benefit the organization and advance his vision. While a substantial degree of cognitive power is required in order for Peter to be effective, such effectiveness results as much from his success in developing followers cognitive abilities as from the exercise of his own. Peter with the degree of cognitive power required for a top-level position makes important long-term strategic decisions. But how much do these decisions affect what actually goes on in the organization on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis? It is the thought and action of managers and employees at lower levels that most affect current and short-term future operations. The finest long-term plan and the wisest long-range actions will surely fail if those who must act today and tomorrow are not capable of doing so. Thus, it is more important for top-level leaders with great cognitive power or vision to help followers expand and improve on their own vision than it is for leaders to simply exercise their cognitive power (Smith 2000). Peter empowers others to define organizational policies and develop programs that are explicitly based on the values and beliefs contained in the philosophy that in fact put those values and beliefs into organizational action. For example, hiring and promotion policies should take into account values consistent with those in the organizations philosophy as well as applicants knowledge and skill. Reward systems and bonus programs must be based on the values of cooperation and innovative action instead of on competition over a limited pool of resources. Finally, Peter inculcates values and beliefs through his own individual behavior, his personal practices. He models organizational values and beliefs by living by them constantly and consistently. That is why his leadership behaviors that were described earlier are extremely important. Many people think of these behaviors as tools with which leaders explain their vision to followers and convince them to carry out that vision. Although this is not totally untrue, the far more significant reason these behaviors are important is that leaders use them to demonstrate and illustrate the values and beliefs on which their visions are founded. Thats why Peter takes so much time and effort and why he is good manager with strong management skills. He uses everyday managerial activities a committee meeting, for example as opportunities to inculcate values. In a meeting the leader may guide a decision-making process while making it clear that final authority and responsibility rests with the group. By so doing, Peter takes what might otherwise be a bureaucratic process and instills the value of empowerment into it. Whenever possible, he overlays value-inculcating actions on ordinary bureaucratic management activities. Without a sound base of management skills, this would not be possible. Ultimately, examination of Peter’s leadership leads to the recognition that transformational leaders own personal behaviors play a large part in shaping organizational culture. This comprehensive theory goes beyond behavior to incorporate personal characteristics. Even more, it includes the organizational context of transformational leadership that is, culture building. Peter refers to the challenges as trigger events in our lives that oftentimes have a profoundly positive effect on our development. So how do we create the challenges that you must confront to develop into the full person you can be and to achieve your full potential? I am still searching for that in myself, and I hope you will do the same each and every day, because that is the way to develop leadership—each and every day we emerge, we get better, we know more, and we can influence people more effectively. Peter had a profoundly positive impact on my leadership development. I have chosen a developmental goal for myself, based on my primary style of leadership. After having examined Peter as a transformational leader I have tried to capture the whole process of personal and leadership development in a simple model. Let me explain. The top left-hand part of the model represents what we come into the world with our talents and strengths. Building on those capacities or attempting in some cases to break them down, we have life experiences that shape our development, that comprise our life stream. On the bottom left, we have the context in which we are currently operating and there we specify the importance of the vision and culture to nurturing leadership development. The rest of the model represents what we typically focus on in terms of leadership development, including enhancing our self-awareness of where we are and where we should focus our energies, then focusing those energies by regulating our development and then finally being consistent in our efforts to call it self-development. A number of important individual and contextual factors feed into self-awareness, but we must go beyond simply being aware to enhance leadership development. References Ackoff, R. L. (1999). Transformational leadership. Strategy Leadership, 27, 20–25. Avolio, B. J., Yammarino, F. J. (2002). Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead. Greenwich, CT: JAI. Bass, B.M. (1990). Leadership and Performance beyond Expectations, New York: Free Press. Orlikoff, J. E. (2000). A board as good as its chair. Trusteeship, 8(4). Schein, E. H. (1985). Organizational culture and leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Smith, C. J. (2000). Trusteeship in community colleges: A guide for effective governance. Washington, DC: Association of Community College Trustees.

Winter Dreams, F. Scott Fitzgerald Analysis

Winter Dreams, F. Scott Fitzgerald Analysis F.Scott Fitzgeralds Winter Dreams documents the life of Dexter Green, a young man from a modest background who strives to be a part of the exclusive world inhabitated by the women he loves (Perkins 1). The work regards a period in Dexter Greens life, from the age of fourteen to thirty two. Fitzgerald divides the story into six episodes through those eighteen years, and each episode relates to Dexters relationship to Judy Jones. Judys love is what Dexter yearns for; she pushes him to his vision of the perfect life filled with glittering things, wealth and a high social status (Fitzgerald 423). The life Dexter desires is the American Dream in being successful, but it does not always mean being happy, Fitzgerald uses the elements of symbolism, and imagery throughout his short story Winter Dreams to represent his theme. Winter Dreams signifies more than the basic understanding of the title. The symbolism used in the title, adds a depth to the story and displays the theme of the unhappy, wealthy life. Throughout the years Dexters life changes and the aging process is signified by the word winter in the title, but winter also signifies a transition that is more tragic than physical deterioration; by the end of the story, Dexters emotions have become frozen (Gidmark 2). Gidmark shows the double meaning, symbolism in the word winter by explaining both its connotations. Not only does the word winter stand for the weakening of Dexter, but it also signifies how his mood and feelings become iced up, and unchangeable because of his heart break. The first introduction of Dexters dream is described as, [it] happened to be concerned at first with musings on the rich, [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] he wanted not association with glittering things and glittering people-he wanted the glittering things themselves (Fitzgerald 42 3). The glittering things include money and success which Dexter yearns for. Not only does he want to associate with them, he also wants the achievement to be his own. Gidmark clearly analyzes Judys role in the short story, [she] is the picture of passion and beauty, energy and loveliness, the true love and true dream that are with him until, learning of Judys decline, he recognizes it as a signal of the demise of his own dreams (2). Judy is what keeps Dexters dream going on, and without her his dream comes to a termination. According to Prigozy, Judy Jones comes to symbolize both the beauty and the mereticiousness of Dexters dreams- is clearly revealed as cruelly, coldly destructive (1). Even though his dream of Judy keeps him going, she is also a negative influence upon him because of her bitter heart. Judys image to the world shows her as living a very pleased life with new men on her tail constantly, but inside she is alone and scared. Dexters youthful winter dreams became very closely related to Judy Jones and his love for her that, the imaginative present in which she remains alive for Dexter also preserves that youthful richness (Clinton 405). His need for her approval of the triumphant American lifestyle is what keeps his dream and himself lively. Fitzgerald displays what is going on, The dream was gone. Something had been taken from him (435). Gidmark explicates Fitzgeralds quote, about when Dexter loses the capability of feeling and caring, he states, [Dexters] dream of Judy had kept him energetic, passionate, and alive, and now the dream has been taken from him, (2). Judy and Dexters relationship ended a while back, but Dexter still latched on to his dream. Imagery in the short story, Winter Dreams produces mental pictures in ones head, depicting the theme. The images are used in order to, [keep] alive his love for Judy Jones and the brightness of his youthful winter dreams in the only way the past can remain alive- by fixing its images out of time and the real world in an imaginative present (Burhans 4). In the beginning of the story, Dexter describes the Minnesota winter [it] shut down like the white lid of a box (Fitzgerald 421). The scenery mirrors his depression, because while he wants a golden future he is living in a dark cold life. The simile depicts how Dexter views his dreams, by being shut down and closed. Fitzgerald utilizes another simile about Dexter, when he crossed the hills the wind blew cold as misery (Fitzgerald 421). The simile draws a mental picture, and the word misery describes the melancholy currently in his life. Dexter grows and starts to become a successful man, suddenly, the sun went down with a riotous swirl of gold and varying blue and scarlets, and left the dry, whistling night of Western summer (Fitzgerald 425). Now the dark images of the landscape have transformed into a delightful scene, because Judy and Dexters relationship begins. Fitzgerald uses gold in the setting to represent Judy, and the gold in the images is present when Dexter is still reaching for his dream. Dexter is informed that Judys perfect life is now turned into a tragedy. She is married to a man who treats her poorly, and her beautiful charm is gone. After his harsh realization of Judys present life Dexter feels, The grief [I] could have borne was left behind in the country of illusion, of youth, of the richness of life, where [my] winter dreams had flourished (Fitzgerald 436). He becomes emotionless, and his dreams quickly become the past. Shattered, he is now feeling vacant and lonely because his ideal girl is suffering. Burhans expresses how Dexter is in misery when he cannot remember the beautiful scenery, go ne, too is a part of himself also deeply associated with and still alive in these images: the fragile moment in time when youth and his winter dreams were making his life richer and sweeter than it would ever be again (2). The earlier illustrations, green and open spaces of the golf-course days in Minnesota are gone, replaced by the constricting, cold, grey cement and steel of a skyscraper (Flibbert 2). The cold and grey construct an image of bitter and lonesomeness. He cannot revive the green grass and yellow sun shining; now the picture is substituted with a harsh one. Fitzgerald explains Dexters emotions, he had married Judy Jones and seen her fade away before his eyes (435). He held Judy in the most special place within himself and now his perfect image of her is destructed. He cannot revitalize her beautiful face, with his realization of her, his images have disappeared. Throughout the short story, Winter Dreams by F.Scott Fitzgerald, the theme of the ideal American life, of money and wealth is represented. The dream of this particular lifestyle does not consider one truly being happy or not. The protagonist in the story, Dexter achieves this life but ends with a tragic downfall. He starts off wanting to be successful and once he achieves his goal, Judy Jones comes into his life. She is the continuous dream in his life, and when he discovers that Judy has ended up unhappy his dream shatters. He ends up unhappy and frozen. Fitzgerald uses literary devices, such as symbolism and imagery to prove his theme in an intellectual way, with depth.

The Bible, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Epic of Gilgames

The Bible, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Epic of Gilgamesh - Are They Relevant Today? In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh, the hero of this epic, achieves many feats of skill, which makes him famous, but that is not the reason it is an epic. The Epic of Gilgamesh fulfills the requirements of an epic by being consistently relevant to a human society and carries immortal themes and messages. By looking at literature throughout history, one can infer the themes that are consistently passed on to other generations of humans. It is in human nature for people to want to excel in life and strive to make a name in this world for themselves. We want to be remembered by name or for something we have done. Most, who actually succeed, are forgotten about in a matter of years. However, some are remembered for tens, hundreds, and even thousands of years, because of their great intellectual achievement to feats of outstanding skill. Gilgamesh is not only a character of a story; he is actually a portrayal of people and how they act out of human nature. He, like many of us, does not want his existence to end when he leaves this world. He is not content with what he has, well looks, money, and power, and desires more in life. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a story that we, as people, can relate to. There are similarities between Gilgamesh's journeys and our own journey through life. Some of the texts that will be compared with the Epic of Gilgamesh, are the Bible, and Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The characters of these stories are all have that burning desire to be successful in life, which we can relate to. These texts span across different time periods and societies illustrati... ...rder for people to live, they must always be above the line of absolute poverty. In the human perspective, the greater the amount of money you have, the farther you have "to drop" to get below the poverty level. It is basically a bigger buffer zone in terms of economic status. Therefore, in a human society, there will always are certain inalienable aspects of humanity. The Epic of Gilgamesh fulfills the requirements of an epic by being consistently relevant to a human society and by carrying immortal themes and messages. Epics will always be present because there are certain themes about humanity that cannot be denied. In this era, it is easy to say that the world is rapidly changing. But, humans aren't changing with it and there lies the root of most of the problems in society. We must recognize and maybe change the world to be more suitable for humanity.

Child Discipline

Forms of Discipline: What is best for the child? Children are like flowers, if well taken care of they will bloom. If ignored or tortured, they will wither and die. Child discipline is one of the most important elements of successful parenting. Today, many people have this notion that physical abuse is in no way a solution to helping children discern between right and wrong. Since generations children have been taught the art of discipline through physical punishment.Often this approach to disciplining has resulted in two outcomes, one is where the child becomes more tolerant and is willing to adhere to what he/she has been told, or the other which more often results in children developing a sense of anguish and desire to revolt. Physical punishment often destroys the psychological mindset of a child and can scar his/her childhood, resulting in them to grow up to be particularly irritable and frustrated individuals. Over the decades we have seen that fewer and fewer parents are resor ting to this sort of method of violence to discipline their children.However contradictory to all that has been stated, I believe that sometimes parents are caught in a situation when children cross all boundaries of discipline and spanking is the only effective solution. Therefore, it is imperative to do so. Nonetheless, before spanking is even taken into consideration; all the other non-violent forms of discipline should be used. If none work then finally the act of spanking can be justifiable. The act of spanking is not merely a punishment that should be conducted on a whim by parents; there must be reasoning and evidence of a clear sort of rebellion or revolt that requires such treatment.However in such a situation I am of the firm belief that dialogue or discussion is not the option that will placate the issue in the long run. I feel this approach may only last for a short period of time until the child feels that his or her parents have forgotten the issue and will once again go back on the same path. A spanking advocate says, â€Å"I don't think it hurt me, in fact, it helped me in the long-run. It made me look at consequences, things kids don't normally think about. I was always told, ‘Listen, or you'll have to feel it. I listened when I was told, and now, I'm grateful I was raised like that because I feel now I am much more respectful to my peers and my elders especially. † Thus, the act of a spanking induces a fear, a fear that is necessary for children to experience, as it is this fear that rings in a child’s mind when he or she is on the verge of pursuing a mistake he or she is aware is wrong. When a child is noncompliant, I agree that a spanking is desirable by any parent, however spanking works best when followed by a serene conversation with the child about why was he/she spanked.There are many parents today who do not know how to use this disciplinary action on their children. They usually end up excising too much or too lit tle control over their child without giving them a suitable reasoning. A ‘Fact sheet from the Rocky Mountain Family council’ states that â€Å"pairing reasoning with a spanking in the toddler years delayed misbehavior longer than did either reasoning or spanking alone. Reasoning linked with a spank was also more effective compared with other discipline methods. Talking with the child about what behavior is expected and why-with the potential of a follow-up spank-worked best. Hence, Spank a child only when necessary and in conjunction with reasoning and other forms of discipline. Reality is a question of perspective; the further you get from it the more plausible it seems. Being raised in a traditional Indian family, I have been exposed to all forms of disciplines depending on the situation. As a child, I was spanked when I did something wrong. Being spanked taught me respect and kept me in line. The way my parents disciplined me is an accepted method of punishment back home. It is only today that I understand the importance of what they did.Just as my parents did not have the intention to physically abuse me, the entire concept of spanking too is not directed towards hurting the child, it is more of a lesson taught to make the child realize his/her mistake. Hence, there needs to be a limit to how much parents can spank their kids. If the act is carried out on a daily basis, there are higher chances of the kid behaving inappropriately behind closed doors. At the end of the day these kids get so frustrated of being spanked everyday that they end up doing unnecessary things such as lying, cheating, bullying other people behind their parents backs.Research by Murray Straus, a Co-Director at the Family Research Laboratory at the University of Durham,  indicated that â€Å"frequent spanking (three or more times a week) of children 6 to 9 years old, tracked over a period of two years, increased a child's antisocial behaviour, measured in activities l ike cheating, bullying, or lying†. Hence, it is important for the parents to learn which behaviours deserve a spanking. For instance, spilling water, making noise, wetting-pants are normal behaviours all children tend to pick. They do not need to be spanked as these are all age-appropriate behaviours.A key concept of discipline is to identify the behaviour that is typical for the age of the child. Based on the behaviour, parents can then take appropriate actions. For instance, Lisa Berlin, research scientist at the Centre for Child and Family Policy at Duke University says, â€Å"We're talking about infants and toddlers, and I think that just, cognitively, they just don't understand enough about right or wrong or punishment to benefit from being spanked,†Ã‚  As Berlin states, it is pointless to spank an infant, however as children grow older and begin to understand the severity of the punishment, a spanking is desirable.Today, there is a common misconception that spanki ng is a form of child abuse. Some parents are actually afraid to discipline their own children using the same method used for their own upbringing. Who is correct in the notion of right and wrong discipline? Is there such a thing as a correct way to spank your child? In my opinion, there is. So, my objective is to show that there is a fine line between the two terms Spanking and Child abuse. A Cambridge Dictionary states that Child Abuse occurs â€Å"when adults intentionally treat children in a cruel or violent way. On the other hand, Spanking in the same dictionary means â€Å"to hit a child with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as a punishment. † In this way, the line between the two can be drawn where too much spanking results in bruises and scars on the child. Therefore, parents should not spank their children when they are angry themselves as the spank would turn out to be an unintentional smack. When this occurs, parents tend to accidently take out their frustration on the child.Primarily, this is when Spanking, a form of discipline, starts drifting towards the entire concept of ‘child abuse’. However, this misconception has led to many unwanted situations where parents have been sent to jail by their own children. In a general conversation with a waiter at IHOP in Charlottesville, I got to know that he spanked his child twice due to confidential reasons and the child sent his dad, Greg, to the court. In this way, mild spanking is an essential tool to bring the child on the right path of success.A pro-spanker, Leeanne, mother to three children says â€Å"I gave a spanking (more like a weak handed swatting) on the butt when my children were small a couple of times†¦. after that, just a warning and a look was all they needed to keep in line, because they knew they didn't want one. All three of my children have told me that they are ashamed of their generation and each have thanked me, at one point or another for tho se little spanks. (Again, I don't mean pain†¦ just attention getting and disapproval of their behaviour). †Ã‚  As claimed by her, I too believe that spanking causes no harm on the child.It is just the way the parent does it. Love your children more than you spank them. At the end of the day, that is all what a child needs in life. Other than that, I also carried out my own survey for this essay where I asked fifteen friends their opinion on spanking. Each of them said that they have been spanked in at least one circumstance. They all agreed that it is proper to discipline in this way. It is only now after coming to UVA and being so successful they have realized the importance of the punishments their parents used to give them.When I asked them at what occasions did they get spanked, one said, â€Å"I have done a lot of silly things in life that my parents have disapproved, they believe that not all negative behaviours require a spanking; but spanking is their number one choice when all other methods of discipline fail. † Life is all about making decisions, taking risks and then finally facing their consequences. Hence, their parents took the risk and landed on the safe end where their children are reaching the pinnacle of success.As stated, spanking shouldn’t be the only form of discipline used on children. Parents need to take into account all the other forms as well to teach their children right from wrong. Parents can inculcate discipline in their child by showing discontent to the unsuitable behaviour of the child. This usually has a lasting effect as they know that if they do it again their parents will be disappointed, which is usually harder to deal with. This type of punishment only gives you more of a guilt feeling and it remains till you are in good terms with your parents again.When parents give that silent treatment, it becomes very hard to live in the same house where parents are not in talking terms with their kids. Scold ing is another form which is widely used all over the world. If it becomes an everyday situation then it may lessen the effect on the child. The child may start considering this as a normal act for parents to shout at him/her and will start ignoring them. The aim of the parents to teach the kid a lesson and make sure he/she does not make the same mistake again would fail.However, if scolding is the only process used then parents need to also praise their children when they do something good as well. In this way, scolding and  praising should be balanced so that children understand the entire concept properly. Another very effective form of discipline is ‘Time-Out’. This is mainly used on young children. â€Å"A  time-out  involves temporarily separating a child from an environment where inappropriate behaviour has occurred, and is intended to give an over-excited child time to calm down. †Ã‚  This method can be very effectual if carried out appropriately.To o much of something doesn’t attain the goal it is looking for. Similarly, excessive scolding or use of time-out does not have the same effect on the child as a one or two time would. For example, a child throwing a tantrum can be put in time-out for him/her to calm down. After that, parents need to make sure they kindly explain the kid that whatever he/she did is not acceptable in society. Even in this case, age matters as a one year old cannot be asked to sit and listen to a long lecture as they do not have long attention spans.An American mother stated Once the child gets older and as they start experiencing the real world, parents tend teach them a lesson by withholding privileges. When they reach a certain age i. e. when they are in grade 5-6, they start to differentiate precisely between family and friends. Sometimes as they enter the teenage world, they begin to value friends over family. At this point, parents know that their kids are growing and might go on the wrong path if not taught a lesson at the right time. Hence, some of the techniques such as ‘if they come home later than expected then take away what they love the most’ are used.For example, if you come home late, you will not be allowed to watch TV for two days. This is usually used once the child is old enough to understand. In this way, as they grow older they learn how to make thoughtful decisions. A balanced approach should be used in order to raise the child in the right manner. By ‘balanced’, I mean that parents should spank their children only to a certain extent primarily depending on their age and the type of mistake committed by the child. Spanking along with other forms of discipline should be used in order to make the child realize his/her mistakes in life. Child Discipline GOALS OF EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE Discipline is the structure that helps the child fit into the real world happily and effectively. It is the foundation for the development of the child’s own self-discipline. Effective and positive discipline is about teaching and guiding children, not just forcing them to obey. As with all other interventions aimed at pointing out unacceptable behavior, the child should always know that the parent loves and supports him or her. Trust between parent and child should be maintained and constantly built upon.Parenting is the task of raising children and providing them with the necessary material and emotional care to further their physical, emotional, cognitive and social development. Disciplining children is one of the most important yet difficult responsibilities of parenting, and there are no shortcuts. The physician must stress that teaching about limits and acceptable behavior takes time and a great deal of energy. The hurried pace of today†™s society can be an obstacle to effective discipline. The goal of effective discipline is to foster acceptable and appropriate behaviour in the child and to raise emotionally mature adults.A disciplined person is able to postpone pleasure, is considerate of the needs of others, is assertive without being aggressive or hostile, and can tolerate discomfort when necessary. The foundation of effective discipline is respect. The child should be able to respect the parent’s authority and also the rights of others. Inconsistency in applying discipline will not help a child respect his or her parents. Harsh discipline such as humiliation (verbal abuse, shouting, name-calling) will also make it hard for the child to respect and trust the parent.Thus, effective discipline means discipline applied with mutual respect in a firm, fair, reasonable and consistent way. The goal is to protect the child from danger, help the child learn self-discipline, and develop a healthy conscience and an internal sense of responsibility and control. It should also instill values. One of the major obstacles to achieving these goals is inconsistency, which will confuse any child, regardless of developmental age. It can be particularly hard for parents to be consistent role models. Telling children to â€Å"Do as I say, but not as I do† does not achieve effective discipline.Parental disagreements about child-rearing techniques, as well as cultural differences between parents, often result in inconsistent disciplining methods. The physician needs to be mindful of these challenges and suggest steps that parents can take to resolve these differences (1). It is important that in teaching effective discipline, physicians do not impose their own agendas on the families they counsel. A balanced, objective view should be used to provide resources, and the goal should be to remain objective. This means using principles supported by academic, peer-reviewed literature.This is particular ly important when dealing with controversial issues such as disciplinary spanking. MEANINGS: Discipline means obedience to a superior authority. Accepting the norms of the family, society, the commands of elders and obeying them is also discipline. Discipline means accepting punishments for violation. Discipline also means training of mind and character, developing self-control and the habit of obedience. In the entire universe, there is an order and discipline. The stars, the planets, the earth on which we live, the moon and the sun we see, move according to a system of discipline.We can see that plants, insects, birds and animals too observe discipline in their lives, only man who has a thinking mind finds it difficult to observe discipline. Discipline could be divided into two broad categories, external and internal. External discipline is that which is imposed by outside authority. It is often linked with authority and force. Discipline in the army is one such. Soldiers do not h ave a say in it except implicit obedience. As Tennyson says â€Å"Theirs not to make reply. There’s not to reason why, theirs nut to do and die†.A soldier in a war field cannot ask for reasons. He has to obey commands; otherwise, the war is lost. Our ancient educational system believed in enforcing discipline by force. They used to say, if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. But that view is not correct. It will produce only negative results. That is why discipline has taken a new shape in schools and colleges now. It is call self-discipline. It is discipline by acceptance, not by imposition. We live in a democracy. Democracy is based on the will of majority of its citizens.It has to be accepted and obeyed. Otherwise democracy loses its meaning and leads to anarchy. Family customs and traditions, laws of the society, and moral and spiritual laws of the religion are all to be obeyed. That is discipline. Discipline demands obedience to commands fro leaders, respe ct for women, devotion to god etc. Though discipline starts at home, there is much more need for it in schools. Schools are nursing places for various virtues and values. Discipline in the classroom, on the playground and elsewhere in the school is all important.Force has no place in student discipline. Teachers are to be first disciplined, so one, who cannot control oneself, cannot control others. Students emulate teachers in all ways. It is more so in the matter of discipline. They observe discipline by acceptance not by force. Some argue that discipline limits freedom and that also kills the man’s initiative. This is a wrong view. Indiscipline cannot bring order of growth. Self-discipline or discipline by acceptance is self-control. One controls his emotions and desires and gives room to listen to other’s points of views.Man has many desires and impulses. If they are allowed free play without discipline, it will end in chaos. Nature and society are best disciplinari ans. Violate their laws, and you are in for punishment. Put your finger in fire. It burns, no matter who you are. There we learn discipline by experience. That is why Gandhi has rightly said that discipline is learning in adversity. It is therefore necessary that, if you wish to achieve anything enduring in life, you have to be first disciplined in life. Lack of discipline is like a ship without a rudder. Child Discipline Forms of Discipline: What is best for the child? Children are like flowers, if well taken care of they will bloom. If ignored or tortured, they will wither and die. Child discipline is one of the most important elements of successful parenting. Today, many people have this notion that physical abuse is in no way a solution to helping children discern between right and wrong. Since generations children have been taught the art of discipline through physical punishment.Often this approach to disciplining has resulted in two outcomes, one is where the child becomes more tolerant and is willing to adhere to what he/she has been told, or the other which more often results in children developing a sense of anguish and desire to revolt. Physical punishment often destroys the psychological mindset of a child and can scar his/her childhood, resulting in them to grow up to be particularly irritable and frustrated individuals. Over the decades we have seen that fewer and fewer parents are resor ting to this sort of method of violence to discipline their children.However contradictory to all that has been stated, I believe that sometimes parents are caught in a situation when children cross all boundaries of discipline and spanking is the only effective solution. Therefore, it is imperative to do so. Nonetheless, before spanking is even taken into consideration; all the other non-violent forms of discipline should be used. If none work then finally the act of spanking can be justifiable. The act of spanking is not merely a punishment that should be conducted on a whim by parents; there must be reasoning and evidence of a clear sort of rebellion or revolt that requires such treatment.However in such a situation I am of the firm belief that dialogue or discussion is not the option that will placate the issue in the long run. I feel this approach may only last for a short period of time until the child feels that his or her parents have forgotten the issue and will once again go back on the same path. A spanking advocate says, â€Å"I don't think it hurt me, in fact, it helped me in the long-run. It made me look at consequences, things kids don't normally think about. I was always told, ‘Listen, or you'll have to feel it. I listened when I was told, and now, I'm grateful I was raised like that because I feel now I am much more respectful to my peers and my elders especially. † Thus, the act of a spanking induces a fear, a fear that is necessary for children to experience, as it is this fear that rings in a child’s mind when he or she is on the verge of pursuing a mistake he or she is aware is wrong. When a child is noncompliant, I agree that a spanking is desirable by any parent, however spanking works best when followed by a serene conversation with the child about why was he/she spanked.There are many parents today who do not know how to use this disciplinary action on their children. They usually end up excising too much or too lit tle control over their child without giving them a suitable reasoning. A ‘Fact sheet from the Rocky Mountain Family council’ states that â€Å"pairing reasoning with a spanking in the toddler years delayed misbehavior longer than did either reasoning or spanking alone. Reasoning linked with a spank was also more effective compared with other discipline methods. Talking with the child about what behavior is expected and why-with the potential of a follow-up spank-worked best. Hence, Spank a child only when necessary and in conjunction with reasoning and other forms of discipline. Reality is a question of perspective; the further you get from it the more plausible it seems. Being raised in a traditional Indian family, I have been exposed to all forms of disciplines depending on the situation. As a child, I was spanked when I did something wrong. Being spanked taught me respect and kept me in line. The way my parents disciplined me is an accepted method of punishment back home. It is only today that I understand the importance of what they did.Just as my parents did not have the intention to physically abuse me, the entire concept of spanking too is not directed towards hurting the child, it is more of a lesson taught to make the child realize his/her mistake. Hence, there needs to be a limit to how much parents can spank their kids. If the act is carried out on a daily basis, there are higher chances of the kid behaving inappropriately behind closed doors. At the end of the day these kids get so frustrated of being spanked everyday that they end up doing unnecessary things such as lying, cheating, bullying other people behind their parents backs.Research by Murray Straus, a Co-Director at the Family Research Laboratory at the University of Durham,  indicated that â€Å"frequent spanking (three or more times a week) of children 6 to 9 years old, tracked over a period of two years, increased a child's antisocial behaviour, measured in activities l ike cheating, bullying, or lying†. Hence, it is important for the parents to learn which behaviours deserve a spanking. For instance, spilling water, making noise, wetting-pants are normal behaviours all children tend to pick. They do not need to be spanked as these are all age-appropriate behaviours.A key concept of discipline is to identify the behaviour that is typical for the age of the child. Based on the behaviour, parents can then take appropriate actions. For instance, Lisa Berlin, research scientist at the Centre for Child and Family Policy at Duke University says, â€Å"We're talking about infants and toddlers, and I think that just, cognitively, they just don't understand enough about right or wrong or punishment to benefit from being spanked,†Ã‚  As Berlin states, it is pointless to spank an infant, however as children grow older and begin to understand the severity of the punishment, a spanking is desirable.Today, there is a common misconception that spanki ng is a form of child abuse. Some parents are actually afraid to discipline their own children using the same method used for their own upbringing. Who is correct in the notion of right and wrong discipline? Is there such a thing as a correct way to spank your child? In my opinion, there is. So, my objective is to show that there is a fine line between the two terms Spanking and Child abuse. A Cambridge Dictionary states that Child Abuse occurs â€Å"when adults intentionally treat children in a cruel or violent way. On the other hand, Spanking in the same dictionary means â€Å"to hit a child with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as a punishment. † In this way, the line between the two can be drawn where too much spanking results in bruises and scars on the child. Therefore, parents should not spank their children when they are angry themselves as the spank would turn out to be an unintentional smack. When this occurs, parents tend to accidently take out their frustration on the child.Primarily, this is when Spanking, a form of discipline, starts drifting towards the entire concept of ‘child abuse’. However, this misconception has led to many unwanted situations where parents have been sent to jail by their own children. In a general conversation with a waiter at IHOP in Charlottesville, I got to know that he spanked his child twice due to confidential reasons and the child sent his dad, Greg, to the court. In this way, mild spanking is an essential tool to bring the child on the right path of success.A pro-spanker, Leeanne, mother to three children says â€Å"I gave a spanking (more like a weak handed swatting) on the butt when my children were small a couple of times†¦. after that, just a warning and a look was all they needed to keep in line, because they knew they didn't want one. All three of my children have told me that they are ashamed of their generation and each have thanked me, at one point or another for tho se little spanks. (Again, I don't mean pain†¦ just attention getting and disapproval of their behaviour). †Ã‚  As claimed by her, I too believe that spanking causes no harm on the child.It is just the way the parent does it. Love your children more than you spank them. At the end of the day, that is all what a child needs in life. Other than that, I also carried out my own survey for this essay where I asked fifteen friends their opinion on spanking. Each of them said that they have been spanked in at least one circumstance. They all agreed that it is proper to discipline in this way. It is only now after coming to UVA and being so successful they have realized the importance of the punishments their parents used to give them.When I asked them at what occasions did they get spanked, one said, â€Å"I have done a lot of silly things in life that my parents have disapproved, they believe that not all negative behaviours require a spanking; but spanking is their number one choice when all other methods of discipline fail. † Life is all about making decisions, taking risks and then finally facing their consequences. Hence, their parents took the risk and landed on the safe end where their children are reaching the pinnacle of success.As stated, spanking shouldn’t be the only form of discipline used on children. Parents need to take into account all the other forms as well to teach their children right from wrong. Parents can inculcate discipline in their child by showing discontent to the unsuitable behaviour of the child. This usually has a lasting effect as they know that if they do it again their parents will be disappointed, which is usually harder to deal with. This type of punishment only gives you more of a guilt feeling and it remains till you are in good terms with your parents again.When parents give that silent treatment, it becomes very hard to live in the same house where parents are not in talking terms with their kids. Scold ing is another form which is widely used all over the world. If it becomes an everyday situation then it may lessen the effect on the child. The child may start considering this as a normal act for parents to shout at him/her and will start ignoring them. The aim of the parents to teach the kid a lesson and make sure he/she does not make the same mistake again would fail.However, if scolding is the only process used then parents need to also praise their children when they do something good as well. In this way, scolding and  praising should be balanced so that children understand the entire concept properly. Another very effective form of discipline is ‘Time-Out’. This is mainly used on young children. â€Å"A  time-out  involves temporarily separating a child from an environment where inappropriate behaviour has occurred, and is intended to give an over-excited child time to calm down. †Ã‚  This method can be very effectual if carried out appropriately.To o much of something doesn’t attain the goal it is looking for. Similarly, excessive scolding or use of time-out does not have the same effect on the child as a one or two time would. For example, a child throwing a tantrum can be put in time-out for him/her to calm down. After that, parents need to make sure they kindly explain the kid that whatever he/she did is not acceptable in society. Even in this case, age matters as a one year old cannot be asked to sit and listen to a long lecture as they do not have long attention spans.An American mother stated Once the child gets older and as they start experiencing the real world, parents tend teach them a lesson by withholding privileges. When they reach a certain age i. e. when they are in grade 5-6, they start to differentiate precisely between family and friends. Sometimes as they enter the teenage world, they begin to value friends over family. At this point, parents know that their kids are growing and might go on the wrong path if not taught a lesson at the right time. Hence, some of the techniques such as ‘if they come home later than expected then take away what they love the most’ are used.For example, if you come home late, you will not be allowed to watch TV for two days. This is usually used once the child is old enough to understand. In this way, as they grow older they learn how to make thoughtful decisions. A balanced approach should be used in order to raise the child in the right manner. By ‘balanced’, I mean that parents should spank their children only to a certain extent primarily depending on their age and the type of mistake committed by the child. Spanking along with other forms of discipline should be used in order to make the child realize his/her mistakes in life.