The Effects of False Advertising

Final Draft: The Effects of False Advertising Since the evolution of communication, media has been used to transmit informations to those willing to absorb it. Now, using powerful technologies such as television or the internet, information has been made accessible to people in every aspect of our daily lives, trying now to influence our choices more than ever before through advertisement. However, for the most, the goal behind advertising is personal profit.Therefore, the things we are exposed to in advertisements are not always true; they often tend to make people try being someone else's idea of perfection while ignoring their own goals, and then conduct the consumers to deception. As for anything else, regulations on advertising do exist and are set by the Federal Trade Commission. But still, the problem of deceptive advertising does exist and is very persistent.My goal is to discuss the problem of deceptive advertising, by analyzing the strengths and the weaknesses of the FTC po licies on advertising, the causes and effects of the problem and finally propose eventual solutions. Part I According to its official web site, ftc. gov, †The FTC deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy,† (â€Å"About the Federal Trade Commission†) advertising included.As any institution of this scale, the FTC has very strong policies regarding the field it deals with. And acts such as false advertising can be heavily punished by the law, according to the FTC’s many laws and acts. However, regardless the numerous regulations that make the FTC’s strengths, it possesses a major weakness, since as far as the commission punishes unfair methods in advertising, and it fails to clearly define the word â€Å"unfair†. William F.Brown says in his article that the term â€Å"unfair methods† remains a ge neralization that the FTC must translate into usable policies, or standards by which specific methods can be judged (â€Å"the Federal Trade Commission and False Advertising II†). More specifically, it’s not always clear what would be included within the scope of the commission’s authority. This I would rather qualify unexisting part of the FTC policy, creates a gaping hole through which the problem of false advertising slips out.And I can truly see where this problem might apply: We can always see or hear from commercials all the benefits of a product, but, usually all the undesirable side effects are either written in very small caps at the bottom, so that no one can see or practically said at the speed of light, making them incomprehensible. From my consumer point of view, I can say that these are unfair methods; however, I can hardly see how the FTC is going to punish such an act, because in fact, everything about the product is there; regardless how the inf ormation is delivered.Part II Along with the FTC policy problem, there are more causes linked to the false advertising problem. For starter, I can tell from personal observations that America is a highly competitive country with a very capitalist nature. So much that in order to sell its products, companies will not hesitate to lie. For example, I still don’t know which phone company’s network is America’s fastest, especially when most claim to be (AT;T, Verizon, and t-mobile are really getting me confused. Then there is also the people mindset that is problematic. By that, I mean people tend to respond to feeling rather than reason; a commercial full of fallacies, for example, will get customers to buy a product simply by being entertaining. I believe that people’s response to advertisements in America is different because of the way they are implemented. For every 10 minutes of a television show, there are 5 minutes of advertisement; it gives a 1/3 rati o, meaning that more than 30% of what people see on television are commercials.Even on radio stations and all over the internet there are commercials. What I’m saying is that over time, people stop noticing them, plus they become boring (think about how often you skip channels when an ad is on), that’s when marketers, in need of new ways to keep consumers attention on a product, use humor, entertainment, or make some commercials so stupid that they are rarely unnoticeable. Also, somebody desperately in need of change in his life is most likely to consider any possible option, even the most irrational.I will take the specific case of over the counter weight loss products, which has a huge market value at the moment: Approximately 100 billion dollars and expected to quadruple by 2015 (â€Å"Money Spent On Weight-Loss Programs in America Today†). A study from John Cawley (Cornell University), Rosemary Avery (Cornel University) and Matthew Eisenberg (Carnegie Mellon University) revealed that as of 2008, 68% of the American adult population was overweight, 33% obese, and that out of the majority of those trying to lose weight, 33. 9% had used over the counter weight loss products.The same study also showed that their spread is increasing because weight loss products are very loosely regulated and have a history of little efficacy and dangerous side effects (â€Å"The Effects of Advertising and Deceptive Advertising on Consumption†). One cause to that is: They are treated like food. Therefore, they are sold in supermarkets and pharmacies as well as through the internet without any need for manufacturers to prove benefits from the product, and bearing responsibilities for showing safety before marketing (food is assumed to be safe).It is then up to other governmental institutions to reveal the product to be unsafe. As a result, manufacturers of weight loss products have considerable slack in the marketing of these products. But truth is, t hey are very ineffective and can have severe side effects. Most of the weight loss products contain components such as phenylpropanolamine and ephedra, which have been identified by the FDA as increasing risks of stroke and cardiac events, as well as caffeine like products that increase the heart rate to give the impression of a faster metabolism.One big case was involving â€Å"Redux†, a drug that was designed for obese individuals, but had many people, including doctors, who were slightly overweight experience pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, and neurotoxicity. Even without being an expert on this topic, I can accurately say that it’s impossible to lose weight without doing any kind of exercise; so the best these products can is ease the weight loss process. And as a matter of fact, if they were really working we would already see decreases in the overweight rate in the population.Unfortunately, not everybody understands the facts about advertising cer tain products, and people end up falling into deception by using a lot of them, ultimately affecting themselves as individuals and the population as a whole. In a long run I can hold it responsible for phenomena like emotional conflicts, because, in addition to lies, some advertising programs show a distorted image of reality which often become people’s new standard. For those influenced deeper, physical and mental problems occur, including bulimia, anorexia, the employment of harmful dietary plans, low self esteem, or thoughts of suicide.Unless the truth is revealed, some will continue to suffer. To my opinion, consumers could find products more attractive advertisements were done by normal people or without all the extra mind blowers. Other side effect to deceptive advertising is that continuously deceived consumers can actually turn their back to some product, and give negative feedback to their entourage. In some cases, it gets so bad that there are several individual law suits against a single company.Such mistrust into local products can go as far as bringing the economy down, especially if people decide to stop purchasing things of the same kind. Plus, manufacturing products that are not going to be consumed by a majority of the population is a waste of resources. Part III But like for every problem, there are a few solutions, or at least ways to lessen it. I believe the FTC needs to create a clear definition of the term â€Å"unfair methods† in its policy, so that every questionable, literally or implicitly false advertisement will be subject to revision, especially for those that can have an impact on health.In addition to this, if the public could try viewing advertising only as something to get one's attention, and recognize the commercials playing on people’s insecurities, as well as those using humor and entertainment over facts to sell a product (According to the article â€Å"The Use Of Humor To Mask Deceptive Advertisingâ €  in The Journal of Advertising, â€Å"The content analysis of 238 humorous ads showed that 73. 5% of them had deceptive claims and 74. 5% of these claims were masked by humor†).Until either is accomplished, the negative effects of deceptive advertising will be felt by the vulnerable, people, and companies will still make profit. Conclusion Overall, it’s clear to see that the practice of false advertising is very persisting and influences several aspects of our live, either by getting people to by ineffective products then fall into deception or sometimes setting new standard in society by showing a distorted image of reality or beauty.However, I believe there is no better wall to this problem than self-defense. By that, I mean it is up to the people to truly open their mind and rely more on reason, to try finding and understanding more facts about the products on the market, so that their actions toward a product define new standards for manufacturers instead of t he other way around. Work Cited â€Å"About the Federal Trade Commission. † Federal Trade Commission June 17, 2010Ftc. gov April 18 2011. Electronic. Brown, William F. The Federal Trade Commission and False Advertising II† The Journal of Marketing (1 July1947): 38-46. April 18, 2011. Print. Cawley, John, Rosemary Avery, and Matthew Eisenberg. â€Å"The Effects of Advertising and Deceptive Advertising on Consumption. † Economics Seminar Papers (30 July 2010): 3-11. Electronic. Mialon, Hugo M. and Paul H. Rubin. Economics, Law, and Individual Rights. 2008 New York: Taylor & Francis Routledge, 2008. Electronic. â€Å"Money Spent on Weight Loss Programs in The USA Today. Worldometers Information 2009. Worldometers. info April 18 2011. Electronic. Mundy, Alicia. â€Å"Weight-loss Wars. † U. S. News & World Report 15 February 1999, Vol. 126, Issue 6: 42. April 18, 2011. Electronic. Shabbir, Haseeb and Des Thwaites. â€Å"The Use of Humor to Mask Deceptive Adve rtising. † Journal of Advertising Summer 2007, Vol. 36 Issue 2: 75-85. April 18, 2011. Electronic. â€Å"What Is False Advertising? † Astra, Chan, Gurst, and Thomas P. C 2006,Aboutfalseadvertising. com. April 18, 2011. Electronic.

Does the first Amendment affect your livelihood? Essay

Does the first Amendment affect your livelihood? Hmmm†¦I’m not sure†¦Is water wet? Is the grass green? Do skittles come in different colors? Do we even really need to ask? Of course it does†¦.The first Amendment is important for a lot of reasons, one being that it allows us to show our individuality and uniqueness. If we weren’t allowed to express ourselves, be it in writing dancing, comedy, and many other ways, then our individuality and uniqueness would never be seen. We might as well be mindless drones. We all need rights to live our lives the way we want. We could just go through life following whatever everyone else tells us to do, conform to what is the white-dominated government, or we can take a stand to protest our rights with the freedom of peaceably to assemble. This is what the African Americans did only a couple of decades ago, and if they hadn’t then the world we live in now would be completely different. I (being Asian) wouldn’t be going to the same school as my friend (which is white). They would separate us and discriminate again me; because I would be considered â€Å"colored†. Now that’s different I can be friends with whom ever I want, all because of the first Amendment. Without it if something bad was going on around you, you wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. Another reason why the first Amendment is important is because of the freedom of speech. Without freedom of speech we wouldn’t be able to express out feelings. And also I wouldn’t be here writing about it by now. Some might think that’s a good thing, but think of the alternative†¦if there was no first amendment I would be the person I am today, I would of never learned to interpret the world the way I wanted to, and analyze facts and data of everyday life the way I see fits. I personally, talk out of terms in many situations and say stuff that shouldn’t be said, but for my benefit the fact that I can say the stuff and not be put in jail for it is a good thing. I mean I could go around saying I hate the president if I wanted to and it would have been ok (by the way I in fact do believe the president is a complete fool but that’s beside the point). Just like the people do in shows like MAD and Saturday Night Live. And if they were ban then you know MTV and VH1 would be the next to go. Imagine a world where Tupac and Biggie never existed. They were inspiration to many people of today. Their songs and what they wrote about touched a lot of people, it would be terrible if there was a law preventing them from doing their thing. And freedom of speech goes along with freedom of the press. Where the media choose what they want to say and how they do it. We need the media to determine many things and the media gives us an insight on what’s happening around the world and allows us to put our own view on it. Also without freedom of the press we would have never gotten to read Huckleberry Finn. That book was very controversial and it was also banned from many libraries and school, but last year we still were allowed to read it and it has broaden our views on many subjects. Another right that the first amendment gives us is the freedom of religion. This particular right affects me very personally, because I have chosen not to have a religion. But even if I wanted to have one I could pick the one I choose and not have to stick with whatever was told to choose. Anyways, if I were to be told what my religion was odds are it would be Christianity, because most people in America is Christian. You see Christianity everywhere, even in our holidays! Christmas will never look the same again (doesn’t really matter though, I’m in it for the presents, as are most children). Above all in that particular religion you have to believe in God and the whole thing about Jesus, so that would be a problem considering I don’t believe in god. Now people may say that it doesn’t matter, they don’t watch TV anyways who cares. Or it’s not like the read the paper, so it doesn’t matter. And they don’t listen to music, never petitioned against anything, and blah blah blah†¦.They don’t realize that they are taking their rights for granted. What if that day comes where you need to speak out for yourself and you  can’t because there’s a law preventing it, what then I would just like to end this by saying without freedom of right we would not be able to live in this world. The conditions that would be the effects of no freedom would be unbearable. The first amendment affects our live in more ways than you think.

Anticipated Challenges and Planned Responses

ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES AND PLANNED RESPONSES As our business enters the world of food industry, INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL 1. Sanitation Problem Every food would not be one if it is not clean. It takes several stages to ensure that our products are not only edible or delicious, but most importantly safe for every consumer. This is also a serious matter of all food industries because its good name is at stake. Orion Foods Inc. being a competitive newcomer, will go through big paces to earn the market’s trust, which is too costly. We have to respond to regulatory authorities which provide the compulsory national framework for food or meat hygiene programmes through laws and regulations. Response Hygienic measures are to be taken during the various processing steps in the manufacture of meat products – the Meat Processing Hygiene.This is part of a firm’s Quality Management (QM) based on the following three principles crucial for meat processing operations: * Prevent m icrobial contamination of raw materials, intermediate (semi-manufactured)goods and final products during meat product manufacture through absolute cleanliness of tools, working tables, machines as well as hands and outfits of personnel. * Minimize microbial growth in raw materials, semi-manufactured goods and final products by storing them at a low temperature. Reduce or eliminate microbial contamination by applying heat treatment at the final processing stage for extension of shelf life of products Fig. *** Microbiological contamination in the meat processing chain Figure *** shows the extent of contamination among meat processing operations, and the possible remedies, if any. If these processes were relinquished, it would highly contaminate meat which is unsuitable for further processing. Final products could be unattractive, tasteless or shorter in shelf life. In light of this issue, Quality Management schemes are needed.Such schemes have technical and hygienic components. The fo rmer encompasses product composition, processing technologies, packaging, storage and distribution. The hygienic aspect, related to meat processes, focuses not only for the final product, but also for the raw materials in various processes. It has two useful schemes: * Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) It follows general hygienic rules and applies recognized hygienic principles as well as laws and regulations issued by the competent authorities, referring to meat and meat products, equipment, Premises and personnel.GHP schemes are not factory specific, they apply to all types of meat plants. They are intended to establish and maintain acceptable hygienic standards in relevant meat operations. * Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) HACCP are factory and product specific strictly sanitary control schemes that shall prevent, detect, control and/or reduce to save levels accidentally occurring hazards to consumers’ health. Despite GHP in place, accidental hazards cannot be ruled out and may occur at any processing step of the individual meat product.Specifically for meat processing plants, such hazards may be provoked by failures such as: * batches of incoming raw meat materials with abnormal tissues or * heavy contamination, * breakdowns in refrigeration, * failure in cooking/sterilization operations, * abnormal pH or a * in raw or finished products, * errors in levels of application of * curing salts and other additives, * technical problems in sealing of * vacuum packages or cans with * the risk of recontamination.

Introduction to Organisations and Management Assignment - 1

Introduction to Organisations and Management - Assignment Example Management involves coordinating and overseeing the work activities of others so that their activities are completed efficiently and effectively. The first and foremost responsibility of a good manager is creating an atmosphere in which people from different disciplines and departments in the organization can form teams for successful accomplishments of projects. Moreover the work of each individual and teams need to be observed closely so that they may be recognized for their efforts if their work is up to the standards or they may be helped in improving the quality of their work. The next job is to improve efficiency of individuals and teams through employ development programs, stress management drills and achieving the right combination of teams according to the nature of the project. There are certain steps involved in the management and organization and the success lies with the correct execution of these steps. These steps include planning, organizing, leading and controlling. An organization is a deliberate arrangement of people to accomplish some specific purpose. Organizations have a distinct purpose which is achieved by the correct composition of people who carry out the assigned tasks following a specified structure. In the present scenario, a good organization should have flexible work arrangements, employee work teams and open communication systems with a healthy organizational culture. Organizations are changing because the world around them has changed and is continuing to change. These economic, societal and technological changes have created an environment in which the organizations have to adopt new and innovative organizational techniques and objectives to achieve success. An analysis of two companies based on flexible work arrangements, employee work teams, communication systems and organizational culture is presented in the following pages. Organizational Design and Structure The organizational structure is critical for a company as well as for its employees. The success or failure of a company depends highly on the organizational structure of the company. Moreover a good organizational structure gives provides better opportunities to the employees to progress, hence the success of individuals as well as company depends on the organizational structure. Organizational structure essentially means the way in which a company makes use of its resources, human resources in particular. The organizational structure of the company determines the chain of command in a company by setting a framework in which individuals are generally divided into groups who report to certain individuals in the management. A successful organizational structure is the one which is flexible and can adapt to the changing trends and conditions. The classic rigid styles of organizational structure in which individuals are divided into certain departments and each department performs a specific function are diminishing now. The new organizational struc tures are based on the changing market trends, global competition and the arrival of technology. The objective behind a flexible organizational structure is to make it capable of aligning with the changing trends so that it may create new opportunities. In order to create new products or services and to target new consumer

National and Global Identity in The Inheritance of Loss Essay

National and Global Identity in The Inheritance of Loss - Essay Example The key argument to be propounded within the course of the essay is that from the impressions of The Inheritance of Loss one has to conclude that the development of ‘global’ identity in non-Western societies is generally restricted to wealthier, more affluent and cosmopolitan classes of those societies, while the vast majority of population remains wedded to national identities, making a cultural bridge between these two social layers rather significant one. The nature and causes of existence of such cultural drift are fundamentally conditioned by the discrepancies generated in the course of twin processes of globalization and decolonization. Even though the decolonization and the growth in importance of the ‘Third World’ nations such as India have led to progressive shifts in the balance of forces within the global arena, it is still evident that the modern globalized world is still based on cultural patterns and assumptions that are directly inherited from the times of undisputed Western hegemony. The global identity, as expressed in the dominant models of consumption, education, etc., remains inherently Western, despite all attempts at making it more diverse and inclusive. Even though the very concept of â€Å"culture† has always been historically conditioned1, it is still evident that the vast majority of modern cultural identities are less prone to uprooting and homogenization than it is often assumed in various transnationalist concepts of world politics and culture. The globalization and the formation of the numerous layers of transnational migrants, voluntary and forced, permanent and temporary, shifted the balance from the maintenance of traditional identities, of national and local dimensions, to the construction and deconstruction of the global, homogeneous identity. However, as may be evidenced from The Inheritance of Loss, the situation may be more nuanced and difficult than can be judged from ‘common-senseâ⠂¬â„¢ representations of these processes. The growing trends for cultural integration and economic migration, despite being important for the general process of globalization, do little to mask the remaining chasms between the representatives of upper strata of non-Western societies and their compatriots remaining generally tied to cultural habits and traditions that still reign supreme over the people living in modern time. The Inheritance of Loss testifies to this very situation. The major characters of the novel are in their own way expressions of the aforementioned dichotomy. The two groups of the characters, each representing a respective social class, embody the controversies generated by globalization and de-localization. The Judge Patel and his granddaughter Sai represent the two generations of upper-class cosmopolitanism and geographical and educational mobility. While they may differ among themselves in subtleties of cultural perceptions, both of these characters are disti nguished by intense interest and self-identification with the non-Indian cultural environment – an Anglicized, respectable, upper-middle class world that is both connected with the Indian tradition, albeit of British Raj variety, and deeply estranged from it. Sai’s recollections of her upbringing in the Catholic Church and the secular and non-traditional lifestyle of her parents are indicative of that. While the secularism was not inherent in Indian

With reference to the British Museum discuss whether Britains imperial Essay

With reference to the British Museum discuss whether Britains imperial legacy still has an influence on British cultural identity - Essay Example The society as a whole would start to worry about their loss of individual identity, and their emotional pursuits. Cultural identity of a legacy is a primary source for people to identify themselves with and obtain belongings. Museum has the responsibilities to protect a people’s cultural heritage through various exhibitions and collections to promote cultural identity. Based on this, this essay seeks to examine the ways British Museum prospects of Britain’s imperial legacy and its impact on the cultural identity of Britain. Museums in the simplest aspect is the result and reflection of social progress and development (Bennett, 1995 p14). The developing ideology of British Museum is to let the public become the center of museums, and let the museum become the center of the society. British Museum takes many measures and works to make it become a real physical space through imperial legacies. British Museum is one of the world’s first national museums if it is juxtaposed against the world’s three most famous museums in Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Smith & MacGregor, 2007 p26). British Museum was established on the basis of British political, economic and cultural progress. The collections in British Museum are the reflection of the power of Britain because most artefacts and souvenirs are housed in there. It is important to note and mention that the cultural tenets and foundations are also preserved and housed in the museum. The term culture refers to a way and lifestyle of a people. Cultural identity refers to the cultural inclination and recognition of human beings. Individuals obtain cultural identity through belonging to their cultures and cultural groups (Klanten et al., 2013 p142). Therefore, cultural identity is a social psychological process of keeping and innovating their cultural society. Cultural inclination also identify a process to construct identity

Career Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Career Development Plan - Essay Example In developing a career plan it is important to recognize and take advantage of all tools and resources that are available. As a freshman student I will need short term and long term goals, along with flexibility along the way to reach my desired result. It is my intention to become gainfully employed in human resources. In deciding to work in human resources I first had to determine what their role was within a company. Human resources development includes a vast array of assignments within a company but ultimately they are employed to develop, enhance, organize, and mentor for employees within the company. This can include developing training appropriate for employees, coaching, managing benefits, new hire orientations and any activity whose goal is to better an employee. Entry opportunities available are internships within companies who will provide me with hands on training that I will need to be successful. Education that I’m receiving will continue to strengthen my abilities and knowledge. Large companies especially hire interns, aware of the potential and talent that will be developed during the course of my education. Employers look for promising employees during open house sessions, often held on campus, with the intentions of recruiting those interested in human resources and resource development.

Impact of culture on globalization strategies Essay - 1

Impact of culture on globalization strategies - Essay Example Accordingly, Manrodt & Vitasek (2004, 3) averred that â€Å"the literature is clear that global and transnational firms can benefit from a coordinated and integrated management of their key processes.† The complexity of managing global processes on a wider scale is eminent taking into account obstacles including â€Å"language, customs, current standards, education levels, and government regulations. Increased competition, demanding customers, and constantly changing business environments have forced management to seek radically different ways for their companies to succeed in the marketplace.† (Manrodt & Vitasek, 2004, 3) The authors opted to utilize two methods in to achieve their objective. The first method is the use of comprehensive literature on the subject of global process standardization. The second method comprised of an in-depth case study of an actual organization, the Modus Media International, Inc. (Modus) identified as a â€Å"leader linking metrics from strategy to the plant level across its 23 manufacturing/distribution facilities.† (Manrodt & Vitasek, 2004, 4) The study that was conducted interviewed senior management to line managers using structured standardized questions on Modus’s process management standardization practices. Manrodt & Vitasek formulated a framework for standardizing global processes enumerating six critical steps, to wit: articulate a strategy; adopt a process review of logistics; identification of key segments, processes and process attributes; determination of impact to customers; selection of improvement of key segments; and identification and training of the global segment owner. A background on the company and the case was initially provided. A supply chain conditioning maturity profile was designed to indicate each of the processes which had several attributes that helped employees determine their level

Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis - Essay Example The film has helped in bringing static pictures to life; something that did not seem possible until animated films from Pixar and the likes were being produced. The way Satrapi’s animation has been styled is simply a matter of grace and charm, leading a larger audience to watch and follow the life she led. The buildings of Tehran and Vienna, its people and emotions have all been portrayed so beautifully, that the film itself is more lyrical than a theoretical memoir of someone’s life. The humor and excitement that Satrapi feels as she grows up, has all been depicted marvelously. â€Å"Similarly, if the movie version had been conventionally cast and acted, it would inevitably have seemed less magical as well as less real.† (Scott, A. O.) Marjane’s family consists of leftist thinkers in the Shah’s regime, and they later live under the rule of the mullahs as the revolution takes place and people are forced to switch their lifestyles however Marjane tri es her best to remain unchanged as she takes her grandmother’s advice and maintains her identity the best way that she can. As she ventures to France to study she finds a whole new world where people live differently, and moreover, she is treated differently because of her religious and national background. The political repression has been showed wonderfully as the film moves into a world of colour; this further signifies Marjane’s personal voice growing and she becoming a woman of her own word. She grows into a rebel in a land where turning against the law is punishable by the minute. However, she stands for what she believes in, tries her best to get what she wants, and at the same time the same is depicted through a great amount of humour. Her love interests have also been portrayed in the movie; something a typical young girl would relate to. She is tells the story of how she believed in someone and felt affection for him because he showed her a different idea of living life. Later on however, her heart is broken and she realises the tough life one has to live. Her grandmother’s words keep coming to her as a revelation she keeps pushing off until she truly matures – owning up to her national and religious identity no matter however much a person might insult the same. However, this becomes a dilemma of her own as she is ridiculed in Vienna because of which she dramatizes her life’s situations and throws tantrums just like any other young woman. The music used in the movie is amazing; it truly matches the atmosphere being depicted in the background. Right from the history of how the Shah’s regime came into being to the wars and post war rebellion accountable to the citizens, the soundtracks are enough to give the audience goose bumps. However, at the same time, many critics state that the film went overboard in converting a graphic novel into moving images and thus was not so different from the books written by Sat rapi. This is because the film may seem to feel like meandering pages out of the diary of a young woman’s life, growing up in Iran and moving to France after that. The movie might seem to portray outbursts of her life unnecessarily and some even find the imagery to be very superficial, almost like a mix between a young infant’s animation film and an adult’

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example Top management is the one that usually determines the corporate culture. Corporate culture involves the main aims of an organization, the strategies that will be employed in meeting those aims and the way the stakeholders should behave while striving to achieve those aims. It takes the effort of the top management to maintain its culture, this is by interacting a lot and communicating effectively, especially to employees of what is expected of them, according to Auxillium West (2008). The culture can be either weak or strong. Weak is where the employees fail to identify with the values of the organization hence need to be pushed to carry out tasks from the organization’s point of view. While the converse is true for strong cultures as people tend to think as a group on the direction to be taken during decision making. Various methods have been employed in grouping cultural change. Some of them include Geert Hofstede who argues that organizational culture is influenced by natio nal and regional cultural groupings such as the different levels of power in the organization (power-distance orientation) , risk degree (uncertainty avoidance), individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity and time horizon (Long term vs. short term). Charles Handy groups include the power culture where power is centered in the hands of a few, role culture, task culture centered around the job to be done, person culture where the individual is deemed to be superior to the organization. Edgar Schein, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor argues that culture is the most difficult thing to change in an organization, more than the products, services, leadership, and other characteristics of an organization. In Schein’s model, the physical attributes of the organization that are tangible such as the buildings, awards, employee dressing etc belong to the first level. The culture of the

INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY - Term Paper Example These behavior expectations according to Dovidio have their roots in individual differences, in both social and cultural experiences. Through personal experiences and learning though observation, people learn about their group values in their society. Therefore, norms are learned through observations, experiences, with immediate situations contributing to learning and understanding, where social norms are more applicable, or elaborate to a particular situation. Though social norms are expected codes of action by individuals, and dictate what people should do across a range of situations, having personal standards relate to the ideals of an individual, and feelings of moral obligation. In this investigation of norms, I chose to walk in a full lift and directly faced the occupants, instead of facing the door as the norm or expected code of action in such circumstances. In this demonstration, I went to an office building at eight o’clock in the morning, which is mostly a rush hour when people are rushing to their offices and work places. The life had 5 occupants; 3 ladies and 2 men, and I was the last occupant as the lift had a safe load of six individuals. All the occupants were in their early thirties, guessing from their looks. As people shoved and pushed in rush to catch the next lift, I waited patiently and counted up to five occupants before forcing myself in as the last occupant. As I entered the lift, all the other occupants we re directly facing the door; they all had their eyes fixed on me. With a serious expression and oblivious to the people in the lift, the lift door closed and instead of turning around to face the door, I stood there just staring the other occupants, and did not en hit the button indicating my destination. I faced the occupants directly and gathered all my courage not to smile or blink in the short dash as the lift rapidly accelerated

Opportunity Assessment Essay Example for Free

Opportunity Assessment Essay Explain the purpose and value of a business plan to a new or existing business. There is a whole host of reasons to justify the preparation of a business plan, not just for business start-up enterprises, but as a model of good practice for established organizations. First, the process of producing a business plan acts as a very efficient method of focusing the ideas of entrepreneurs in terms of defining their objectives and assessing their own abilities to organize and run the business. A business plan also acts as a means of testing the viability of the business proposal before actually committing its proposers to any substantial expenditure or investment. As there are relatively few entrepreneurs who have the resources to be totally self-financing, most are faced at some point in time with the need to raise external finance. The possession of a business plan is crucial to the business’ future; an appointment with the financier or bank manager who is a potential investor or source of loan to discuss a proposal is a bit like an audition in a Hollywood film – if they blow their lines, they blow their chances, or at least, they reduce their prospects of getting the part they want. Written business plans are essential to guide bankers, lenders or investors in understanding and monitoring the financial strength of the business entity. So the most important thing is to prepare the plan thoroughly and to present it in a professional and competent manner. The elements of a business plan is primarily for the benefit of the lending institution and should not be confused with the strategic or detailed operating plans the business may use for internal management purposes. The kind of business plan any banker, lender or investor looks for should provide broad-based financial and organizational information. It should be made available upon submission of the initial credit request and updated periodically thereafter. Financial statements, together with management’s analysis of financial performance, for the past three-year period are especially essential. In addition, the banker, lender or investor will want to see financial performance projections for the coming two or three years. Define the term `micro business` and outline the contribution micro business make to the Australian economy. The term micro business tends to better describe the smallest niche within the small business world. A micro business is, in general, fewer than ten people and includes some unique needs to that space. It typically requires less than US$15,000 in start-up capital, which means that it does not have access to the commercial banking sector because initial loan needs are usually less than US$15,000. In most micro-enterprises, the owner is the sole operator and worker. The capital needs of micro-businesses are too small to be of interest to formal financial markets, yet too large to be covered by the personal means of business starters particularly if they come out of precarious situations. In more cases than not, micro business owners mix personal expenses with business expenses, clouding the company’s functional cost relationships and making ratio analysis very difficult. Typical micro business operators only keep cash records during the year. They present a shoe-box of records to their accountants at year end. They only use their accountant to generate a tax return and set of accounts, which might be received six months after the year end. Market niches tend to be defined geographically. Typically, competitive businesses turn over very rapidly, with frequent new entrants to the market, many ownership changes, and a high percentage of bankruptcies and liquidations. Micro business is a key niche to keep in mind in today’s economy and a field that is quickly starting to gain enterprise attention. The economic significance of micro-businesses to the economy of Australia as well as to the global economy is highly acknowledged. This is for the reason that the involvement that micro-businesses create for both employment and the income it produces. Micro-businesses put in $20,193 million to the Australian industry’s GNP and provide work for more than 1/3 of micro-business workers (Khosrowpour 525). Briefly explain the role market research plays in the evaluation of a business opportunity. An entrepreneur must make a commitment to pursuing a business opportunity long before the outcome of that decision is known. How can he know whether the opportunities he is pursuing have a perfect fit with the marketplace, need to be expedited on a rush basis, and are the right decisions to go ahead with? Market research is the answer. Market research is the compilation and examination of any trustworthy information that improves managerial decisions. An entrepreneur needs to do market research to identify and assess an opportunity. Intuition, personal expertise, and passion can take businessmen only so far. Both traditional and nontraditional marketing research can be used to assess opportunity. Research is vital in strategic evaluation if new ideas for diversifying the business are evaluated or tested out. A company entering a new market with a new product is unlikely to know much about that market, and is going to be dependent on good information for decision making for developing sales of the new product and services. The research is likely to reduce the uncertainty about pursuing the diversification opportunity, and to help managers to plan, based on known and defined customer needs. In all practical terms, the application of market research to identify problems and opportunities and to evaluate programs of activity is as important as in other areas of marketing communications. It is the methodical and objective recognition, compilation, study and distribution of information for the intention of supporting business decision-making activities connected to the detection and resolution of business troubles and prospects. Certainly market research plays an important role in business decision making, but ultimate success in markets is determined by many other factors, not least the commitment of the team, the size and mix of marketing budget, and the ability to react to unforeseen problems. Briefly describe the process by which the total cost price of a product or service is established. Pricing, as a process, can simply be defined as setting or adjusting a price charged to a customer in exchange for a good or service. The need for correct pricing decisions has become even more important as global competition has become more intense. Organizations that have been successful in making profitable pricing decisions have been able to raise prices successfully or reduce prices without competitive retaliation. Pricing policy cannot be established in a vacuum. The selling price of the product or service should be consistent with the entrepreneur’s marketing goals, the image he or she is attempting to project, and the perceptions and expectations of the target market. Also, the pricing decision must be viewed as in interactive process in that there is a strong need for cross-functional interaction. It should be clear that effective pricing decisions involve considerations of many factors, and no single model will fit all pricing decisions. While all pricing decisions cannot be made strictly on the general model to be presented in the next paragraph, it does break pricing strategy into a set of manageable stages that are integrated into the overall marketing strategy. Given a product or service designed for a specific target market, the pricing process begins with a clear statement of the pricing objectives. These objectives guide the pricing strategy and should be designed to support the overall marketing strategy. The evaluation of the relationship of product or service to pricing with respect to the distinctiveness, perishability and stage of the life cycle a product/service is in all affect pricing. In addition, marketers need to consider what value the product/service has for customers and how price will influence product/service positioning. The other components of the marketing mix need to be also examined in relation to the pricing component, in order to arrive at a total price. Although the main basis should be the product or service cost, marketers should combine various criteria in setting prices rather than considering only the costs. What is the difference between a projected Profit and Loss Statement and a Projected Cash Flow? Why do you need both? There are several distinctions between projected cash flow and projected profit and loss statement. Although both are only estimates, one difference is that the projected cash flow statement will record budgeted cash receipts from customers, while the projected income statement will show forecast revenue for the period. Further, the projected cash flow statement will record budgeted cash payments to suppliers, while the projected income statement will show forecast of sales, which will reflect opening inventory, plus purchases, less closing inventory. Furthermore, the projected cash flow statement shows the budgeted cash payments for the expenses such as wages, electricity and rates while the projected income statement will record the expenditure expected to be consumed in the period, reflecting any accounts or prepayments. Lastly, the projected cash flow will reflect the cost of purchasing a non-current asset at the expected date of purchase and the proceeds at the date of sale, while the projected income statement will record a depreciation charge for the consumption of the asset and a profit or loss on disposal. The business needs both of these projected statements because they are important tools of financial analysis. Projected cash flow statement, for instance, is a point of comparison for actual cash flow statement so that the firm can find out the variation and take necessary remedial measures. It also helps in overcoming the problem of meeting deficit cash or investment of surplus cash because projected cash flow is usually prepared on the basis of the past year’s experience. Using the cash flow forecast enhances the business’ versatility and allows it to adjust its planning horizon as the business grows. A projected income statement is likewise an invaluable tool. It will help the business estimate its approximate income and expenses in the short term, from months to a few years. It will give a gauge to judge the financial progress of the company. Outline the legal avenues available to an individual to protect intellectual property. Even though it is an intangible term for a theoretical concept, intellectual property is nevertheless completely well-known to practically everybody. While the underpinnings of material property rights are clear, those of intellectual property rights appear clouded. Intellectual property rights have seen perceptible, indeed substantial extensions in the last decade alone. Copyrights, service marks, trademarks and patents are all types of intellectual property, and are avenues for individuals in the United States to protect their intellectual property. The examination of intellectual property law is significant since intellectual property is captivating an escalating implication worldwide. Copyright and trademarks are directly related to the Web, patents less so except if the thing being patented is a new type of technology that affects how the Web is actually used. Trademarks and service marks are used to protect logos, unique elements, phrases, services and official names that have sufficient distinctive character by which the government recognizes the concept as being unique and wholly owned by the individual. At common law, the individual who utilized a symbol or mark to classify a company or manufactured good was sheltered in the employment of the trademark. Service marks protect services rather than products, which is its main difference with trademark, in where the later protects products. Copyright protects everything that goes into a website or in print. It provides the inventor of a work the right to the restricted utilization of that said work for a certain time. Copyright infringement is all too common, often resulting in lawsuits in which individuals receive handsome compensation for having their work ripped off. A patent is a government endowment that bestows an inventor the private right to produce, utilize and put up for sale the invention for a time of twenty years since the time of filing a request for a patent. If a firm produces, utilize and put up for sale a patented blueprint, produce or procedure without the consent of the owner of the patent, it is obligated with the tort of patent infringement. What are the main advantages of operating your business as a company rather than as a sole trader or partnership? Are there any disadvantages? The primary advantage of operating the business as a corporation is protection against liability. The corporation can protect one’s personal assets in the event of a judgment against the business. This is because the corporation’s assets (cash, real estate, securities, accounts payable, etc. ) do not include one’s personal property and assets such as car, house, bank account, and other personal property. One’s personal property is considered separate from the property and assets of the corporation. A second advantage over sole proprietorship or partnership is organization and efficiency. No matter what form the business takes, keeping one’s personal and business finances and assets separate is crucial to the survival of the business. If one’s business and personal finances are intertwined, it will prove difficult and eventually impossible to sort them out to the satisfaction of say, banks and other financial institutions where one may be applying for business loans. A third advantage is savings. There are myriad instances where, as a corporation, one may be able to save on business costs – savings that might otherwise be unavailable to one as a sole proprietor or partnership business. For instance, business equipment amortization IRS allowance and schedules are generally more favorable for corporations than for individuals and partners. Also, financial institutions tend t give more favorable credit and lending rates to corporations as opposed to individuals and partners. The primary disadvantages, on the other hand, are the record-keeping that is required and the fact that corporations are subject to double taxation – the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and if one receives some of those profits as dividends, he/she will be taxed, too. Moreover, the business has to maintain minimal corporate formalities that will take some time and effort, including government regulation of the creation of the corporation, issuance of stock and operations of the organization. The lack of management skills is the cause of 92% of business failure. Does a successful business operator have to be expert or competent in all facets of business management? Long ago in business literature, experts have researched the role of the entrepreneur in firm failure. Managerial deficiencies, inexperience, and inefficiency are consistent themes in the literature explaining business failure. Researchers found that many firm characteristics – particularly decision-based ones – were directly related to the entrepreneurial characteristics. These included lack of insight, inflexibility, and emphasis on technical skills. Additionally, managerial deficiencies and the financial shortcomings of the entrepreneur also contributed to failure. Other researchers have further found support for the case that lack of management expertise along with financial matters was the most common causes of business failure. Some of these researchers pointed to poor management skills as the most frequently identified common theme in business failure. The significance that is placed on management deficiencies as a cause has therefore warranted a closer examination of the specific areas where these deficiencies are greatest. Although this is the case, it is often unfeasible for a business operator to be an expert on all facets of business management. This is the role of consultants; experts that business owners hire too assist in the facilitation of business management processes. The business operator may not possess the expert comprehension of the specialist (such as technology specialist) but it is the business operator who is familiar with the worth and the prospect of expert knowledge. Thus the management expert has specialized knowledge and the business operator has knowledge breadth and it is through the organization that the two kinds of knowledge are united to create wealth. The proven formula for success involves leveraging limited human and financial resources. For example, most business operators lack at least one critical management function, such as a controller or a sales manager. An outside accounting firm, a part-time employee, a channel partner, or a retired person could perform these functions. You have been approached by a person who has identified a business opportunity and who needs some assistance to evaluate it. Outline the advice you would give to such a person? An opportunity is not just an idea. A business opportunity must grow an idea with the potential to develop with the enterprise that has a reasonable chance to succeed. This means that all of the pieces of the puzzle must come together, and in the right order. There should first be the evaluation of external and internal factors that may influence the potential of the business opportunity. External analysis should consider both the general environment, and big picture, and the industry setting in which the venture might do business. Identifying potential affecters in the external environment is definitely worth the effort, but business concepts make sense only if they fit well with the internal potentials of the business. In other words, the entrepreneur’s understanding of potential business opportunities should be combined with insights into what the entrepreneur is able to do. With respect to the chosen sector/industry, learners need to know how to perform a systematic search for new business opportunities as well as how to analyze and evaluate them. There are many different tools identifying opportunities to determine ideas that are worthy of further development, like Drucker’s Seven Sources of Innovative Opportunity, Boston Consulting Group Matrix, GE Planning Grid, 7-S Model and Competitive Strength vs. Market Attractiveness Model. Assessment can be more ‘real world’ if the task of evaluation relates to an idea, plan or proposal with which an individual can identify personally. Determining whether an opportunity is possibly right for a company is not the same as deciding to enter a business, nor is evaluating an opportunity the same as evaluating a business plan. Grabbing a business opportunity is appropriate only after it has been determined that the opportunity itself is both valid and right for the company and the company has a business strategy and plan to which it is prepared to commit. Once a business has become established, it requires sound management systems to operate efficiently. Describe the system you would put in place to operate and control a small business. If the strategic objectives of the business are to be successfully implemented, then first, it is critical to identify the systems that will need to be in place in order to achieve them. The key management systems will typically be those that actively contribute towards the primary goals or profitability of the business. This includes the production functions that manufacture goods for sale and the sales and marketing that sell those goods to the customers. This is all about having the right resources in place to achieve the desired objectives of the business. Without these key systems in place, the strategic development of the business will not work, which is precisely why they must be right before anything can be started. The second stage is to ensure that the support systems are in place. These are the functions that enable the key systems to operate smoothly, such as the purchasing, stores, administration and distribution functions, not forgetting the management systems to organize and coordinate these. The third stage is to ensure that adequate monitoring and control systems are in place both to monitor the expansion of old or the implementation of new systems, and to monitor the efficacy of the whole strategic process and its component parts. In order to implement both the key systems and support systems, it will be necessary to produce an action plan which identifies the critical dates by which each one of these systems must be in place. The action plan should be regarded as a means to an end, as opposed to something that, once set, cannot be changed. Although it sets the guidelines and targets for the process, it must be flexible enough to account for, and respond to, any factors that are beyond the control of the process. The planning procedures must be, like the workings of each of the systems, subject to the same planning and review cycle if they are to function efficiently.

The Findings Of Our Group Presentation Social Work Essay

The Findings Of Our Group Presentation Social Work Essay From the findings of our group presentation, it can be said that quality means doing things right, but the things which the operation needs to do right will vary according to the kind of operation. For example, in the hospital, quality could mean making sure that patents get the most appropriate treatment, that the treatment is carried out in a medically correct manner, it would also include such things as ensuring that the hospital is clean, and that the staff are well informed and friendly towards patients. Its not surprising that all operations regard quality as a particularly important object. In some ways quality is the most visible part of what an operation does. Furthermore, its some thing that a customer finds relatively easy to judge about the operation. By asking is it right or wrong? Is it the way its supposed to be? There is some thing fundamental about quality. Because of this, its clearly a major influence on customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Quality then is simple meeting the customer requirements, and this has been expressed in many ways:‘Fitness for purpose or use, ‘Conformance to requirements, and in many other ways. Clearly, part of the acceptability of a service will depend on its ability to function satisfactorily over a period of time, and it is this aspect of performance that is given the name reliability. It is the ability of the service to continue to meet the customer requirements. It is important to realize that the meeting the customer requirements definition of quality is not restrictive to the functional characteristics of services. A report on your contribution to the group and to the work that was presented I contributed a great deal in the planning and writing up of the presentation. Our group communicated amongst itself both efficiently and effectively. Although we gathered on only one occasion outside academic hours as a whole group, the meeting was extremely constructive as we were able to discuss and arrange the main sections of the presentation. My role within the group was to design the slides and research on the topic I was allocated as a member of the group. Firstly, I decided to research on the theory of variation and the Deming cycle, and attempted to link these theories to the results of the care quality commission report on the two care homes of our choice. The other role in the work of the group involved introducing the main points of the presentation and writing up on one of the key points in the conclusion. A report on how the group worked together Group work has been defined by various authors, however Kurland and Salmon (2003) states that for some group work is just another way of talking about teamwork, however, working in groups is often presented as a good way of dividing work and increasing productivity. It can also be argued that it allows for the utilization of the different skills, knowledge and experiences that people have, (Cory and Cory, 2002). Kurland and Salmon (2002) describes team work as partnership, therefore he goes to describe partnership working as a variety of arrangements with different purposes, time scales, structures, operating procedures and members between groups and the community as a whole. Lowndes (2002) adding that partnership/group working achieves what would be difficult or impossible for a single person to do on their own therefore collaborative working is also known as partnership working. However, (Wildridge et al, 2004) argues that partnership working is not in and of itself a good thing. Y alom (2005) claims that for a group work to be effective 10 characteristic should be present: Develop goals and plans, Enhance communication among members, Develop and maintain positive relationships among members, Solve problems and make decisions on a timely basis, Successfully manage conflict, Facilitate productive meetings, Clarify roles for team members, Operate in a productive manner, Exhibit effective team leadershipand Provide development opportunities for team members. Our group work lacked the communication skills, hence working in a group proved difficult. Donovan (2005) states that good communication is critical to effective teamwork; it is far more than talking and listening. It is sometimes a complex and puzzling process. However, effective communication is possible with the right approach, techniques and some practice. Our group could have worked better as a team. The main flaw was our inability to meet up, discuss ideas and become all aware as to which stage of drafting we are. We at times thought different things were occurring and we didnt all pull in the same direction until towards the end when editing the slides.[1] These are the sessions where we worked well as a group. When editing, we looked at the slides and any idea brought up by one of our group members were considered. This process happened several times and this ensured us that we were all happy with the final copy of our presentation. Another disappointing thing about our group was the lack of met deadlines. However, this directly came as a consequence as a lack of deadlines set. Although the work was shared between the group, it was much disorganised as to when it should be done. It was very difficult for this reason to know whether we were ahead or behind schedule with the only dates determined was the final deadline for all work (15/04/2010). My experience in group work has showed that there are many problems that accompany group work that is people dont pull their weight and one person who dont turn up leaving other person to complete the task. There are problems with time management as some people might not attend time set because of other commitment and lack of commitment towards the task resulting in people not doing what was given to them, this is a big de-motivation factor in group as it pulls the whole group down and effects work. The day we met for the first time to prepare our presentation, our strategy involved first gathering all information on Deming using research skills like using reputable sources from the Internet, newspaper and articles for the next meeting. On the first of three meeting we covered what points were relevant and how would we structure the presentation and had an agreement on the type of care home we will use for our presentation. The following week we gathered our research together and highlighted the important and relevant information and set our specific points for each person to cover and what to research, we also began our PowerPoint presentation. My point was to design the slides and prepare a clear explanation of the theory of variation and the Deming cycle. On the final week we brought in our final version on what each of us would cover and finalised the presentation and practice our presentation and corrected each other if there were any faults and gave inputs to each other on how they improve it even further. What I learnt in group work with my colleagues while preparing for presentation that people who have good decision making skills will set a vision of what need to be accomplished and setting a structure of how should we aim to achieve it. This part involves being good at making decisions, as it is very crucial part in-group work and a good academic skill to have. This motivates other to decisions rather then leaving it to the end, as it helpss set a goal to aim for. There are also couple of skills that are crucial they include setting prioritise, communicating between colleague and inter personal skills. For example giving constructive criticism like our group did when we were carrying out presentation to each other.[2] (Rose et al,1989) It could have been wise to adopt Tuckmans literature on group development, based on a meta-analysis of the complex models which had previously been developed. It has the virtue of being memorable, but the limitation of being rather rigid.[3](Tuckman, 1965) [1] Davis,B.G.(2009)(2nd ed.) Tools for teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass [2] Brower,A.M.,Rose,S.D.(1989) Advances in Group work research. London: Eurospan/Haworth. [3] Tuckman,B. (1965) Developmental Sequence in Small Groups Psychological Bulletin 63 pp. 384-399

Kinesics And Proximics And The Cultural Impact Cultural Studies Essay

Kinesics And Proximics And The Cultural Impact Cultural Studies Essay The process of sharing ideas and feelings with others is all-important. Communication is the human interaction that all humans can not do without. Our very first parents initiated this behaviour taking hundreds of centuries to develop and refine to what is today. Despite differences, humans share the same communication behaviour all over the globe. It is the communication behaviour that is common and shared by all. In particular, differences occur in methods by which this people or that nation communicates. As a vital activity for all human beings, communication has long been studied. Scholars and researchers of different disciplines, including psychology and sociology, have immensely contributed to this complex and multifaceted concept. John Fiske suggests that communication is a multidisciplinary area of study rather than an academic subject in the common sense of the word (Introduction to Communication Studies, 1). Thus, providing a definition for communication is not a simple tas k one might think, it is complicated and illusive. It is a process that enables receiving and getting our messages across to others as a response. Along my readings on communication, I have come across a wide range of definitions and approaches to the concept of communication. Researchers have given countless definitions. Dance and Larson once tried to count these definitions to find that they exceed a hundred and twenty. Since Dance and Larson trial, other additional definitions have been introduced. Samovar and Porter in Communication Between Cultures hold to the definition advanced by Ruben and Stewart which defines human communication as the process through which individuals in relationships, groups, organizations and societies respond to and create messages to adapt to the environment and one another (22). My aim in this paper is to discuss the concept of non-verbal communication as. Yet, I see that pursuing in clarifying what communication is stands relatively pertinent since it serves as an entry to our conceptualization of the aspect of non-verbal communication. The paper attempts to shed light on that dim part of human communication and aims at discussing the different aspects of non-verbal communication in relation to culture. As culture has a very particular connection with communication in general, importance is as well given to the role culture plays in non-verbal communication. It is all the time culture that shapes our view and use of silent language. Body language (Kinesics) and Proximics (The use of both time and space) and their relation to culture form the two main points approached in this paper. Consciously or unconsciously, individuals communicate with others using a set of non-verbal messages and signals that render them effective members within their communities. It is noticeable that children primarily begin their communication essays trying to send messages even before learning their primary uttering. Inspecting the human behaviour provides clues about the use of non-verbal messages. Humans communicate a great deal using body gestures, signals and signs. Non-verbal communication has always been referred to as body language. It is that hidden dimension of human communication. Exceptional of this concept is that an individual can send messages through without even being aware of his or her engagement in this communicative interaction. Normally, a person in a simple communication process chooses the words he or she would use to get his or her messages across. Yet, a simple sigh of a person sitting in a waiting room is actually a message unconsciously communicated to others sitting in the same room meaning that he might be tired or annoyed waiting for a long time. Non-verbal communication seems by now intricate and multidimensional. Kinesics explores our body movements messages Body language develops our communication. Language is essential and all-important in human communication. Yet, it is not the only channel through which individuals get to communicate between each other. Another language emerges as a relatively significant avenue of meaning transfer. Humans can particularly communicate and get their messages across to others using simple body movements. Gestures, postures, signs, touches, and smells have been all referred to as body language. Most people communicate and send messages to others without being conscious and well aware they use another language or channel that has its unique rules and principles. We all understand and get what others might tell us by a certain hand movement or eye blink. Body language stands as a permanent channel of our non-verbal communication. It is learned through our enculturation process remaining rooted and can hardly be altered. Body language is that hidden part of the communication skills we get out of our language and culture learning. Obviously, the basic function of body language is meaning transfer. Humans unconsciously developed a set of body gestures, signs, and signals that carry messages and meanings by which they communicate between each other sending and receiving messages swiftly and conveniently. Scholars have previously come to know the importance of body language the fact that results in the development of a body language vocabulary which they have named Kinesics (Britannica 2002). Kinesic cues are those visible body shifts and movements that can send messages (Communication Between Cultures, 174). Action does communicate something. Sometimes a situation can not be clearly worded. Hereby the need for a gesture a signal or a body movement comes to express what is intended to be communicated. A person who is talking with his intimate friend can refer to a previously agreed on fact or idea by a simple eye blink when another foreign person is present in the discussion. In this particular situation for inst ance, the fact or idea intended to be communicated can not be if one of the intimate friends does not resort to their conventional non-verbal communication system. Eye contact is highly appreciated by several people belonging to different cultures. It is really a noteworthy channel of communication. Beyond this, the pupils of a person can communicate a whole range of messages and meanings. By way of illustration, a mans widening or shrinking pupils obviously carry meaning. This might mean that the person is probably surprised, excited, normal or even sad. In some cultures, when someone tends to break eye contact, he or she might intend to communicate to others that he or she is depressed or in a troubled situation. Body language, as a major part of non-verbal communication, bears a number of channels through which individuals come to communicate among each other. Examples include ones personal way of dressing. A person can consciously or unconsciously communicate to his society, to his family, to his friends or classmates etc a set of meanings and messages just by the way he or she dresses. Consider a person wearing a suit with a jacket, trousers and a necktie and another dressed in a dungaree. At first glance, you are likely to say that the first person is may be attending a formal meeting when the second one is may be working somewhere or present in an informal context. Clothing can be a relatively efficient way or channel of communication. Arabs, in general, place high premium on the way they dress. They plainly still stick to their traditional garments. We, Moroccans, usually wear Jellabas in Fridays to communicate our respect for the holy day. We may also tend to manifest our respect of ou r prophets Sunna. Clothes can determine how other people treat each other. Humans draw upon other peoples way of dressing to create their first impressions. By first impressions, people create standards on which they rely on to treat others. Postures or sitting habits are another aspect of our bodies non-verbal communication (Communication Between Cultures, 174). It is always culture that teaches, defines and classifies these body shifts as being normal, acceptable, uncommon or offensive. Asian people, for instance, as a form of respect. Military people placing their hands at their foreheads in a special manner tend to communicate their respect to others who rank higher than them. Sitting cross-legged can be offensive to others in some cultures when it can also be interpreted as a sign of feeling comfortable. The use of body gestures aforementioned in the example of eye contact as an avenue of communication can be further considered and illustrated. In some cultures, peoples use of body language goes hand in hand with their verbal communication. The majority of people make use of their hands as well as facial expressions accompanied with verbal communication so as to get their messages across to others. In some cultures, people can not even bear leading a debate with someone who limits himself or herself to verbal communication excluding any sort of helping gestures and movements. Lets take teaching as an example. Predictably, good teachers are supposed to use their hands, and move on so that their students could well get the points they talk about. Conversely, teachers who would stand before their students speaking and further speaking without any kind of body movements or signals are to be uncommon and discretely different. Students might describe one of these teachers as statuary. It d oes really make a difference. Body language does help the verbal communication when used simultaneously. Culture profoundly impacts our Kinesic behaviours. Throughout considering non-verbal communication, we cannot dismiss the contribution that culture has to communication. The concepts of culture and communication are indispensable. For non-verbal communication, culture has as well an effective role in shaping, determining and understanding the non-verbal behaviour. It is an oversimplification to say that culture has but a simple influence on the non-verbal behaviour. Culture does profoundly affect our non-verbal behaviour or body language. Samovar and Porter in Communication Between Cultures go beyond this to say that a cultures non-verbal language can be as unique as its verbal (166). Our daily non-verbal behaviours are culturally based and every culture along its individuals enculturation process shapes, in one way or another, its members non-verbal behaviours. Individuals or members of a community come to learn the preponderance of their kinesic behaviour along their conscious and unconscious learning of culture. In Communication B etween Cultures it is clearly argued that Culture is invisible, omnipresent, and learned, non-verbal communication has the same qualities [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] culture is all-pervasive, multidimensional and boundless; it is everywhere and in everything (Samovar and Porter 170). Culture is described as being everywhere and in everything; it is also invisible, omnipresent, learned, all-pervasive, multidimensional and boundless. All these descriptions denote that culture has an all-embracing aspect. The cultural contribution over the non-verbal behaviour is undeniable. Yet, there are other non-verbal behaviours that seem to be universal. Facial expressions like happiness, sadness, fear, surprise are present in every culture. Facial expressions profoundly affect our communication. Yet, Cultures differ in relating to facial expressions, Asians, for example, tend to keep their personal feelings secret as opposed to Arabs who can be plainly seen crying. Smiling is a universal non-verbal behavi our that may have different interpretations depending on the culture in which it is acted out. The same as it can be a sign of happiness in one culture; it can be a way of hiding ones feelings or avoiding to answer to certain embarrassing questions. Eye contact is highly important in maintaining and promoting relationships. People can send infinite messages through their eyes. In Eastern cultures, people value eye contact and think of it as primordial in their interpersonal communication. In other cultures like the Asian ones, maintaining eye contact for a considerable amount of time when interacting is seen as sign of rudeness or impoliteness. Children come to learn their cultures non-verbal system through the whole process of their enculturation or socialization. They firstly notice how their parents do exchange ideas and communicate non-verbally between each other trying later on to imitate their non-verbal system unconsciously getting a whole set of culturally bound body movement and gestures. Children who grew up in countries other than their native ones are observed to develop non-verbal systems utterly different from the one of theirs. They, consequently, behave in a different manner for they have been socialized and encultured with a different society and culture. At the same level and as we may observe, children get the bulk of our social and cultural norms non-verbally. Samovar and Porter write most of culture is automatic and subconscious (Communication Between Cultures, 33). Through this process, they come to get the preponderance of their cultures non-verbal system. Examples of cultural dissimilarities in human kinesic behaviour are numerous and uncounted. This clearly reveals how culture impacts our kinesic behaviour generation and our perception of it. Proximics examines space and time communication Space and time can alter our communication Developed by the U.S anthropologist Edward T. Hall, the study of Proximics concerns the use of both space and time for purposes of communication. The concept might be somewhat dim and unnoticeable in the communication process. Two ordinary people, for instance, can be part of a conversation without being aware and conscious about their involvement in culturally based proximic behaviours. The fact that they are sitting side by side, talking face to face, arranging their home furniture in a particular form, discussing for a considerable amount of time or just for few minutes is rarely observed as a distinct non-verbal communication situation. Through various situations people can unconsciously convey messages to others by the distance they hold in a conversation or by the time they do allot to a certain matter discussion. Human relationships as being intimate or independent are relatively significant factors that indicate and determine the space hold by partners in a communication situation. One cannot bear conversing with one of his intimate friends or family members if they stand afar from each other as they should be conventionally nearer. Strangers, however, who are not familiar with each other, cannot closely approach when they communicate. They are not to hold the same space as two intimate friends, couples or relatives may do since they share an independent tendency toward one another. They still are not involved with each other. Peoples use of space in their communication may vary according to the culture those people belong to. As aforementioned, culture has an all-embracing aspect. It is omnipresent and all pervasive. It denotes the space hold by individuals in a communication situation. Consider Arabs and westerners as a case in point, Arabs approach each other when they converse and rank t hat a normal behaviour. The same distance for a westerner in a conversation will be embarrassing and not usual. Today, people communicate with each other using modern electronic means of communication when they are in extremely distanced countries. People might be hundreds of miles far from each other holding tight relationships thanks to modern technologies. The presence of space in this context is not highly important since it is an inherent feature of communicating through these mediums. Individuals who communicate using internet, telephone or satellite facilities know pretty well that there is space between their partners. Much of the factors that shape and determine the non-verbal proximic behaviour are not of influential contribution to the process of communication held by means of new technologies that facilitates communication from afar. Individuals are not to convey messages using the proximic behaviour of space when they intercommunicate through chat rooms, phones or satellites. Time usage is another noteworthy proximic non-verbal behaviour. Beside space, the use of time can be of major significance to the process of communication. Time allotment for a certain subject to be discussed or to a certain problem to be solved would tell whether this subject or problem is of major or minor importance. In particular, when you end a conversation in few minutes without completing the subject of discussion, your communication partner might understand that you may not be in your mood, you do not want to pursue or develop the discussion further, you do not appreciate him, his ideas or he may think other things you cannot know simply because of the time you have allotted to communicate with him. Therefore, time is crucial as a proximic non-verbal behaviour. Factors that shape the concept of time are several and different. Time usage can be regulated by factors such as the individuals personal relationships. When you allot an important amount of time to discuss with someone, this might mean that this person counts for you, he might be one of your intimate friends or relatives. Human relationships do affect the concept of time. Another worth noting factor is everyday personal life occupations or what Ron Scollon and Suzanne Wong Scollon prefer to call time urgency. (Intercultural Communication, 159) The two writers deal with the concept of time from a different angle. They write time urgency or hurry sickness is a syndrome of behavior in which the person continually tries to accomplish more than can be humanly accomplished (159). The amount of time allotment in doing something or discussing something with someone is profoundly affected by peoples everyday occupations. Scollon and Scollon relate the aspect of time urgency with culture. The y argue this sense of time urgency is no longer a cultural characteristic of just this one generation (American males). It is a characteristic of the Asian salary man and is spreading throughout the world rapidly (159) those people who adopt this aspect of time urgency often see other people who adopt opposed views as conservatives, uncooperative or opposing progress (160). People differ and vary in this context taking into consideration the culture they belong to. Cultures shape our perception and use of time and space. Culture and the non-verbal proximic behaviour do really have an interaction. Culture is always that set of beliefs and values that inherently shape and determine our behaviours in using both time and space for purposes of communication. Culture allows us as well to understand what other people would communicate to us by holding a certain space or allotting a certain amount of time for a communication situation. Individualism is an inherent characteristic of western cultures. German people, for instance, do not demand proximate spaces in their daily interaction. Eastern societies, in contrast, place high premium on being collectivist. Consider the space hold by two individuals in a simple conversation. In an eastern context, a somewhat far disposition for the two individuals is culturally abnormal and unusual since they are accustomed of being near to each other when conversing so as to reach a better communication. The same space for an American, a British or a Swedish is normal and usual. It is embarrassing, in a western context, to hold adjacent positions standing much closer and nearer to the person in a discussion or conversation. Closely connected to this, Edward T. Hall, when referring to the contribution of culture on the aspect of space, argues each person has a bubble of space in which he or she moves and in which he or she feels comfortable. Intrusions into that space are acceptable only under circumstances of intimate contact. Outside of that space is a second bubble of space in which normal interpersonal contacts take place. Then outside of that is a third bubble of public space (Intercultural communication, 185). These bubbles are spaces that individuals in a certain culture hold when communicating with different people ranging from intimate, familiar to unknown. It is culture that shapes these spaces and these bubbles are aspects of culture. Cultures transfer these meanings through a variety of channels such as proverbs, folktales, myths and legen ds. Culture does even affect our home furniture arrangement. To take an example, Americans arrange most of their furniture to be TV centred. They point their sofas toward television sets. Distinctly, Collectivist societies organize their furniture to agree with their sitting habits. Arabs, for example, value talking and conversing rather than praising silence like Asians which results in a furniture arrangement convenient to their way of thinking that promotes their family interaction. The concept of time urgency abovementioned is an aspect of culture as well, an overall view of different cultures would tell that people belonging to these cultures differ in their views toward time urgency. Some cultures urge their members to take advantage of time and call for no time wasting when other cultures undermine hurry and advice being conscious, deliberate and careful in behaving and taking actions they are to do. Cultures are different in their perception of future. Arabs, Asians or nations who have histories dating centuries are said to be past-oriented (Communication Between Cultures, 189). Arabs openly show their pride of their history. It reveals their real success. Americans, however, do not relate to their history. Their culture is said to be future-oriented. They plan for their future and promote change. Conclusion: In general terms, Non-verbal communication arguably and allegedly has a close connection to culture. In trying to see a difference between communication in general and culture, some researchers have reported that communication is culture and culture is communication. They could not see an apparent and clear distinction between the two aspects. Culture could not have been developed without communication and communication could not have existed without culture. The two aspects are also indispensable for human existence. The non-verbal system developed by a certain culture is also a significant aspect of culture that helps attaining effective communication. Most people do not give much attention to their non-verbal behaviours as they are within the frontiers of their own culture. Problems of non-verbal communication do occur when individuals who belong to a certain culture confront and try to communicate with other individuals belonging to other cultures. By way of illustration, an Arab in a western country would use some gestures, signs or may hold a space in discussions which would be strange and odd for a westerner. To exemplify further, Americans use a sign pointing their middle finger up trying to communicate something agreed on. This specific sign is unknown and can not be understood when used in another culture like the Arab one. Thus, the need to be culturally sensitive in our communication is of great significance. We should bear in mind that there are cultural differences that shape and impact the non-verbal behaviour. Avoiding cultural miscommunication and misunderstanding and promoting intercultural effective communication c an not be attained without understanding and accepting other cultures with all the embedded aspects, values, beliefs that lie beneath it. Communication with others ought to be endowed with all forms of acceptance and tolerance. Stereotyping and prejudging often taint any human interaction. Another thing we should bare in mind is that a good communicator is always that one who accepts differences and diversity and view them as normal.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay example -- Georges decision

Many of you may think it was easy enough for George to pick up that Luger and shoot this man, Lennie, right in the back of the head. This, however, is not so. The internal conflict that George must have faced was no doubt greater than anything you can imagine. George, an angel of mercy to his good friend and confidant, Lennie Small, is not a murderer. He is quite the opposite. The care of Lennie had been placed into George's hands by a dying woman. George had promised that he would take care of Lennie, watch after him, make sure he was safe. Because the greatest danger to Lennie, George and this Aunt Clara must have known, was himself. His sheer strength and simple mindedness had gotten Lennie in trouble many times before, and then, suddenly, he had killed a woman. The blame can not be ...

Explore the different types of leadership Golding and Garland present E

Explore the different types of leadership Golding and Garland present in Lord of the Flies and The Beach. In Lord of the Flies and The Beach many leadership qualities are shown. These qualities are shown in different ways for example one leader is elected by democracy, another is self-appointed and lastly there is the destructive leader. Lord of the Flies was written in 1954. A time when commercialisation was not an issue and media hype only had subtle effects of society. The Beach was written in 1996, American globalisation has begun and the media played a massive part in society. I will look at how the different time may affect the way in which a leader reacts. The most obvious resemblance between the novels is the setting and the isolation of the islands yet there is a differentiation in that the boys in Lord of the Flies are stranded and are forced to try and survive where they don’t really want to be. The Characters in The Beach have chosen to be isolated in such surroundings and don’t want to leave. For them it is not a matter of survival. In both novels the leadership and order of their close-knit communities is similar, the way both societies morals decline and the introduction of violent behaviour is the start of their destruction. Although they bare resemblance they are very different. I will look at how the leaders affect this. Firstly I will look at what makes a good leader, I will then look at each character in turn and establish the different types of leadership Golding and Garland present in Lord of the Flies and The Beach. What makes a good leader? It has been said that some are born with the right qualities and some develop them. Whether nature or nurture a good leader should alwa... ...le attributes for a leader only this is the only leadership quality Jed holds. In conclusion, I believe that Sal was the most suitable leader although being selfish at heart, all she cared about was the beach, which in effect was a good thing. Bugs simply did as Sal said so I doubt in a tough situation alone Bugs would be able to make calm and good decisions. Richard obviously is not really a contender for any type of leadership because of his childishness and uncaring nature. After comparing and analyzing the leadership in both novels I have evidence to believe that a personality such as Ralph’s would always be best for a leadership placement. He is compassionate, forward thinking and loyal. Both novels show mans natural instinct to resort to destructive violence, Ralph is the only exception to this and is the most focused character from both novels.

“Immigrant” becomes dirtiest word as Americans are told to speak English

A recent article from the Independent Newspaper's correspondent in New York brings to our attention â€Å"the current mood of xenophobia† in the USA. After approximately two centuries of welcoming immigrants from around the world, it would seem that the Americans have begun to mistrust and to some extent, even fear the very people that have historically given them such a dynamic and diverse country, namely, foreign immigrants. There are several reasons for this recent shift in perspective, two of which are, recent terrorist attacks on American servicemen in Saudi Arabia and an explosion on an American airline flight, that foreign terrorists caused some people suspect. Historian, Arthur Schlesinger has spoken on â€Å"the tribalization of American life† and appears to be suggesting that the different ethnic groups in America are arranging themselves into their own groups and not crossing ethnic boundaries. One symptom of this seems to be the gang culture that exists, where each gang is alleged to be made up from members of the same ethnic group. A key factor in this is language, generally people who only speak one language find it difficult to mix with other ethnic groups or cultures, or indeed find it difficult to understand other cultures viewpoint. As a result of all of these difficulties, the government has introduced a bill called â€Å"The English Language Empowerment Act† the main purpose of which is to make English the official language of America. It is perceived by Republicans, that this Act will encourage immigrants to learn English, as it will be difficult, if not impossible for them to understand federal documents that are written in English. The Act has already been criticised for infringing on American's right to free speech and making it difficult for non-English speaking Americans to receive or even understand information or ideas. It is a safe assumption to make, that if people can't speak English, then they will be unable to understand written English. This argument would seem to carry a significant amount of weight. People have put forward the argument that this Act is connected with attitudes towards Immigrants. This argument seems to be borne out by the fact that there is nothing in the Act that will help to actually teach people how to speak or read English, rather it seems to punish those who can't by denying them access to written information. It has also been pointed out by opponents to the Act, that ninety seven percent of Americans speak English already and a very small proportion of government documents (around one percent,) are actually written in a foreign language. Some people looking at these statistics, would argue that there is no need for this Act, unless it were to force people into becoming â€Å"more American† and punishing those who preferred to stick to their own language and culture. This argument seems to be borne out further by another piece of Republican proposed legislation, the welfare reform Bill. One provision of this Bill would be that, immigrants who are in America quite legally, but are not yet citizens, would not be eligible for state welfare benefits, yet another form of â€Å"immigrant bashing† some might say. Hot button as mentioned in the article; a controversial thing of the moment, it is a happening now situation. Enduring canard, a lasting ongoing issue, to accept with a certain amount of tolerance regarding political correctness, in this case a probability that it has come about in the course of sensationalism and cock-and-bull story of this report in America's newspapers. Polyglot America Speaking, reading and writing many different languages, in this case America.