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Critique of a Scholarly Article A Quantitative Approach

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Critique of a Scholarly Article: A Quantitative Approach

Introduction

Patient care is at the core of nursing responsibilities. In this regard, nursing recognizes that effective patient care is fundamental for quick recovery of the patients. Because of the need to enhance recovery and prevent wastage of resources, most medical institutions are increasingly advocating for home based care. Empirical research ascertains that patients in home environments tend to be more relaxed and hence respond positively to the treatment accorded to them. As home makers, spouses, mothers and nurses, women play an integral role in providing home based are to various patients. The society expects them to provide these services to the ailing persons in their homes. However, they experience various challenges that equally compromise their quality of life and general wellbeing. Women suffering from cardiovascular infections particularly face a host of challenges especially considering that they are terminal patients. It is for this reason that DiGiacomo, Davidson, Zecchin, Lamb, and Daly, (2011) explore the health implications of women who provide home based care while suffering from cardiovascular infections at the same time.

The study under review sought to underscore the effect that care giving has on the cardiovascular health of women suffering from this disease. This was informed by the recognition that just like other women, these also participate actively in care giving. Basically, it cannot be disputed that care giving tasks are complex and involving. Reportedly, most care givers ascertain that they ultimately have poor health too (DiGiacomo et al, 2011). This is attributed to the mental as well as emotional strain that is associated with the practice. Further, relative roles demand immense physical, psychological and financial resources. Comparatively, they are more likely to develop health complications than the rest of the population. In light of this study, inherent difficulties are further exacerbated by the fact that the respective women suffer from cardiac problems. The authors of the study clearly present the main concern during their introduction. This placement is ideal as it acquaints the reader with factual background information about the topic (Polit & Beck, 2004).

With respect to the structure of the study, it is appropriate and qualifies the article to be employed in academic research. The study begins by providing important background information about the problem in its introduction. It then proceeds to the methodology and materials section. In this, it details the methods that were used during the study. Also, it underscores the findings of the study under the findings and discussion segment. Then, it cites the limitations of the study. Using these, future researchers wishing to pursue the subject further can identify intrinsic knowledge gaps and thus provide more credible results. Finally, it gives a conclusion of the study and lists the references employed in the same. According to Polit and Beck (2004), this is an ideal structure for quantitative nursing researches.

After identifying an ideal sample, the researchers present them with the Women’s-Role-Inventory- Protocol-Modified questionnaire to complete. This was drawn from membership of a CR medical program and constituted of fifty four participants. Although the sample was relevant, it was not representative of the global population. At this point in time, it is worth appreciating that studies, however small have various global implications. This is attributed to the fact that they contribute a great deal to the knowledge used for making critical decisions. Furthermore, current populations are diverse and hence, the generated knowledge needs to be comprehensive enough to effectively cater for their concerns.

Notably, this questionnaire is highly structured and seeks to determine the intensity of satisfaction as well as stress associated with women’s roles. In their study, Polit and Beck (2004) ascertain that quantitative nursing researches utilize highly structured questionnaires in data collection. The characteristic 10-point scale enabled effective rating of the degree of satisfaction or stress experienced by each participant. Besides garnering quantifiable levels of satisfaction and stress, it also aided in extrapolating the context and meanings of the relative perceptions. This was further followed by a discussion of the feelings of the participants. Although this move greatly compromised attainment of self generated responses, it ensured that the responses were objective and consistent with the measures presented in the survey and questionnaire instruments. To a great extent, this eased the process of coding and analysis of the findings.

With respect to analysis of the findings, the researchers employed statistical methods. In particular, they calculated the means, ranges and percentages of various aspects of their study. Relative measurements and definitions upon which this evaluation was based included the divorce rates, widowed periods and so forth. The findings were further presented graphically to ease understanding. Likewise, this is a highly structured approach that ensured that the outcomes were objective. Quantifying the findings enhances easy understanding of the same.

In their findings and discussion, the researchers ascertained that indeed, women play multiple roles in the home environment. Besides playing the roles of a spouse, they are also mothers and in some cases, bread winners of their families. Most importantly, they assume important nursing roles in home based care. Although these roles tend to be taxing and stressing, they are inherently satisfying (DiGiacomo, 2011). Nonetheless, the research recognized that unlike their counterparts, women suffering from cardiovascular diseases face unique challenges when performing relative roles. To a great extent, this compromises their health and makes them susceptible to relative illnesses. For this reason, the study concluded that although care giving by the respective women is satisfying, they need to create a balance between relative responsibilities and prioritization of their cardiovascular health. Finally, the researchers list the references they drew various ideas from. Using these, readers can be able to explore the presented information further.

In sum, the research article under review qualifies to be a quantitative nursing study. As it has come out from the preceding analysis, the study’s structure meets the requirements of an academic article. From the abstract and introduction, the authors proceed to the methodology segment. In this, they utilize a highly structured questionnaire to collect relevant data. Likewise, they analyze the data using statistical mathematical models. This contributes a great deal to objective outcomes. They then present their findings graphically as well as descriptively. Before they conclude by summarizing the entire study, they highlight the limitations of the study. From an ethical point of view, this is acceptable within the academic sphere. Finally, they provide a list of the sources they used as references. With these, the readers have a chance to study the provided facts further. In sum, the research article is idyllic, all encompassing and therefore credible within the academic sphere.

References

DiGiacomo, M., Davidson, P., Zecchin, R., Lamb, K. & Daly, J. (2011). Caring for others, but not themselves: Implications for health care interventions in women with cardiovascular disease. Nursing Research and Practice, 1. 2011-2016.

Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2004). Nursing research: principles and methods. Philadelphia: Lippincott & Wilkins.

Critique of a Quantitative Study

Critique of a Quantitative Study

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In “Interrelations of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive school engagement in high school students. Journal of Youth and Adolescence” Li, & Lerner argues in the essence that behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement are related in regards to how adolescents achieve in school. Li & Lerner goes ahead to state that the three aspects affect each other in regards to time. Based on my vast experience as a researcher, I have to say that I find Li, & Lerner opinions intellectual, fascinating, and possibly notably well worth following.

Li, & Lerner application of cognitive, behavior, and emotional aspects symbolizes how real and significant they are to the commitment of adolescents in schools. First and foremost, Li, & Lerner denotes that emotional characteristics affects behavioral aspects and cognitive aspects. This suggests that emotional engagement influences behavioral engagement, and cognitive engagement, but the aspect regarding if cognitive affects emotional and behavioral engagements has not been fully investigated. Li & Lerner state that the blend of these three aspects has a great effect on an adolescent commitment in school.

Li & Lerner in the course of their research identified that emotion is the entry point or the key stimulator for the other engagements. They continued to state that when emotional commitment rises, it influences vigorous contribution, which thus leads to amplified cognitive engagement. Conversely, Li, & Lerner goes on to state that during their study, they did not expect that behavioral engagement would influence cognitive or emotional aspects in adolescents. Their research was based on positive youth development, an aspect that was to explain if behavioral engagements affect emotional and cognitive aspects. The research wanted to understand the effects of developmental assets effects in regards to positive youth development throughout adolescence. Li & Lerner used data that resulted from the Grades 9-11 waves or the waves five to seven from the 4-H study, which regards positive youth development. The 4-H study is an ongoing longitudinal scrutiny of adolescents that regards the measurements and definition the key structures of positive youth development, and understanding the effects of developmental assets effects in regards to positive youth development throughout adolescence.

The researcher steered by Li, & Lerner expected them to look at various demographic and non-demographic characteristics of the parent and the adolescents. The demographic and non-demographic characteristics were all written in the student and parent questionnaire. Li & Lerner argued that demographic and non-demographic characteristics were essential for the consideration of the school commitment of an adolescent. The key objective of the research was to analyze the interrelationships occurring among behavioral, cognitive, and emotional school engagement with time. The research assumed that emotions can be the access point to the relational process. However, the distinctions in the behavioral engagement influenced cognitive and emotional engagement. The research later identified that behavioral engagement was steady than cognitive and emotional aspects, which were discreetly steady. Li, & Lerner believed that the research would bring the anticipation that cognitive and emotional aspects could lead to extended behavioral engagement, and that past emotional engagement could influence cognitive engagement.

The complete present results showed that school engagement holds its personal inner dynamics, where behavior, cognition, and emotional aspects affect each other, thus intensifies over time. The conclusions were somewhat in line with the proposition that motivational opinions and positive emotions leads to the rise in participation, and that encouraging mood increases cognitive ability. Consequently, Li, & Lerner proposals regarding behavioral aspect twisted to be a significant predictor of cognitive and emotional engagement in both intervals. The most exceptional aspect with the results regards the connection between emotional and behavioral aspects is that it is not unidirectional, but bidirectional.

This critique backs its statements by referencing different researchers work and their proposal regarding that idea. Amongst the researchers it cites its work from is (Skinner et al.2008) who argued saying that behavior, cognition, and emotional affects each other, thus intensifying with time. The other scholar that Li, & Lerner referenced their work was (Glanville and Wildhagen 2007) who argued that school commitment is very important in academic achievement theories, as well as the broader child growth literature.

The basis of my critique will regard the aspect that behavior, cognition, and emotional influence each other, thus intensify themselves over time. Adolescents at this stage are said to have many conditions undergoing inside their bodies. Based on this fact, these three aspects are very vital in this stage as they tend to have the huge influence. Adolescents at this stage tend to change their behavior and emotions based on what goes on in their bodies. Basing on this fact, during adolescents, students tend to change their behaviors as a result of emotional changes, which thus escalate to cognitive engagement. The support and affection that adolescents get at this stage have a vital role in their performance in school. During this stage, many students tend to perform as per the affection they receive from the society. This is an aspect that Li & Lerner explains that there are other non-demographic and demographic aspects that pose a huge impact on the emotional, behavioral and cognitive engagements.

In conclusion, the study conducted by Li, & Lerner and (Skinner et al.2008) is very vital for teachers, parents and adolescent students. These articles are very instrumental as they point out the factors that play and influence the school engagement of adolescents. This study should also go further to understand how cognitive engagement affects emotional and behavioral aspects.

References

Glanville, J. L., & Wildhagen, T. (2007). The measurement of school engagement: Assessing dimensionality and measurement invariance across race and ethnicity. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 67, 1019–1041.

Skinner, E. A., Furrer, C., Marchand, G., & Kindermann, T. (2008). Engagement and disaffection in the classroom: Part of a larger motivational dynamic? Journal of Educational Psychology, 100, 765–781.

Criticisms of Karl Max and Talcott Parsons Explanation of social change

Criticisms of Karl Max and Talcott Parsons Explanation of social change

Karl Marx is known for his socio-political theory that has greatly influenced and caused major development of social science and social change. Talcott Parsons on the other hand is known for his grand theory approach into the understanding of the revolution of social change. Both of these two sociologists have received equal criticisms into their view on social change. This paper discusses why Karl Marx and Talcott parsons have often been criticized for failing to provide an adequate explanation of social change.

Parsons was mainly criticized by contemporary sociologist like Wright Mills. It is claimed that the grand theory is not based on facts but rather Parson had the intention of imposing his will on data interpretation. Parsons explains in his theory that the society has developed through history in three main stages. The first stage is the primitive stage followed by the archaic stage then the modern society that is the society of today. The archaic society had the ability to write where as the modern society has both the ability to write and knowledge of law (Parsons, 1975). He says that western civilization culminates the modern society. He further explains that the system of society has developed through adaptation, differentiation and upgrading. By comparing modern society to that of Americans and saying that it is the most modernized society, made his theory to be under attack for accusations of ethnocentrism.

He never satisfied his explanation of social change because he states the systems of society are trying to achieve equilibrium and that the evolution of society is similar to the evolution of human nature biologically. It is not possible for a society to attain a perfect equilibrium state since society and systems of social culture tend to lean more towards attaining social change. In addition to these criticisms, Parsons has also been criticized for his writing style which made it difficult for people to understand his claims well.

Karl Marx on the other hand was more focused on social change than on society attaining a state of equilibrium. His major failure was on the part that most of his predictions did not turn out to be true. For instance, he had predicted that capitalism will come to an end beginning with highly industrialized nations (Avineri, 1968). This never happened because it was China and the Soviet Union that first adopted socialism. His predictions were further met with a big hit by the falling out of communism in the Soviet Union and in China in the late 20th century. He also did not explain social change properly since he sensitized that maximum profit can only be achieved by increasing the labor force. He failed to realize that profit can also be attained by investments on technology and human capital.

Marx also predicted that inequality would increase and the gap between the rich and the poor would also rise due to capitalism. The working class would be more and more impoverished as they will be exploited by the rich. Trade unions have helped disapprove this Marxists claims by bringing reforms of liberal nature. Workers today have an improved state of work thanks to the involvement of trade unions in fighting for their rights. The working class that Marx had predicted to increase is reducing because of the replacement of industrialization with the service sector (Avineri, 1968). The only instant where Marx and his theory proved to be true was during the economic recession witnessed in 2008, but however world economies are pulling out of it.

Reference List

Avineri, S. (1968). The Social and Political Thought of Karl Marx. Cambridge:

Cambridge University press.

Parsons, T. (1975). The Present Status of “Structural-Functional” Theory in Sociology.

In T. Persons, Social Systems and The Evolution of Action Theory. New York: The free press.

Criticism of the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman

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Criticism of the American Dream in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Introduction

In most instances, the society has a great influence on the wellbeing of an individual. The ideals and values that are perpetuated by the same often determine the behavior and ideals that are assumed by the individuals that belong to the same. The American dream that encourages pursuit of material success and the need to assume a lifestyle that is better than that of the parents is one social ideology that can be considered to have had significant impacts on the behavior of the Americans. The fact that it is deeply embedded in the social ideals makes it a desirable value to pursue. In his book The Death of a Salesman, Miller prompts the audience to re examine the American dream and the relative values, virtues and ideals. Most importantly, he presents to the audience the adverse effects of the dream as well as its inherent complexities. From his point of view, Miller ascertains that the American dream as just that, a dream and myth that can not be attained. Indeed, it can not be disputed that the American dream has had adverse effects on the lives of the Americans.

In his play, Miller presents Willy Loman who leads a miserable life because of the need to pursue the ideals of the American dream. The society plays a critical role in shaping the social ideals and expects its individuals to assume the same. Hence the lack of material wealth by Loman makes him a laughing stock of the society and as Irving notes, nothing that he says or does is pleases the society (Miller 252). He places great emphasis on attainment of this material wealth in order for him to be held in high regard by the society. However, his thoughts and pursuits are entirely psychological as opposed to practical. In other words, the protagonist lives in an imaginary world in which he believes to have attained the dream. In this consideration, it is certain that he derives his sense of satisfaction from attaining prominence that is solely defined by having material wealth.

According to Frank, Loman aligns his dreams and pursuits to the success presented by the American dream (Frank 176). The relative narcissistic thinking prevents him from appreciating the reality. He instead replaces this with his grandiose dreams that can not be attained because of lack of vital resources and self will. Thus he is compelled to his unattainable dreams that further trigger him to commit suicide. Another misconception that undermines the ability of Loman to live a healthy life is his emphasis on being liked.

In his review, Lois ascertained that he placed great emphasis on the importance of being liked and “believed that it played a critical role in the success of a given business in future” (Lois 273). In this consideration, it can be argued that Loman did not live his life objectively; rather he placed undue emphasis on pleasing other individuals. The worst part of this is that he passed on this misguided belief and encouraged his children by stating “…that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked” (Miller 79). This belief was perpetuated by the fact that the rich were always liked by a significant percentage of the population. As such, the protagonist was deceived in to believing that this is the same way through which the poor man gets rich.

In this respect, Lois believed that Loman’s undue attention on the need to enhance his personal image is aligned to the American dream (Lois 266). The American dream holds public approval in high regard and expects any individual who attains this to be approved by the public. Approval in this respect is defined by having wealth, living in a good house, attaining credible education and being able to pass on these attributes to one’s children. In addition, successful individuals in light of the American dream needed to be in active employment, whose rewards are sustainable.

The obsession to have material wealth prevents Loman from bringing up his children in a virtuous manner. Coupled with his world of imagination, he dismally fails to inculcate vital virtues in his children and provide the best example for growth and development. This is exemplified when Biff finds him with a woman in a hotel room. Notably, the pride that he had instilled in his son was drained through this incidence. Despite this, he continues to live in a world of imagination and even encourages his sons to steal so that they can attain material wealth. This significantly affects their growth and in future, they are unable to perform farm work in order to earn a decent living.

Notably, the individuals in the society who are considered to have attained the American dream are defined by having significant material wealth. Loman constantly compares himself with his brother Ben who has significant material wealth. Nevertheless, he eliminates any possibility of living with him in order to earn the relative wealth and prestige. This is due to the fact that this would require relocation from the city life and the characteristic ideals of the Americans dream. In particular, he would not have to pay rent, pay for refrigeration as well as his car (Frank 179). Seemingly, these ideals are common in the urban setting. At his point, it can be ascertained that attaining the ideal social conditions requires procedures that are in themselves contradictory.

In his critical review, Lois underscores the reasons that made Loman to cling to his dreams even when they were wrong and misleading (Lois 268). Loman believed that he was an ideal sales man and in future, he would make exorbitant profits. This was regardless of the fact that the present returns from this career were menial and further drove him in the world of desperation. Despite this reality, he did not give up on this self demeaning career but clung to the elusive vision of him attaining success in future. This blocked his creative ability and made it impossible for him to pursue other alternatives that would have been even more rewarding. In this regard, Lois argues that the American dream can be implicated for perpetuating this misleading attitude (Lois 269). Essentially, this concept believed that a child who would be able to follow in the footsteps of his parents would equally achieve economic prosperity. Notably, Loman lacked the power that stems from parental love and guidance. This influenced him to live in a world of fantasy that compromised his capacity to use his abilities effectively.

Loman’s pretence and imagination prevented him from dealing with the complexities that compounded his life. He has been cited to have had a deflated sense of ego that enabled him to perceive the life’s difficulties and challenges from an imaginary perspective. This tendency was further perpetuated by his wife who encouraged his defective way of thinking. For instance, when he complained of a negative response from his customers on the premise that he spoke so much, his wife encouraged him by saying that he is only lively. In this case, this prevented him from mending his ways with regard to marketing. Further, his wife can be considered to have contributed to his immorality because of her failure to provide the much needed emotional encouragement. This is manifested when he confides to the other woman that he does not have anybody to help him shoulder the challenges. In response, the other woman provided him with encouragement and assurance that seemingly made him feel better. In return, this had adverse effects on Biff who vowed not to continue with his education or pursue college.

The compulsive need to pursue the dream also has negative effects on the unity of Loman’s family as it divides the same along women interests. Loman himself is a victim of immorality when he sleeps with another woman in the hotel room. Thus instead of having the warmth and unity that is characteristic of a family, the dream makes the family in this regard to experience immense loss. Happy leaves home and gets his apartment so that he can be able to enjoy his women (Irving 244). Biff on the other hand decides to leave home because of the discoveries that could enable him to attain material wealth. In this respect, it is certain that the efforts employed in the pursuit of the dream compromises the unity of the family as opposed to unifying the same.

The events that force the family members to unite only seek to perpetuate the personal differences and compromise the ability of the same to work together. The fact that the members have differences with regard to material wealth and way of thinking undermines their ability to work together in pursuit of similar goals. It is in this consideration that Irving argues that the urge to provide a social home that offers warmth and acceptance by pursuing the ideals of the dream compromises the ideals of the family, that are basic to its existence (Irving 258). Since the family is the fundamental functional unit of the society, this implies that it is difficult to attain the American dream as the relevant values and virtues compromise the very wellbeing of the society.

Different authors of whom Lois is represented ascertain that the persistence that was exhibited by Loman when pursuing his dreams, regardless of their being faulty can be attributed to the ideals of the American dream. This encourages hard work to attain material wealth and live a better life than the life of the parents. However, it is worth acknowledging that Loman did not have role models from which he could derive his standards. As such, he assumed the ideals of the likes of Singleman who were successful and financially stable even in old age. In addition, the failure to assume an occupation that he had the ability to and persist in business, irrespective of the fact that he did not have the capacity to pursue it effectively can be attributed to the need to pursue the American dream.

The obsession to have material wealth is further extended to Lorman’s future and can be implicated for his committal of suicide. In this respect, it can be posited that his admiration of the funeral of the fellow sales man that was attended by persons from all folks contributed to his desire to die. Irving asserts that the suicide was contributed to by his need to flee from the glaring shame from the society and his desire to reestablish the integrity of his family as well as the his self confidence that has greatly been compromised by his lack of material wealth (Irving 255). The insurance money according to him could accord him the values and respect that Singleman and Ben enjoyed during his burial.

He believes that his ability to go top the dark would enable him to make different adventures and attain wealth in form of diamonds and have a grand funeral. He likens this to Singleman’s funeral and believes that it would surprise Biff. However, his death does not have any positive impact on the welfare of his family. Again, this is a clear indication that the urge to conform to the ideals of the society has negative impacts on the self. In this regard, this cost Loman his life and fundamental family ideals were greatly compromised.

Conclusion

From the analysis, it can be ascertained that the society always has significant effects on the welfare of an individual. As it has come out from the analysis, it is certain that the American dream compelled the protagonist to assume ideals that compromised his wellbeing and ultimately led to his demise. Furthermore, it is certain that the ideals that are perpetuated by the dream are in themselves contradictory and hence their attainment is more of a myth than a reality. In his play The Death of a Salesman, Miller succeeds in relaying to the audience this important message and ascertains that the American dream does not attain its stipulated goals; rather its pursuit has adverse effects on the holistic wellbeing of the citizens.

Works Cited

Ardolino, Frank. “‘I’m not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman!’: The Significance of Names and Numbers in Death of a Salesman.” Journal of Evolutionary Psychology (2002): 174-83.

Arthur, Miller. Death of a Salesman. USA: Penguin Classics, 1996.

Jacobson, Irving. “Family Dreams in Death of a Salesman.” American Literature, 47.2 (1975): 247-58.

Tyson, Lois. “The Psychological Politics of the American Dream: ‘Death of a Salesman’ and the Case for an Existential Dialectics.” Essays in Literature 19.2 (1992): 260-80

Critically interrogating natural or common sense ways of knowing and being

Critically interrogating natural or common sense ways of knowing and being

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With the evolution of man, different beliefs and practices have come up. Create philosophers and thinkers have come up with different ideologies about life. That is through critical thinking and analysis on different matters in life. Long time ago people believed in the existence of a powerful being, more powerful than human being. This is clearly seen in the hierarchy of being where God is considered to be the highest and more powerful. However, in today’s society, everything that is done is human centered (Wolfreys, 2006). That is different theories have come up to show that human beings have involved themselves in critical thinking to come up with these theories about their origin and way of life. General principles have resulted to coming up of different ideas.

Different political philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Locke have come up with different theories. Issues that they tried to address in these theories majorly concerned the idea of personal freedom. Racism is one of the issues that these philosophers tried to address. In our society today, especially in the United States of America racism has been an issue of concern (Howard & Dei, 2008). Thus, many different theories were developed to show how Black Americans evolved. That is why they were discriminated in all arenas for instance in schools and jobs.

Some of the theories and ideologies have been founded in dichotomous logic. That means different things determine how we think and behave. The main purpose of the critics is to enlighten humanism on a number of concepts about life. Some of the philosophers such as Judith Butler use different concepts such as performativity. In which she says that, things have changed in today’s society as a result of postmodernism. Some of the things that she mentions in her ideology are the use of computers which has greatly affected how we think (Shotwell, 2011).

Critical thinking is interlinked with common sense. For you to critically think, and come up with an ideology, you must use your common sense. Thus, common sense is related to critical thinking. Common sense will mostly be determined by the knowledge that one has on different issues in life. Karl Marx one of the philosophers aimed at transforming Europe on the issue of social class. Karl Marx focused sociological organization of labor where he said that; capitalist will result to forced labor (Wolfreys, 2006). Thus he was against it and developed an ideology on communism.

In the recent past, people accepted doctrines without reasoning. As a result of that, dictatorship took the greatest part. However, as time went by people became more enlightened on different aspects of life and started fighting for their rights. These issues included gender, sexuality, and race. In humanism, individuals believe that, every individual is supposed to be free on every issue in life. That is why some of the philosophers emphases on freedom of expression and speech (Shotwell, 2011). Through the freedom of expression and speech people are able to express themselves on different aspects of life. They are able to fight for their rights, providing an arena for freedom of expression and expression of ideas.

Jurgen Habermas a philosopher takes a common sense position by saying that, all human beings share a common characteristic. Thus, through reasoning together we are able to come up with a decision. Human beings are always aimed at thinking critically in order to come up with a final decision which is for the betterment of the world. Through use of common sense people are able to come up with solutions on different issues surrounding them (Howard & Dei, 2008).

Notably, darkness happens as a result of absence of sunlight in the same way, reason is the negation of emotion. Postmodernism is as a result of humanism a theory that has been developed by various philosophers. Cultural studies theory encompasses several theories that have been brought up by different philosophers. These theories focus on the nature and common sense. They focus on the historical foundations of different communities. Although, we may say that, people become leaders in a society as a result of natural traits in some of the cases it may not be the case. It is important to understand that, philosophers used their common sense to come up with the cultural studies theories.

In most of the communities, common sense is linked with conservative political ideas. Thus, ideas on political matters come up as a result of use of common sense. Leaders such as Adolf Hitler lead people through use of dictatorship. Considering his background we may say that, leadership was not an inborn natural trait but the environment modeled him to become a leader that is through the use of his common sense. Additionally, issues on common sense arise on gender inequality. Some of the people discriminate women saying that, they are not able to thing rationally because of they are women. However, that is not the case women are able to come up with great ideas once they are given leadership positions, they are able to carry out activities which men cannot (Shotwell, 2011).

The society has changed as a result of the change in leadership strategies. People come up with different ideologies in regard to leadership styles and organization of the community structure. The different ideologies include communist and capitalists. This came up as a result of different people who shared the same ideas on the organization of the community. There is a need to satisfy the needs of different people in the society. Capitalist is focused on human alienation and mistreating members of the society for the sake of few members in the society. Thus, people came up with communist to ensure that, every member in the society is treated equally. This is because every person has a right of expression and speech to enable him comes up with different ways of survival in the society we are living.

In a nutshell, critical interrogation on different theories enables us to appreciate every person and their roles in the society. That is why Karl Marx ideology on the use of common sense is referred to as social philosophy. This is because it simply outlines how the society views life and their views on different aspects of life. Common sense in addition comes up as a result of social reality (Howard & Dei, 2008). This simply means common sense enables people to gain knowledge thus becoming intellects. Common sense is an important field that should be taken into consideration on various aspects of life. That is why some of the philosophers suggest that it should be a sixth sense to be studied.

References

Howard, P. S. S., & Dei, G. J. S. (2008). Crash politics and antiracism: Interrogations of liberal race discourse. New York: Peter Lang.

Shotwell, A. (2011). Knowing otherwise: Race, gender, and implicit understanding. University Park, Pa: Pennsylvania State University Press.

Wolfreys, J. (2006). Modern British and Irish criticism and theory: A critical guide. Edinburgh: Edinburgh Univ. Press.

Critically assess the reward practices used within ABC MSC and suggest how the differences in practice between local staff

Critically assess the reward practices used within ABC MSC and suggest how the differences in practice between local staff and expatriates might be addressed taking cultural considerations into practice

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Introduction

Employee motivation is one of the techniques that ABC MSC ought to employ to ensure optimal productivity. Although there are diverse techniques that could be used to motivate employees, the efficacy and applicability of the technique depends on the organization and the industry in which it operates. No matter what type of technique that ABC MSC chooses to adopt, based on the observations of Johansson, 1997, the technique must be one that incorporates components that affect the social component of the employees. This means that for the technique to succeed, it must affect their communication, sense of belonging to a team and relationship cutting across all the levels of staff. Based on the analysis of ABC MSC, employee rewards is not at the core of the organization. As at the present, the local staff and compensation services do not include medical benefits to cover close family members (Foong & Richardson, 2008). In addition, the absence of training department in the corporate division to offer more training for managers so that they might uplift their managerial techniques is not in place currently (Foong & Richardson, 2008).

Reward practices used

Motivation is the activation of goal-oriented behaviour. It is usually used as a tool to getting results. According to Koch 2001, a delicate balance of communication, incentives and structures are necessary in motivating others. ABS MSC uses both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation methods. Intrinsic motivation is described as the motivation that is driven by an interest in the task itself. This form of motivation exists within the individual and does not rely on external pressure. On the other hand, according to Alon 2004, extrinsic motivation originates from outside the individual. An example of extrinsic motivation is rewards like grades and money or coercion and punishment. Koch 2001 described motivation as being entrenched in the essential need to reduce physical pain and increase pleasure. In addition, specific needs such as eating and resting may be included as the foundation of motivation. In most cases, motivation is confused with concepts such as preference or optimism.

Direct rewards

For instance, between 2000 and 2005, the transport allowances were increased from RM200 to RM220. Human beings’ behaviours are influenced by their wants and desires are among the motivation methods employed by ABS MSC. The needs are numerous and as such they are arranged in order of importance starting from the basic to the complex. Tylecote 2004 says, one cannot advance to the next level of needs before the lower level is minimally fulfilled. In the case study, ABS MSC has moved from the basic needs like salary to secondary ones like car parking allowances. Although ABC MSC does not offer direct monetary awards, for example higher wages or salaries, the strategy employed to retain the existing employees is spread on areas like transport allowances, cell phone, car parking allowances among other. This has been as a retention strategy.

Fair treatments

According to Davis et al (1992) people are more likely to be motivated when they feel fairly treated as in ABS MSC. Moreover, when one feel unfairly treated they may become de-motivated. ABS MSC’s motivation declines because of the sense of inequality that has been going on. This sense of fairness depends on the comparison the employees make between their rewards with the ratio received by others considered to be in the same working conditions. ABS MSC recognizes or appreciates the facts that variable factors do affect individual’s assessment and perception of their association with work their work. Although at times the management ignores the requirements of the employees. The working environment has been favourable and this has been acting as a motivation factor for the employees.

Good Management

ABS MSC has four strong management practices that act as a motivation. The lifetime employment, seniority-based earnings, promotion systems, ABS MSC welfare services and enterprise unionism are the core strengths of ABS MSC. People are motivated by things that they desire, that they know how to get and that they believe they have the ability to achieve. Individuals have the tendency to select the behavioural option with the greatest motivation forces. The motivation force for an action is a function of three perceptions namely expectancy, valance and instrumentality. Johansson 1997 simplifies the terms as, the expectancy that one’s behaviour will lead to the desired performance, the value that an individual places on the rewards, and the belief that one will receive a greater reward if they meet the performance expectations. Since the motivation force is the product of three perceptions, a zero value of any perception will result into a zero for the whole equation. In the case given, ABS MSC has the expectancy that customer satisfaction ratings will go up (Koch, 2001).

Achievable goals

A goal is the aim of an action, for instance, to achieve a specific standard of proficiency. Moreover, a goal is key tool in getting one motivated. The best goal setting method is called S.M.A.R.T, which assumes that a goal should be specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and time bound (Tylecote, 2004). During the appraisal interview, ABS MSC employees are motivated to work because of the goals, the company sets. ABS MSC wants to increase customer satisfaction in the coming year and understands that this can only be achieved by satisfying the different needs of the numerous stakeholders in the projects. This has been another motivating factor in ABS MSC.

From the discussion above it is clear that employee motivation is driven by numerous desires, needs like money, security and individual satisfaction. In addition, there is the personal internal drive to do a certain task or take part in an organizational change. Employees need to be motivated towards achieving the organizational goals. Various models like the one discussed above, have tried to explain how employees are motivated. However, mere pay rise initiatives seem to be insufficient in improving the company’s performance. Using the intrinsic motivation concept may lead to organizational goals being attained (Tylecote, 2004). The intrinsic motivation challenges the concept that people often do something for external rewards.

Looking at the program used by ABC MSC, the effectiveness of the program can be evaluated on a scorecard based on the above points. First, the program recognizes the importance of going beyond pay-check. The program is likely to succeed given its recognition of various aspects that relate to group dynamics. By incorporating the go-cart racing, the ABC MSC employees are placed in a better position to appreciate the spirit of teamwork and give them the sense of belonging. It also has an impact on the employees’ sense of belonging and brings to them the spirit of communicating at various levels of staff. It can further be observed that the program stands high chances of success because it fosters a spirit of mutual assistance (Foong & Richardson, 2008). This is very important as the employees get a chance to be served by their supervisors and higher-level management and suggest how the differences in practice between local staff and expatriates might be addressed taking cultural considerations into practice.

The differences in practice between local staff and expatriates might be addressed

The performance of workers or employees of ABC MSC is as critical to its success as is the planning and execution of its strategies, objectives, vision and mission. In order to understand and bring about the synchronization between the ways the members of ABC MSC function in accordance to its objectives is by understanding not only how their performances are analysed and managed but practice between local staff and expatriates as well. An attempt has been made to understand the concept of team performance, performance management and their significance in the success of ABC MSC and its vision, mission and objectives. The process of managing the organizational diversity will also help in enhancing organizational flexibility. The changes to organizational culture and management systems needed for managing diversity will impact other areas of the Management (Tylecote, 2004).

In the past, various organizational psychologists plus other researchers have given more recognition to the effects of race and cultural difference in an organization. Given that in most cases, the social cultures are embedded in the organizations and people do bring their cultures to the workplace, the organization performance and communications tend to change as new employees are slotted in.

Changing people and their cultures

All successful changes entail changing people and their cultures. Change in people and their cultures entail changing the people’s mind-set and the way they behave subject to given condition or in referring or working with other employees. People change concern just a few workers, such as sending a handful of middle managers to a training course to enhance their leadership skills. Cultural change pertains to the organization as a whole (Lee, 2002).

Training and development

Training can be one of the best approaches for changing people’s mind-sets. ABS MSC might decide to offer training programs to large blocks of employees on subjects such as teamwork, diversity, emotional intelligence, quality circles, communication skills, or participative managements. For instance, successful organizations have provided training and development opportunities for all the workers, particularly giving emphasis to the training and development of managers with the idea that they might or will change their behaviours or attitudes towards one another (Kumar et al. 1994). The behaviour and attitudes of few mangers have ended up influencing the whole organization therefore leading to the change in the whole organization or the companies, which have employed the strategy.

Organization development

The organizational development is a planned systematic process of change that uses behavioural science knowledge and techniques to improve an organization’s health and effectiveness through its ability to adapt to the environment, improve internal relationships, and increase leaning and problem-solving capabilities (Erramilli, 2000). It focuses on the human and social aspects of the organization and works to change attitudes and relationships among the workers and managers and therefore assisting them to strengthen the company’s capacity for adapting and renewal.

It is evident that the employees will always communicate how she or he changed as a result of adapting to the company standards and requirements. ABC MSC literature typically aims at general concepts for example models, and issue such as communication, interpersonal, group and leadership skills that enhance managerial competence (Garrett, 2007). Managers, administrators, and organizational employees are required to obtain a range of skills and competencies that will increase organizational effectiveness, performance, and productivity. For the managers and administrators should be able to create supportive and effective communication systems, and enhance job performance through effective motivation. Managers also ought to understand and use power and influence while learning to create processes to improve effective group decision making (Gidengil, 1999). Moreover, they should be able to foster leadership capability while managing conflicts and assigning authority and duties to various people and departments.

As the workplace becomes more diverse, it is important that the aforementioned factors be understood from a wider perspective (cultural). There is a considerable evidenced to assert that people from various cultural groups perceive the world and attribute meaning to events and experience differently. Thus, self-awareness, communication patterns, decision making, support systems and motivation various with people from different cultural backgrounds. In addressing the cultural difference between the employees in ABC MSC, the knowledge of the skills set is essential (Erramilli, 2000). It is thus important to understand individual’s personality and human development processes. Understanding of the bias of people’s attitudes, perception, problem-solving techniques, and behaviours is essential as the employee is the core unit of the organization. Moreover, knowledge of individual processes and functionalities are to be enhanced with the information of interpersonal and group processes, especially because an organization requires work to be done in groups by people who interact with one another (Dow, 2000). It is as a result of group interaction that issues concerning communication and flow of information, such as how group members in the organization and between groups interact and then form attitudes and perceptions.

Language

Language being the most basic and multifaceted issues for the teams or groups in ABC MSC, it should be addressed. In most cases, it is downplayed or overlooked altogether. Team members should possess varying degrees of competency in and comfort levels with the language aggregated by the use of such technologies as telephone and video-conferencing (Wood & Robertson, 2000). As exposure to and interaction among the team members will give these difficulties less significant over time, it is important that team members to ware that initially their accents can cause misunderstandings (Alon, 2004). The managers have a role in ensuring that the ethics and set rules (including the language used) are in place.

It is within the framework of an organization’s culture that the aforementioned driving forces are addressed; that is how and in what ways an organization copes with or responds to the legal, moral and performance issue associated with addressing cultural issues (Chetty & Campbell-Hunt, 2004). The culture of the organization will also determine how and from what perspective it will address cultural issues.

Cultural Assumptions

Regardless of the strategy and techniques used by the manger, it is always important to assume the cultural differences and cultural diversities of the various employees and employ the universal tone. The universal perspective on culture places emphasis on human similarities, whereas group differences are deemphasized. The fundamental assumption of the universal perspectives is that all people are basically human and therefore equal. Therefore, cultural differences are housed in personality and understood only from this vantage point. The universal perspective also closely resembles the colour-blind vision of all people living in harmony wherein closely differences are of little or no relevance (Cavusgil, 2001). Secondly, the ubiquitous approach should also be employed. The approach holds that all differences associated with group membership are salient. All forms of social or group membership are cultural. According to this perspective, differences in cultural groups are acknowledged, but less awareness exists regarding the influences of the dominant culture on the various groups (Ziller & Phibbs, 2003). The organizational culture of ubiquitous organization would be expected to mimic the culture of society and its structure. Thus, separation of people from different cultures and groups would not occur.

Tradition

The traditional perspective defines culture as a country, which means a common language, values, beliefs, ritual and other aspects. When the organization or ABS MSC for this instance employs the technique, the cultural differences between the various members would be bridged. The assumption of the traditional perspective is that shared language, geography, and customs are the basis of culture. The obstacles to effectiveness arise from conflicts in worldviews and perceptions about what is important in terms of relationships, thought processes, and language. Therefore, leaders need to be cognizant sources of cultural conflict in assumption and values (Czinkota, 2001).

In conclusion, moving companies towards the objective of increased capacity to address and cope with cultural differences is difficult. The mangers therefore have great task in seeing that the cultural differences between the different cultural groups in an organization is bridged as possible.

Bibliography

Alon, I. (2004) International and e-marketing for small enterprises: a case study in international entrepreneurship. S.A.M. Advanced Management Journal, 69(1), pp. 22-37.

Cavusgil, S. T. (2001) Guidelines for export market research. Business Horizons, 28(6) November-December, pp. 27-33.

Chetty, C. & Campbell-Hunt, C. (2004) A strategic approach to internationalisation: a traditional versus a “born-global” approach. Journal of International Marketing, 12(1), pp. 57-79.

Czinkota, M. R. (2001) International information needs for US competitiveness. Business Horizons, November / December, pp. 86-91.

Dow, D. (2000) A not on psychological distance and export market selection. Journal of International Marketing, 8(1), pp. 51-64.

Erramilli, M. K. (2000) The experience factor in foreign market entry behaviour of service firms. Journal of International Business Studies, 22, pp. 479-501.

Garrett, D. E. (2007) The effectiveness of marketing policy boycotts: environmental opposition to marketing. Journal of Marketing, 51(2) April, pp. 46-57.

Gidengil, B. Z. (1999) The social responsibility of business: what marketing executives think. European Journal of Marketing, 11(1).

Johansson, J. K. (1997) Global Marketing: Foreign Entry, Local Marketing and Global Management. New York, Times Mirror Books.

Koch, A. J. (2001) Selecting overseas markets and entry modes: two decision processes or one? Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 19(1).

Kumar, V., Stam, A. & Joachimsthaler, E. A. (1994) An interactive multi-criteria approach to identifying potential foreign markets. Journal of International Marketing, 2(1).

Lee, T. J. (2002) Leading the way with the company brand. Strategic Communication Management, 6(4) June/July.

Tylecote, A. (2004) Time horizons of management decisions: causes and effects. Journal of Economic Studies, 14(4).

Wood, V. R. & Robertson, K. J. (2000) Evaluating international markets. International Marketing Review, 17(1).

Yeap Peik Foong, Stanley Richardson, (2008) “The perceptions of Malaysians in a Japanese company”, Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, Vol. 15 Iss: 3, pp.221 – 243.

Ziller, A. & Phibbs, P. (2003) Integrating social impacts into cost-benefit analysis: a participative method. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21(2) June.

Critically assess the basis of obedience by states in international law. What factors do states take into account in complian

Q. Critically assess the basis of obedience by states in international law. What factors do states take into account in compliance with international law rules?

The international community is increasingly becoming an integrated unit following major fronts of development, with law and governance leading alongside economic agenda. In light of organizational needs of the integrated body of international community, it is important that certain laws are formulated and enforced for the integrity of the community to pass the test of existence. However, there are certain hurdles that stand in the way of an efficient transition from the segregated existence to the more inclusive arrangement. Enforcement of the international protocol faces the most potent challenge of embracing of the formulated laws and sustenance of the appropriate adherence across the member states (Alter, 19). While the membership of the international community has evolved in the recent past to be synonymous with the most acceptable yardstick for development, there are several considerations that make the expected transition the challenge it is today.

The platform on which the international law is founded outlines the integrity of the leadership and governance of the international community and is built on commitment to comply with the binding regulations. Due to the unavailability of a political structure at such a level, only goodwill can be applied in the delivery of the commitment expected for compliance and adherence. In such an arrangement, it is evident that there are loopholes which expose the sovereignties of individual member states to the mercy of external forces. External interference is a contradiction to the existence of the member states as sovereign states, which is the predominant building block of the international community. In the protection of the integrity of the individual state and the international community, there is undoubted favor for the integrity of the member state sovereignty which is the basic unit of the international community. In light of conflicting interests and objectives as expected in such an arrangement, there are important considerations to be made by the leadership of the individual member states regarding becoming signatories of the effective protocols as well as the details of compliance.

State behavior in embracing international law and handling international relations is important in determining the considerations that are likely to be highlighted by various leaderships before making commitment to such undertakings (Raustiala and Slaughter, 544). While politics therefore becomes central to the nature of state behavior detailing embracing international laws, specific regimes as guided by ideological foundations may not play this role within the spirit of the modern international community. However, there is a general agreement that nations have a common behavior in accepting international law which is usually formulated to be applied equally across the board. It is important to note that commitment to comply with international laws by member states may be a behavioral phenomenon than that of choice. As an illustration, there are very few instances of a single nation declining to comply with an international convention where the rest of the members, particularly if close allies embraced undertook to comply and be bound by such law.

According to Henkin (74), a general wave of influence is made on the benefits of the implementation of the particular international law which is usually designed to be more beneficial if all the member states are involved including image, reciprocity and other norm factors. In certain instances, the behavioral phenomenon has resulted in later considerations and analysis which indicate that certain compliance decisions were as a result of some influence. To illustrate this, compliance to the Rome Statute which establishes and guides on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has started to appear as an unfavorable decision by many countries, particularly the African countries that are largely affected by the compliance thereon (Stone, 124). While reverting the signatory commitment engaged in such international laws may not act in the best interests of the image of the country, there are cases of such reversals late into the commitment.

In another consideration given weight in favor of complying with international law, there is scholarly evidence that replacing segregated law arrangements with a wider concept of regional regimes is more beneficial to member states. International law studies provided information on the regime theory from several perspectives proving the advantages of favoring international cooperation. Under such scholarly evidence, it became increasingly important for legal advisers to the state to analyze the positions of complying with international laws which almost always acts in support of the move. A debate emerged regarding international law compliance among constructivists and rationalists on the various perspectives of the binding nature of the international commitment entered into through various platforms (Henkin, 21). It is clearly evident therefore that there is need for deep considerations by member states on the most important position to be adopted regarding cooperating with international law systems.

Considering certain sanctions set aside by various international legally binding fora presents a valid cause of concern during the deliberation on complying or abstaining. While the demanding needs of certain international regimes act as an important point of consideration by the member state, there are more issues that require to be factored in the decision regarding membership and compliance thereon. On one hand, there are beneficial considerations on the regime created by cooperation among member states in terms of legal synergy and development. Generally, there are certain benefits in undertaking to join a certain international body with legally binding terms as outlined in the objectives of the body (Pulkowski, 513). On the other hand, it is important to consider the disadvantageous impact likely to be experienced due to noncompliance. There are sanctions for defectors from the legally binding regime. Gains of defection or noncompliance must be considered against the loss sustained by victims of sanctions arising from compliance issues.

Additionally, national interests are considered within the backdrop of international regimes presented by the international conventions and treaties with legally binding terms requiring compliance. An analysis of case facts based on the ceteris paribus perspective from which the cost and benefit position is likely to be established must be deliberated on. Under such an analysis, the individual considerations indulged by the leadership of a member state goes beyond political and policy interests. In such a perspective, a larger framework is involved to interrogate the public goods perspective which highlights deep aspects of the presenting challenge of compliance. Two dominant items of consideration are usually highlighted to handle the interests of the member state in a more conclusive way. One of these items of consideration is referred to as the problem structure that is intended to capture the most strategic position when the country is subjected to the membership of the legally binding integration. Coordination and collaboration aspects of binding integrations are usually based on the strategic positioning of the member states. As an illustration, a state may need to consider the underlying problem necessitating the establishment of an international convention and the cooperation of states to alleviate the problem. While it may be in the best interest of a country to cooperate with the international community in alleviating an international disaster, domestic regulation of the effective laws may be out of proportion by certain states with regard to the relative threat experienced by the states.

It therefore implies that the variables of the need to comply with a particular international law may force the problem structure to be brought to the fore of the contemplations. Compliance to this end would be dependent on the severity of the challenge that the common interest aims to resolve, with the most affected members bearing the most burden of compliance than the least affected. However, it may act as a protective move for less affected member states to strongly stand for the implementation of specific international laws as well as improve the image of the country in the respective area of international policy. A closely related consideration referred to as the solution structure which involves the considerations of capacity that the country has to implement the enforcement requirements of the specified regulations. While the provisions of the implementation may differ with different legal requirements provided in various conventions, it is important to consider how the member state is institutionally prepared to handle the proposed regime. Since this approach considers the practicality of a specific legal regime within its jurisdiction, it implies that it also involves the consideration of the strategic position adopted in terms of the cost of compliance.

Finally, the postulates of the theory of obedience may perhaps explain what countries consider before they comply with international law. As observed earlier in this discourse, the international community is conventionally founded on the principles of law and as such, the need to comply with a particular international law may be in line with the general context of cooperation spirit held by the international community as defined by international relations. Being a part of the international community is therefore a predetermining exposure that induces certain expectation and culture established within the established cooperation. Obedience theory is therefore an important contextual consideration from where international standards of legal processes are keenly developed with regard to international mood of high regard to rule of law (Koh, 2634). This is a different perspective from the apparent member states’ influence on each other on the premise that there is an internal need for a country to be compliant to international law based on the fact that internal systems are themselves based on a similar arrangement.

Works Cited

Alter, Karen J. The new terrain of international law. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print

Henkin, Louis How nations behave, 2nd edn. New York: Columbia University Press, 1979. Print

Koh, Harold Hongju. “Why Do Nations Obey International Law?” The Yale Law Journal, 106.8(1997): 2634.

Pulkowski, Dirk. “Testing Compliance Theories: Towards US Obedience of International Law in Avena Case” Laiden Journal of International Law, 19(2006):511-554

Raustiala, Kal. & Slaughter, Ann-Marie. “International Law, International Relations and Compliance”. In Carlnaes, W., Risse, T. & Simmons, B. A. (Eds.), Handbook of international relations New York: Sage Publications, (2002). Print

Stone Sweet, Alec. Constitutional dialogues in the European Union: In the European Court of Justice and national courts—doctrine and jurisprudence, Oxford: Hart Publishing, 1998. Print

Critically analyze, examine and evaluate the importance of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) influence in the development

The Proposal Template 

Introduction

Specialism

Dissertation Consultation

Topic  

Critically analyze, examine and evaluate the importance of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) influence in the development of contemporary enterprise. 

Research Question(s)

The main research questions are formulated for this study was to analyze, examine and evaluate the importance of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) influence in the development of contemporary enterprise. This was determined through both Quantitative and Qualitative methods. The following general research questions are formulated to engage the study:

How do Corporate Social Responsibility measures adopted by enterprises affect their bottom line?

Are there disparities in Corporate Social Responsibility measures among enterprises?

What factors contribute to disparities in Corporate Social Responsibility measures among enterprises?

How do the enterprises formulate their CSR strategies or frameworks?

How can Corporate Social Responsibility effectiveness in contemporary enterprises be measured?

Corporate social responsibility has rapidly grown for the last ten years. Presently, over 50% of the Fortune 1000 companies give CSR reports (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington, 2008). A big proportion of companies now are involved in a serious attempt to define and incorporate CSR into each aspect of their operations. A large number of shareholders, employees, customers, regulators, labor unions, community organizations, and media houses are encouraging companies adopt CSR issues. This is why it makes it interesting to study how CSR influence organizations, hence the selection of this question.

Proposed methods and ethical considerations

This study will use both primary and secondary research data to analyze the investigations. For all the objectives, secondary research is being carried out to, examine and evaluate the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility influence in the development of contemporary enterprise. Due to sufficiency of data available for secondary research, primary research will be backed up by secondary research in order to provide proper examples and solutions to the relevant questions.

Secondary analysis is the analysis of data by researchers who were not directly involved in obtaining data which is carried out by others who were directly involved in collection of data Dale, Arber & Proctor (2007). A variety of secondary research is being collected from journals, books, articles, newspapers and electronic databases for data collection analysis.

Secondary research will be based on literature review and case study to investigate the influence of CSR on selected contemporary organizations. Case study offers true example of success or failures of CSR, and insights to the current research question. Literature review helps with qualitative research as it presents main themes from previous studies. The quantitative and qualitative research approaches when combined offer a holistic understanding of the influence of CSR on selected contemporary organizations.

Primary research will be carried out using questionnaire.

Questionnaire: The study selected questionnaires because, it is a simple survey approach and offers the best way to measure the influence of CSR on enterprises. The participants will be asked to fill the questionnaires, the results obtained will be analyzed using SPSS, this program is chosen because it is good in analyzing data collected. Sampling is required to generate accurate and reliable information obtained by surveys. However, it is not decided yet, which sampling method should be applied to the research.

Ethical issues involved in data collection will be put into consideration. All the participants selected for this survey will first be informed and they consent seek first. The information they give will be treated with confidentiality. These two issues of consent and confidentiality are very important in research practice. As noted by Dale, Arber, Proctor (2007) the confidentiality of the participant should be respected and any lawful requirement on information protection is followed. In this study, the participants will be informed concerning the objective of the study, and the participant’s consent to take part in the study will be recorded.

Outline Timetable

References

Dale, Arber, Proctor (2007). Business Research methods. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford Press. 326

Johnson, G .Scholes, K. and Whittington R. (2008): Exploring Corporate Strategy, Text and Cases, 8th ed. FT Prentice-Hall

AppendixSurvey on CSR programs

QUESTIONNAIRE

Kindly take a few minutes to fill this questionnaire on CSR programs in your organization. Your answers to the questions asked will help your organization and other organizations to know and evaluate the importance of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) influence in the development of contemporary enterprises. Thank you for your cooperation.

Section 1: Oganisation details

1. Kindly give the name of your organisation

2. Kindly state the industry in which your organisation operates in ( for example computer, textile, telecommunication etc)

3. How big is your organization

Small

Medium sized

Multinational

4. Which are the main stakeholders that your organisation targets through its CSR programs

Customers

Suppliers

Employees

Shareholders

Regulatory agencies

Competitors

Local communities,

Government bodies

Others…………………………………………………………………………………………..

5. What is the main reason why your organisation has adopted CSR programs

Social concerns

Competitive pressure

Local community pressure

Philanthropy

Regulatory obligations

Attracting new customers/and customers

Environmental concerns

Philanthropy

6. Has your organisation implemented code of ethics and/or environmental friendly code?

Yes

No

7. Which indicator does your organisation use to measure the effectiveness of its CSR programs?

Economic indicator

Environmental indicator

Social indicator (e.g.

8. In regard to CSR adaptation, your organisation belongs to which group

CSR leaders (setting industry standards)

CSR adopters (have considerable understanding of CSR)

CSR Newcomers (have just basic knowledge)

9. Has your organisation adopted any of the following key activities?

Internal and external reporting of CSR performance

Evaluation of the organisation’s CSR performance

In-depth stakeholder assessment

Definition of proper CSR relevant indicator set

10. What is your level of satisfaction with the current CSR programs?

Very good

Good

Average

Bad

Very bad

Critically Analyze the Management of the Employment Relationship in Sweden.

Name:

Institution:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Critically Analyze the Management of the Employment Relationship in Sweden.

Introduction

Globalization trends have increasingly led to the diversification of the work environment. More than ever, relevant stakeholders are being compelled to provide viable wok environments in order to enhance employee performance. In other words, the welfare of the employee is increasingly assuming a central position in economic productivity. Yet despite this realization, various countries and economies continue to grapple with poor employment relationships. These in return have had an adverse effect on economic performance and holistic wellbeing of such states.

Nevertheless, there are certain states that have laid great emphasis on the need to provide sustainable work environments and maintain viable employee relationships. Notably, productivity in such states is seemingly exemplary. This can be attributed to their inherent ability to not only attract but also maintain employment and empower the employees. Over time, such states have been employed as ideal models in management studies. One such state whose employment relationships have been considered to be of exemplary quality on a global scale is Sweden. It is against this background that this paper provides a critical analysis of the management of employment relationships in Sweden.

“Employment relations” is a concept that has gained increased popularity within the global sphere. Essentially, it is all inclusive and denotes all aspects that are related to employment re-sourcing. In particular, it entails acquisition, development, maintenance and motivation of staff. In the Swedish context, Wheeler (2002) indicates that it expands beyond this and covers the various processes that the staffs are involved in once they quit employment. Notably, effective management of all these processes goes a long way in enhancing employee relations. It also contributes significantly to the improvement of the work environment as all factors that affect employees are addressed effectively and in a timely manner. Sweden has been considered to provide the best work environment on a global scale. In addition, its educational programs and materials, research practices and work life have been cited by Swenson (2002) to be remarkable. This distinctive status can be attributed to various systemic elements that make this country to thrive in this sphere.

Fahlbeck and Sigeman (2001) lists them as progressive and strong unions that not only participate in cooperate social responsibility initiatives but initiate various programs that are geared towards improving the work environment; sophisticated industrial relations that enhance the process of decision making and implementation of policies by mainstreaming information flow; the economic policy that advocates for full employment and plays a critical role in improving the working conditions; democratic governance that maintains an orientation that is sympathetic towards improving employee status and maintaining occupational health as well as safety; sustainable and growth oriented economic policies that advocate for continued improvement of industrial production and effective legislation that seeks to improve the entire work environment.

In order to attain this desirable state of affairs, social partners have made significant contributions. Basically, Neal (2000) defines social actors as the representatives of employers and employees in a wok environment. In Sweden, these are represented by union leaders and employers in several sectors. They partner with the government in making policies that govern the cooperate sphere. This entails formulation, implementation and enforcement of various labor policies that govern employment. Social partners in Sweden also participate actively in training employees and sponsoring job creation programs. Finally, Traxler (2003) indicates that they also participate in the process of collective bargaining.

At this point, it can not be disputed that these parties play an integral role in improving the work environment and enhancing the wellbeing of employees. However, it is worth appreciating that the role that these parties play particularly in the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies is informal. More often than not, the entire interests of the employees are seldom taken in consideration. Put differently, the process in some instances is highly subjective. Perhaps the success of Sweden in this regard can be attributed to the emphasis on organized interests. With regard to their participation as sponsors and or trainers, it can be argued that the private sector plays an important role in attaining this goal. This is because in the long run, the required benchmarks that determine standardization often need to be approved by respective employers (Elvander, 2002).

The role of the state in Swedish system of employment relations can also not be understated. In this context, a state is also referred to as a country and it constitutes a political entity that is self governing (Kilkaver, 2002). As a country that is governed by social democracy, the Swedish government is compelled to enhance the empowerment of all its citizens. The constitution provides the required rules as well as regulations through its well defined system of laws. The main aim of these is to facilitate progress, address all grievances and ultimately maintain harmonic living. The state plays an important role of initiating bilateral relationships between employees and employers. This is essential for mutual and healthy existence. In addition, Bamber, Lansbury and Wailes (2004) indicate that it enhances cooperation between these stakeholders and ultimately improves progress. In other words, through its ability to formulate, implement and enforce specific laws and regulations, the state participate it resolving conflicts between different agencies.

However, it should be appreciated that regardless of the inherent efforts and good intentions of the state, some parties still face challenges when resolving their problems. It is for this reason that the particular laws are mainstreamed within the legal constitution. In essence, the state offers all viable mechanisms through which conflicts can be effectively resolved and progress guaranteed. Attainment of this ideal state requires an effective form of governance, judiciary and management. In their review, Ferner and Hyman (2001) ascertain that Sweden seems to have mastered the art of effective governance and management at all levels. It is because conflicts are minimal and the government is dedicated to ensuring that all required mechanisms are provided in a timely manner. Besides, it plays an instrumental and non partisan role as an oversight body. The characteristic value system can be attributed to the ideal education system that instills these values at tender stages.

Equally important in this respect has been the role of collective bargaining. According to Tuselmann and Heise (2000), it refers to a decision making process between the representatives of the various interests of the employers and employees. The main aim of these is to negotiate and continually apply the agreed rules that govern the employment. Basically, the respective rules are usually established by the labor law. However, governments in some case make interventions whenever the labor-management relations experience problems.

The role of collective bargaining is to agree upon certain rules and regulations that facilitate compromise between the various conflicting interests over the conditions as well as terms of employment. From a historical point of view, institutions are often created to represent the interests and positions of the workers. Arguably, collective bargaining has played an important role in introducing and maintaining democracy within the work environment. This is because of its ability to bring to the fore and effectively analyze the varying interests of the involved parties. Further, the fact that a mutual agreement is arrived at in the long run implies that the process is sustainable. Basically, this has been instrumental in curbing manipulation that is typical of unsustainable work environments.

However, it is worth noting that work environments continue to experience challenges that stem form asymmetrical bargaining strength that is existent in the market economies. This has culminated in differences in employee and employer preferences during the bargaining process. In this regard, while employees derive distributive, protective and voice function form the process, employers aim at maintaining personal employment relations. The fact that they look forward to having a more bargaining power over the former perpetuates the differences. Also worth mentioning is the realization that employers tend to perceive the process as time consuming. All these concerns undermine the collective bargaining process. From Swenson’s (2002) point of view, the emphasis on the need for collective goods by both employees and employers provide a viable option for bridging the inherent complexities. While political will is essential, this requires dedication and commitment by all stakeholders.

As indicated afore, Sweden has an exemplary model of employee relations on a global scale. Pertinent to this is the concept of industrial democracy. Befort and Budd (2009) define this as an idyllic arrangement that ensures that workers or employees participate actively in making decisions. They are allowed by the system of governance to share responsibility as well as authority at their respective work places. Examples of this mode of arrangement are presented by Germany that accords the shareholders and workers an equal opportunity to elect the members of the directorate which constitutes the management. In general, industrial democracy refers to the ability of a given company to give the workers a chance to participate directly in governance (Honeyball, 2008). This is characterized by effective and clear communication within the organization. This is also attained through intensive consultation and effective representation of all stakeholders and shareholders at the managerial level.

Sweden has assumed this ideology in its employment relations on a significant level. Relative policies are employed in ensuring that workers or employees have quality employment that is characterized by sustainable work environments. According to Selwyn (2008) effective communication and free flow of information provides an ideal approach that the country assumes in attaining the underlying goal. Overall, workers are given a chance to participate actively in operating enterprise. In addition, industrial democracy in Sweden is defined by a spirit of cooperation as well as semi-autonomous work teams. The managerial teams cooperate with the employees in execution of key operations.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that firms in Sweden incorporate workers in managerial positions. In this regard, Ewing, McColgan and Collins (2005) ascertain that workers in Swedish firms assume top positions particularly as board of directors. In order to enhance competence and overall output, worker directors are given formal training about the tasks that are executed by the directors. This enables them to participate actively in management. Besides this, they are allowed to spend sufficient time with other directors in order to gain experience in the field. Unionization and the adoption of relevant legislation have further enabled the country to attain a high degree of democracy within its labor relations. The adoption of a labor policy that sought to improve the working conditions of employees was particularly effective in enhancing industrial democracy.

The reduction of the income gap between workers in the formal and informal sector can also be considered imperative attaining quality employment. The Swedish government attained this through establishment of large over-laps within pay scales. The government also put in place various initiatives that were geared towards improving the overall quality of life of the citizens. Notably, this was a requisite for enhancement of democracy. Thus areas that were outside the work environment such as social security, education and National Health Insurance were also improved. Of great importance was the enhancement of democracy within the political sphere. This according to Deakin and Morris (2005) was instrumental in promoting employee influence outside the work environment.

At this point, it can be ascertained that industrial democracy in Sweden has taken root. This can e attributed to the entrenchment of the ideology in legal domains. Arguably, it has put the government on toes with respect to the need to maintain transparency and accountability. However, inefficient enforcement of this ideology has contributed significantly to incidences of unemployment in the recent past. Walker and Morell (2005) indicate that the social welfare system and mode of government have in some instances negatively affected the wellbeing of employers. Nonetheless, the extent of this ideology in employee relations in the country remains pervasive.

Unionism is an important aspect of labor relations in Sweden. The trade union movement consists of a significant 2.1 million members and basically represents workers in the informal sector. Then, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees has 1.3 million members and represents workers in the formal sector. Further, the Swedish Confederation of Professional association represents professional employees with graduate qualifications. It has a total of 479,000 members (Teicher, 2006). The unions play an integral role in addressing a wide range of employee issues and concerns in a bit to improve working conditions. Particular issues according to Nankervis, Chatterjee and Coffey (2006) include negotiation of salary and negation of intrinsic disparities regarding the formal and informal workers and ensuring maintenance of acceptable work conditions. Normally, such procedures tend to be compounded by various complexities. However, the Swedish experience has been smooth because of the availability to legislation that governs the procedure.

Recent research ascertains that the unions in this country have the highest level of representation on global scale. Seemingly, this has been contributed to by the encouragement of volunteer membership. In addition, the fact that the unions and employees mutually benefit from the employee relations is an idyllic feature of Swedish employment. Unlike unions in other countries, Swedish unions have been cited to be highly organizational. Besides, they do not involve themselves in political and or religious confrontation that is responsible for fragmentation. This can be used to explain why the country has been successful in maintaining unionization and ultimate viable employee relationships. Basically, unionization can be considered an important feature of the Swedish employee relations. Most importantly, the procedures it employs have contributed significantly to the current desirable status of the country.

Equally instrumental has been the role of employers in the management of employee relationships. In their consultative research, Anxo and Niklasson (2006) cite examples of employers to include the General Employers Group, The Association of Swedish Engineering Industries (VI), The national Agency for Government employers, The Association of Local Authorities, The Federation of County Councils, The Construction Group and The Commercial and Service Employer’s Association. The employers play various roles in enhancement of work environment and improvement of the quality of life of the Swedish population. Together with the unions, they play a leading role in resolving the various problems that face the employees. Besides offering employment opportunities, Cornfield and Hodson (2002) indicate that they participate actively in formulation of policies that promote the wellbeing of the employees.

However, different concerns have been identified with regard to the role of employers in enhancing the work environment. Notably, they have used this position to further their personal interests. This has been particularly common with incidences where neither the government nor the union is involved. However, in most instances, Blanpain and Dickens (2008) argue that they have been compelled by the law to assume sustainable practices. All the same, incidences of manipulation of employees by this group of individuals can not be completely ruled out. The privatization of industry has further played a role in perpetuating manipulation especially during employee recruitment and employment.

Of great significance and reference to the management of employee relations in Sweden is the Swedish Model. It is an ideology that represents outstanding and ideal industrial relations as well as a well balanced social and economic structure. According to Myrdal (2009), it can be defined by a free market economy that functions properly and in which a significant 90% of the commercial and industrial sector are privately owned, free and independent yet competing enterprises that have rationalized and developed over time in collaboration with their workers, a labor market that is fully organized whose two sides are completely independent of one another and of the government, which resolve their conflicts autonomously and in a peaceful way but which still value corporate social responsibility, a well developed system that allows active participation of employee sin management, friendly cooperation and enterprises that enjoy a pragmatic and peaceful atmosphere that is also compromising.

Research indicates that these conditions provide a true picture of what constituted the model a couple of decades ago. Because of various transformations in the field of labor relations, a new Swedish model has been adopted. Thus it can be argued that the model is still in existence although it has also undergone different changes, in line with the political transformations and reorientations. Ultimately, this has led to the development of a model that is flexible and which reflects the dynamics in the economic and employment sectors. In this consideration, it can be ascertained that the respective changes significantly reinforce the traditional Swedish model and social cohesion.

In order to attain optimal growth and development in future, the Swedish system of employment relations needs to address certain shortcomings. In particular, it needs to improve its pension system to reflect the rising expenditures, address the increasing tax pressure and address the issue of unemployment (Cornfield & Hodson, 2002). Nonetheless, the future of the country is prospective. This is particularly because of the inherent stability, growth and development that characterize the entire system. It is likely to enable Sweden to soar economically and attain the highest degree of economic stability. This is essential as it boosts the country against the economic shocks that compromise sustainable development.

Conclusion

At this juncture, it can be ascertained that the Swedish system of managing employment relations is idyllic. This can be attributed to the assumption of various elements that seek to enhance the quality of life, social cohesion, industrial democracy and viable work environments. Specifically, industrial democracy has ensured participation of workers in management and therefore enhanced transparency and accountability. These are undoubtedly essential for economic growth and prosperity. As it has come out from the study, unions play an integral role in addressing diverse issues that affect the employees. The effective and autonomous nature of unions has equally been instrumental in promoting sustainable work environments. Likewise, the role of employers in contributing to the state of affairs can not be underestimated. Particularly, their active participation in policy formulation and providing of employment opportunities is important. Regardless of various shortcomings, it can be concluded that the country has been successful in managing employment relations.

References

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Critically Analyze in Context the Advertisements of the Cultural History.

Name

Course

Professor

Date

Critically Analyze in Context the Advertisements of the Cultural History.

The advertisement is of a 1926 Chrysler Imperial Roadster from Chrysler Motors. The first noticeable detail in the advertisement is the image of the Chrysler, then the headlines at the bottom of the page and finally the writing in the middle. This essay shows the analysis of the advertisement in the cultural historical context taking into consideration the formal elements used.

Formal elements addressed in the advertisement are layout, lighting, focal point and tone (Lancey 110). The layout refers to the organization of the content of the advertisement. In this advertisement, the picture of the Chrysler Imperial Roadster is at the top of the advertisement, the content writing is in the middle of the advertisement and the headlines are at the bottom of the page. This composition is not very creative and does not endear the reader to the advertisement. Tone is grayscale as the advertisement is done in shades of black ranging from black to white. As the car is from the early 20th century, use of colors was not popular and most drawings and pictures were done in black and white. The use of this tone enables the reader to picture the car in its original setting. The main focal point of the advertisement is the Chrysler as it is the most prominent feature in the advertisement. Lighting has been used to show the shadows and direction of the light. It is especially expressed under the car where it is darker to show the car’s shadow.

The target audience of the advertisement is those who appreciate the value of the old fashioned car. These are mostly those who are from the high middle class and above as they can be able to afford the car. It uses the values held close by those who know about the Chrysler and appeals to them. For example, the message says the car offers the smooth and sparkling performance that is typical to Chrysler engineering. In addition, it describes the shape of the car in order to further evoke a desire for the car in the viewer. It says the sloping silhouette and the curve of the bar-relief modeling which sweeps with graceful flourish across the lower section of the body. These are described as the new features that are different from other Chryslers. Narration is used to bring this information to the reader’s notice. This style was popular and common in advertising during the olden days compared to the recent days where advertisements are more clear and concise and there is minimal writing. There is no time for reading such a block of text in something so unimportant as an automobile advertisement today, where as decades ago, it was perceived to be more worth one’s time to read the fine print (Woodford 1).

There are differences in the font size of the writings in the advertisement. The headline at the bottom of the page is large and solid while that below the car is also large but more stylish. The content in the middle of the advertisement has very small font and the reader has to be close to the advertisement in order to read it. This has less impact on the first impression of the reader as it is noticeable. In addition, it might cause the reader to be disinterested in the advert. The placement of the headlines is optimal because the reader will be able to see the rest of the content in the middle before they get to the headline and therefore cannot completely ignore the text in the middle of the page.

The picture used in the advertisement draws the reader to the advertisement as it is the focal point. It correlates with the headings as they are written in a stylish font and relay the same message of the car being ultra fashionable. The formal elements used in the picture are line, color, shape and space. Line is used in the drawing of the car and the trees to bring out their shapes. Line has also been used to show the horizon and the sky line. The color used is grayscale which incorporates black and white to bring the feeling of the olden days. The use of space in the picture is seen with the car being in the foreground while the tree is in the background. This shows that the car is the focal point. The picture is framed off from the rest of the advertisement with the car taking most of the frame to show its importance to the advertisement.

The subject of the advertisement is the Chrysler and its purpose is to draw people to buy the car. However, while one can easily see the kind of car being advertised, they are not able to read the specific details as the text is too small. The reader has to move closer in order to see the finer details and even the price. Picking key points from the advertisement such as the price and performance and using them instead of the small print would make it more endearing to readers and attract more interest.

Works Cited

Lancey, Nick. “Image and Representation: Key Concepts in Media Studies.” New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 1998. Print.

Woodford, Mark. “Rhetorical Analysis of 1971 Jeep Commando Advertisement.” Yahoo Voices, 10 April, 2007. Web. 8 October 2012. http://voices.yahoo.com/rhetorical-analysis-1971-jeep-commando-advertisement-283016.html