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DEADY HALL OF OREGON UNIVERSITY

DEADY HALL OF OREGON UNIVERSITY

Deady Hall a building at the University of Oregon in United States of America is an historic building. Its construction started back in the year 1873 up to 1876. The building was constructed by W.H. Abrahams after having been designed by William Piper architecture. The building is the first building at the University of Oregon and it remained the only building at the university for almost a decade after its construction. The building was originally referred to as the old building after the construction of other new buildings until when it was named after Mathew Deady, a judge of the territorial Supreme Court. Deady Hall being the only building at the university for several years, it housed a number of academic units and various university functions. ‘’Deady Hall building was completed in the year 1876 and was designed by William W Piper’’ (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. 2010-7-9). The architectural style of the building is an Italianate style.

The building covers 1acre area in a place called Eugene in the United States of America. The building acted as classrooms for the university that is on the first floor on the north side of the building, it also hosted various departments and offices like offices of the then professor like Professor Bailey and Professor Condon. On the third floor of the building was the university auditorium. The building was never dedicated for a very long period something that was realized in the year 1926 at a time when planning of semi-centennial was being done. A suitable ceremony was then arranged by the committee that was in charge and memorial tablet put in place. Dr. Luella Clay Carson who was a former professor of rhetoric and later deal of women and thereafter became the president of Mills College, Oakland in California.

Deady Hall has a mansard roof that is for the main roof and the towers of the building. The windows of the building have ornamental flavor much more than the other parts of the building; this is a principal design element. The Deady Hall is designed such that the there is a sense of proximity between various elements. Deady Hall was built of sandstones according to what the designer wanted. The Deady Hall is a three storey rectangular building having end towers. It has a principal entrance at the west part of the building, though there is also another entrance at the east part of the building. It has tall narrow windows referred to as the Florentine tracery. The windows are flattened with pediments making them have modified consoles. Structurally deady hall is constructed of bricks and wooden trim. Thin layers of mastic and simple successive paints which sheathes the bricks exteriorly. The pattern in which the bricks are used is so perceptible.

The building has strip sections of brick which are on the same plane as base strips and frieze of each floor. The windows are set on much less salient plane of the walls. The strips are five and they articulate each other both south and north in the first and second floors of the building, the same happen in the east and west parts of the building. The same strips have been used to articulate elements that have been used to animate various sections around the building towers. All the windows are arranged in pairs of four with windows on the long sides and the towers on the shorter sides being flanked by the single windows. According to Dr. Joseph A Baird, ‘’Deady Hall was the first building on the university of Oregon campus, begun in 1873 and completed in 1876 and it was the focus of all university life until the construction of Villard Hall in the year 1886, it is a dignified building, tall rectangular silhouette with end towers and it is simple mansard Italianate style a happy choice for academic building’’. Both entrances east or west are accessed by flight of steps leading to a paneled bricked door. The doors are also made of strong wooden cornice. The door arches are headed by wooden keystones. Above the principal entrances doors are the windows with wooden tracery. The roof is lined with four chimneys both north and south part of the building. Originally the roof was made of wooden shingles but currently it is has been changed to gray-green asphalt while the trim has been painted cream in color.

The first floor of the building has a little theatre in the center extending downwards to the basement. The second floor currently has been divided into two levels horizontally. There is also a door that allows for entrance to the basement part of the building. The building has a concrete finishing. It is sixty nine feet wide and one hundred and fifty feet in length. The main articulating features of the Deady Hall the windows. The semicircular arched windows are used in all the faces of the building and in the second floor two elaborated window forms are introduced and on the last floor on all the faces seven windows both to east and west south and north they have been put in a salient section. All these structures have manifested a rhythm. The principle elements of design have been brought together in the design and construction of the Deady Hall given the fact that all the elements and principles have been followed to form one particular design. Deady Hall is unique from the other buildings it has a high end licensed sports art archival, it has a museum quality print, a perfect football fan gift, subject matter like the campus landmark and collegiate art. Deady Hall is an art because it is a designer building and in it metal prints which are works of art are made.

I believe that the architecture of the building was trying to communicate that brick could be used to make a storied building and that the work of art is real. The design of the building in itself is art work and the building is currently hosting various works of art like metal prints.

References

Deady, M. P., & In Clark, M. (1975). Pharisee among Philistines: The diary of Judge Matthew P. Deady, 1871-1892. Portland: Oregon Historical Society.

The encyclopedia of Oregon. (1999). St. Clair Shores, MI: Somerset Publishers.

Data projection and ethics

How the United States higher learning education has been affected by Globalization

Globalization is an essential aspect in society, as it affects almost everyone’s life. In the global world, many changes are occurring on a daily basis, especially in the educational sector. The article chosen is by Wildavsky, 2011 titled “Academic Globalization Should Be Welcomed, Not Feared”. In engineering and science, American universities are known for being top notch, due to the research facilities they have. They are praised for their innovation and the scholarships, which they offer. This means that competition has increased all over the world in terms of higher education learning. Competent students are being targeted from different parts of the world to join American universities. Wildavsky believes that there is a reason to become worried, because many well educated Americans are working in other countries. He believes that globalization is bringing about negative aspects and a solution ought to be found. Furthermore, enterprises of academics are becoming global, and this is mostly in the sector of the sciences. It should be known that consumption is an essential aspect which influences globalization among adults. Learning and education are related to globalization and this need to be known. According to research, it has been found out that 57% of American students, who are around three million, study outside the United States. Wildavsky encourages Americans to ensure that they find solutions to deal with problems associated with globalization on higher education. He believes that the United States has the needed resources to ensure Americans are well educated (Wildavsky, 2011).

This article is extremely interesting, and thus the reason why I choose it for the reading. It is reflective as well as informative to any reader. A lot of valuable information is provided concerning statistics related to the number of American students obtaining PHD’s from foreign universities. This is in the field of physics, engineering and computer science. This is going on to extreme levels to the point whereby, American universities are not the same as they were a few decades ago. As a result of reading this article, I am aware that globalization has adverse effects on American adult learning. Adults who want to obtain PHD’s are attending foreign universities’ such as Peking and Tsinghua (Wildavsky, 2011). This is taking place in great numbers as compared to American universities, which have low numbers of such type of students. Those who are taking the course PSE6660 will have valuable information regarding how to become thinkers with free minds. This is the reason why most times, I found myself reflecting on this article. People who have an interest in adult education will be informed about what is taking place in the United States, due to globalization in the education sector.

The choices made by consumers determine if one is able to learn in the United States or abroad. This is the reason why most times I visit many websites as well as watch television. This will provide sufficient information regarding the behaviors of consumers. According to Covey Franklin, who is known for management of time, believes that consumers influence their lives. This is the reason why it is difficult for me not to watch Food TV as it makes my life worth living.

Wildavsky’s article ensures that those in the adult education sector are aware of essential aspects. Through having a possibly sense, Americans will be aware of how higher education has been impacted by higher education (Wildavsky, 2011). This is because the United States education market share is being eroded by European, Middle Eastern, and Asian universities. If a solution is not found immediately, the consequences might be detrimental. It should be known that competition is beneficial as the results are rewarding. It will also provide a great opportunity for improved higher education as well as improved excellence in the academic sector. All members as well as classmates undertaking PSE6660 should read this article (Boudousquie & Maniam & Leavell, 2007). They will benefit greatly and acquire a deeper understanding of higher education, foreign competition, and globalization. Everyone is encouraged to reflect on this article and how it will help improve their lives, both students and students.

According to an article by Terenzini and Pascarella (2011), students face many challenges while they are in college. This is because in the 21st century, education is greatly affected by globalization. Students have to ensure that the find ways of dealing with issues concerning education. They have to find ways to pay for their tuition, as well as other expenses, which they incur. The authors try and find solutions for dealing with such issues caused by globalization.

Heather Higgins believes that those investing their time in higher education learning should engage in research, which will help them. In the year 2006, some scholars from Fulbright became involved in research. They were interested in finding out the extent of globalization in universities located in different locations. Also, in another article by the same author, she sorts to find out participation, which occurs in higher education in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The impact on globalization is high and those in this sector seek to find out how they can ensure that they are not affected as much. This means that most adults want to learn in universities located in their region (Higgins, 2007). Most students do not want to study abroad in countries such as America and Spain. They want to ensure that the education they receive is in their country. Boudousquie & Maniam & Leavell (2007) believes that the economy of the United States has also been affected by globalization. The higher education sector has not been spared either as the consequences are being witnessed. Nothing much can be done to reduce its impact, but students should ensure that they promote their academic institutions. Thus, the issue on globalization should be known.

References

Wildavsky, Ben. (2011). Academic Globalization Should Be Welcomed, Not Feared

Globalization, Education, U.S. Higher Education. BOOKINGS. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2010/0115_globalization_wildavsky.aspx

Boudousquie, Renee. & Maniam, Bala. & Leavell, Hadley. (2007). Globalization: It’s Impact on the United States Economy. The Business Review, Cambridge. 94-100.

Pascarella, T. & Terenzini, T. (2011). Studying College Students in the 21st Century: Meeting New Challenges, The Review of Higher Education, 35. 151-158. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/review_of_higher_education/summary/v021/21.2pascarella.html

Higgins, Heather. (2007). International Research from the Fulbright New Century Scholars 2006. Higher Education Quarterly, 61, 2. Retrieved from http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0951-5224

Higgins, Heather. (2006). Patterns and Processes of Higher Education Participation: UK and Ireland, Higher Education Quarterly, 60,4. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0951-5224” http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0951-5224

Nelson Mandela’s Strategic Leadership

Nelson Mandela’s Strategic Leadership

Introduction

A good leader is best described by their strategic leadership skills, how well they put these skills into use, and the difference that they make for the people they lead. There are various essential skills that are taken into consideration in light of strategic leadership. These are anticipation, ability to make interpretations, alignment with stakeholders, ability to challenge, ability to make decisions, and ability to learn; all of which are important in leadership (Schoemaker, Krupp, & Howland, 2013). People will depend on a leader that is driven and understands their issues and needs. In consideration of the mentioned skills, Nelson Mandela is one person who applied strategic leadership skills in his leadership. These skills played an important role in enabling him lead his people to freedom. He has been praised for his leadership capabilities, especially during the racial power struggles in South Africa. He fought for the freedom and end of racial discrimination against the Black South Africans as well as the White minority. Mandela helped bring an end to apartheid thus welcoming democracy following talks with F. W. de Klerk, the then South African President, while ensuring a smooth transition away from discrimination (History.com Editors, 2009). These negotiating efforts earned them a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. In this essay, the author shares about how Nelson Mandela applied his strategic leadership skills when taking South Africa through difficult times, while identifying the successes that resulted from his efforts.

Mandela’s Strategic Leadership Journey through His Successes

In light of his shaping up for leadership, the best way one can describe Mandela’s successes as a strategic leader in South Africa is through the focus on three domains of integrated leadership. These are leadership of self or self leadership, leadership of others or interpersonal leadership, and leadership of the nation in this case or strategic leadership. Leadership of self focuses on the ability of a person to hold personal values that are sound, authenticity demonstration, and having a depth to self-knowledge. Interpersonal leadership, on the other hand, is the ability of a leader to understand and relate with the needs of those under their leadership, while doing their best to bring out the best in their people. Lastly, strategic leadership is a type of leadership that has priorities rightly identified and placed, with effective strategies, and a similarly effective process to bring the goals in sight into fruition (Dr. Mathur-Helm & Anderson, 2015). The effectiveness of each domain is dependent upon the effectiveness of the other domains. One cannot exist without the others.

Looking at Mandela, he strongly held onto the idea of being a role model and specifically focusing on making personal changes before expecting those under his leadership to take on the same mindset. He was a man that understood himself as well as what was needed of his leadership. Nelson Mandela is one of the most iconic leaders the world has ever seen. From a young age, especially after his father’s death, Mandela was adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, through which he underwent grooming for Thembo leadership. It was at this point that his value and personality development happened, with a further learning about the importance of humility and listening to others, thus instilling patience in him. Personal growth is, therefore, an essential part of becoming a strategic leader. This helped shape the leader he became, especially in light of knowing when to hold peaceful demonstrations and when to put his foot down. It also helped shape the person he became and the critical decisions that he made in leadership of South Africa (Schoemaker, 2013). The understanding of self helped him excel in his clear understanding of the reasons behind his imprisonment. He set aside languishing over his experiences and embraced studies, and considered both his and his country’s course in the future, especially in light of apartheid. This was more motivating with ANC leadership.

In light of the occurrence of the guerilla warfare, Mandela was convinced that this was a necessary course, especially against apartheid. He and his ANC counterparts were already successful at starting a movement that would catch on to a point of experiencing an overturning of apartheid m exchange of democracy (Gevisser, 2013). Further success of Mandela’s and his fellow opponents’ success was seen in the political and economic pressure that took place worldwide, especially in the potential occurrence of violence against apartheid, which was followed by the acceptance of an unsustainable reality. Such a violent upheaval would result into a civil war, something that would greatly affect South Africa and would go against Mandela’s beliefs. The success now came in the mastering of the need for reconciliation and negotiation as opposed to armed confrontation. This was a victory for Mandela and the people of South Africa since his dealings with the same government that encouraged apartheid now allowed him to see the beauty in professional handling of issues (History.com Editors, 2009). Mandela was seen as the leader of the ANC and the Black South Africans. His candor allowed him to lead them with a lot of calm and self control, which trickled down to the people in issue handling. This was an effective leader, successful even in maintaining calm in the face of a storm due to a right and positive approach to his personal leadership.

Secondly, Mandela was an effective interpersonal leader. A strategic leader has to be able to stand up against all that is wrong. Mandela did just that. He opposed any ideas that he found were limiting and were forced upon him; for instance, he fled to Johannesburg when his guardian had made marriage arrangements for him. His opposition to decisions and ideas that were contrary to what he believed in began early. This shows that he realized early that he had a say in matters pertaining to the life that he was leading. Decisions would not be made against his will as a result. Mandela’s opposition to ideas was more pronounced after joining the African National Congress (ANC), the opposition party. He gained prominence in the party due to his opposition activities and his liberal political views. His stand for what was right is what made people respect him, both as a person and a leader (Prichard, 2014). On this note, he became the face of the opposition. This was a success in itself since the opposition in the 1950s stood against apartheid by a government ruled by the White minority. He was among the people who took on the government by leading violent protests, following years of peaceful protests ending in police force. It was an encouragement to many Black South Africans who were fighting for their rights and needed a leader to get them to democracy, having a leader amongst them.

Mandela, together with a number of other opposition leaders from the ANC, had a hideout from where their sabotage campaign against the government was orchestrated. Once this was found out, as the strategic leader he was, Mandela “admitted to some of the charges against him while defending the ANC’s actions and denouncing the injustices of apartheid” (History.com Editors, 2009). This was a leader willing to say the truth all the way despite the consequences. He was a true leader, ready and willing to die for his people in the sought-after justice and democracy. From the charges against him, he got life imprisonment as a punishment. This was also a success. He had made a name for himself and his people, and in the process, had taken the needs of the people to the government’s doorstep and made them known to the ruling party, despite the government fighting hard against the opposition’s efforts.

Mandela was still the face of the opposition even in prison. The president of South Africa at the time, President Botha, offered Mandela a conditional release in terms of freedom for him while serving his sentence, as long as he promised to end his engagement in violence and any other illegal activity. However, Mandela viewed this as a way of keeping the Black South Africans quiet with their hands tied. It meant that his freedom came at a price, that is, continued encouragement of apartheid. The strategic leader did not buy into the idea; instead, he refused the offer and opted to continue serving his term. This was another success for Mandela. One reason why this was a success was because the people under his leadership now saw him as a principled leader; one who would not be swayed by promises that were too good to be true, and more so, those that would end up hurting their own people instead of making life easier for them. The second reason was that the people, including his ANC party saw him as an effective leader that would be able to make tough choices where there was a lot of difficulty in decision making. He was a perfect example of a strategic leader.

Mandela further showed a lot of grit and determination to remain true to his people even in light of the sweetening deal for him out of prison. He made a decision that he ensured would not betray the long struggle for freedom by the ANC, his principles, as well as his leadership. Looking at Nelson Mandela’s example, strategic leaders ought to be able to make well-thought decisions, especially while taking into consideration the needs of their people and the issues they face.

Mandela’s interpersonal leadership was clear within the confines of the prison. He knew that as the ANC leader and one of the people’s leaders to freedom, he would need to undergo preparation for leadership, over those who had been racially discriminated against and over those who viewed him as an enemy trying to jeopardize their segregation efforts. Mandela needed to show empathy to both parties, and in a manner in which he would gain favor with both sides by showing them that he had their best interests at heart (Freedman, 2015). The man made it a point to understand the language and history of White counterparts (Afrikaans) while showing people the respect they deserved. This happened within the confines of the prison as well as when he went free. His success came at a time when it was needed the most: during the peace and negotiation talks after he left prison. The information he had clung to while in prison on the importance of peaceful interactions with the other side came in handy when in discussion with the then South African president. Armed resistance was not an option anymore (Dr. Mathur-Helm & Anderson, 2015). Apartheid was done away with as a result, and in a peaceful manner that rendered both Black and White South Africans free and democratically entitled to life as South Africans. This was yet another success for Mandela, who had had a long walk to freedom, and for Black South Africans who had been prisoners in their own country.

Shortly after, in 1994, his negotiation and peaceful abilities got him the presidency, with a government that racially integrated to serve the needs of all South Africans without bias. His study of the Afrikaans language and history while in prison came in handy when deliberating national matters with his cabinet, much to the engagement and pleasure of White South Africans in his government. He had managed to bring together leaders from opposing sides through harmony and peace, managing to have their needs met, as well as having the needs of the represented South Africans met. Mandela’s strategic leadership capabilities knew no bounds. This was further seen in his support and encouragement of fellow South Africans to support their own Afrikaans in the rugby world cup held in South Africa (Bacon, 2016). He was a force to reckon with, using presenting opportunities to bring his South African people together.

On top of this, the great leader led the nation through peace and reconciliation in light of the victims of violence during the apartheid period. This was made possible by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which made to possible for affected Black South Africans to forgive their White counterparts, with the White minorities receiving amnesty from prosecution once they were honest in their testimonies (Freiberg & Freiberg, 2018). Nelson Mandela took his own country through the much needed healing process. Mandela was an effective leader especially when it came to coupling his effective personal leadership traits and interpersonal leadership traits (with focus on empathy) for the sake of living life through the eyes of fellow South Africans. He was a true leader, driven by his love and care for others, whether White or Black.

Lastly, Mandela conducted strategic leadership in leading his nation. This has already been seen in his personal and interpersonal leadership abilities. Looking at the period during which Mandela was freed from prison, he gave a speech to the nation. The speech entailed words that signified a plan to unify the nation and serve all the people alike, whether White, Black, or colored. He showed his commitment to making democracy a priority, after all, he was the leader that the people wanted, especially those that had suffered oppression in the hands of the White minority. He ensured that he neither brought up anger in the Black South Africans nor the hatred or dislike in the White South Africans (Dr. Mathur-Helm & Anderson, 2015). This was a success or a win for all, including Mandela himself. He was a careful, calculating, and considerate leader, with the needs of all his people in mind. It was another win when the strategic leader ensured to cover the importance of democracy in the wake of autocracy and corruption that had been ailing African countries at the time. This is the point at which the great leader took on a campaign for forgiveness and reconciliation to bring together all South Africans while encouraging harmony.

Only a strategic leader can help his fellow countrymen see the importance of elimination of discrimination, push for democracy and better living conditions, and encourage forgiveness all at a go, while driving the emotions of his many countrymen in a positive direction. Despite successes in the political front of Black leadership and democracy, South Africa has had its challenges in economic and social realms. Even as a strategic leader whose many successes met many of the needs of his fellow countrymen, he still met a few failures along the way. South Africa is still experiencing gaps in jobs, education, healthcare, and housing due to inefficient funds in their social programs. These are especially said to be an issue because the great leader only put his skills into use for only a short period of time as president, leaving his dreams to fail in the economic and social fronts. Despite these drawbacks, the strategic leader remains a force to reckon with, especially with the number of major changes that South Africa experienced under his leadership at the ANC and as president (Langa, 2018). He was a successful leader with a few hitches, but he laid the most important foundation of democracy for South Africa and the world as a whole.

Conclusion

To summarize, Nelson Mandela was an impeccable leader and he remains a person that many look up to, in light of his leadership traits, his stand and principles, his love for what was right, and his drive to meet people’s needs and see issues resolved. He had many successes but the most important one being the ability to bring South Africa out of the apartheid regime and into democracy that rules the country to date. He also had a few failures, but these do not at all override his successes. He brought back togetherness within the knitted groups of South Africa. Only such a strategic leader could remain firm and yet graceful in his dealings with his people. he is the definition of leadership beauty and success at its best.

References

Bacon, B. (2016, Sept 5). Leadership Lessons from Nelson Mandela’s Life. Oxford Leadership. https://www.oxfordleadership.com/leadership-lessons-nelson-mandelas-life-2/Dr. Mathur-Helm, B. & Anderson, J. (2015, Dec 1). Mandela: The art of the authentic leader. Think at London Business School. https://www.london.edu/think/the-art-of-the-authentic-leaderFreedman, L. (2015, Feb 10). Nelson Mandela as a Strategist. The Strategy Bridge. https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2016/2/1/nelson-mandela-as-a-strategistFreiberg, K. & Freiberg, J. (2018, Jul 19). Madiba Leadership: 5 Lessons Nelson Mandela Taught The World About Change. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinandjackiefreiberg/2018/07/19/madiba-leadership-5-lessons-nelson-mandela-taught-the-world-about-change/#461c2ffa41baGevisser, M. (2013, Dec 8). Mandela’s failures as well as successes must be recognized. The New Daily. https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2013/12/08/mandelas-successes-failures-must-recognised/History.com Editors. (2009, Nov 9). Nelson Mandela. History. https://www.history.com/topics/africa/nelson-mandelaLanga, M. (2018, July 18). Head and Heart: The Lessons of Leadership from Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela Foundation. https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/head-and-heart-the-lessons-of-leadership-from-nelson-mandelaPrichard, S. (2014, Sept 25). 11 Leadership Qualities of nelson Mandela. Skip Prichard. https://www.skipprichard.com/11-leadership-qualities-of-nelson-mandela/Schoemaker, P.J.H. (2013, Jul 9). Lasting Legacy: Nelson Mandela’s Evolution as a Strategic Leader. Knowledge @ Wharton. https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/lasting-legacy-nelson-mandelas-evolution-as-a-strategic-leader/Schoemaker, P.J.H., Krupp, S., & Howland, S. (2013, Jan-Feb). Strategic Leadership: The Essential Skills. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2013/01/strategic-leadership-the-esssential-skills

Nature versus Nurture. What Affects a Person More, Their Genes or Their Surroundings and the Way They Are Raised

Nature versus Nurture: What Affects a Person More, Their Genes or Their Surroundings and the Way They Are Raised?

The debate concerning nature versus nurture, in regard to the effect of genes, surroundings and upbringing on an individual has always been a contentious subject. Each of the three factors plays a distinct role in a person’s developmental changes, in the course of his/her lifespan. However, many scholars approach the controversial subject by assuming a middle ground on the case (Fulton, 2009). The thesis statement of this paper posits that, nurture and nature are complementary and work mutually to structure a person’s manners.

It is essential to mention that, nature bestows a person with inborn characteristics whereas nurture structures these genetic aptitudes through the socialization process. Genetics’ role in an individual’s personality has been endorsed in studies related to psychology while, on the other hand, proponents of nurture posit that, a person is shaped by the environment, rather than genes. Proponents of nature, especially psychologists posit that an adult’s character is predominantly established by the set of genes that the person carries. According to Ridley (2009), a person is exclusively defined by genes, and the foundation of this life is to become a transmission avenue for the genes and guarantee their propagation. Several studies have demonstrated that genes affect a person’s appearance as well as, play a significant role in their attitude and behavior. Contemporary hereditary research, as well as medical studies in regard to adopted children and identical twins, demonstrates that numerous human qualities formerly undervalued as an upshot of childhood experiences and upbringing were anchored in genetic matrix but that explicit characteristics were initiated through certain situations (Fulton, 2009).

The interaction among the environment and genetics can be considered from a philosophical perspective. Several philosophers have raised the question as to whether humans inherit the ability to structure the objective information that is perceived by their senses, or they discern this entirely from their environment. According to Segal (2010), human beings congregate their understanding of the world exclusively through their senses’ experiences. The information is then shaped into an increasingly complex form through rationale. Human beings have an inherent capacity of observation, but the thoughts that influenced their conduct are created from their experiences. In contrast, other philosophers such as Immanuel Kant posit that human conduct and understanding is genetically constructed. Kant argued that while the understanding human beings have is derived from what their senses experience, humans have an inherent ability to categorize and discern from this information.

It is essential to reflect on an attribute such as leadership in this discussion since it presents a credible interplay between nature and nurture in a person’s life. Nature may be a fundamental aspect in the leadership qualities that a person possesses. At the same time, nurture may be an essential aspect in the leadership qualities that an individual possesses. Life experiences have been proven to strengthen an individual’s character in learning to be an influential individual. The individual may learn out of life experiences how to fight for their beliefs, as well as guiding other people to do the same (Ridley, 2009).

The more human behavior and development is understood, the more explicable it becomes that nurture and nature simply influence but do not independently determine the character a person. It is evident that there is no direct, fundamental relationship between an individual’s genetic makeup and their conduct, or between environment and personality. The possibility of exhibiting certain tendencies might be amplified by possessing a distinct gene, but it is not solitary driving factor. A human being’s socialization also significantly influences their decisions and character.

References

Fulton, T. (2009). Psychological Testing. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Ridley, E. (2009). Sex & Evolution of Human Character. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.Segal, D. (2010). Environment & IQ. New York: Rosen Central.

Customer Complaints Handling Procedure

Customer Complaints Handling Procedure

Executive summary

A wide range of laws and regulations focus on the recommended approach of marketing products and services and stipulate compliance requirements in the market environment. Organizations are required to abide by these laws and regulations in their transactions. The cardinal principle enshrined in these rules and regulations is that all forms of marketing must of necessity be accurate, truthful and current. The primary areas of compliance therefore, include: the nature of information organizations may gather from customers and what they may carry out with such information; information that organizations can convey concerning their products and services and how they may convey such information; information that can be communicated by organizations concerning their competitors and the products or services offered by such competitors. Other pertinent areas of concern in compliance include: endorsement, comparative claims, contests and sweepstakes, collection and use of marketing information, telemarketing, marketing to children, digital marketing, special offers, and negative-option marketing. This paper aims to examine compliance requirements in regard to handling of customer complaints. It will essentially examine how organizations handle complaints from dissatisfied customers and the procedures employed by such organizations to forestall consumer apathy occasioned by dissatisfaction in products or services offered by an organization.

Introduction and Overview

The past years have been epitomized by unprecedented growth of competition in companies. Furthermore, the stagnation or shrinking of markets in the contemporary business environment makes it difficult for companies to grow or continue making profits in the long run (Bitner, Booms, and Tetreault, 2009). The rapid enhancements and perpetual improvements of production technology as well as the products themselves have heralded a market full of substituted products. These prevailing market dynamics have necessitated sale of efficient service even where goods were previously the primary concern of an organization(Rambaud, 2006) . This significant shift in general market conditions has subsequently lead to an emphasis on customer orientation. Companies have awakened to the reality that satisfied customers are a contingent part of successful organizations. Moreover, focus of organizations has also moved from acquisition of new customers to retention of existing ones. This change of tact has been spurred by empirical findings which indicate that acquisition of new customers and recovery of lost customers is considerably more expensive than retaining existing ones (Checkland, 2000).

From the perspective of the customer, one critical benefit of compliance is that goal attainment and satisfaction with processes of service delivery is dependent on compliance with roles that impact on behaviour outside an organization (Albright, and Roth, 2009). For example, although certain products may include several instructions on usage, the consumer is obligated to comply with the instructions in order to realize the aim of the product (Foster, Gupta, and Sjoblom, 2010). Satisfaction has been shown to stem from the variation between what the customer anticipates and what they actually receive (Checkland, 2000).

According to Carter and Kulbok (2002) consumer compliance is an integral element of service production. They contend that without the direct involvement of customer, the organization productivity is bound to be affected, as well as its positioning in relation to its competitors. Consequently, the quality of services dispersed to customers would be impacted leading to customer dissatisfaction. For example, the healthcare services, whose productivity depends on collective effort and compliance by both the customer (patients) the services employee. The research question for this study is therefore: “Is consumer compliance with product or service instructions linked to satisfaction with goals of such products or services?”

Literature Review

Literature in Market and management is full of market oriented philosophies which attribute performance and profitability to customer loyalty and satisfaction (Bosch, and Enriquez, 2005). In practice, however, customer orientation hardly ever attains a recognizable level in the operations of businesses. The efficiency of processes in organizations has traditionally been fostered by process-based management teachings such as total quality management, activity based management, lean management, business process re-engineering, continuous improvement and supply chain management (Foster,Gupta, and Sjoblom, 2010). Even though many scholars have touted the important role played by consumers in the advancement of business processes (Cardy, and Dobbins, 2006), critics have in the past argued that such praises fail to pay enough attention to the consumer (Rambaud, 2006). In essence, contemporary strategies aimed at addressing the plight of consumers in marketing and management literature do not lay enough emphasis on pertinent issues affecting the customer. Therefore, the gist of this paper is to advance an argument that is customer focused and specifically considers effectiveness of procedures involved in handling complaints presented by customers.

Studies have examined the role of customers in the advancement of an organization through service creation. For example, Simpson et al (2000) posit that service organizations have a tendency of treating customers as quasi employees. This notwithstanding, compliance requirements are largely affected by a failure of most organizations to invest in customer participation outside of the service company (Checkland, 2000).

Other studies have also established that customers complain when they experience one of two conditions: they sense that they have been treated unfairly or their expectations are underperformed to a degree that falls outside their zone of tolerance (Albright, and Roth, 2009). According to Cardy and Dobbins, (2006), customers also have a tolerance threshold for product and service performance. The extent of tolerable performance will be determined by importance attached to a product or service or the specific attribute of the product, which occasions the complaint. Important products and services will tend to have a stricter tolerance compared to products and services deemed less important (Foster, Gupta, and Sjoblom, 2010).

Customer complaints as the basis of Process improvement

Faults committed when providing customers with products and services have been prioritized based on the cost incurred by a company or an organization’s consumers (Rambaud, 2006). For instance, the Japanese quality philosophy categorizes between systematic and random faults. Systematic errors have a tendency to cause a customer to experience continuous dissatisfaction (Hallen, and Latino, 2003). Such errors stem from myriad factors, which make their identification and analysis a challenging endeavor. On the other hand, random errors stem from relatively simple causes and are therefore, quite easy to identify and correct (Davidow, 2003). The removal of systematic errors has been touted to engender the greatest benefit to an organization, given that their removal has the greatest potential of enhancing quality in an organization’s processes (Albright, and Roth, 2009). A substantial quantity of versatile data is crucial to the identification of systematic faults within an organization (Stauss, and Schoeler, 2004). An important source of generating systematic data entails gathering information that constitutes customer complaints. This source is both valuable and inexpensive.

The adoption of a staff friendly approach of complaint process has an added benefit to the productivity of an organization, given that it enhances employee retention (Zairi, 2000). The basic premise behind the employee-friendly customer complaint process is that recognition of human error makes the management of complaint relatively easier to employees and contributes to a happier workforce (Checkland, 2000).

Other important factors that should constitute essential elements of the complaint process are key attributes which are designed to improve the process by saving the costs involved and consequently impact on the profitability. The nexus between cost and customer satisfaction bolsters the improvement process and makes both parties to the process agents of championing such progress and change (Zairi, 2000). This convergence implicitly alludes to the fact that process improvements significantly affect customer satisfaction and retention just as they affect the attitude and retention of employees.

Therefore, process improvements should be fashioned to address factors that positively affect both customer and employee attitudes. The preferred approach in attaining this goal is by employing customer complaint information with a view to establishing matters that lead to customer dissatisfaction and using the feedback provided as the basis for initiating process improvement strategies (Davidow, 2003). The relevance of this approach stems from the fact that it is aimed at avoiding repetition of errors that could have been occasioned by a failure to observe critical procedural factors in the initial interaction between a customer and employees of the organization (Albright, and Roth, 2009).

Complaint typically enters an organization at various customer meeting points: order processing, accounts receivables; sales engineering, customer service center and logistics. A complaint processing system thus needs to gather complaints from around the business then analyze them in order to ascertain the root causes. From such rigorous procedure a company will significantly reduce the amount of rework needed and it will attain a higher level of first-time reliability (Davidow, 2003). According to Hammer (2010) awareness of an organization’s complaints policy and processes is an effective means of increasing the number of employees who report any nature of issue that causes dissatisfaction. If the failures in an organization can be traced to certain individuals or processes then the organization is well placed to correct such failures (Albright, and Roth, 2009).

This paper advocates for the development of an ideological construction that systematically analyses employees feedback registered by customers in the form of complaints to bolster improvements to business processes both at strategic and operational level. Inherent in the whole concept is the notion that organizations should not just be contented with the improvements achieved by satisfying complaining clients, but that the complaint feedback collated in the process should be integrated into an organization’s processes and specifically target the source of complaint (Bitner, Booms, and Tetreault, 2009). By targeting the exact location where the complaint is alleged to have originated, the problem is eliminated. This proposition is founded on the premise of employing the concept of learning system and loops in feedback to balance the diversity presented by the business environment and operations (Checkland, 2000).

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the methodology of the study and describes the procedures that will be used in conducting the research study. In this chapter, the researcher will discuss the research design, data collection methods and data analysis methods that will be used to realize the research objectives. According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), research methodology describes the procedures that have been followed in conducting a study. A research methodology will be developed and a population determined. Data will be collected using questionnaires and analysis will be done to enlighten the research study objectives.

Research design

A research design entails a framework or an outline employed in conducting a research. “A research design is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data” (Kothari, 2004, p. 31).Research design is a way of achieving the research objectives through proven techniques. According to Cooper & Schilnder (2003), a research design is a framework for specifying the relationship among the study’s variable and outlines procedures for every research activity.

The study will employ descriptive research design. descriptive research design is aimed at collecting information from respondents on their opinions and attitudes in relation to the research problem.

Population

A population entails all items in a field of research. Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), defined population as being made up of the entire group of people a research is going to be conducted before a sample size is selected. The population however must be carefully chosen and defined in order to come up with best results. This is due to the fact that a population that does not have characteristics of the study will lead to different results. A target population is a set of units that have observable characteristics which will be used to generalize the results of the study (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). In this study, the target population involves online communities. The choice of online communities was informed by the fact that these group creates value for all parties and stakeholders involved including third parties and host member. The defining criteria in this regard was the need to enhance the perceived value.

Sampling procedure and sample size

A sampling method is a way of selecting a portion of population such that the selected portion represents the population adequately (Chandran, 2004). Similarly, “Sampling is the process of selecting a number of individual for a study in such a way that the individuals selected represent the large group from which they were selected” (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003, p.10). When the population is too large, the researcher needs to select individuals to represent the larger group. The primary purpose of sampling was to obtain information about an entire population by examining only a part of it with the assumption that the sample data convey the population parameters (Kothari, 2004). It is therefore imperative that sampling enables the researcher to narrow down the large patients and health practitioner’s population to a manageable sample that provided required data about the study. Using a random stratified sampling, various consumer communities will be selected for inclusion in the study. Membership to online communities and age will be used as the basis for stratification.

According to Chandran (2004), sampling methods are classified as either probabilty or non-probability. The probability sampling method gives an equal chance of selection to each member in the study. Every sampling unit in this case has a known non zero chance of being included in the study (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). Non probablity sampling method does not equally select elements from the population to participate in the study and is useful when the researcher is not interested in selecting a sample that is representing the whole population (Chandran, 2004).

According to Chandran (2004), sampling methods are classified as either probabilty or non-probability. The probability sampling method gives an equal chance of selection to each member in the study. Every sampling unit in this case has a known non zero chance of being included in the study (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). Non probablity sampling method does not equally select elements from the population to participate in the study and is useful when the researcher is not interested in selecting a sample that is representing the whole population (Chandran, 2004).

The target population will be grouped into strata i.e. patients and health practitioners of the NCC health center in Bahati, the elements in the target population will have an equal and independent chance of being selected randomly to come up with the sample that was used in the study.

This survey will involve a sample size of 150 internet users who have previously used online consumer service. A sample size refers to the selected representative of the larger group. “An optimum sample is one which fulfills the requirements of efficiency, representativeness, reliability and flexibility” (Kothari, 2004, p.56). The ultimate test of a sample is how well it represents the characteristics of the population it purports to represent. From the target population the required number of respondents will be selected in order to make a sample. 10% of the target health practitioners and 30 % of the target patient will be used as the sample of the study..

Pilot study

A pilot study will be undertaken as part of the exploratory research. The pilot study will involve a focus group of 20 respondents who are conversant with using the internet. The focus group will mainly be specialized personnel and practitioners in various fields, and whose work entails using online web spaces to engage consumers. The respondents will be required to map various tools used in online collaborative transactions, namely online communities, blogs and Wikis with regard to the ability of these collaborative web interfaces to establish and convey product, deliver organization an brand value to consumer.

Research Instruments

The study will involve use of questionnaire developed based on the frame of reference and research questions. The questionnaire will be divided into three sections. The purpose of the study will be highlighted at the questionnaire’s headline. The respondents’ views concerning the perceived quality of employing online consumer service will be the focus of analysis in the second section. The last section will be concerned with obtaining information about respondent’s profile with regard to age, gender, education, occupation and remuneration (income). Open ended questions, multiple selection questions, scored questions and a five point Likert-scale neutral will be used. On the Likert scale (1= strongly disagree, 2= disagree, 3=neutral, 4=agree and 5=strongly agree).

Measurements employed in the research

Variable No Question Type of scale

Reliability 1 An initial use of online customer service sites reveals that they are right in service dispensation Likert-scale

2 The service delivery in online customer service sites matches the standards promised Likert-scale

3 The service provision in online customer service sites suits consumer needs Likert-scale

4 Task completion in online customer service sites is accurate Likert-scale

5 Consumers can trusts and rely on services offered by online customer service Likert-scale

6 online customer service is quick to address consumer needs and concerns Likert-scale

7 The frequently Asked Questions in online customer service sites are comprehensive enough to address major areas of inquiry resented by consumers Likert-scale

8 There are adequate knowledgeable personnel to address problems presented by consumers in online customer service Likert-scale

9 The rate of processing problems in online customer service sites is fast Likert-scale

Security 10 Account transactions of consumers using online customer service site are accurately kept Likert-scale

11 Security for transactions undertaken using online customer service site is adequate and up to standard Likert-scale

12 Consumers consider online customer service site to be secure Likert-scale

13 Consumers feel a sense of security when using online customer service site Likert-scale

14 Consumers are confident of the level of security offered by online customer service site Likert-scale

Ease of Use 15 Consumers perceive online customer service site to be accessible and easy to use Likert-scale

16 online customer service site employs language that s well understood by consumers Likert-scale

17 Consumers can easily understand the information and text used in online customer service site Likert-scale

18 Instructions relayed to consumers in online customer service site are clear Likert-scale

Access 19 The online customer service site is accessible to customers on a 24/7 basis Likert-scale

20 Customers who intend to contact organizations using online customer service site have provisions in the form of ,inks to email or internet based query facilities Likert-scale

21 Customers can readily access their accounts by logging in anywhere at any time to receive services from online customer service sites. Likert-scale

Value of online customer service 22 Customer believe the online customer service site are an integral element of service provision for the organizations concerned Likert-scale

Customer satisfaction 23 Problems inherent within organizations can be addressed by online customer service site Likert-scale

24 Services offered by online customer service site exceed customer expectation Likert-scale

Customer Satisfaction 25 Customers using online customer service site are motivated to continue using such services.

Likert-scale

26 Customers are likely to continue suing services provided by online customer service site in future Likert-scale

27 Customers are likely to recommend their friends, colleagues and family to use services provided by organizations through online customer service site Likert-scale

Views of online customer service 28 Reasons that are likely to motivate customers to prefer using other forms of customer service instead of online customer service Multiple selection

29 Services or products that customer is likely to include to meet his or her needs Open Ended question

30 Services or products that the customer is likely to prefer remaining integral to the online customer service site Open Ended question

Data Collection methods and procedures

According to Levy and Lemeshow (2001), data are the facts present to the researcher from the study’s environment, they include primary and secondary data. Primary data are the original works of research or raw data without interpretation or pronouncements that represent an official opinion or position (Chandran, 2004). According to Bless et al., (2008), secondary information or data sources are data neither collected by the user nor specifically for the user. Thus invloves the collection and analysis of the published materials and information from internal sources. Secondary data may be obtained by collecting information from a diverse source of documentations or electronically stored information. The study collected both primary and secondary data. Secondary data included sources of literature and historical information on the two Adventist universities. Primary data will be collected using questionnaires administered on a drop and pick basis.

Data collection instruments according to Cooper and Schindler (2003), are tools used for gathering empirical evidence in order to gain new insight about a situation and answers questions that prompt the undertaken research. They include: questionnaires, interviews, observations and focus group discussions. The method to use in collecting data largely depends on the type of data, either primary or secondary data (Kothari, 2004). This process consists of examining, tabulating analyzing the evidence to address the initial proposition of the study. This study will use questionnaires to collect primary data.

Questionnaires are a series of written questions on topics about which respondent’s views or perceptions are sought (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). Questionnaires contain both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Chandran (2004), explained that open-ended questions or unstructured questions are those for which alternative are provided while close-ended questions or structured questions do not provide alternatives for the respondents to choose from. The questionnaires in this study had both open and closed ended questions and were administered to respondents who were required to complete them. The researcher will exercise care and control to ensure all questionnaires issued to the respondents are returned back, to accomplish this, a register for the issued and returned questionnaires were kept. The use of questionnaires in this study will be advised by the advantage it offers such as ease of administration and the convenience in targeting the response obtained by limiting the respondents to the subject at hand (Wilkinson & Birmingham 2003). Chandran (2004), observed that use of self-administered questionnaires is the only way to elict self-report on people’s opinion, attitude, belief and value. Questionnaires also allow for confidentiality of the respondents (Wilkinson & Birmingham 2003).

Data analysis and presentationData analysis according to Bless et al., (2008), is the process of organization, manipulation and consideration of meaning of data collected. Cooper and Schilnder (2003), argued that data analysis involves reducing accumulated data to manageable size, developing summaries, looking for patterns, and applying statistical techniques such as tables, charts, and percentages. Data analysis for this study integrated content analysis, qualitative and quantitative methodology in order to derive meaning from the data collected from the practitioners and patients. Quantitative data collected will be analyzed using statistical package for social sciences SPSS and presented through percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. The information will be presented by use of bar charts, graphs and pie charts.

Ethical consideration

Ethics are beliefs and rules about what is right and wrong. According to Ferrell, Freaedrich and Ferrell (2008), research ethics emphasises on determing what is right and wrong during the research period. The goal of ethics in research is to ensure that the researcher follows the right procedure in the collection, analysis and recommedation of the research findings. Value and judgement plays a critical role when one makes ethical decisions during the research process (Ferrell et al., 2008).Hence the researchers’ judgement on the findings should be true and just to portray the exact situation at hand. However; unethical activities are pervasive and include violating none discloses agreements with the parties who provide data to the researcher, breaking respondents confidentiality, misinterpretation of results, deceiving people and avoiding legal liability.

The researcher will conduct this research observing research ethics by getting approval from the universities to carry out the research. Misuse of privileges given by the universities, confidentiality, privacy and anonymity will be considered while carrying out the research. The researcher will also maintain high levels of integrity and remain objective throughout the study. The respondents will be informed the purpose of the research, its objective and the benefits of the study before they fill the questionnaires.

Conclusion

In order to realize the predominant market philosophy that lays emphasis on a client oriented approach to the attainment of compliance in the business environment, organizations need to focus on processes intrinsic to an organization’s value chain. In particular, focus should be on those processes which add the greatest value to customers. In profitable relationships between customers and an organization, such improvements have been found to play a critical role. Customer complaints serves as an effective means of effecting process improvements that are customer focused and at the same time identify systematic errors that are likely to occur in an organization. Customer complaints are more advantageous than data collected through panel studies and surveying of customers, since customer complaint information is usually a true reflection of the customer’s opinion. By putting in place appropriate mechanisms to address complaints arising from discontented customers, an organization’s financial performance is positively affected. Customer complaint process essentially covers a recovery process, tailored to ensure that complaints of discontented customers are addressed through timely correction of the errors made.

References

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Cultural International Business

Cultural of International Business

Introduction

Globalization of the economy has brought both challenges and opportunities for the world trade. Across the boundaries, there has been a increase in the flow of labor capital and factors of production. The opportunities for production offshore and outsourcing in the service and the manufacturing sectors have too increased. Cultural barriers, environmental uncertainty and managerial complexity are among the challenges that economic globalization has meet.

A study of cultural materialism would help on to understand better the complex cultural environment that affects business in the global system. Internalization has been described as a very important strategy which businesses can use to exploit opportunities found in the global world of trade. Cultural materialism can be described as an anthropological research oriented and which was first studied by Marvin Harris. Cultural materialism is also described as an ecological and evolutionary system of theory which tries to give an account to the maintenance, origin, and change of the social cultural systems.

Ideas of Cultural materialism presented by Marvin Harris

According to Harris cultural materialism is premised on the fact that the human social life is largely a response that is made to the practical problems existing in the world. Marvin Harris’ aimed at laying the foundations of the scientific study of the society. Harris theory foundation is that a particular society production mode( for example the work patterns and technology) and especially regarding food and the mode of reproduction( meaning growth and population levels) in their interaction and contact with natural environment has great impact the social cultural change and stability (Elwell 2001). Harris asserts that societies are systems and the widespread social beliefs and practices are supposed to be compatible with the society’s infrastructures. The infrastructures here mean the modes of reproduction and production and the interaction with the natural environment. The infrastructures are a representation of the ways found in a society used for regulation of both the amount and type of the resource that the society needs to be sustained. Thus much of Harris work circles around giving explanations of cultural systems such as norms ideologies beliefs values and also the various social institutions and practices by using production population and ecological variables. The infrastructure is used to represent practices and technologies through which social cultural systems have adapted to their environments. This activity is so important to the survival of individuals as well as the social cultural systems and thus the adoption of the technologies as Harris maintains will have massive effects on the cultural beliefs and values and the human institutions (Harris 1991).

Further Harris fully explored the effects of reproductive and productive factors on the social institutions such as religion, family and work place and also the impact on ideologies the widespread human ideals and beliefs such as feminism, cow worship and eating taboos. Harris however doesn’t claim that super structural and structural factors are dependant merely upon the infrastructure of a society. Rather Harris view is that super structural and structural factor factors interact with production process and the population level.

The framework developed by Harris is capable of the integration of a wide range of empirical observations and theoretical insights within its scope. His conception of structure and superstructure has further been developed so as to incorporate more anthropological and sociological theory. At the core of his cultural materialism is his instance that the relationships existing between production and population form the basis of all social cultural systems and that this base has gigantic effects on the rest of the systems.

How the understanding of Marvin’s ideas of cultural materialism have helped in understanding of the complex

It’s precisely because of the fact that the different infrastructures that are found in different environment in the widespread societies that globalization of business has become so complex and difficult. The infrastructures are the representatives the practices and the technologies by which the social cultures adopt to their environment. Different societies have different technologies and practice (Seabrook 2004).

As Harris asserts the societies are systems and the widespread social beliefs and practices are supposed to be compatible with the society’s infrastructures. Compatibility of the infrastructures and social beliefs and practices becomes very crucial. The different societies have their own social beliefs and practices and when infrastructures of another society are imported compatibility becomes an issue. This can be understood clearly by looking at some of the implications of the different infrastructures on international business. First and forest different cultural background have adversely affected export and imports business. Due to the different cultures across the world some industries have been unable to export their products to some countries and when the exportation is available then the goods which they export may be limited because not many people would have been transformed to the culture of using their type of products. For example food industries cant export any product of pork to Muslim countries profitably because their religion is against eating of anything associated with pork because pig are viewed as dirty to them.

The way of communication is different with the different cultures. Terms used in some culture might sound very harsh in other cultures. Thus the way in which words are used has an adverse effect on the in the intercultural communication in corporate houses. This is in fact a major hindrance in business communication process. Another thing that pertains to culture and has adversely affected international businesses is use of different languages. For any business to prosper and yield maximum profit communication between employees clients and consumer and the business owners must be very effective. For example someone can’t sell goods or services to someone if they don’t understand each other. At the same time they can’t work effectively with the staff when they can’t communicate and come to an understanding (Rodgers 1998).

International businessmen are forced to use their time and money on learning these languages so as to be able to communicate effectively with the counterparts in the other countries. Learning these languages consumes a lot of time that the business man could have used in production of ideas of expanding the business and making it yield more profits. Apart from being time consuming these one may not fully understand the use of the language for example the accent which may lead to distortion of word therefore making communication ineffective. Further more money that could have been invested in advancing the business is used to learn the languages (Jones 2001). These business men may also opt to hire interpreters who complicate thing even more as they may distort information and may not clearly give the explanations. They are also expensive to hire and business men invest also of money in them. The body language varies in different cultures. In international business understanding the language of mannerisms and gestures becomes crucial. There are times when behavior in certain gestures may be misinterpreted by the people from the different culture and this makes intercultural communication in corporate houses very difficult (Sheila 2004).

People from Germany and Britain are keen when it comes to following time bound schedules. There might be clashes due to different time cultures between people of diverse cultures. In the corporate world the way boardroom meetings may be handled could be reasons behind clashes. Where some time cultures stick to time as scheduled other culture don’t stick to the schedules. The marketing executives who represent the international businessmen with international assignments face problems in dealing with different corporate culture from across the world. Thus a skilled coordinator might be required (Scarborough 1998).

Another issue that has been adversely affected by different cultures is team work by staff from different cultures when it comes to international companies which have been set up in foreign countries. The employees may clash on so many issues which for example include time as discussed above. They may also not be able to communicate effectively due to different body languages and gestures that they use. This may result in a misunderstanding and ends up disintegrating them and making it impossible for team work to come into play such organization. Team work is always important when it comes to success in any business. all the above implications all add up to one thing which is different social beliefs and their compatibility with the infrastructures in a society.

Understanding of the quotation

A serious international business man aiming towards success is supposed to handle the different cultures carefully. Some of the countries tend to undermine the cultures of other people since they think that their culture is superior. This is very bad practice that can make global business men loose the many opportunities that come with globalization of the economy. In the international business a good businesses man is one who appreciates the differences in culture in the different societies. A businessman should always be purposeful in the fuel of global business and thus should be aware of want he wants. It very unethical for them to focus on undermining other peoples cultures other than attempting to look for mitigating factor. When working in global commercial environment knowledge of the effects of cultural differences is of the key factors that business men should be armed with. It helps companies to build competencies and also helps individuals to be more sensitive globally. Conflicts arising within international companies may affect team work adversely (Ferraro 2010). For example when the workers are from different countries and thus have different cultural backgrounds misunderstandings happen for example because of language or the mode of dressing. Thus worker in such companies may not work together due to misunderstandings resulting from cultural differences. It may affect the international company adversely if the workers don’t attempt to adapt to the different cultures and so as to enhance interpersonal relations personal growth and intercultural interactions.

There also may be conflicts arising between the international company and other local companies on the basis of cultural differences. Such companies can work together in the market. Beyond soft skills international companies should strive to ensure implementation of the standards and industry best practices. Best practices lessen the clashes that come up as a result of different cultures. The best practices are to some extent more widely accepted. They also help in creation of collective identity. Best practices when dealing with international clients help to lessen the clashes of culture. This works no matter when the clients come from. This is reduced to working with good communication and best practices in the end.

The most important of the measures that the international business men can undertake is to appreciate the different cultures and move on with their business without trying to prove that their culture is the superior one (Daft 2009). For example in the western countries the mode of dressing could be considered as nakedness in the Muslim world. A business man then from the western countries with an intention to successfully undertake business ventures in the Muslim world must be dressed in an appropriate manner that is not irritating during the interactions with the counterparts in the Muslim world. This would be very applicable if it is a lady from the western world where the cultural values allow her to dress in mi skirts and sleeveless tops. It is advisable that such a business lady should take precaution in the manner of dressing if the venture is to be successful.

Contending views on cultural implications of the globalization process

It has been argued that globalization has had great implications on the cultural values. The anti-globalist, view, from the perspective that the best practices have had diverse effect on cultural values whiles the globalist, view from the perspective of economic benefits of globalization. Cultural values have been transformed by immensely by globalization. Social scientist devout their time and also effort to analyze their processes that characterize the international activates today. Some social scientists believe that globalization has produced immense chaos and have destroyed the traditional cultures of different societies (Tucker 2009). These scientists have viewed globalization as economic phenomena which involve enhanced international trade. Scholars who emphasize globalization destructive effects on the culture don’t believe that spring up cultural institutions for promoting organized patterns of social interactions and for maintain stability to have a recreational process that have positive effects for economic development but rather have resulted to enduring conditions of social disorganization and chaos. They also believe that social cultural disorganization and fragmentation has resulted to serious moral and social problems. They argue that the disorganization of culture, the social bonds and established institutions have undermined the self control and the result of that is increase in the incidence of deviant behaviors and crime and therefore requires the states to have increasingly repressive response to the same. Further they contend that the disorganization of culture caused by globalization has created desperation amongst the society losers and as a result there has been an increase in pursuit for hedonistic pleasures such as drug abuse has increased (Hurst 1998).

Globalization has also undermined some of the most cherished institutions such as family and according to anti globalist this is such a great damage. Adult family members are preoccupied with material achievement and work and they don’t have time to meet family obligations and therefore purchase caretakers in the market to meet the needs of their children as well as the elderly family members. This involves the interactions with institution which are market based such as day care centers, nursing homes, private schools whose staff are paid carers, nannies and aides. This is very sad because the cultural values which saw mothers and father watching their children grow into important adults are eroded and thus children lacking such parent contact lack their guidance and may not grow to evaluate their example.

The social scientists also explain that globalization transforming the local cultures gradually and patching them with new and universal practices and values of modernity. This global culture is mostly western in character extols rationalism, individualism secularism and also other values from western nations (Scarborough 1998). As the diffusion and absorption of these values take place in the local societies the world cultures are changing and becoming almost similar. But as the cultures are converging in forming the new world culture it is not at all a sudden process and many features of the traditional culture endure for many years.

The globalist on the other hand argue that the economic benefits of globalization out weight the effect of globalization on culture and further contend that erosion of culture is simply modernization which is good for any society.

References

Elwell, F. (2001) Marvin Harris’s Cultural Materialism. United States. University press.

Bhagwati, J. (2004) In Defense of Globalization. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press.

Sheila, C.(2004) Globalization and Belonging: The Politics of Identity in a Changing World.

United States. Rowman & Littlefield.

Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity at large: Cultural dimensions of globalization. Minneapolis.

University of Minnesota Press.

Harris , M. (1991) Cannibals and Kings: The Origin of Cultures. New York. Vintage Books.

Ferraro, G. (2010) The Cultural Dimensions of International Business, 6th edition. United States.

Pearson

Seabrook, J. ( 2004) Consuming Cultures: Globalization and Local Lives. United kingdom. New

Internationalist

Scarborough, J. ( 1998) The Origins of Cultural differences and their Impact on Management.

Westport. Quorum publishers.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Irvin+B.+Tucker%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=9″Tucker, I.(2008) a survery of international business. United States. Cengage Learning.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Michael+E.+Hurst%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=7″Hurst, M. (1998) the impacts of culture on economic globalization. United States: Taylor &

Francis.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Gareth+R.+Jones%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=4″Jones, G. (2001) A theory of global business. Washington. University press.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Richard+L.+Daft%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=9” Daft, R(2009). Cultural integration to solve international business problems. New York.

Cengage Learning.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Donald+Lester%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=5” Lester, D. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22John+A.+Parnell%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=5″Parnell, J. (2003). Cultural impacts on business. Business across the borders. New

York. University Press.

Rodgers, R. (1998). The impacts of economic globalization on different cultures. United States:

Allny and Bacon.

HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Alison+Mack%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=10″Mack, A. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=+inauthor:%22Janet+Elizabeth+Joy%22&source=gbs_metadata_r&cad=10” Joy, E. (2001). A change in global economy. United States. National Academies

Press.

Rushelfsky, T. (2003). Culture and international business. United States. University press.

Shoshov, T. (2003). International business negotiations. California. Nova Publishers.

University of Chicago aplication letter

University of Chicago

Question One

I am currently as student in the Shoreline community college taking Business as my major. Shoreline Community College has played a significant part in my educational life. It has provided me with the principle learning factors in terms of the course I intend to pursue. Shoreline has improved my perspective of business as my course. I therefore cannot complain about the services the school has offered to me up to this point in my life. Despite this, I intend to take my studies to the next level through a recognized university. The University of Chicago provides that opportunity in that it offers the programs that will enhance my career. One of the ways the University of Chicago satisfies my desire for my future education is their quality of education. The school places emphasis on high performance and discipline making it ideal for shaping me to a responsible businessperson. Another factor that sets the school apart from the rest is their principle on the observance of extracurricular activities. These principles not only focus on the educational aspect of the learning but also ensures that students graduate from school when they are all round making them more marketable in the employment world.

Question Two

As mentioned earlier, the Shoreline University has catered for my educational needs from the time I transferred from Indonesia. This has been ideal for my growth in the new country due to the slower pace of learning. The school has managed to bridge the gap between my previous education skills and my current situation. I have chosen to leave the school so that I can enroll in a more established school in terms of business studies. The transfer is thus one of the steps that I am taking to achieve my overall objective of running my parents company back in Indonesia.

Question five

As a student in college, writing is an essential skill to my performance in school. Writing is a skill that comes naturally or acquired through practice. It does not matter whether it is a natural talent or skill. What matters is the amount of passion the writer has when writing on a particular issue. Good writing is reflective of the way one views a particular notion or argument. The way a person expresses themselves is reflective of their upbringing, values and cultural norms. My writing skills places emphasis on topics that are personal to me and the values I relay. My transfer to the University of Chicago is indented to improve my chances of receiving better opportunities in the future. My main objective is to complete a bachelor’s degree in business so that I can contribute to the growth and sustainability of my country. Apart from my love for business, I also take pride in the Arts. A degree in Art will broaden my prospects and make me a viable candidate in any company that I attempt to join. The reason I made this choice is that most of my reasoning arises from my quality as a social critic.

Society is a significant part of my life in that most of my activities are geared towards the improvement of the community. I come from a country that has experienced a considerable amount of social economic issues over the years. Most of these issues arise from the lack of proper governance. All countries are at one time involves cases of unfair treatment by people in high positions. This creates a gap between the rich and the poor with the poor making a large percentage of the population. It is difficult to change the dynamics of most of the governments due to the inability to speak out. One of the ways that an individual can however influence the rest of the population positively is through writing. Speaking on the social ills that communities experience is critical to the eradication of inequality. Equal treatment and distribution of opportunities is ideal for the proper sustainability of any society. Being a social critic has been dubbed as a radical stance by some governments making people shy away from speaking out. If people fail to air their grievances, they run the risk of being stripped off their rights and privileges.

Criticizing the behavior of authoritative figures and companies can be done in a more decent way. People now have a chance to use technology so as to communicate with their peers and counterparts. This can be done using the blogs, social networks or traditional methods such as books. One of the factors to observe when carrying out these activities is the respect of all parties involved. Most countries have a long way to in terms of achieving a fair society. One of the ways that this can be enhanced is through the acquiring of an education. My choice to join the University of Chicago is not only business oriented. It is one of the steps I have taken to empower myself so that I can empower people around me. This will as a result improve the living conditions of not only my family but the environment as a whole

Cross Cultural Challenges for Business Practices

Cross Cultural Challenges for Business Practices

Introduction

The effective application of cross-cultural teams leads to the provision of innovative thinking and experience to an organization competitive position. However, the differences associated with culture can lead to the interference of successful achievement of plans in today’s multicultural global business society. To achieve the developments set, managers should ensure that they be culturally sensitive, and promote motivation and creativity by using flexible leadership, as a way of helping alienate from cultural misunderstanding (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004). This essay is determined to explain various multicultural differences experienced in various countries and ways to avoid them.

Thereby are theories, which are applied to avoid multicultural differences. These theories contemplate relations between motivational orientation, people, definition of others and self, risk orientation, attitude towards the environment, and attitude towards time. Managers today in the vast and extensive multicultural global business society face cultural differences, which can interfere with the conclusion of various developments. There are various dimensions that show the main problem that any society must cope up with, but for which the resolutions differ. Some of these dimensions include relations between different people. This entails individualism and collectivism. The other aspect is motivational orientation, where societies choose the various ways they will cope with the uncertainty of living (Minkov, & Hofstede, 2011).

A.  Discuss three major cross-cultural differences that would need to be taken into consideration if your company were to expand into this market based on your selected country.

There are various challenges or cultural differences experienced by those wishing to expand in other countries. These challenges have serious implication to the expansion of a business. One country where such differences are includes China. China is one of the countries that are booming. This is a story that many of those eyeing china will claim. Indeed, china is placed as the second biggest world economy, with an annual economic growth amounting to 10 % over the past three decades. This is an aspect that makes those willing to expand their businesses salivate on how to expand in this market. Due to the various cross-cultural differences, managers need to have a clear and concise idea of these differences and how to face them (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004).

There are various cultural differences that those people wanting to expand in china will have to face. These may include red tape. In china, many bureaucratic and administrative tasks that are modified in the west may be time consuming. Everything from account opening, company registration, and product approval can amount to a month. A strong law rule and a consistent regulations application mean that such processes are easier to achieve and this is a convenient aspect for the company. In addition, many actions in the west that are handled electronically require a lot of paperwork that needs to be stamped by hands after filling them. The time needed for the completion of these tasks requires may amount to be unexpectedly lengthy. Those employing their staffs to act as sales and marketing staffs in china are faced with more administrative tasks thus their efforts bear no fruits. In China, administrative teams should be put in place to ensure that the company is successful. This gives the staffs a chance to concisely look unto marketing and sales matters (Minkov, & Hofstede, 2011).

The other difference that those willing to expand in China will have to face is communications. This amounts to one of the main challenges that are faced by foreign companies in china. In spite of some of Chinese people having an understanding in Chinese and English, it is very difficult to find a Chinese who concisely understands the subtleties of this language and holds a strong understanding of English and Chinese to help steer delicate business discussions (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004).

The other difference that is common is human resources. For as long time, companies related to western companies rate china as the biggest challenge in doing business as a result of their human resource. Western employees are said to delegate responsibility and possesses flexible authority lines, Chinese workers are used to a more ranked structures where each person possesses a role that is clearly defined. Such differences may lead to pressures between western managers accustomed to employees who undertake their own initiative, and the Chinese staffs taught to follow instructions (Minkov, & Hofstede, 2011)..

B.  Compare U.S. business practices to practices in your proposed country for each of the following: 1. Product

China is one of the countries that are booming. This is a story that many of those eyeing china will claim. Indeed, china is placed as the second biggest world economy, with an annual economic growth amounting to 10 % over the past three decades. This is an aspect that makes those willing to expand their businesses salivate on how to expand in this market. This is, however, an aspect that has not yielded a good relationship between US and china. There are various business practices that make it different for US and china to cope. The aspect of products in the marketing mix is an aspect that is not quite regarded by Chinese companies as compared to US. US regards their products to be very unique, thus Chinese companies use the aspect of taking into consideration one aspect of the marketing plan mix. This is an aspect deemed to an engineer job in china (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004).

2.  Price

Regarding price, US companies tend to have a considerate aspect of meeting with their advisers with a motive of having the same price, and which will not affect their product and customers. This is also an aspect that is also the same in china despite the fact that they tend to use one aspect of the marketing mix. The implementation of price is regarded a sales force job in china (Minkov, & Hofstede, 2011).3.  Promotion

The aspect of promotion is the aspect that Chinese organizations clearly put in mind. This is the piece of marketing mix that they put into consideration. This is an aspect that is well implemented by Chinese organizations as they say it helps in a business success. Promotion in US is highly put into consideration and a team is setup to ensure they look unto this issue (Minkov, & Hofstede, 2011).

4.  Place

Just like product and price, the issue of place is an aspect that is not highly regarded by Chinese organizations. This is an aspect that is said to be the senior management job. This is an aspect that is widely regarded by US companies as they have to clearly identify the correct place for the product they want to deliver (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004).

C.  Discuss two distinct ethical issues that you will need to understand and respect as your business expands into your selected country.

There are various ethical issues that those willing to expand their business in china. With the aspect of china being a superpower, western countries need to realize that they have to put up with the various ethical issues associated with china. Western experts should not state that they understand china well as there are ethical issues they need to understand. They include understanding different cultures values, you are ought to find out a common point. The other ethical issue is that reliability and honesty is very necessary in china. This is an aspect that the Chinese people adore. Respect is also another ethical issue that Chinese people need to understand, thus western experts should put this into mind. These are among the vast issues that western experts need to clearly understand as they wish to expand to china (Harris, Moran, & Moran, 2004).

Conclusion

The clear understanding of multicultural differences is very good when it comes to business expansion overseas. The effective application of cross-cultural teams leads to the provision of innovative thinking and experience to an organization competitive position. However, the differences associated with culture can lead to the interference of successful achievement of plans in today’s multicultural global business society. Managers should realize that they understand the country of choice well so that the cultural differences can be surpassed by their projects plan.

References

Harris, P. R., Moran, R. T., & Moran, S. V. (2004). Managing cultural differences. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann.

Minkov, M., & Hofstede, G. H. (2011). Cultural differences in a globalizing world. Bingley, UK: Emerald.

Cuba HIV Report Introduction

Cuba HIV Report

Introduction

HIV as a global pandemic continues to ravage and cause harm to the community especially in poor countries in Africa and Asia. Over the years, the HIV pandemic has contributed to millions of deaths and left many children as orphans across the world. To add on this, the economic and social impact caused by HIV goes beyond what many can fathom. Governments across the world are facing huge impact on trying to deal with the pandemic that has triggered intense suffering and left many children as orphans. One of the core issues to be addressed in trying to curb and solve the issue relates to the ongoing recklessness among the youth who are the key transmitters of the disease. To add on this, the pandemic has caused immense suffering that come in many forms that even governments are finding themselves cornered. One of the most affected areas is the poor nations like in Africa and parts of Asia. Increased cases of HIV triggered by recklessness among the young people is worrying and projected to worsen over the coming years. Studies have shown that the world is yet to flatten the curve on HIV with more cases being reported mainly in the developing nations. Some beliefs, myths, and cultural practices are the core problem that is facilitating the spread of HIV mainly in poor nations. Cuba as a developing country with a limited budget spending has been able to put up a fight against HIV and produced remarkable results. The government has been able to keep the infection rates low as well as the number of deaths. Moreover, Cuba increased its spending on the research and sensitization campaigns against HIV that has helped keep the numbers low.

Background

Cuba as a developing country has made strides in the fight against AIDS through the government efforts in promoting good public health. Over the years, the Cuban government has poured billions of dollars into the public health system in a bid to increase the country’s capacity to handle pandemics. To add on this, the government created one of the best public health systems that are derived from years of research that aligns with the core needs of the country. In fact, Cuba ranks high in the WHO health quality ranking that has been attributed to the country’s increased efforts and commitment in funds meant for improving health care delivery (Spear, 2016). Through these efforts, Cuba has been able to handle major illnesses including emerging pandemics like HIV. One of the key ways the country is dealing with an upsurge in Aids cases is through sensitization campaigns and inclusive efforts that are in line with the core needs of the country health needs.

People have totally kept a blind eye on the problems brought by HIV and thus triggering a mass spread of the disease. Even with the ongoing campaign against the disease, some people and leaders are still adamant or lazy to say the least in the approach they are taking against HIV spread (Angulo-Arreola et al., 2017). Billions of dollars contributed by the UN and other global agencies and charities are doing some considerable work in addressing the illness. One of the main ways to look at the issue of HIV is to compare data and figures taken over the years. The figures can help in creating a pattern for easy analysis of the movement of the illness that mainly helps in laying plans and finances in countering its spread. The worrying trend is that poor countries mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa are still struggling with the HIV pandemic thus demanding a more enhanced support form the global community (Castro, 2016). The millions of dollars spent monthly mainly on ARVs and other preventive measures and campaigns are yet to fully curb the intensity and spread of HIV in these regions.

More children are being orphaned that is slowly triggering another social issue mainly in poor regions. The data from the WHO has shown that 2 out of ten orphans in Africa are as a result of the HIV pandemic or related issue (Spear, 2016). Parents who die out of the HIV pandemic leave orphans behind adding more pressure to an already existing social problem. It is also worrying that some of these children end up contracting HIV from their parents before they die thus leaving them vulnerable and in intense suffering. More of these cases are thereby being triggered by an increased issue of pandemic among the ravaged societies(Clémençon et al., 2015) . Cuba through its strategic health goals managed to keep the rate of infection of HIV low that was attributed the its efforts between the public and private health sectors.

In particular, the government was able to pull enough resources together in the fight against the spread of HIV that helped increase awareness through campaigns about the serious needs of HIV. The efforts that were direct mainly among the young people and couples was the right move that ensured that people took the right precautionary measures in trying to stop the spread of HIV. In addition, Cuba worked closely with the WHO mainly in the period between 1990-2000 that was seen in extensive research and increased finding of the various health groups trying to fight HIV. In line with this, the government increased its capacity within the health ministry through added budget that assisted in the creation of the right programs for sensitization and training of the personnel manded in the fight against HIV (Mastroberardino et al., 2015). To add on this, the government was also able to broaden its reach to the rural areas where the pandemic was thought to silently creep into the villages thus able to

Methods

This report adopts a journal review approach to gather data and information about Cuban health specifically the HIV pandemic. The data being analyzed will be gathered from existing government records and other online sources relating the Cuban heath system. One of the reasons for using this type of information is that it is easy to retrieve, accurate, and provides a broad coverage of the topic. To add on this, the data provided in this form covers the specific area of study and thus the analysis and deductions can easily be made. The report will therefore gather data from existing journals, reports on HIV pandemic in Cuba, as well as published online materials. Additionally, the report will combine various data that is presented in tabular form to compile a credible analysis of the HIV status of Cuba between 1986 and 2000. Although some of the data may have been distorted and inaccurate, the report will endeavor to provide the most accurate and reliable data. The use of peer reviewed journals and previous reports will help gather accurate and reliable data for this report (Spear, 2016). These sources of data are reliable and provide the right data outlook that also points to the level of accuracy even when doing analysis and making deductions. More information will be derived from existing reports that will supplement that gathered from journals thus make the whole report comprehensive and detailed.

Results

Cuba as communist nation has faced some of the most serous cases of HIV infections and deaths within the period dating 1986 to 2000. Over time, the rates of infections and deaths in Cuba gained a national and global attention with the problem mainly affecting the young people. To better understand the Cuban HIV issue, it is good to look at how the figures pain the picture about the pandemic within this period. HIV transmission and number of deaths in Cuba has been studied for many years showing a common pattern like other countries (Mastroberardino et al., 2015). To better map out this trend, the Cuban health ministry and the voluntary agencies in the health docket have provided a series of figures that project and show how the HIV pandemic has ravaged the country. The table shows that Cuba was one of the least affected countries in South America by HIV. The country recorded a total of 99 HIV cases in the year 1986 and 545 in the year 2000. One of the key pointers to the slow increase in the number of cases in Cuba between 1986 and 2000 is the government’s strict laws on social and entertainment business.

To say the least, Cuba was able to keep its HIV infection numbers low that was attributed to the massive spending on awareness campaigns among the youth. The UN records that Cuba was among the first nations to launch a HIV pandemic awareness campaigns and millions of dollars pent in the program. Estimated HIV prevalence among 15- to 49-year-olds was 8.1 per 10,000 (4913/6065000; 95%CI: 7.9 per 10,000 – 8.3 per 10,000). Most (77%) of the HIV-positive adults were men, most (85.1%) of the detected HIV-positive men were reported to come from the rural areas of the country. Though the government’s intervention and sensitization campaigns, Cuba was able to curb the spread of HIV to a considerable amount. The same table shows that Cuba recorded a total of 5 AIDS cases in the year 1986 and 251 in 2000. These figures show a slow rise in number of AIDS cases that was attributed to huge efforts and campaigns to create awareness abut the pandemic (Clémençon et al., 2015). The deaths from AIDS were also low compared to other countries that was attributed to the positive efforts to sensitize people about the pandemic. Cuba recorded a total of 2 deaths in the year 1986 and 142 in the year 2000. Such figures are low compared to other countries that shows a great aspect of care and efforts from the government.

Discussion

The HIV models and data from various studies and government record as well as the WHO puts across a very important case. Over the years, the data on HIV both in the rate of infection, deaths, and spread has shown that the world is far from victory form this pandemic (Angulo-Arreola et al., 2017). One of the underlying issues in the spread of HIV among the young people is the lack of awareness. The awareness campaigns have yet to address the issue with many people ignoring the sensitivity of the disease. Another outlook is the adverse rates at which the HIV is increasing mainly among the youths. One of the key pointers to the increasing cases of HIV infections and deaths. The WHO has pointed out that the rate of HIV infections has remained flat but the number of deaths has steadily increased. One of the key data sources shows that over the past ten years, the rate of HIV infections in the developing countries mainly in Africa has risen by at least 2.2% annually on average. The same data shows that the number of deaths per 10000 infections has remained at 655 within the first five years of contracting HIV (Spear, 2016). These figures suggest a common pattern that insinuates a worrying trend that needs urgent attention.

The increase in the number of HIV infections mainly among the young people pronounces an issue with sensitization campaigns that needs to be stepped up. The data shows that the infections cycle appears to stand and remains a key focus when analyzing the HIV infections and death rates. To better understand the nature and aspect of HIV rates and trends, it is good to look at how and where the problem is headed. To add on this, the rates of infections versus the number of deaths pattern can also help point to how and where the problem of HIV is likely to head. Still, the fight against HIV in Cuba that is centered on sensitization campaigns and preventive measures. For example, Cuba has increased bits HIV spending by 55% in the past ten years(Mastroberardino et al., 2015). These funds have been directed to improving the country’s fight against AIDS mainly in the purchase of ARVs and other vital apparatus in the fight against the disease. The trends in the data also points to a scenario where Cuba has been able to increase its health delivery capacity over the years.

While other countries were recording a double-digit percentage increase in the HIV cases since 1986, Cuba was able to keep its rates low. The trend shows that Cuba was not only able to control the rate of infection but also the deaths that is a great step to solving the problem (Angulo-Arreola et al., 2017). One of the key ways the country is dealing with an upsurge in Aids cases is through sensitization campaigns and inclusive efforts that are in line with the core needs of the country health needs. People have totally kept a blind eye on the problems brought by HIV and thus triggering a mass spread of the disease. Even with the ongoing campaign against the disease, some people and leaders are still adamant or lazy to say the least in the approach they are taking against HIV spread. Billions of dollars contributed by the UN and other global agencies and charities are doing some considerable work in addressing the illness. Moreover, Cuba stands among the countries the invest heavily in the health sector thus able to counter arising illnesses. It is for this reason that Cuba was able to control the spread of AIDS mainly in the years leading to the new millennium. Further, the Cuban government laid down strategies to fighting HIV that were in line with the WHO guidelines thus able to counter the spread of the illness (Spear, 2016). For example, Cuba committed a total of 205 million dollars between the year 1995-1998 in scientific research on HIV that was hailed by the international community in stepping up the fight against the pandemic.

Still, Cuba maintained a steady commitment of funds to the research and awareness campaigns on HIV that helped keep the rates of infections under close check. More of these funds were directed to the poor regions of the country that saw many youths register and join the sensitization programs all across the country (Mastroberardino et al., 2015). For example, a total of $650 Million was spent in the sensitization campaigns between 1997-2000 that helped spread the message about the ways to take safety from the deadly HIV virus. In line with the efforts out by Cuban government, the UN and the WHO were also a pivotal pillar for the country’s fight against HIV where billions have been spent in tying tor help create awareness. Millions of youths in Cuba were registered into programs that aimed at sensitizing them on precautionary measures (Clémençon et al., 2015). Voluntary groups and charities also joined hands contributing both manpower and millions of dollars in the fight against HIV in Cuba.

The WHO through its global health fund diverted a total of 706 million dollars in Cuba between 1995-2000 that was a major milestone in assisting the government combat the spread of the illness (Angulo-Arreola et al., 2017). In addition, national funds in the heath sector has been increased to enhance the capacity of the health officers in fighting HIV. Cuba through its strategic health goals has maintained a strong public health policy that guides in the funds distribution. One of the positive things to note is that a large portion of these fuds goes into the HIV prevention and safety campaigns across the country thus increasing the fighting capacity. More young people right at family level have received education on the HIV pandemic, preventive measures, and more importantly the avenues to stay safe (Spear, 2016). Through these efforts, Cuba was able to keep its intentions rates low that is attributed to the country’s increased focus on public health and sensitization about the pandemics and infectious diseases.

One of the greatest focus for the government in Cuba has been the increased derived effects that have been directed to creating a stable health care system. More on this is the specific goals that align with the WHO guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of HIV among the youths (Clémençon et al., 2015). The Cuban government has noted that within its scope, it can handle and mitigate the spread of HIV thus increasing its capacity by joining hands with charity groups and the WHO. More efforts have been directed to creating a reliable health system that is based on service delivery as well as goal-oriented health care delivery within the core areas like in addressing infectious diseases. For example, Cuba is said to have spent 23% of its budget in health care and more specifically in the infectious disease. 45% of this money went into research and education as well as training of medical professionals who have been key in the fight against HIV (Mastroberardino et al., 2015) . More medical training institutions set up in the country have been the backbone to the country’s fight against key illnesses like HIV. More of these efforts have also gone into creating the right platform for education, enlightment, and the training of the young doctors and health officials who are in the frontline in the fight against HIV.

References

Mastroberardino, A., Cheng, Y., Abdelrazec, A., & Liu, H. (2015). Mathematical modeling of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cuba. International Journal of Biomathematics, 8(04), 1550047.

Clémençon, S., De Arazoza, H., Rossi, F., & Tran, V. C. (2015). A statistical network analysis of the HIV/AIDS epidemics in Cuba. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 5(1), 58.

Spear, M. (2016). HIV/AIDS in the Cuban Sanatorium: The Tension between Public Health and Human Rights.

Castro, A. (2016). Towards an HIV-free generation in Cuba. Bull World Health Organ, 94, 866-867.

Angulo-Arreola, I. A., Bastos, F. I., & Strathdee, S. A. (2017). Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean: Current challenges and the ongoing response. Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC), 16(1), 56-74.

Chinchilla-Rodríguez, Z., Arencibia-Jorge, R., de Moya-Anegón, F., & Corera-Álvarez, E. (2015). Somes patterns of Cuban scientific publication in Scopus: the current situation and challenges. Scientometrics, 103(3), 779-794.

This paper posits to explain who I am, how I become me, and the life experiences that shaped the person I am, as well as the

My Story: Who I am, How I became Me, Life experiences that shaped the person I am and the way I see and Interact with humanity around me

Introduction

This paper posits to explain who I am, how I become me, and the life experiences that shaped the person I am, as well as the way I see and interact with humanity around me. I am a young man of Chinese origin who at one time in my upbringing, I lived in China prior to joining the University. I come from a humble family, and I have a younger brother who seeks inspiration from me. In this paper I will illustrate how my father influenced me as a leader in an investment company that he owns. I draw a lot of inspiration from my father since I have seen him build his investment company from scratch. My father is literally my mentor and role model since he has demonstrated to us, as his family, how to stay focused even in periods of turmoil. Prior to leaving China, my father was a bank manger in one of the leading banks in china. However, due to diverse reasons related to the political climate in China, our family left in some unclear circumstances. This meant that my father’s entire life savings and property in China was lost and he had to start from scratch. Upon entering this country, my father maneuvered his way and started an investment company with the help of some old friends. Today he is my inspiration as I pursue my studies looking forward to a successful life in the future.

ROLE MODELS

Role models are extremely vital psychologically for individuals, in that they help in guiding these individuals in the course of life throughout their development. This helps in making essential decisions that influence the outcome of people’s lives, and to help in finding happiness in life. As a person grows they search for role models for insight and utilize this as an outline for how they ought to behave when they are older. This is probably a survival activity designed to assist people to imitate the traits of successful members of the society and thus help them in being successful too. In addition, it’s considered that in later life, a person’s happiness is based on their perception of how their life ought to or can be and the breach between that, and the way it is in actuality. In other words, it means striving for similar success as well as achieving it that causes happiness or frustration when people grow older. This is referred to as actualization.

Role models are regularly considered to be essential to the successful progress of youthful aspiring managers. It is essential to note that, role models are individuals whose attributes, styles, and behaviors are emulated by other people. In contrast to mentors, who are usually close, since they are personally known in interactive relationships with the young person, role models usually are not familiar with the user of the role model, nor do they offer their consent to be used in this manner. For this reason, role models could be close or remote to the user of the role model. The theory of social learning is useful in illustrating how role modeling operates. People monitor the conduct of others in certain situations, and observe the outcomes of the conduct. Consequently, they employ this knowledge to form their own behavior in comparable contexts with anticipation of similar results. They are socialized into an approval of the abilities, values, expected behaviors as well as social knowledge requisite for their new responsibilities, mainly in organizational life. In the course of emulation of monitored behaviors as well as career paths of the role models, the youthful managers as well as professionals perform their new responsibilities.

Role models might be current leaders in a range of fields, who exhibit certain behaviors, qualities, attitudes, and characteristics, that are inspirational to other people as models for the successful assimilation of self and new careers.

My Father as My Mentor and Role Model. There is usually one person in every person’s life that forms their strength of character. There is usually one individual who offers a person courage, guidance, and wisdom. For most people there is usually someone is their lives that inspires them and makes them desire to be better individuals. All people have role models or mentors in their lives, somebody that they can draw inspiration from, and proudly say why they do. That individual in my life is my father. He is my mentor, as well as my role model. My father always inspires me to prosper, to succeed, to live and love. My father is the reason that I am the individual I am at the moment. A role model is somebody who continues to thrust us towards greatness. This is prominence in us, as well as prominence in this harsh world. Role models have an enormous burden on them, so it is an achievement for them to recognize that the people whom they influence have done something that gratifies them. Role models effortlessly assume the role of heroes in people’s lives. It would be fitting to share what a sensation it is to confidently declare that my father is actually my hero. He gives me confidence to succeed, and he narrates to me real life stories derived from his experiences. He offers me the necessary advice I require exactly at the time I require it in order to thrive. He is the individual that makes everything perfect for me. In the event that I have experienced a terrible day, it takes is his influence to get the encouragement that I require. In the event that I accomplish something in life, feel compelled to share it with my father since he is the person who gave me the inspiration to do it in the first place.

CONCLUSION

Because of my father, I will always endeavor to be better in my life. My father is intelligent, outstanding, honest and wholesome. When I require something put in the appropriate perspective I pursue his opinion. I adore my father, instead of something unachievable or misinterpreted by the media. I acknowledge that I require something concrete in my life to steer me in the appropriate direction. My father is proud of me for what I have achieved as well as, the manner in which I share the joy and cheerfulness that he has instilled in me, as well as the people around me. That is an illustration of how my father has influenced me to becoming a better person. Looking at my father, I now realize that leaders always develop leaders. Prudent leaders like my father acknowledge that the imperative responsibility they have of developing upcoming leaders.