Feminism in Islamic countries

Argument Feminism in Islamic countries is probably among the sharpest issues nowadays, as the religious tradition to be broken is time-honored and legally enforced in the present day. Saba Mahmood, who originated from the state of this category, explores this situation from inside (Wadud, 2006) in her writings in general and her book â€Å"Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject† in particular.The paper is intended to study her argument in details and provide a critical response. The Saba Mahmood’s writing offers an interesting perspective on Islamic feminism – the so-called piety movement or Islamic revival. I would like to challenge this concept, as the term ‘feminism’ lies in a different dimension from the mosque movement. First of all, feminism refers to the movement, established by women and aimed at achieving equality in all spheres of social life: career, education, suffrage, marital life and so forth.This means, female s seek to raise their social status and gain the right to manifest their views and engage into different activities on the same basis as males do. Mahmood unfairly call the female participants of the Islamic revival â€Å"feminists†, as this movement was primarily initiated by Muslim males, who wished to reinforce their dominative position at the time of globalization and gradual egalitarization in terms of gender.In addition, Islam is a masculine religion that seeks to curb woman’s entitlement even in the most primitive daily routines (like walking alone around the city), i. e. it restricts her liberty – that’s why most feminists are known as secular. The Islamic revival is described in the following way: â€Å"Practically, this means instructing Muslims not only in the proper performance of religious duties and acts of worship but, more importantly, in how to organize their daily conduct in accord with principles of Islamic piety and virtuous behaviorà ¢â‚¬  (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 5).These rules and daily activities must include one vital component: female’s obedience and observance of traditional androcenrtic principles, widely rejected by contemporary feminists, as such prescriptions are unlikely to result in the establishment of gender equality. As one can understand, the participants of the Islamic revival pursue to great extent converse goals, pointing to the increase of overall piety in Egyptian society. Due to this substantial divergence in opinions and attitudes it would be incorrect to characterize the women, who actively engage into the piety movement, as feminists, despite their active social position.On the other hand, I agree with the notion of women’s agency in Islamic countries, as numerous investigations have already proved that there are certain areas of life, which belong exceptionally to females: â€Å"Through a rich ethnography of women’s cultic practices, Boddy prop oses that in a society where the â€Å"official ideology† of Islam is dominated and controlled by men, the zar practice might be understood as a space of subordinate discourse† (Mahmood, at press.princeton. edu, 2006, p. 8). Mahmood therefore writes about the women’s secreted resistance to androcentrism, but the notion of feminism refers to broad manifestation of such opposition. Another questionable notion that relates to feminism is positive freedom: â€Å"Positive freedom is understood as the capacity to realize an autonomous will, one generally fashioned in accord with the dictates of universal reason.. † (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 12).The scholar suggests that positive freedom is a domineering concept in feminism, as true liberty can be brought about only by the ability to understand and realize one’s own true will. On the other hand, this concept, in my, opinion, is valid only in European or Western-oriented countries, as Chr istianity as a religion and ideology supports such a deep and thorough search for one’s ‘self’ regardless of gender, i. e. Western religions are more egalitarian in this sense, comparing to Islam, which, in turn, assists only males in their self-discovery, whereas females are traditionally viewed as property in this doctrine.This means, Muslim females are not always able to realize their true will, as they have been brought up in the spirit of complete obedience and inequality since their early childhood. Due to the fact that feminism in Islamic countries is currently being at relatively lower stage of development, it would be more appropriate to apply the principle of negative freedom, or absence of restraints and numerous taboos in such countries, as the elimination of objective (social, political and cultural) bounds is the first step to cognitive liberation.Another important message conveyed by the scholar is following: â€Å"if the ability to effect change in the world and in oneself is historically and culturally specific [†¦], then the meaning and sense of agency cannot be fixed in advance, but must emerge through an analysis of the particular concepts that enable specific modes of being, responsibility and efficacy† (Mahmood, at press.princeton. edu, 2006, p. 15-16). This means, in order to initiate certain social change, it is particularly important to learn the cultural context within which the transformation will occur. In fact, cultural literacy and the ability to evaluate certain phenomena, which exist in certain culture from the position of this tradition, are important, as they allow preserving national identity.The only note to be done is that situational approach is relevant in any situation, so that sometimes it is necessary to perform radical intervention – for instance, if certain (hypothetical) nation suddenly introduces a violent practice (legalization of homicide or infanticide), it would be unwise to conduct a scrupulous analysis of the cultural context and the causes of such an inhumane innovation – on the contrary, more conscientious nations should interfere into the situation and resolve it in accordance with international legislation.Such cases of emergency should therefore be approached from more radical standpoint. Furthermore, Mahmood challenges the notion that the Islamic revival is a strategy, employer to resist the Westernization of the corresponding states: â€Å"While this interpretation is not entirely wrong and captures an important aspect of Islamist movements, it nonetheless reduces their complexity to the trope of resistance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Mahmood, at press. princeton.edu, 2006, p. 15-16). The scholar does not adopt the term ‘resistance’ , but the issue she discusses in her book, females’ participation in the piety restoration, can be characterized as the opposition to classical European and American feminism that seeks to separate social life from religious rituals (Madud, 2006) and create new (and, more importantly, extensive) opportunities for women in terms of career development and university education.On the contrary, the Islamic movement is aimed at providing women with a ‘narrow’ chance to access mosque not merely as ‘parishioners’, but also as ‘preachers’. Nevertheless, the foundation of the piety restoration and the issues in Western feminism can be approached independently , as local events, reflecting the peculiarities of certain nation.The author suggests that the piety movement has certain political functions: â€Å"The political efficacy of this these movements is, I would suggest, a function of the work they perform in the ethical realm† (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 37). In my opinion, Mahmood overstresses the importance of the mentioned movement in political discourse: although it operates in the sphere of ethics and to great exten t modifies the nation’s cognitive constructs and convictions, it is not directly involved into the current state of political affairs.Thus, the movement, being completely clerical, is not capable of intervening into the politics in the present day – and due to the fact that Islamic countries are now influenced by numerous powers and their development is therefore dynamic and unpredictable, it will be possible to assert the penetration of piety restoration into politics only after its members gain access to political power or achieve the introduction of ‘piety policy’ at governmental level – otherwise the efforts within the realm of ethics might appear in vain.The most doubtful argument of Mahmood’s writing is her confidence in the broad perspectives of the Islamic revival: due to the fact that women are nowadays entitled to serve in mosques (sacred places, or male domain) as ‘preachers’, they are likely to expand their political influence in the future. On the other hand, the nature of this revival points to the desirable abstention from politics, as the pure concept of female virtuousness to great extent excludes the woman’s participation in the affairs of the state.Clearly, the idea of neo-piety teaches females to behave in strict accordance with religious prescriptions and demonstrate modesty and humility, but these qualities are unlikely to enhance the person’s access to power. Historically, women were allowed to serve as priestesses in ancient, but this fact gave them no benefits except prestige – the situation seems to recur.To sum up, Saba Mahmood basically tries to link two incompatible issues – feminism and the piousness renewal, which, as I deem, operate in completely different dimensions. In addition, the scholar suggests that the penetration into the religious system is the primary prerequisite for women’s access to politics, yet it is still unclear in which wa y the movement will modify the existing ethical matrix so that it determines their ‘political weight’.Works cited Mahmood, S. Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. Available online at: http://press. princeton. edu/chapters/s7888. pdf, 2006 Wadud, A. â€Å"Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject (review)†. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, vol. 74 (3), September 2006: pp. 815-818

Evolution as Fact & Theory` by Stephen Jay Gould Essay

This article talks about evolution as it relates to science and religion, philosophically. Gould talks about the fact that the arguments for creationism and evolution have not changed much, the science and religion are the same. He links the recent debates opposing the theory of evolution as the result of right wing politics that has taken hold of today’s society and political world. Gould states that today’s politicians talk about â€Å"scientific creationism â€Å"as if it is based in science. The creationists also jump on the term â€Å"theory â€Å"when used by evolutionist as if theory implies proof of guesswork, â€Å"only theory†. Gould explains the term â€Å"theory† as a string of ideas and facts. He provides examples of widely accepted theories in an attempt to debunk the creationist objection to theory. He provides similar explanation of the term â€Å"fact†. Darwin’s theory and detailed explanation are reviewed in the article, as this is central to today’s debate regarding creationism versus evolution. Gould’s view is that creationists attempt to argue against evolution is based entirely on arguing rhetoric. They use an argument style of Popper’s, which focuses on falsifying the evolutionist claims. Gould asserts that what the creationist lack is the ability to assure proves their own principles of creationism. Gould concludes that what keeps creationists firm in their belief system is dogma, not science. Thomas S. Kuhn – The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Like Gould, Kuhn takes on the debate between science and dogma. Kuhn is a scientist, clearly a believer in the scientific process though he takes pains in his article to examine the issues raised by proponents of dogma. Kuhn also believes that the opposition to evolution is based on poking holes in theories and finding loopholes, rather than convincing one with actual science. This article is largely focused on disproving dogma and supporting the scientific method. Kuhn’s overall belief as expressed in the article is that scientific theories always win arguments with dogma. This work includes a discussion on experience and perception and the relationship to presupposition. Kuhn reviews the process of scientific theory and discovery, and the philosophy behind the process.

Analysing Critiques of globalisation

Analysing Critiques of globalisation â€Å"Critiques of globalisation argue that as a result of failures to deal with risks to international stability, the basis of global order has been at risk and political and economic disorder like that that followed the collapse of 19th century globalisation may not look impossible. â€Å"Do you agree? Globalization is the background of the present world. Our economic, political and the social status in the second decade of the twenty first century would not have been possible without considering the global context of free markets and the information technology. Many scholars have defined globalization viewed through lens of different perspectives towards the world. Blackmore (2000) defines globalization as, â€Å"increased economic, cultural, environmental, and social interdependencies and new transnational financial and political formations arising out of the mobility of capital, labour, and information, with both homogenizing and differentiating tendencies†, (Blackmore , 2000, p.133); while Hill (2009), puts more emphasis on the economic, asserts, â€Å"globalization refers to the shift toward a more integrated and interdependent world economy†, (Hill, 2009, p.6). This paper will briefly describe the history of glabalization followed with a review of the two phases of globalization in the nineteenth and the twentieth century where in one phase was seen prosperous while the other was the end of globalization. Subsequently, laying out the current situation whether or not it is parallel to the failures of globalization. Drawing upon an opinion thereby, on the same, alongwith rational elucidations. Critiques have argued that globalization is not something that happened 200 years ago, it can be traced back to the 16th century during the emergence of the pinnacle of capitalism (Robertson, 1997). According to Friedman (2005), globalization can be viewed in three phases: globalization phase one (1492- 1800) was the globalization of countries, globa lization 2 (1800-2000) was the globalization of companies and globalization 3 (2000 till now) is the globalization of people. However, Broadberry and O’Rourke (2010) state that the period between 1870 to 1914 reflected as the high water mark of the nineteenth century globalization. Globalization in the nineteenth century encompasses interregional transfers of goods, people and capital. The preeminent way to measure the levels of integration is the rising amounts of international flows of economic activity for e.g. the ratio of comodity trade to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), number of people migrated to total population and the cost of moving goods across continents. European international trade was growing at a 4.1% a year between this period (Bordo et al., 1999) while the global output rising from 10% in 1870 to about 20% in 1914. This was the first phase of globalization which was accompanied with extraordinary prosperity. Countries who were involved in the global markets d uring this phase had narrowed the gap between wealthy and poor nations. Japan, for e.g., in the seventeenth century had completely cut off itself from the world permitting only one Dutch ship a year to land and involved in small amount of trade. In 1870, Japan was a a backward country where the average income of a person was less than a quarter of that in the United Kingdom (U.K.). However, as a result of fully involving in the global market in 1868, Japan’s income was able to increase at 1.5% compared to 1% of growth rate for U.K. (Mishkin, 2006). Countries like China and India were deprived of the industrial capability as they were not able to enter the global economic system.

Counterterrorism-Final Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Counterterrorism-Final - Essay Example w World Order’ in which there is United States of America as the lone super power, although several countries around the world are vying for dominance such as China, Russia, Great Britain and France. The purpose of the existence of these countries is to oppose any threat against the peace and harmony in the world hence there is an importance to look for the balance between security and order. This is something which could only be achieved if the defenders know how to get proper intelligence from their enemies (Addicott and McCaul n.d.). Whenever the nation faces problems, it is a must for the rule of law to prevail. This is the guiding principle for almost all democratic states around the world which aim to oppose the continuing growth of both states and non-state groups that endanger the people; and because terrorist groups also have the blessings of technological advancement, it is necessary for all the nations around the world especially United States of America to improve. Not all threats around the world right now are common knowledge. Terrorist groups hide in the darkness whenever they perform their operations making it harder for operatives to arrest them (Addicott and McCaul n.d.). Intelligence is one of the most crucial aspects of counter terrorism in all ages. For most crises situations, it shapes the success or the failure of an operation against militant groups that aim to destabilize the governments around the world. Terrorists have an array of intelligence gathering operations too and it is the duty of the states to always be one step ahead of the terrorists’ activities. The lives of the people and the sustenance of nations are all contingent to countries’ capability to win the war against terrorism. Intelligence lets a country understand the situation of every conflict; thus, policy makers would know the best action to do. Not all problems could be solved by tanks and stealth bombers; there are certain conflicts that need a high level of

Business Time Travel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Time Travel - Essay Example The researcher of the paper "Business Time Travel" states that having lived at a time when mass production and communication technology was not as advanced as it is today as noted by Jacob, Edison would have to learn how to use the Internet and modern principles of management. In terms of business management, the Wizard of Menlo Park would be quite challenged with how to apply the theories learned in operations research. He would possibly have problems in performing extensive market research using statistical analysis and optimizing business performance considering various forces that are at play today. Edison would also quite be challenged in using technology to the advantage of his organization. Having lived at a time when the Internet was yet to be a reality, he would need to adopt the Internet as opposed to telegraphs which were essentially slower. This is so considering that in the modern world business managers have to make decisions fast based on facts so as to remain competitive in every possible way. In managing today’s business properly, Edison should consider the importance of computer and modern communication technology such as mobile phones in making decisions and accessing information concerning the workforce in real time. He should also consider accepting diversity in the workforce given that people of different cultural backgrounds are bound to make up the human resource of the company. Yet again, Edison should learn the complexity of dealing with today’s workforce in regard to their rights and need or being unified by trade unions

The Lewis and Clark Expedition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Lewis and Clark Expedition - Essay Example The main objective of the expedition thus was stated as to â€Å"Explore the Missouri river & such principal stream of it as by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado or any other river may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce† (Presidential Mission 2001). Led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark, the historic expedition was given the name Corps Of Discovery. Exploring the history surrounding the expedition, it is worth understanding what prompted the American government in to commissioning this exploration. During the late seventeen hundreds, the French had been thinking of sending an expedition to explore the western part of the continent. President Thomas Jefferson, who was then the minister to France (1785-1789), heard many rumors of such expeditions. Although the French maintained that the expedition planned was purely on the basis of scientific interest and not of commercial motives, many had their doubts. Whatever the intentions may have been, the initial French expedition of 1788 was not a success as it was halted due to bad weather conditions (Lewis & Clark Expedition 2007). It’s most likely that President Thomas Jefferson’s interest in initiating the expedition once he became president was influenced to some degree by the knowledge of French interest in the matter. In addition, in 1786 an American, John Ledyard planned of crossing the Continent from the western side itself. The route was planned to be overland across Siberia all the way to the Capital. This expedition failed half way as Czarina, Catherine The Great of Russia had him deported to Poland once he arrived in Siberia. Subsequently, the Louisiana Purchase renewed the interest in exploring the west, and it also made the expedition more politically correct as the American

Leaders are always accountable for failures or lack of achievement of Essay

Leaders are always accountable for failures or lack of achievement of their group - Essay Example a leader might suggest some ideas regarding the execution of a certain goal but the final decision comes from the leader after he has weighed all the pros and cons of a certain matter. The team members are dependant on the leader for instructions. Baerga (2008) states that it is very unusual for a project would result in failure in a matter of a day or two. It takes a number of elements and factors that direct the projects towards failures. It is primarily the job of a leader to monitor everything regularly to ensure that the project does not head towards failure. We shall be analyzing the role of a leader in an organization to further explain and justify the notion that leaders are responsible for all failure outcomes. Lash (2007) explains that there are many authoritative figures in an organizational setup; however the true description of a leader can fit the role of a team leader or product manager. We shall be analyzing different phases of a project in which the team leader will be seen responsible for any failure. When a company is contacted for some project, the top management of that organization will contact the team leader of the concerned team. Heldman (2002) defines that it is the job of the team leader to analyze the requirements of the client and judge if those requirements are feasible or not. There might be different types of feasibility analysis that he might perform: Bryce (2008) explains that the team leader should be able to identify if the scope of the project is achievable or if the client requires an unattainable result. This is the first step at which he shall be primarily responsible for the success or the failure of the project. If the team leader accepts an unachievable task then there are great chances that the project will fail. In this regard, it is best to contact the client and negotiate or discuss his demands. Bryce (2008) also states that the team leader is also responsible to judge if his team is technically capable of

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Corporate Sustainability Reporting - Essay Example Some of the issues that concern CSR are discussed below. CSR are generally prepared by independent agencies based on the guidelines laid down in 1997 by the Global reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI has tried to develop objective criteria that can become the basis for universally accepted reporting standards as in the case of audited financial statements. In 2006, a second set of guidelines was issued known as the G3 Reporting Framework. As of now however, companies are free to observe the GRI guidelines, as per their convenience and at different levels of accordance. As of July 2006, "just over 20 % of organizations issuing CSR reports using GRI guidelines did so at the [maximum] assurance level". Observance of GRI guidelines thus, though desirable is not enforceable and the discretion of following them in 'letter and spirit' rests with various organizations. The absence of any audit by an independent body reduces the value of a CSR, just as an un-audited financial statement of a company is of no value. However, there are many aspects of a CSR pertaining to non-financial aspects that are either, "qualitative statements about risk management and performance [or] quantitative measures that are not reliable enough to audit". Hence this aspect of a CSR is more of an opinion expressed by the company as well as the auditors, appealing more to emotion and based on individual perceptions. It is to remove this anomaly that the new G3 Reporting Framework has been compiled. Challenges of Providing Auditor Assurance The challenge of providing credibility to any CSR rests on firstly, the criteria that the management uses to prepare the CSR and secondly, the standards the auditor uses to assess the CSR. Adding to the difficulty of assessing a CSR is the fact that these reports are based on facts and figures that may be outside the area of expertise of the auditor(s). For any report to have credibility, it must be based on facts and figures and appeal to common sense. Quantitative aspects such as accident rates or amount of carbon dioxide emitted can be commented upon objectively and without bias. However, there are many other performance measures which cannot be audited, "with a high enough level of assurance to provide an opinion". In such cases, an element of subjectivity or bias in favour of the company being reported upon is likely. This probably stems from the fact that it is in the auditor's interests to seek the continued patronage of the company. More and more companies are disclosing their social and environmental performance as part of their annual financial reports. CPAs will increasingly play an important role both in preparing as well as analyzing such reports. Interestingly enough, a survey of investors and analysts revealed that as many as 90 % of the people wanted companies to include aspects such as environmental sustainability and corporate governance as part of their annual reports. This only underscores the importance of having objective criteria for measuring performance in non-financial fields in order to arrive at a true and fair view of a company based on facts and

The competitive advantage strategy for Diageo, Castel of brewery in Essay

The competitive advantage strategy for Diageo, Castel of brewery in Africa - Essay Example Africa is such an important region for Diageo due to the rich prospects that are found in Africa such as presence of mineral resources and its improvements in governance. Secondly, Africa provides diversity that matches Diageo’s needs. The global, financial, and economic situation, which has greatly affected Europe, has made the company to invest in the developing countries due to the increased prospects of driving growth. The company plans to invest in additional capacities to fuel growth in the continent such as adding more plants and equipments for brewing and differentiating their brands. Innovation is also considered by the company as a very good avenue for growth as well as having the right people who are motivated and interested in improving and fuelling growth in Diageo. Additionally, the company is committed to acquisitions and entrance into new markets as part of the strategies of facilitating its growth in the continent (Wehring 2012, np). The company enjoys a disti nct brand in its employment practices which promotes its ability to attract high caliber talents that are vital to its growth. The company further grows and develops talents as well as creating value chain in production and distribution process which highly contributes to their growth. Diageo are further involved in social economic development such as engaging in water projects and other agricultural projects which is integral in their business growth. Diageo has put unique strategy of growing the African talents in the continent to run its business by developing the current talents locally and bringing other Africans outside the continent. The company has embarked on a full year program to identify prospective African leaders who can take on senior positions in the company. The company is committed in its growth plan to develop a strategy that is capable of filling the gap between the talent required for growth and the current existing talents as well as attracting both the externa l talent and developing the internal talent. The company also ensures that they have dedicated talents that would add value to its operations as well as maintaining an effective and efficient operation (Wehring 2012, np). SWOT and PESTLE Analysis Diageo is the world leader in alcohol that comprises of beer, spirits and wine and enjoys a worldwide presence. The company, with its sound financial base, is capable of ruling the market by investing in R&D and acquiring other firms thus enjoying wider market share. The company usually manufactures the best brands and normally ensures best brands in its African market such as Scotch whisky. The company enjoys a wider market in Africa especially the rapid growth of 300m-consumers who due to the increase in the middle income earners in Africa. Diageo largely depend on the raw materials especially in Ethiopia and Kenya which is very vital for their growth in east Africa as well as wider market in that region of Africa. The company however, is faced with a number of challenges in some regions in Africa such as the unstable governments and lack of highly qualified expertise that they can depend on. There are also competitions from the local companies within the African region especially in Kenya and Tanzania that offer very low priced alcohol hence imposing a little threat to the

Critical Response Papers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical Response Papers - Research Paper Example In the meantime, the three candidates have to confront the disapproving society that considers their relationship as somewhat unconventional. The homosexual relationships illustrate some form of deviation from normative practices, which disallow sexual relationships that fall outside the accepted forms of behavior in the society. In essence, the three men have to build a private world that exists within the larger external world and attempt by different means to redefine the conventions that determine the rules of sexuality. It becomes important to consider the fact that some of the issues that connect to the reality around the world have to be considered from the point of view of masculinity and sexuality. In normal practice, it is important to consider the fact that some issues that relate to matters of general interest have to be determined from the point of view of desire as it affects the male characters. The kind of relationship that defines the character of the different peopl e has to be considered within the context of a range of issues that influence perceptions and conventions. Desire, according to the conventions of the society, relates to the differences in perceptions involving sexual orientations, which appear to challenge and disrupt normative practices. The confusion that characterizes the lives of the characters in the movie is most telling when considered from the point of view of Tina’s life. The film explores the question of gender in a way that opens up the possibility of individuals converting into another gender. Tina switches from being a boy to a girl in order to engage in a love relationship with her father. The film illustrates the aspect of transcending normative practices and increasing the possibility of transformation across the lines of gender. In essence, it becomes important to consider the fact that some of the issues that connect within the structure have to relate to various issues that affect and are, in turn, affect ed by the practices of the main characters. Lesbianism and gay relationships are explored in ways that demonstrate the variations from norms and dominant perspectives of the society. Male attraction to fellow men features prominently in the film in ways that illustrate the unconventional nature of inner feelings and unstable conditions that define the kind of relationship between the male subjects. The male characters are portrayed as generally capable of engaging the major differences between the main actors and the different issues that affect perceptions on matters of sexuality and sexual relationships of one gender. In this manner, it becomes appropriate to consider the fact that some of the issues that concern the differences in character are considered as a sum of various influences that determine the worldview of the characters as perceived from the relationship of the major characters. Tina’s relationship with her father shows the extreme form of sexual disorientation that redefines the relationship between the male subjects. Generally, the movie explores the various angles of gender and sexuality with specific attention to the male characters. The definition of gender acquires multiple understandings because it is separated from the dominant perceptions

Be Happier by Consuming Less Essay Example for Free

Be Happier by Consuming Less Essay Consumerist is a social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever greater amounts. In the American consumption, people do not know how much is enough, do we really need all we buy? Or we just buy it because everyone else has it? Does it make us any happier? In the article â€Å"The New Politics of Consumption: Why Americans Want So Much More That They Need† Juliet Schor shares with us her point of view about American Consumption. In Schor’s article says, â€Å"The average American now finds it harder to achieve a satisfying standard of living than 25 years ago† (411). Also that â€Å"The competitive consumption, the idea that spending is in large part driven by a comparative or competitive process in which individuals try to keep up with the norms of the social group with which they identify as a reference group† (412). Finally she believes that â€Å"Low income children are more likely to be exposed to commercials at school, as well as home† (413). Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. Much of what we purchase is not essential for our survival or even basic human comfort but is based on impulse, a momentary desire, and there is a hidden price that we, and future generations will pay for it too. The American economy’s ultimate purpose is to produce more consumer goods, not better health care, education, housing, transportation, but to provide more stuff to consumers. First, in Schor’s article she says, â€Å"The average American now finds it harder to achieve a satisfying standard of living than 25 years ago† (411). Nowadays people have to work longer hours than 25 year ago, to be able to pay all their desires. Having more and newer things each year has become not just something we want but something we need. The idea of more, ever increasing wealth has become the center of our identity, and this looks like an addiction. For example, my aunt Maria works 5 days a week to be able to pay all her bills and sometimes does overtime. She might have a lot of new and cool things, but she doesn’t even have time to enjoy all these things because she has to be working just to pay all she has. My aunt has a salary of $9. 25 per hour and getting a check of $740 biweekly which she have to use to pay her car $200, plus her phone $85, personal stuff $150, and the list keep going. I have worked 40 hours a week, going to classes full-time with little satisfaction. Without working that long, I am less stressed, and I prefer to learn how to spend less money, than spending more, and live stressed all the time. People should take more responsibility for themselves and their families and think outside of the box when it comes to life. Working less hours and buying fewer products is a good way to start. Also, Schor says, â€Å"The competitive consumption, the idea that spending is in large part driven by a comparative or competitive process in which individuals try to keep up with the norms of the social group with which they identify as a reference group† (412). People try to be in the same level that everyone else; if they see that somebody bought something, they will try to have that, just because that person has it. An example is the iPhones people are obsessed with them. The first iPhone was the 3G, then 3GS, 4, 4S, and the 5 that is the last one that just came out. All of these iPhones do almost the same functions; they just changed the size, and some other little things. People spend a lot of money buying the iPhones; the prices are between $300 and $500. The point is that people want to keep up with the newest things, just because other people will have it. For example, my cousin Heysus who is 23 years old, have been buying all the iPhones, because all his friends have them, and whenever came a new iPhone, he ordered it immediately to keep up with what his friends have. Another point is that people with less income, tend to watch more TV, in Schor’s article says, â€Å"Low income children are more likely to be exposed to commercials at school, as well as home† (413). Television and marketing are a big influence of how people spend their money. We watched an example of it in the movie of Super-Size Me, of how the companies spend a lot of their money on marketing, because they know that people is going to buy their products. We need to make people conscious about the problem that we all have as a society. Without our consumer impulse to buy the newest, coolest things on the market, there would be no market. People should think more about what they buy, and should not do unnecessary purchases I think that some people keep worrying more about what they can buy, and how they can have better and newest things instead of be worrying about how they can live happier, and less stressed. An individual does not necessarily have to live as a rich person to be happy. The thought of shorter hours working is a wealth of opportunity and adventure that no Disneyland or Las Vegas vacation can offer. It is actually stress-free and can help us to have time to more valuable parts of our life, like having more time to spend with our family and friends. Finally, as a student that works and studies at the same time, I have to be a smart consumer. I ask myself what I need and what I really don’t. Why do I need a car? Is it necessary to have a laptop when we have a library full of computers? We all need to learn that how to spend our money in a better way, and know that we do not need to have the newest and coolest things that the market offer us to be happy.

Qualitative research Essay Example for Free

Qualitative research Essay Abstract This paper is the first of a series of three articles relating to a case study conducted at Fairfield University to assess aspects of the rapid introduction of Information Technology at the institution. This article deals with the nature of the problem faced by Fairfield University, the characteristics of the case methodology, and lays the foundation for the selection of this research technique for the current study. The paper begins with an Introduction section to familiarize the reader with the case organization. The following section on Case Methodology explores the history, and some of the applications of the technique. The section ends with specific research protocols for researchers. Introduction Fairfield University is a private liberal arts institution of about 3,000 full time undergraduate students and about 1,000 graduate school students. The undergraduate students are distributed through the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Nursing. The graduate students are in the Graduate School of Education, the School of Business, and the School of Nursing. There are also part time students in the School of Continuing Education and the BEI School of Engineering. As with many other private institutions of higher education, Fairfield University faces many challenges. These challenges come from the declining population of college age students and the growing cost of running the institution. The literature will support the preceding statement (Crossland, 1980), but provide little comfort to the institution. One of the areas of greatest concern to college managers is the continuing cost of information technology. With the constant need to increase staff salaries, it is like salaries, inadvisable to reduce the outlay on information technology. Interviews that were conducted by this researcher with the deans and managers indicated that some of the peer institutions of Fairfield University are in fact doing as much if not more in this area. Hence any interruption in the effort to maintain technological currency would result in a competitive disadvantage for the institution. Therein lies the administrative financial challenge. The expense on information technology must be maintained at a time of declining revenues (Nicklin, 1992). The field of information technology at a university is very broad and could encompass many technologies hitherto not considered within its purview. However, there has been a relentless and indeed accelerating pace of convergence of the technologies in telecommunications, library services, and video services. The current study is concerned only with the aspects of information technology as it relates to academic computing and will focus on instructional and research computing. The goals of this study include an examination of the (a) managerial and (b) economic aspects of the rapid acquisition of information technology. The objectives deriving from those goals are: An assessment of the categories of computer use in higher education. An evaluation of the managerial issues of computing, including the centralization/decentralization of computing, client/server computing and the aspects of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) Establish a basis for understanding the current and future economic aspects of information technology acquisition. The research questions arising from the above objectives were as follows: Objective 1 above is addressed by the question: What patterns of acquisition emerge from the current computing environment and the perceived needs for computing? Objective 2 is addressed by the question: What characteristics of the categories of computing use contribute to the patterns of acquisition? The five categories developed by King and Kraemer (1985) and adapted for use by Levy (1988) in his study at the University of Arizona, are used in this study, to examine the computing use at Fairfield University. Objective 3 is addressed by the question: What managerial issues arise from the rapid acquisition of information technology and how important have those technologies become to the organization? Objective 4 is addressed by the question: How will the institution balance the need for technological changes with the need to continue the accomplishment of routine tasks?. Samuel Levy (1988) conducted a study of instructional and research computing at the University of Arizona. This study replicates and extends the Levy (1988) study, and was conducted at Fairfield University. The current study extends the Levy (1988) study in its examination of aspects of the Internet, the World Wide Web, and Client/Server computing. Levy (1988) established the use of the case study as appropriate for the research project, and this researcher also used the literature to confirm the use of case methodology in the study at Fairfield University. The history and development of case methodology is reviewed, in support of the current case study at Fairfield University. There have been periods of intense use followed by periods of disuse of this technique, as documented by Hamel, Dufour, and Fortin (1993) as well as others. The relevance of that history to this study is important in that it establishes the known advantages and disadvantages of the methodology. The particular technique of a single-case study is reviewed, since that is the specific implementation of a case study at Fairfield University and was also used by Levy (1988). Case Study Methodology The history of case study research is marked by periods of intense use and periods of disuse. The earliest use of this form of research can be traced to Europe, predominantly to France. The methodology in the United States was most closely associated with The University of Chicago Department of Sociology. From the early 1900s until 1935, The Chicago School was preeminent in the field and the source of a great deal of the literature. There was a wealth of material in Chicago, since it was a period of immigration to the United States and various aspects of immigration of different national groups to the city were studied and reported on (Hamel et al. , 1993). Issues of poverty, unemployment, and other conditions deriving from immigration were ideally suited to the case study methodology. Zonabend (1992) stated that case study is done by giving special attention to completeness in observation, reconstruction, and analysis of the cases under study. Case study is done in a way that incorporates the views of the actors in the case under study. The field of sociology is associated most strongly with case study research, and during the period leading up to 1935, several problems were raised by researchers in other fields. This coincided with a movement within sociology, to make it more scientific. This meant providing some quantitative measurements to the research design and analysis. Since The Chicago School was most identified with this methodology, there were serious attacks on their primacy. This resulted in the denigration of case study as a methodology. In 1935, there was a public dispute between Columbia University professors, who were championing the scientific method, and The Chicago School and its supporters. The outcome was a victory for Columbia University and the consequent decline in the use of case study as a research methodology. Hamel (Hamel et al. , 1993) was careful to reject the criticisms of case study as poorly founded, made in the midst of methodological conflict. He asserted that the drawbacks of case study were not being attacked, rather the immaturity of sociology as a discipline was being displayed. As the use of quantitative methods advanced, the decline of the case study hastened. However, in the 1960s, researchers were becoming concerned about the limitations of quantitative methods. Hence there was a renewed interest in case study. Strauss and Glaser (1967) developed the concept of grounded theory. This along with some well regarded studies accelerated the renewed use of the methodology. A frequent criticism of case study methodology is that its dependence on a single case renders it incapable of providing a generalizing conclusion. Yin (1993) presented Giddens view that considered case methodology microscopic because it lacked a sufficient number of cases. Hamel (Hamel et al. , 1993) and Yin (1984, 1989a, 1989b, 1993, 1994) forcefully argued that the relative size of the sample whether 2, 10, or 100 cases are used, does not transform a multiple case into a macroscopic study. The goal of the study should establish the parameters, and then should be applied to all research. In this way, even a single case could be considered acceptable, provided it met the established objective. The literature provides some insight into the acceptance of an experimental prototype to perceive the singularity of the object of study. This ensures the transformation from the local to the global for explanation. Hamel (Hamel et al. , 1993) characterized such singularity as a concentration of the global in the local. Yin (1989a) stated that general applicability results from the set of methodological qualities of the case, and the rigor with which the case is constructed. He detailed the procedures that would satisfy the required methodological rigor. Case study can be seen to satisfy the three tenets of the qualitative method: describing, understanding, and explaining. The literature contains numerous examples of applications of the case study methodology. The earliest and most natural examples are to be found in the fields of Law and Medicine, where cases make up the large body of the student work. However, there are some areas that have used case study techniques extensively, particularly in government and in evaluative situations. The government studies were carried out to determine whether particular programs were efficient or if the goals of a particular program were being met. The evaluative applications were carried out to assess the effectiveness of educational initiatives. In both types of investigations, merely quantitative techniques tended to obscure some of the important information that the researchers needed to uncover. The body of literature in case study research is primitive and limited (Yin, 1994), in comparison to that of experimental or quasi-experimental research. The requirements and inflexibility of the latter forms of research make case studies the only viable alternative in some instances. It is a fact that case studies do not need to have a minimum number of cases, or to randomly select cases. The researcher is called upon to work with the situation that presents itself in each case. Case studies can be single or multiple-case designs, where a multiple design must follow a replication rather than sampling logic. When no other cases are available for replication, the researcher is limited to single-case designs. Yin (1994) pointed out that generalization of results, from either single or multiple designs, is made to theory and not to populations. Multiple cases strengthen the results by replicating the pattern-matching, thus increasing confidence in the robustness of the theory. Applications of case study methodology have been carried out in High-Risk Youth Programs (Yin, 1993) by several researchers. The effects of community-based prevention programs have been widely investigated using case methodology. Where the high risk youth studies assumed a single case evaluation, these studies have typically used a collection of cases as a multiple-case study. This has been true in the various substance abuse prevention programs that are community-based (Holder, 1987; Sabol, 1990; Yin, 1993). Numerous such studies sponsored by the U. S. General Accounting Office are distributed in the literature between Evans (1976) and Gopelrud (1990). These studies have gone beyond the quantitative statistical results and explained the conditions through the perspective of the actors. Thus case study evaluations can cover both process and outcomes, because they can include both quantitative and qualitative data. There are several examples of the use of case methodology in the literature. Yin (1993) listed several examples along with the appropriate research design in each case. There were suggestions for a general approach to designing case studies, and also recommendations for exploratory, explanatory, and descriptive case studies. Each of those three approaches can be either single or multiple-case studies, where multiple-case studies are replicatory, not sampled cases. There were also specific examples in education, and management information systems. Education has embraced the case method for instructional use. Some of the applications are reviewed in this paper. In exploratory case studies, fieldwork, and data collection may be undertaken prior to definition of the research questions and hypotheses. This type of study has been considered as a prelude to some social research. However, the framework of the study must be created ahead of time. Pilot projects are very useful in determining the final protocols that will be used. Survey questions may be dropped or added based on the outcome of the pilot study. Selecting cases is a difficult process, but the literature provides guidance in this area (Yin, 1989a). Stake (1995) recommended that the selection offers the opportunity to maximize what can be learned, knowing that time is limited. Hence the cases that are selected should be easy and willing subjects. A good instrumental case does not have to defend its typicality. Explanatory cases are suitable for doing causal studies. In very complex and multivariate cases, the analysis can make use of pattern-matching techniques. Yin and Moore (1988) conducted a study to examine the reason why some research findings get into practical use. They used a funded research project as the unit of analysis, where the topic was constant but the project varied. The utilization outcomes were explained by three rival theories: a knowledge-driven theory, a problem-solving theory, and a social-interaction theory. Knowledge-driven theory means that ideas and discoveries from basic research eventually become commercial products. Problem-solving theory follows the same path, but originates not with a researcher, but with an external source identifying a problem. The social-interaction theory claims that researchers and users belong to overlapping professional networks and are in frequent communication. Descriptive cases require that the investigator begin with a descriptive theory, or face the possibility that problems will occur during the project. Pyecha (1988) used this methodology to study special education, using a pattern-matching procedure. Several states were studied and the data about each states activities were compared to another, with idealized theoretic patterns. Thus what is implied in this type of study is the formation of hypotheses of cause-effect relationships. Hence the descriptive theory must cover the depth and scope of the case under study. The selection of cases and the unit of analysis is developed in the same manner as the other types of case studies. Case studies have been increasingly used in education. While law and medical schools have been using the technique for an extended period, the technique is being applied in a variety of instructional situations. Schools of business have been most aggressive in the implementation of case based learning, or active learning (Boisjoly DeMichiell, 1994). Harvard University has been a leader in this area, and cases developed by the faculty have been published for use by other institutions. The School of Business at Fairfield University has revised the curriculum so that in place of the individual longitudinal courses in the areas of Management, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Information Systems, students take one course. That course is designed around cases that encompass those disciplines, but are presented in an integrated manner. The students are therefore made aware of the interrelatedness of the various disciplines and begin to think in terms of wider problems and solutions. Later courses add the international dimension to the overall picture. Case studies have been used to develop critical thinking (Alvarez, et al. , 1990). There are also interactive language courses (Carney, 1995), courses designed to broaden the students horizons (Brearley, 1990), and even for technical courses (Greenwald, 1991), and philosophical ones (Garvin, 1991). This investigation is a case study of the aspects of Information Technology that are related to client/server computing, the Internet, and the World Wide Web, at Fairfield University. Thus this paper examines issues that will expand the readers knowledge of case study methodology as it relates to the design and execution of such a study. Yin (1994) recommended the use of case-study protocol as part of a carefully designed research project that would include the following sections: Overview of the project (project objectives and case study issues) Field procedures (credentials and access to sites) Questions (specific questions that the investigator must keep in mind during data collection) Guide for the report (outline, format for the narrative) (Yin, 1994, p.64) The quintessential characteristic of case studies is that they strive towards a holistic understanding of cultural systems of action (Feagin, Orum, Sjoberg, 1990). Cultural systems of action refer to sets of interrelated activities engaged in by the actors in a social situation. The case studies must always have boundaries (Stake, 1995). Case study research is not sampling research, which is a fact asserted by all the major researchers in the field, including Yin, Stake, Feagin and others. However, selecting cases must be done so as to maximize what can be learned, in the period of time available for the study. The unit of analysis is a critical factor in the case study. It is typically a system of action rather than an individual or group of individuals. Case studies tend to be selective, focusing on one or two issues that are fundamental to understanding the system being examined. Case studies are multi-perspectival analyses. This means that the researcher considers not just the voice and perspective of the actors, but also of the relevant groups of actors and the interaction between them. This one aspect is a salient point in the characteristic that case studies possess. They give a voice to the powerless and voiceless. When sociological studies present many studies of the homeless and powerless, they do so from the viewpoint of the elite (Feagin, Orum, Sjoberg, 1991). Case study is known as a triangulated research strategy. Snow and Anderson (cited in Feagin, Orum, Sjoberg, 1991) asserted that triangulation can occur with data, investigators, theories, and even methodologies. Stake (1995) stated that the protocols that are used to ensure accuracy and alternative explanations are called triangulation. The need for triangulation arises from the ethical need to confirm the validity of the processes. In case studies, this could be done by using multiple sources of data (Yin, 1984). The problem in case studies is to establish meaning rather than location. Designing Case Studies Yin (1994) identified five components of research design that are important for case studies: A studys questions Its propositions, if any Its unit(s) of analysis The logic linking the data to the propositions The criteria for interpreting the findings (Yin, 1994, p. 20). The studys questions are most likely to be how and why questions, and their definition is the first task of the researcher. The studys propositions sometimes derive from the how and why questions, and are helpful in focusing the studys goals. Not all studies need to have propositions. An exploratory study, rather than having propositions, would have a stated purpose or criteria on which the success will be judged. The unit of analysis defines what the case is. This could be groups, organizations or countries, but it is the primary unit of analysis. Linking the data to propositions and the criteria for interpreting the findings are the least developed aspects in case studies (Yin, 1994). Campbell (1975) described pattern-matching as a useful technique for linking data to the propositions. Campbell (1975) asserted that pattern-matching is a situation where several pieces of information from the same case may be related to some theoretical proposition. His study showed, through pattern-matching, that the observed drop in the level of traffic fatalities in Connecticut was not related to the lowering of the speed limit. His study also illustrated some of the difficulties in establishing the criteria for interpreting the findings. Construct validity is especially problematic in case study research. It has been a source of criticism because of potential investigator subjectivity. Yin (1994) proposed three remedies to counteract this: using multiple sources of evidence, establishing a chain of evidence, and having a draft case study report reviewed by key informants. Internal validity is a concern only in causal (explanatory) cases. This is usually a problem of inferences in case studies, and can be dealt with using pattern-matching, which has been described above. External validity deals with knowing whether the results are generalizable beyond the immediate case. Some of the criticism against case studies in this area relate to single-case studies. However, that criticism is directed at the statistical and not the analytical generalization that is the basis of case studies. Reliability is achieved in many ways in a case study. One of the most important methods is the development of the case study protocol. Case studies can be either single or multiple-case designs. Single cases are used to confirm or challenge a theory, or to represent a unique or extreme case (Yin, 1994). Single-case studies are also ideal for revelatory cases where an observer may have access to a phenomenon that was previously inaccessible. Single-case designs require careful investigation to avoid misrepresentation and to maximize the investigators access to the evidence. These studies can be holistic or embedded, the latter occurring when the same case study involves more than one unit of analysis. Multiple-case studies follow a replication logic. This is not to be confused with sampling logic where a selection is made out of a population, for inclusion in the study. This type of sample selection is improper in a case study. Each individual case study consists of a whole study, in which facts are gathered from various sources and conclusions drawn on those facts. Yin (1994) asserted that a case study investigator must be able to operate as a senior investigator during the course of data collection. There should be a period of training which begins with the examination of the definition of the problem and the development of the case study design. If there is only a single investigator, this might not be necessary. The training would cover aspects that the investigator needs to know, such as: the reason for the study, the type of evidence being sought, and what variations might be expected. This could take the form of discussion rather than formal lectures. A case study protocol contains more than the survey instrument, it should also contain procedures and general rules that should be followed in using the instrument. It is to be created prior to the data collection phase. It is essential in a multiple-case study, and desirable in a single-case study. Yin (1994) presented the protocol as a major component in asserting the reliability of the case study research. A typical protocol should have the following sections: An overview of the case study project (objectives, issues, topics being investigated) Field procedures (credentials and access to sites, sources of information) Case study questions (specific questions that the investigator must keep in mind during data collection) A guide for case study report (outline, format for the narrative) (Yin, 1994, p. 64). The overview should communicate to the reader the general topic of inquiry and the purpose of the case study. The field procedures mostly involve data collection issues and must be properly designed. The investigator does not control the data collection environment (Yin, 1994) as in other research strategies; hence the procedures become all the more important. During interviews, which by nature are open ended, the subjects schedule must dictate the activity (Stake, 1995). Gaining access to the subject organization, having sufficient resources while in the field, clearly scheduling data collection activities, and providing for unanticipated events, must all be planned for. Case study questions are posed to the investigator, and must serve to remind that person of the data to be collected and its possible sources. The guide for the case study report is often neglected, but case studies do not have the uniform outline, as do other research reports. It is essential to plan this report as the case develops, to avoid problems at the end. Stake (1995), and Yin (1994) identified at least six sources of evidence in case studies. The following is not an ordered list, but reflects the research of both Yin (1994) and Stake (1995): Documents Archival records Interviews Direct observation Participant-observation Physical artifacts Documents could be letters, memoranda, agendas, administrative documents, newspaper articles, or any document that is germane to the investigation. In the interest of triangulation of evidence, the documents serve to corroborate the evidence from other sources. Documents are also useful for making inferences about events. Documents can lead to false leads, in the hands of inexperienced researchers, which has been a criticism of case study research. Documents are communications between parties in the study, the researcher being a vicarious observer; keeping this in mind will help the investigator avoid being misled by such documents. Archival documents can be service records, organizational records, lists of names, survey data, and other such records. The investigator has to be careful in evaluating the accuracy of the records before using them. Even if the records are quantitative, they might still not be accurate. Interviews are one of the most important sources of case study information. There are several forms of interviews that are possible: Open-ended, Focused, and Structured or survey. In an open-ended interview, key respondents are asked to comment about certain events. They may propose solutions or provide insight into events. They may also corroborate evidence obtained from other sources. The researcher must avoid becoming dependent on a single informant, and seek the same data from other sources to verify its authenticity. The focused interview is used in a situation where the respondent is interviewed for a short period of time, usually answering set questions. This technique is often used to confirm data collected from another source. The structured interview is similar to a survey, and is used to gather data in cases such as neighborhood studies. The questions are detailed and developed in advance, much as they are in a survey. Direct observation occurs when a field visit is conducted during the case study. It could be as simple as casual data collection activities, or formal protocols to measure and record behaviors. This technique is useful for providing additional information about the topic being studied. The reliability is enhanced when more than one observer is involved in the task. Glesne and Peshkin (1992) recommended that researchers should be as unobtrusive as the wallpaper. Participant-observation makes the researcher into an active participant in the events being studied. This often occurs in studies of neighborhoods or groups. The technique provides some unusual opportunities for collecting data, but could face some major problems as well. The researcher could well alter the course of events as part of the group, which may not be helpful to the study. Physical artifacts can be tools, instruments, or some other physical evidence that may be collected during the study as part of a field visit. The perspective of the researcher can be broadened as a result of the discovery. It is important to keep in mind that not all sources are relevant for all case studies (Yin, 1994). The investigator should be capable of dealing with all of them, should it be necessary, but each case will present different opportunities for data collection. There are some conditions that arise when a case researcher must start data collection before the study questions have been defined and finalized (Yin, 1994). This is likely to be successful only with an experienced investigator. Another important point to review is the benefit of using rival hypotheses and theories as a means of adding quality control to the case study. This improves the perception of the fairness and serious thinking of the researcher. Analyzing Case Study Evidence This aspect of the case study methodology is the least developed and hence the most difficult. As a result, some researchers have suggested that if the study were made conducive to statistical analysis, the process would be easier and more acceptable. This quantitative approach would be appealing to some of the critics of the case study methodology. However not all case studies lend themselves to this type of analysis. Miles and Huberman (1984) suggested analytic techniques such as rearranging the arrays, placing the evidence in a matrix of categories, creating flowcharts or data displays, tabulating the frequency of different events, using means, variances and cross tabulations to examine the relationships between variables, and other such techniques to facilitate analysis. There must first be an analytic strategy, that will lead to conclusions. Yin (1994) presented two strategies for general use: One is to rely on theoretical propositions of the study, and then to analyze the evidence based on those propositions. The other technique is to develop a case description, which would be a framework for organizing the case study. Lynd conducted a widely cited Middletown study in 1929, and used a formal chapter construct to guide the development of the analysis. In other situations, the original objective of the case study may help to identify some causal links that could be analyzed. Pattern-matching is another major mode of analysis. This type of logic compares an empirical pattern with a predicted one. Internal validity is enhanced when the patterns coincide. If the case study is an explanatory one, the patterns may be related to the dependent or independent variables. If it is a descriptive study, the predicted pattern must be defined prior to data collection. Yin (1994) recommended using rival explanations as pattern-matching when there are independent variables involved. This requires the development of rival theoretical propositions, but the overall concern remains the degree to which a pattern matches the predicted one. Yin (1994) encouraged researchers to make every effort to produce an analysis of the highest quality. In order to accomplish this, he presented four principles that should attract the researchers attention: Show that the analysis relied on all the relevant evidence Include all major rival interpretations in the analysis Address the most significant aspect of the case study Use the researchers prior, expert knowledge to further the analysis Stake (1995) recommended categorical aggregation as another means of analysis and also suggested developing protocols for this phase of the case study to enhance the quality of the research. He also presented ideas on pattern-matching along the lines that Yin (1994) presented. Runkel (1990) used aggregated measures to obtain relative frequencies in a multiple-case study. Stake (1995) favored coding the data and identifying the issues more clearly at the analysis stage. Eisner and Peshkin (1990) placed a high priority on direct interpretation of events, and lower on interpretation of measurement data, which is another viable alternative to be considered.

Social action plans: drugs and alcohol

Social action plans: drugs and alcohol Table of Contents Background Objectives Proposed Actions Anticipated Outcomes Key roles and responsibilities Timelines and resources required Key risks Evaluation Method References Background Drugs and alcohol is a major social issue (J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet Y. Miller, 1992). It is not something that can be solved by the law (Lee P. Brown, 2008). Throughout history, many attempts have been made to try and legalize and control alcohol and drug addiction but has failed. It requires education, international awareness and a lot of work to resolve. Whilst alcohol and certain drugs are not illegal, the potential dangers are well documented. It is in many regards, worse of a problem than other social problems such as smoking. Not only does it create health problems, but creates a habit from a young age that is hard to avoid (Kabir Ayub, 2011). This affects families, schools and the larger part of society. It creates a burden for law enforcers, violence, accidents and a lot of other side-effects. Drugs and alcohol have especially been a major issue in NSW full of pubs and night life. Major incidents of violence at many locations have been recorded. The number of police officers required to monitor and deal with incidents have greatly increased since 2011. New laws, curfews and extreme measures had to be put in place (NSW Government, 2014). This shows that inaction is a major cost to society and is a major burden on the government and law enforcers. Local Christian Churches have been chosen to address the issue. Drugs and alcohol is an international social problem that is very hard to tackle. The local Christian communities serves as a good attempt to address problems in the local community. Studies have shown that peer influence is a major factor in drugs and alcohol abuse (Karl E. Bauman, Susan T. Ennett, 1996). The church will be able to put a positive influence back to society to help change this issue. The church (religion) is and has been a major influence to society. Religion helps shape lives. Objectives The key objectives in this action plan are to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol and to create a series of events to reduce the consumption of drugs and alcohol. In raising awareness of the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol, we hope to increase public understanding of what they are, the potential harm and the damage it has caused to our society. Local churches often run campaigns to promote Christianity and raise awareness of their religion. It would be viable for them to continue as is, but include flyers and other advertisements that target alcohol and drugs. Through a series of special events, such as alcohol free nights, we create incentives for those addicted to drugs and alcohol to attend and make it a habit to reduce consumption of drugs and alcohol. These events are aimed at providing the first steps for affected people to adjust to life without harmful substances. It is business as usual for local churches as they already run local community events. Running alcohol and drug themed campaigns fits in with their schedule and aim to promote and improve the greater community. For example, a family bbq gathering can include an extra clause of being alcohol exempt. The key theme is to use religion and the major influence of the church to shape lives, stop alcohol and drug abuse and to increase awareness. Proposed Actions Use of social media to link and highlight key media that raise awareness. Through official Facebook, Twitter and other accounts of the churches, social media is a strong platform to push information. Door to door knocking and handing out pamphlets is part of a Church’s day to day activities (Archie Poulos, 2010). Within the advertisements, the church can embed information on drugs and alcohol to further increase awareness. Anti-drug and anti-alcohol posters can be posted within the premise. Each time people visit the church they will be able to see these media items and gain awareness to the drug and alcohol problems. Preaches every Sunday can be used to influence the followers on reducing consumption of alcohol. Religion is known to have a major influence and the voice of god is very useful. Prayers will help those guilty of drugs and alcohol be persuaded to change and move away from these harmful substances. Alcohol and drug free events can be introduced as part of normal family events and gatherings. Prizes and other rewards can be introduced as an extra incentive. Families can get together and share their experiences. Anticipated Outcomes The anticipated outcome is increased awareness in drugs and alcohol. Social media activities such as Twitter and Facebook can easily be measured by likes, replies, retweets and other common statistics. This can provide numbers on the number of people have read and reacted to the postings. The local community will be more aware of its harmful effects. They will be able to spread this out to other local communities via word of mouth to further increase awareness. The community will be educated to stop alcohol/drugs based violence and help report/resolve any incidents. Parents will be able to educate their children to prevent the next generation early on. Another anticipated outcome is reduced consumption of drugs and alcohol. Alternatives such as soft drinks and replacements can take its place. Alcohol and drugs driven violence should be reduced. Families will increase in happiness. This will reduce load on the community and even local council/government. This means funding and resources can be better spent elsewhere and further improve lives. Key roles and responsibilities Within a church, many of the staff are volunteers, including the door knocking staff. Different staff will be required for each action point. The organization structure is rather flat. The media advisor will be in charge of coordinating the social media activities. They will be spreading the message via the church’s social media account. Door to door knocking events will coordinated by the normal door knocking organizer. Posters will be reviewed and signed off by the priest. Alcohol and drug free events will be reviewed by the events coordinator. Preaches and prayers will be reviewed by the priest. The key is to add extra roles and responsibilities to existing staff. Timelines and resources required The church anticipates that the promotional campaign will run for a month and based on feedback may be extended. Most of the action points are ongoing and will be held in part every Sunday as part of the Church gathering and extended events. Social media, posters and door knocking will be incorporated with day to day activities. The idea is to enhance and set the theme for the staff to work on – to add their current jobs. No extra resources are anticipated except a potential external graphics design company to create the promotional poster. All other efforts are conducted by current staff of the church, such as priests and other volunteers. Families are encouraged to help out as they normally would. Extra funding is anticipated and this will be sourced from the church’s annual budget. The church does not expect a huge burden on the budget. The staff may have to put in extra hours to meet the deadlines to get this kick-started. The local social worker can be contacted for further assistance and to attend special events to help the church out in assisting any attenders that do have actual problems in life with drugs and alcohol. Local doctors would also be a useful resource in helping with providing material and assisting with drug and alcohol effects on the body. Key risks A key risk in raising awareness about drugs and alcohol is that it may get some people that were previously never interested to try the mentioned products based on curiosity. Many people may be unwilling to identify themselves as an addict to drugs and/or alcohol. This may be due to peer pressure, family issues and others. This will make it difficult to convince these people to join the events created especially for them. Preaches may be seen as some as propaganda campaigns and a way to control and restrict an individual’s freedom. Care must be taken at the wording, how it is addressed and it must be linked back to Christianity. Lack of attendance or feedback may also be an issue. Over time people could be back to their old lifestyle. Evaluation Method An attendance count can be used to evaluate how many people are interested in the series of events. An anonymous informal survey can be used to further gauge the situation. This helps to evaluate how effective the proposed actions are and also direction for further action. A follow up survey months later can be used to see if lifestyle has changed. Informal discussions and interviews can be had to see what effects it has had on lifestyle of people. Social media feedback is the most evident and can generate huge discussions. There are many statistics used to measure the success of a social media campaign, such as the number of retweets. The local police stations can be contacted before and after to determine if the number of reported incidents related to drug and alcohol abuse has decreased. References Lee P. Brown, 2008, Two takes drugs are a major social problem we cannot legalize them, US News, 25th July, 10th May 2014, http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2008/07/25/two-takes-drugs-are-a-major-social-problem-we-cannot-legalize-them Kabir Ayub, 2011, Drug addiction: A Social Problem!, 24th March, 10th May 2014, http://pamirtimes.net/2011/03/24/addiction-a-social-problem/ NSW Government, 2014, New measures rolled out to target drug and alcohol fuelled violence, 21st February, 10th May 2014, http://www.nsw.gov.au/news/new-measures-rolled-out-target-drug-and-alcohol-fuelled-violence J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet Y. Miller, Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Implications for Substance Abuse Prevention, Psychological Bulletin Vol 112, 1992, 10th May 2014, http://adai.washington.edu/confederation/2008readings/Catalano_86.pdf Karl E. Bauman, Susan T. Ennett, On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: commonly neglected considerations, Vol 91, Issue 2, pages 185-198 Archie Poulos, 2010, Doorknocking is fun?, 25th Match, 10th May 2014, http://sydneyanglicans.net/blogs/churchlife/doorknocking_is_fun Social Action Plan: Group Name Social Action plan: Team members: Description of the Issue: 1 | Page

The Evil Rooted In Women :: essays research papers fc

Chaucer, in his female pilgrimage thought of women as having an evil-like quality, that they always tempt and take from men. They were depicted of untrustworthy, selfish and vain. Through the faults of both men and women, Chaucer showed what is right and wrong and how one should live. Under the surface, however, lies a jaded look of women and how they cause for the downfall of men. (chuckiii, 4) Chaucer obviously had very opinionated views of the manners and behaviors of women and expressed it strongly in The Canterbury Tales. In his collection of tales, he portrayed two extremes in his prospect of women. The Wife of Bath represented the extravagant and lusty woman where as the Prioress represented the admirable and devoted followers of church. (Chaucer, 8) Chaucer delineated the two characters contrastingly in their appearances, general manners, education and most evidently in their behavior toward men. Yet, in the midst of disparities, both tales left its readers with an unsolved enigma. The Wife of Bath represents the "liberal" extreme in regards to female stereotypes of the Middle Ages.(chuckiii, 4) Unlike most women being anonymous during the Middle Ages, she has a mind of her own and voices herself. Furthermore, she thinks extremely highly of herself and enjoys showing off her Sunday clothes whenever the opportunity arises. She intimidates men and women alike due to the power she possesses. Because of her obnoxious attitude Chaucer makes her toothless, fat and large. Doubtlessly, she is very ugly, almost to the point of "not-presentable." The Prioress, on the other hand, serves as a foil to the Wife of Bath. Chaucer describes her as "tenderhearted" who can not bear the sight of pain or physical suffering. She will cry at the thought of a dog dying. It could represent that she has a frail soul with low tolerance for pain and suffering.(fordham, 16) The latter description carries over into the modern stereotypes about women as skittish and afraid members of society who need to be cared for. (Fordham, 16) Chaucer paints a very delicate and elegant picture of the Prioress. Her manners of eating are far from the brutish festivals of the time. Chaucer describes her table manners as very graceful, not a drop of anything would fall from her mouth, and she was very polite when taking thing at the table. (lines 131-4). Chaucer's last description of Prioress - the letter "A" around her neck that stood for "Amor vincit omnia" meaning "Love conquers all.

My Personal Goals Essay -- essays research papers

As a child and even as a teenager one tends to make dreams and set goals for life. On occasion these goals are far stretched and sometimes even fairy-tale like, we tend to see life through a rose-colored glass, not taking into account the many sidetracks life throws our way. At that stage in life our goals tend to be less focused and somewhat unreachable. However, the process of growing up, or maturing, tends organized and center our goals, we learn to make compromises and set goals for our goals. There are different types of goals, short term and long term. I have learned to separate the many goals I have into three main categories: family, professional and personal. First, my family goals include how I see myself and how I see my family and the paths that life takes us. Being a mother and a wife to me has been the most important goal which I have set in the past, and now that the wonderful role of motherhood has taken me in full speed I have learned to adjust my goals. The most important aspect of being a mother, and the long term that I have set for myself, is to be able to raise happy and healthy children that are able to face the world in a positive manner. In order to achieve my long term goal for my family I have set a few short term goals that I believe will help in the process. One of my short term goal as a mother is to be able to be a constant parent for my two sons, ages nineteen months and three months, especially in their first five years of life. So that I m...

Responsible Driving Essay -- essays research papers

Responsible Driving "Imagine a crowd of 44,000 people in the stands at a World Series or Super Bowl game. A television camera scans the individual faces --- some exuberant, some anxious --- all sports fans out for a good time. As many people as are in that crowd will die in highway accidents this year. More than half of those accidents will involve alcohol, alone or in combination with other drugs. A disproportionate number of the dead will be young, between the ages of 15 and 24. One group, 16 year olds, will be in 40% of all the singl-car, alcohol related crashes" (Knox 19). This statement shows the high risk and number of fatalities due to driving. It is very important to learn safe and responsible driving skills, which is why I am giving this speech. If you are prepared and know all of your stuff before your behind the wheel youll probobly do a better job and know the correct manerisms and etiquites of driving. The main purpose of this speech is to let you know how to drive responsibly and safely. I will first review the dangers and risks of driving to let you know what your getting into if you use illegal substances or drive improperly. Then I will go into the basic signs,signals and rules of driving to inform you of the current laws and regulations. Finally I will go through a step-by-step process of driving, from getting out of the drive way to turning onto a highway. Accident risk is the chance of injury to yourself or others and the chance of damage to vehicles and property. All driving involves risk. You have tonotice that risk always exists and can sneak up on you at any time. 85% of all collisions are the drivers first collision. 49% of vehicle crashes involve only one car. The liklihood of being in a collision any year is only 1/5 people.The chances of suffering an injury that is serious enough to disable you is 1/83 people (Kenel, 8) . As you can see risk is always very high and should never be forgot. One huge risk in driving is to be under the influence of an illegal substance or drug. There are many kinds of drugs that affect you perception and driving skills. They include Over the counter drugs, Prescription drugs, Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens and Narcotics. Over the cou... ...hod. Whichever way feels most comfortable to you. Also when turning use blinkers and slow down a bit (Handbook). Tracking is how you keep your car on a chosen path. Track smoothly while going fast to prevent accidents (Handbook). The final two things to knowing how to drive is braking and stopping. In bracking you should know the amount of pressure needed to brake the car your driving. Also you always want to keep an adequate braking distance between you and the car ahead (Kenel 120). When stopping check for following cars, apply firm, steady pressure on the brakes and come to a complete stop. Leave the transmission in drive if you plan to move ahead in the next minute (Kenel 121). That pretty much wraps up my how to drive instructions. I hope that I have informed you of many new things that you didnt know. If you understood what I have said you are guarenteed to be a little ahead when its your time to go to driving school. I didnt know some of the trivial details ,involving laws and signals , before but now I do. I also know that every thing about driving is important because your life and others are always at risk. So for now ,bye and happy driving.

Cipd Employment Law Essay

Supporting Good Practice in Managing Employment Relations 3MER Introduction: The aim/objectives of this assignment are to explore employee relations in detail, including the internal and external factor impacting on employment relationship, psychological contract, and differences between fair and unfair dismissals, redundancy. 1. Understand the impact of employment law at the start of the employment relationship : 1.Internal and external factor that impact on the employment relationship: The absolute melodious bond between employers and employees is crucial for the smooth running of an organisation, where there is a give and take relationship and there are various factor affecting the relationship Internally and Externally i. e. Organisational culture , historical context, performance, pay and reward, economic factor, technology factor, unemployment etc. Internal Factor: Organisational culture is defined by many writers as being † the way we do things round here † It is m anifested in the rituals of an organisational, in its people, dress, habits, working times and style, attitudes , office layout , almost every intangible aspect of its being. It is also perpetuated by stories, office gossip, heroes and heroines, decor, social life and the language that various parts of the organisation regularly use at work. (CIPD 2011) * Psychological contract the term was first used in the early 1960s but became more popular following the economic downturn in the early 1990s.It has been defined as ‘the perceptions of the two parties, employee and employer, of what their mutual obligations are towards each other'. (CIPD 2012). In which employers except commitment to goals and value, hard working, flexibility, honestly, be courteous to client and staff. In return employee except a pleasant and safe working environment, job security, pays commensurate with performance feedback, skill development aid to employability and fair treatment. External Factor: Technolo gical factor: Due to the ever growing demand of technology there are advantage and disadvantage. There are development in energy sources, mobile technology and medical discoveries etc. These help employees to develop the skills and training. And the same may also create a gap in the market or barrier for the entry in the given market, which may de-motive staff. Economical factor: Slow economic growth/ decline may result in employees just fortunate of having a job.Due to the euro crisis, lowest interest rate, exchange rates and inflation rate, wage rates and unemployment. 2. The different types of employment status: There are three main categories of employment status such as Employee: Has a contract of service, have set working hours, have options of paternal leave, have rights of unfair dismissal. Workers: Does the work personally, either may have set working hours; contract may be verbal or written, they usually work for fixed time, doesn’t have rights of unfair dismissal.B usiness/ Genuinely Self- Employed: They contract for service and employers are the customers, they have a set of working hours, is contracted for each model of work – either verbal or written, contracted by service not time and doesn’t hold any rights for unfair dismissal/ redundancy. 1. 3 Identify and analyse the reasons why it is important to determine an individual’s employment status: Below are the 3 major employment status and reasons for the importance of identifying them: Permanent: An employee has a permanent contract, has access to all the perks and benefits in the firm.Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 permanent employees are entitled to written terms and conditions after 8 weeks of employment and once they have acquired continuous employment for a certain period of time they acquire certain rights (e. g. 1 year for right to claim unfair dismissal; 2 years for redundancy payments). They also have the employment rights such as Statutory Sick Pay. An employee receives a wage/salary rather than seeking remuneration in the form of profits whether the wage is subject to deductions under the PAYE scheme whether an employee is obliged to perform the duties of his or her job.The Company provides the tools, equipment, premises or any other materials that are required to do the work. In economic down turn employers may reduce their or put in a cap into their employees bonus or pay rise. Contractors/ Self – Employed: Whereby a person will work for themselves rather than an employer. It is important to establish this type of worker as they will be entitled to the core legal rights, they will be entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage and be protected against unlawful deduction from wages.They don’t receive any holiday pay or sick pay when they are not available for work. Economic down turn may not affect to such an individual. Agency workers or ‘temps’: They have the opportunity to sign on several employme nt agencies and can work on a variety of assignments through out the year for different organisation. It is important to establish this type of worker as they will be entitled to the core legal rights. They are paid on invoice and may be VAT registered and be protected against unlawful deduction from wages. . Understand the main individual rights that the employee has during the employment relationship: 2. 1 Explain the importance of work life balance within the employment relationship and how it can be influenced by legislation: The Working Time Regulations (1998) implement the European Working Time Directive into GB law. The purpose of the legislation was to have adequate breaks. The importance of work life balance in an employment relationship is vital for two way relationship.To keep an individual motivated to avoid sluggish, to make them feel happier and valued. An individual is more refreshed after a regular break and can be more effective into this work and put in new ideas w hich leads to enhance the performance. A tired worker is more likely to make mistake- but due to WTR there may be reduction of mistakes. There is also a good employer branding around the globe encouraging more people to apply for jobs. A positive culture is build up with an individual willing to work and better productivity.According to the WTR Act an employee can work an average up to 48 hours a week (opt out), a right to have break for 20 minutes every 6 hours in work, a right to have a day off each week, Entitled for 28 days annual leave every year, an average of 8 hours of work in a night shift. 2. 2 Summarise the legal support that may be given to employees as a family member: In our present time and looking at the current situation there are both employee and employers are in need to maintain a good working life balance.Employers have to keep employee motivated, help them in case of emergency i. e. (allowing them to work flexible time) and help them understand maternity, pater nity, adoption pay. Maternity Leave and Pay: A employee who is a new mother of her biological child is entitled to have 39 weeks of SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay), the first 6 weeks is 90 percent of their average gross weekly earning with no upper limit and the next 33 weeks at lower of either the standard rate of ? 135. 45, or 90 percent of their average gross weekly earning.All pregnant employees are entitled for 52 weeks statutory maternity leave (26 weeks ordinary leave and 26 weeks additional leave). ‘Compulsory’ maternity leave is of two weeks immediately after giving birth during which the employee is not permitted to work. Paternity Leave: The Employment Act 2002 which includes Paternity Leave. An employee should qualify for such a leave and pay if they have been in the company for 26weeks or more. From 3 April 2011 additional entitlement to ordinary paternity leaves which is minimum of 2 weeks and additional of 26 weeks. 20 weeks after the child is born). Additi onal Paternity Leave is for a maximum of 26 weeks. If the employee’s partner has returned to work, the leave can be taken between 20 weeks and one year after your child is born. Adoption Leave and Pay: An employee who has worked continuously for the same employer for 26 weeks or more qualify for paid adoption leave. There are two types of adoption leave: 26 weeks ordinary adoption leave and 26 additional adoption leave, giving a total of 52 weeks. SAP (Statutory Adoption Leave) is payable for 39 weeks.The rate of SAP is same as the lower rate of SMP. Dependant Leave: An employee whose child is under 5 or who has a disable child age 18 or under they holds the right to take parental leave. An employee who has a continuous service least for a year qualifies for paternal leave. An employee have the right to have unpaid time off work to deal with emergencies involving a ‘dependant' – this could be employee’s husband, wife, partner, child, parent, or anyone livi ng in your household as a member of the family. 2. 3 Explain the reasons for treating employees fairly in relation to pay:The purpose of the Equal Pay Act 1970 is to eliminate discrimination between men and women in terms of pay. This law gives a woman the right to be paid the same as a man like work, work of equal value and work rated as equivalent by analytical job evaluation study. Enhancing Employer Brand: Giving them equal pay boosts employees confident, keep employees motivated and to keep them in the business longer then ever before. At Bloomberg these benefits are based on the annual salary, and salaries are benchmarked to job levels which are assigned to the role.This ensures salaries are fair for the job being performed, regardless of gender, race, or age, to ensure there is no discrimination among employees. Increased Productivity: Due to the Act there is an ever increasing productivity to be seen, At JIG a case occurred where employees knew there is equality in gender an d pay in place. Employees were treated fair, the morale increased, they are well known for their excellent customer/ client service and employees started to settle down within their jobs for long period of time. 2. 4 Summarise the main points of discrimination legislation:Anti – Discrimination legislation is now incorporated within the Equality Act 2010. The purpose of this legislation is to build up nine separate pieces of anti – discrimination legislation into a single Act, creates a new single equality duty on public bodies, and allows for wider equality objectives to be included in tenders for public sector contracts. The lists of 9 protected characteristics are: Age, Disability, Gender reassignment, marriage and civil partner, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.Direct discrimination: This occurs when someone is treated less favourably than another on account of having a disability, or on the grounds of age, sex, race, rel igion or sexual orientation. When deciding whether direct discrimination has taken place a comparator issued. At Bloomberg all employees are treated equally but not discriminating between an older and younger candidate going for the same job. Indirect discrimination: This is when a disability or sex is disadvantaged by a provision, criterion or practice which is broadly applied.These could be policies at work, college rules and qualifications. At JIG there were changes made on working shift patterns to dress and display the new lines in the company which were out of business hours. All employers were required to work till 10 twice a week. Women are going to be immoderately affected by this, as women are more likely than men to have caring responsibilities. One particular woman cannot work the shifts and she claims indirect discrimination, as the shift changes particularly disadvantage women who may wish to collect children from school and right out her normal duties.Victimisation: T his occurs when an employee is treated less favourably because they have made or supported a complaint related to the Act, or they are suspected of doing so. At Bloomberg security there was occasion where an employee has given evidence in connection to a discrimination claim, and 4 months later they felt that they have been victimised by their supervisor due to these event that had happened. Harassment: The Harassment Act was introduced in 1997 to protect individuals from harassment situations in and out of the workplace.Harassment is where an employer or an employee violates another person’s dignity or creates an uncomfortable or offensive environment for them. Such a situation has not yet arisen at Bloomberg. 2. 5 Explain the good practice that underpins organisational policies and can contribute to the psychological contract: Psychological contract has been defined as ‘the perceptions of the two parties’ employee and employer, of what their mutual obligations are towards each other’. (CIPD 2005) An individual’s expectation that some organised ystem will act with predictability or goodwill’ (Maguire and Phillips 2008). The psychological contract is more positive if there is evidence of the following: A high-quality workplace – this is made up of six factors linked to stress and well-being, namely: a manageable workload, some personal control over the job, support from supervisors and colleagues, positive relationships at work, a reasonably clear role, a sense of control or involvement in changes. At Bloomberg in our department every staff and line- manager at the start of every shift there is a briefing to be held every morning.There is a psychological contract between the staff and the line – manger in order to attend the briefing every staff member in the morning is excepted to come 15 minutes early prior to the starting time, and vice- verse there are allowed to leave 15 minutes earlier prior to their finish time. In that way trust is not affected, the psychological contract is maintained resulting in an increased loyalty, more efficiency and longer working period. 3. Understand the issues to address at the termination of the employment relationship 1. Explain the differences between fair and unfair dismissals:Dismissal is when employer ends the employment they don’t always have to give notice. If dismissed, the employer must show they’ve: a valid reason that they can justify and act reasonably in the circumstances. Fair Dismissal: Dismissal is normally fair if an employer can show that it is for one of the following reasons: A reason related to an employee's conduct A reason related to an employee's capability or qualifications for the job Because of a redundancy Because a statutory duty or restriction prohibited the employment being continued Some other substantial reason of a kind which justifies the dismissal.And that they acted reasonably in treating that reas on as sufficient for dismissal. Unfair Dismissal: Unfair dismissal is when employer does not have a fair reason or it’s not lawful for dismissing an employee. It is when the employer has not followed the correct and lawful company’s process when dismissing the employee. Summary dismissal: Employee can be dismissed for ‘gross misconduct’ without employer going through the normal disciplinary procedures. This can happen if, for example, violent towards a colleague, customer or property.Constructive dismissal: Is when an employee is forced to leave their job against their will because of their employer’s conduct. Example: let other employees harass or bullying. Automatically unfair reasons for dismissal (where one year or two years continuity of employment is not required) Dismissals will be automatically unfair if related to: A reason connected with pregnancy, taking maternity leave and pay, paternity leave and pay, additional paternity leave and pay (from April 2011) adoption leave and pay, childbirth and parental leave – Section 99 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA).Seeking to exercise the right to request flexible working. Taking leave for family emergencies or to care for dependants – Section 57A of the ERA. Taking time off for jury service. Potentially fair reasons for dismissal: To be fair, a dismissal must be for one of these reasons: Capability or qualifications Conduct Illegality or contravention of a statutory duty Some other substantial reason Redundancy The process to follow and reduce the likelihood of unfair dismissal: Understanding the purpose and scope of problem. , Principle: Action taken to nature of the problemThe Procedure: Oral, first, final written warning and dismissal Gross Misconduct and giving them a chance for Appeal. 2. Explain the importance of exit interviews: The exit interview at Bloomberg provides an opportunity to allow the employer and employee to express and acquiring their reasons for leaving. Exit interviews can sometimes prove difficult to collect information, as some employees prefer, or are not willing to disclose their reasons for leaving or any problems they have had occurred in during their employment.The importance of an exit interview to Employers is that, if conducted well it delivers an excellent opportunity for Bloomberg to gain insight into employees’ perceptions of the organisation overall, underlying workplace issues and managerial leadership. The importance of an exit interview for the Employee is to voice their views on their working experience during their time at Bloomberg. This also gives them a chance to suggest improvements to their role and to draw a line under their employment relationship. 3. Summarise the key stages to be followed when managing redundancies:Redundancy: A redundancy occurs where a dismissal is wholly or mainly because employees have ceased to carry the employers business or intend to cease to carry out the employers business. Either for the purpose for which the employers is employed or in the place where the employee was employed. (Kate Russell 2011) Key stages followed in managing redundancy: The first stage of redundancy involves planning from HR and line – manager arbitrates to discuss the organisation or department structure. The second stage is lawfully identifying the employees which are due to put into risk, by a fair, objective and non discriminatory selection criteria.The third stage involves the moment of truth, information the employees and consultation meetings. The final meeting with the employee will be formal and includes the right to be accompanied. There may be several meetings prior to the final meeting in reference with what help or alternatives could be provided. The fourth stage is if the redundancy occurs it will be in written and with full explanation of redundancy payments of what they are likely to receive. Redundancy pay depends on age, current pa y (or statutory limit) and length of service. Pay is calculated as follows: 0. week’s pay for each full year of service for those under 22 years of age 1 week’s pay for each full year of service for 22-41 year olds 1. 5 week’s pay for each full year of service for those over 41 The fifth stage is where Employee holds the right to appeal against the decision which has made by the employer. The final stage occurs when there aren’t any alternative jobs and appeal against the decision, the redundancy payment is realised. After the redundancy is communicated, Employees can often feels depressed. Trainings sessions and advice on seeking new employment are been given.