Leadership Influence on Market Performance of Companies

Leadership Influence on Market Performance of Companies Introduction Leadership plays an important role in defining the ability of a firm to achieve success in the market. According to Blanchard and Cathy (2002), organizations depend on leadership to define the path that should be taken in order to reach a specific destination. Successful companies in the world attribute their achievements to effective leadership.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Influence on Market Performance of Companies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Virgin Group, Apple, and Microsoft are some of the largest and most successful companies in the world. The success story of these companies cannot be told without the mention of the pivotal roles played by their leaders. The Virgin Group owes its success to the effective leadership of Sir Richard Branson. No one can talk about the massive success that Apple Inc has achieved without mentioning the name of Steve Jobs. Microsoft Corporation a nd Bill Gates are names which are inseparable. These leaders were able to understand the needs of the employees, the changes taking place in the market, and the technological dynamics. In Australia, there are a number of companies that have experienced massive success due to effective leadership. Aussie Commerce Group, Schnitz, Drilltechniques, and Fossil Energy Services Pty Ltd are some of the companies that have experienced massive success in the past. These companies have been in existence for only half a century, but because of effective leadership, they have experienced massive growth of their market share within the country. This research focuses on the extent to which leadership influences the market performance of companies. Effective Business Leadership According to the research by Ferch and Spears (2011), effective business leadership is one of the most important ingredients that are needed to succeed in the current competitive market. The level of competition has become s o stiff that many organizations are now forced to find a way of developing superior strategies to protect their market share. Many scholars say that the success of a firm heavily relies on the effective company leadership. Company leadership goes beyond developing policies and forcing the stakeholders to apply them as per the wishes of the leader. It also surpasses providing the needed resources to undertake specific activities. Leadership is about managing people within an organisation.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Employees form a very important part of an organisation. The effort they put in what they do, and the desire they have to see the firm successful defines the ability of an organisation to achieve its objectives (Annabelle, 2006). A leader is expected to create and then share the ambitious visions with the employees and all other stakeholders so that they are convinced that the future is bright. Transformational leadership is one of the recent leadership models that have been considered effective in managing stakeholders who have varying interest. For instance, while the shareholders will demand for increased interests, the employees may desire increased wages. These interests may affect the financial position of an organisation if they are not managed properly. A leader must find a way of convincing the stakeholders to take a common path that would benefit everyone in the long run. Miller (2012) says that an effective leader must learn to treat the stakeholders, especially the employees, as individuals other than groups. Giving stakeholders a personalized approach not only creates a close bond between the stakeholders and the management, but it also enables the management understand the diversity that exists in a firm and how it can be managed. Northouse (2010) says that irrelevant company leadership is the reason why some firm s have failed to achieve success. Leadership may be considered irrelevant if the leader does not understand the industry within which his or her company is operating. For example, it may be difficult for a plumber to offer relevant leadership to a firm operating in the health sector. Employees look upon the leader to offer directions when handling some of the complex tasks. When the leader has no knowledge on the basic concepts as to what should be done, then his or her authority as a leader will be lost. The employees will lose trust in him or her, and when this happens, they will have no hope for a better future in the firm. This is what Adetule (2011) describes as underwhelming leadership. It is a case where the leader is not in a position to offer the employees guidance based on the expert knowledge. In fact, it may take a long time, probably constant complaints from the customers, for such a leader to realize that there is a problem that needs to be addressed within the organis ation.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Influence on Market Performance of Companies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Relationship between Leadership and Company Performances Leadership and employee management The main role of a leader is to manage the employees and ensure that they remain motivated and committed to their duties. According to Hughes, Ginnett and Curphy (2012), some of the newly emerging firms in Australia have been very successful because they have leaders who know how to manage their employees in various contexts. This means that the success that Aussie Commerce Group, Schnitz, Drilltechniques, and Fossil Energy Services Pty Ltd have experienced in the Australian market is largely associated with the effective employee management. There are various aspects of employee management that a leader should be aware of in order to achieve success in the market. Managing communication is one of th e most important tasks of leaders in the normal running of an organization. In order to manage a group of people, one would need to have a system that allows free communication between various entities in an organization (Sipe Frick, 2009). The leader must be informed about the successes and various challenges the firm is experiencing in the market by the marketing unit. He or she will also need to be informed about the financial position of the firm by the finance department. The human resource management unit must always update the leader about the quality of the current personnel, their ability to meet the expectations of the firm, and any need to expand or reduce the size of the workforce (Aquinas, 2006). The leader needs relevant information from the logistics unit, the insurance department, and other departments about various issues that affect the firm directly or indirectly. It is, therefore, vital to have a proper communication system that will make it possible for the lea der to get these pieces of information from all the responsible individuals. When the decision has been made, the manager will need a system that will make the information reach all the relevant stakeholders so that it can be implemented (Bass, 2005). The communication system must facilitate close relationship between the junior employees and the top management of a firm. These are some of the strategies that have been perfected by the successful firms mentioned above. Other than effective communication, a leader needs to formulate an effective employee relation system. According to Kouzes and Posner (2012), no organisation can achieve success without a team of dedicated staff. Employees are the wheels upon which an organization runs towards achieving its set objectives.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When the leader has formulated strategic policies, it is the workers who will be expected to put the policies into practice. However, it is vital to note that the workforce can only be productive if they feel that the leader cares for their interests. Employee relation management is an essential aspect of leadership that defines the ability of a firm to achieve success. It enables the leader to maintain a pool of loyal employees (Bell, 2005). It also helps the leader to develop a close bond and trust with the employees in an organization. This creates an environment where the employees are always willing to follow the guidelines given by the leader. They will always be willing to make an extra effort in order to please the leader. According to Matha and Boehm (2008), teamwork is important in the current society where close coordination of employees is a powerful weapon in managing the market wars. Recent researches have confirmed that when employees are allowed to work as a team, th ey easily learn from their colleagues and this enhances their skills. In such teams, spreading of new information in a practical way is possible, reducing the need to conduct regular on-job trainings. Team building strategies are very important to a leader in a number of ways (Polelle, 2008). In cases where there are effective strategies to make employees work as a team, the cost of their supervision is always reduced because the employees will be monitoring themselves as they struggle to complete the duties assigned to them. Teamwork also promotes motivation among the employees, the fact that promotes their productivity. Leadership and innovation According to Schuttler and Burdick (2010), the current dynamic market environment requires firms to embrace creativity and innovation as a way of gaining the competitive edge over the competitors. A firm must continually seek to find new ways of addressing different tasks in convenient ways and at reduced costs. Leadership plays an importa nt role in promoting creativity and innovation within a given organisation. Creativity among the employees can only be exploited if the leader creates an enabling environment. Employees who are always involved in handling various tasks are in a better position of coming up with suggestions about how their tasks can be done differently in order to yield better results, reduce the resources used, and to cut down time needed for the processes. Transformational leadership has been considered as an effective way of evoking skills and knowledge of employees to deliver better results (Clawson, 2011). A leader needs to positively challenge the employees to come up with creative ideas that can make the firm more successful. This is one of the areas that have made Aussie Commerce Group very successful in the market. With about 150 employees, this firm has been keen on delivering new and better products to its customers on a regular basis in order to maintain their loyalty to this firm. The to p leadership of the firm has given the employees power to come up with creative ideas of meeting the customers’ needs, cutting of costs of operation, or reducing time that it takes to deliver products to the customers. Any idea that goes through the evaluation process successfully and is finally adopted earns the innovator financial and social benefits within the firm (Kouzes Posner, 2003). This has created a positive competition within the firm where employees are always making efforts to ensure that they invent better ways of delivering high value to the firm. This explains why this firm has achieved massive success in its market performance over the recent past. Leadership and financial planning In order to achieve success, organizations need to have proper financial planning system that will help in meeting the needs using the limited resources available. As a leader, it is important to know how to prioritize the needs of a firm. The leader must know the needs that are u rgent, those that cannot be ignored, and those which may have a massive impact on the overall performance of the firm. Such needs should always be prioritized (Collins, 2001). Unnecessary expenses, especially on issues that do not have direct value to the firm, should be avoided at all costs. This means that a leader should have financial literacy. This will enable him or her to make wise investment decisions that will have a positive influence on the firm. Drilltechniques is one of the emerging Australian firms that have started from humble beginnings, but because of the financial management skills of its leader, it has managed to grow into a large company with a large financial base. Leadership and external relationships Another aspect of leadership that has a direct impact on the market performance is the ability to relate well with the external stakeholders. These stakeholders include the government, the competitors, regulatory agencies, and any other body that have direct or in direct impacts on the firm. The days when market rivals viewed one another as enemies are long gone. Competitors need to work together and face the market challenges as a team as a way of creating a positive competitive environment (Flint, 2012). The leader also needs to find a working relationship with the government and other regulatory agencies in order to ensure that the operations of the firm are smooth. Leadership and ethics The leadership of any organization has ethical and social responsibilities to various stakeholders that should be properly fulfilled. It is an ethical responsibility of the management to ensure that the employees are not mistreated in any way within the organization (Gallos, 2008). The management also needs to ensure that the interests of stakeholders such as the government, shareholders, customers, and the public are taken care of as may be necessary. This will influence the market performance of the company. Conclusion It is clear from the discussion abo ve that leadership has a massive influence on the market performance of a company. A firm operates under the guidance of the leader. A leader is expected to understand the internal and external environmental factors, and find a way of making an organisation to maximize on its strength. The manner in which a leader treats the employees defines the level of output of a firm. The way the leader relates with the external stakeholders and manages the finance of the firm directly influences the company’s ability to achieve success in its market performance. References Adetule, J. (2011). Handbook on management theories. Bloomington: Author House. Annabelle, M. (2006). Notes from a Small Island: Researching Organisational Behaviour in Healthcare from a UK Perspective, Journal of Organisational Behaviour, 27(7), 851-867. Aquinas, P. (2006). Organisational behaviour: Concepts realities applications and challenges. New Delhi: Excel Books. Bass, ‎ B. (2005). Transformational Leade rship. New York: Simon Schuster. Bell, J. (2005), Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. Maidenhead: Open university press. Blanchard, K. H., Cathy, S. T. (2002). The generosity factor: Discover the joy of giving your time, talent, and treasure. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Clawson, J.G. (2011). Level Three Leadership: Getting Below the Surface. New York: Prentice Hall. Collins, J. C. (2001). Level 5 leadership: The triumph of humility and fierce resolve. Boston: Harvard Business Review. Ferch, S. R., Spears, L. C. (2011). The spirit of servant-leadership. New York: Paulist Press. Flint, B. B. (2012). The journey to competitive advantage through servant leadership: Building the company every person dreams of working for and every president has a vision of leading. Bloomington, Ind: West Bow Press. Gallos, J. (2008). Business leadership: A Jossey-Bass reader. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., C urphy, G. J. (2012). Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Kouzes J.M. Posner B.Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons. Kouzes, J. M., Posner, B. Z. (2003). Encouraging the heart: A leaders guide to rewarding and recognizing others. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Matha, B., Boehm, M. (2008). Beyond the babble: Leadership communication that drives results. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Miller, K. (2012). Organizational communication: Approaches and processes. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Northouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. Polelle, M. (2008). Leadership: Fifty great leaders and the worlds they made. Westport: Greenwood Press. Schuttler, R., Burdick, J. (2010). Laws of communication: The intersection where leadership meets employee performance. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons. Sipe, J. W., Frick, D. M. (2009). Seven pillars of servant leadership: Practicing the wisdom of leading by serving. New York: Paulist Press.

Linkage Map Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Linkage Map - Assignment Example Competency based management ensures adequate support for the liaising of staff planning with organizational planning. This is through enabling businesses analyze the present manpower capacity according to competencies according to the capacity required in the achievement of vision, mission and organizational goals (McLaughlin & Jordan, 1999). The human resource approaches needed in ensuring achievement of business goals are; staffing, career development, succession planning and trading. The approaches are formulated and implemented to minimize the existing gaps between the human resource competencies, and the desired level of realizing organizational goals. The strategies and human resource programs are continuously monitored and also evaluated based on regular aspects, to realize movement along the organizational appropriate direction. This also involves the identification of the employee gaps in terms of competency, and illustrating the required corrective measures. The strategic human resources cycle in the areas of planning and evaluation are illustrated in accordance to the linkage map illustrated below. Human resource planning ensures the systematic process of planning required in realization of the most valuable organizational asset, which are the staffs. The key objective of human resource strategy entails the determination of the best fit of staffs and their jobs. This is through minimizing employee shortage and enhancing the competency and development of the organizational employees. HR is increasingly being considered a strategic partner in the development of organizational competitive advantage in a sustainable manner. The human resource professionals illustrate the high value of HR in the areas of increasing revenue and ensuring financial efficiency. The high financial or revenue value is illustrated through

Task Identification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Task Identification - Essay Example (Embrey, 2000)† Of the several known methods in task identification, the process or steps may include critical incident technique and linear sequencing. In the critical incident technique, the key factor is the gathering of any and all available facts or incidents and analyzing what actually occurred as a result. Based on the analysis and interpretation of the data into information, assessments and inferences are made on how to use the findings to improve on future performance or output. Thus the basic step in critical incident technique can be summarized as: â€Å"Step 1: Gathering facts; Step 2: Content analysis; and Step 3: Creating feedback. (EMMUS, 1999)† In information technology (IT), the critical incident technique (CIT) is one of the methodologies in software and applications development. â€Å"The CIT is an open-ended retrospective method of finding out what are the critical features of the software being evaluated. It is a method for getting a subjective report while minimizing interference from stereotypical reactions or received opinions. A critical incident is defined as one which had an important effect on the final outcome. Critical incidents can only be recognized retrospectively. CIT analysis uses a method known as Content Analysis in order to summarize the experiences of many users or many experiences of the same user. (UsabilityNet, 2006)† When linear sequencing is used in task identification, the method describes putting in lined or straight order a sequence or series of events. It follows at times a hierarchical or incremental level of presentation or reasoning. â€Å"Reasoning about events commonly requires assembling the events into a sequence or order of events such that a temporal pattern of events becomes distinguishable and more understandable. For many reasoning tasks involving events, users

Gothic novel Essay Example for Free

Gothic novel Essay The novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte has been categorised as both romantic and gothic by scholars and literary critics. The plot entails the exploration of a womans domestic trap, a common Victorian theme, with her subjection to patriarchal authority and her dangerous attempts to escape from such restrictions and the consequences. There is a mixture of mysterious events, moonlit natural environment, beautiful dream-like landscapes, enigmatic characters. Jane is represented as the heroine of the story, the virginal Christian female character. In opposition to her is the character of Bertha who is insane and is hidden in the attic of Thornfield Hall, representing Rochesters torment and his terrible secret. It can be argued that the plot has many entwined characteristics of both genres and it is very difficult to think of it as of one kind. The essay will discuss the way in which the novel accords with the characteristics of a romantic novel and a Gothic novel and evaluates whether it may be possible to assign it with one of the two labels. Romantic novels emphasize imagination and feeling, they focus on natures ability to free humans from societys judgments and limitations. English romance narrates exotic and unusual stories, they are concerned with chivalric deeds (as in the stories of King Arthur), recalling themes of romantic medieval literature. The latter results from a period in English history when society was in search for of order and the approach was that everything had to be explained rationally and scientifically, hence often being referred to as the Age of Reason. However, the romantics themes are in opposition to such a way of thinking and rebelled against such established norms and conventions. The characters in romantic novels place the self at the centre of his/her own existence, this is achieved by focusing on his/her thoughts rather than actions. The theme or romantic love as opposed to passionate love is explored too and the consequences the latter would bring. Another narrative style which emerged was the Gothic novel. The background setting has a dim and imposing mansion or castle, as a backdrop to the atmosphere of mystery and suspense, where the characters fears are explored beneath the surface of the enlightened psyche. Other features of a gothic tale is the presence of omens, portents and visions. There is usually a suffering, tormented woman who needs to be rescued from a controlling and lustful guardian, and in the process displays an array of extreme sentiments and reactions, such as swooning, crying and sorrow. She is usually often commanded to marry someone she does not love or commit some moral or actual crime. Supernatural events may be used to explain coincidences and many scenes evoke terror through the depiction of physical and psychological violence. So I would like to examine how Jane Eyre would seem to be typical of the romantic novel that was so popular in Victorian England, while at the same time having, in my opinion, all the ingredients for a gothic novel. The plot recalls a fairy tale when you came upon me last night I thought unaccountably of fairy tales; as Bronte writes in chapter 13. However, Bronte skilfully uses it as a frame, to give a clear picture of her great feminine consciousness, expressed in Jane Eyres persona. This is conveyed through the use of a first-person narration, that depicts the world around her and the others in relation to her and her point of view. In the romantic novel the individual stands at the centre of romantic fiction relating facts and experiences. In the following passage, Jane demonstrates her fervid romantic imagination, as she explains to Adele that she and Mr Rochester are going to get married and utters Here is a talisman will remove all difficulties; (chapter 24) Jane metaphorically evokes the theme of natural forces which come to her aid when she is most in need for comfort. The passage continues with, a fairy that held out a pretty gold ring.. and I am yours, and you are mine; and we shall leave earth and make our heaven yonder'(chapter 24). The latter depicts the traditions of dream and oral tales which was much loved by the romantics. However, these are also elements which can be found in Gothic novels, where enchantment and fear are closely related. There is much about Jane and Rochesters introspection, their belief in the supernatural, and conflicting emotions. Jane fights against the wicked spirits of Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, Manor Hall, and Marsh End at the end, these supernatural elements take the form of moral choices that force her into reflecting upon righteousness. For instance, the striking of the chestnut tree by lightening, under which Rochester had proposed to Jane (chapter 22), is a portent of their imminent separation and the dangers that lie ahead. It is a perfect Gothic symbol, as nature predicts human fate. Moreover, Bronte is able to convey and juxtapose different tones in the same passage, it can change from a playful and romantic tone to an enigmatic and harsh one. For instance, when Rochester is trying to convince Jane to dine with him and she refuses, his mood changes immediately . He is upset by her answer and asks Jane if she supposes whether he eats as an ogre or a ghoul (chapter 24). Here, Gothic elements are used metaphorically to convey the degenerating tone of such a conversation. Recalling the Bluebeard tales themes, which underlines the novel. The supernatural elements conceal emotions and have been used to symbolise the child which resides in all of us and comes out in moments of loss of consciousness and fear, and at the same time heightening the readers awareness of the fragility of the heroine/hero. As when Jane describes the red room, with its noises and mirrors, where she was secluded as a punishment, everything in the room becomes fearful to her eyes. The mere colour red conjures up images of blood and being locked in either literally or in a moral sense is an abhorrent idea to most (it recalls also the theme of trap) (chapter 2). Another important aspect of the novel is the exotic. Romantics, in their novels, often alluded to distant places. In the story, Rochester has a house in Spain, where he wishes to take Jane once married, considering it as a more relaxed country, colourful and sensual place. Before meeting Jane, Rochester had travelled around the world in search of a foreign wife (Chapter 27). Yet, Bronte condemns such behaviour and makes Rochester feel reckless with disappointment to the point he utters that I tried dissipation never debauchery: that I hated, and hate. That was my Messalinas attribute (Chapter 27). Jane rejects such exoticism and is not forming a very favourable opinion on him, he is perceived by her as an unfeeling, loose-principled rake. What Bronte is trying to emphasise is that if romantic love was to be perceived in such a superficial light as being just for sexual pleasure then it together with passion, would mean a loss of the self morally and ethically. Moreover, the idea of the character who travels towards unknown distant places, against wicked and unpredictable forces (these are represented by the several lovers he mentions, throughout his journey, and finally by Bertha, his insane wife segregated in the attic of Thornfield Hall). Thus, Gothic elements are used to create a sense of loss and psychological violence, just like what Mr. Rochester experienced throughout his journeys. Bronte demonstrates an attitude towards natural forces, which gravely offered help to such a reckless man. In fact, he was not able to fall in love with a womankind, but with a natural slender creature who is personified by Jane (Chapter 27). Thus, the novel entails many elements which are characteristic of fairy tales. Jane is repeatedly described as looking like a spirit, a tiny phantom, half fairy, half imp. . Such an association permits an author to use less words to express deeper ideas, by adding powerful images through an apt use of wondrous language. The imaginary is at the heart of both narrative genres, however under many aspects Gothicism emerges to create suspense and conveys the characters inner torments, such as the striking of the chestnut tree, the red room. These contrast with the romantic descriptions of the outdoor scenes, such as when Jane runs across the countryside, are nevertheless described in a vivid and detailed manner as if Jane Eyre were painting a realistic picture of the scene in all its shades. This imagery suggests her characters moral condition and state of mind, therefore the mood of the story is immediately conveyed. There are numerous symbolic references to weather and to the sky, in the form of storms, rain, clouds, and sun. At the very opening of the novel, Jane sets the scene by mentioning that the cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so sombre, and a rain so penetrating. There is a full moon on the night when Bertha attacks her brother, as there is on the night when Jane runs away from Thornfield. Nature is presented as the mother of all creatures, which connotes Janes romantic side and her fragility. The scenes that are a set for Rochester and Jane Eyres passion take place in natural surroundings. After their wedding is interrupted, the woods which twelve hours since waved leafy and fragrant/now spread, waste, wild and white as pine-forests in wintry Norway. Here, Bronte adds Gothic elements, which changes the mood to one of tormented state of mind, thus anticipating Janes future struggles. At the end, when reunited, Rochester tells Jane that I am no better than the old lightening-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard. The theme of nature seems to be treated in both a romantic as well as a gothic way, due to the atmosphere which at times evokes joyful and comforting images, while at other times horrific images and death. In chapter 35, the personification of the wind effectively suggests the way in which the mood can be created by nature. Bronte uses it as the means by which she received the message from Mr Rochester, in fact she follows it throughout the passage until she finds her way out of that situation. This manifestation of the voice perceived in her spirit and mind, and not externally, could be construed in a gothic light i. e. as a portent or a supernatural event. There is, however, a romantic and passionate image of the voice which contrasts with the Gothic setting. The passage I am coming! hush (chapter 37) is extremely descriptive with many adjectives dark, void and nouns such as loneliness and hush. The combination of this with short sentences creates an immediacy, dramatic impact and mystic atmosphere, characteristic of Gothic novels. In conclusion, by writing from an individual point of view, by creating characters who are possessed of strong feelings, fiery passions and some extraordinary personalities, by using some elements of horror and mystery, Jane Eyre is able to recreate life in a fantastic romantic way. The vividness of her subjective narration, especially the heroine who is contrary to the Victorians expectations, the presentation of the economical, social background of the time give her works a never dying popularity. The eerie atmosphere with supernatural associations can recall the characteristics of Gothic novels and are used in some way to justify what is inexplicable (as the voice of Mr. Rochester calling her or striking of the chestnut tree). All in all, I consider gothic as a subgenre of the romantic novel, both require drama and high emotional intensity which are elements that can be definitely found in Jane Eyre, one cannot exclude the other, it would be a great mistake to try and categorize such a masterpiece under one genre.

Reducing Corporate Spending :: essays research papers

In today’s global market the appropriate use of resources is a must-do we heard that a lot, all the time administrators say so, accountants, all the people at the top of the pyramid agrees with this idea, yet companies usually have a double Standard position when it comes to define where the fine line of frugality ends and who should obey it. On one hand we have in the production area the idea that there’s always something there is to save money it goes from temporary-work-contract to really small inventories to name two. As a supervisor of a very important company once told me â€Å"We have been working effectively in the last couple of moths yet the profits of the company aren’t as they should be but, that ain’t our fault, it’s because administrators spend a lot of money when they meet with our clients, yes, I do understand that our clients’ satisfaction is really important but, they have to find a balance because it is fair to be accused of being inefficient while we produce so much.† On the other hand there’s this huge amount of money companies (marketing employees, sales employees, administrators) spend when they try to get a very profitable contract- in the best of the cases- from a very important customer and apply all the techniques there are to satisfy customer’s expectation. One of the most popular one is taking the customer out one night to â€Å"spoil† him in order to get the contract. As business magazine Newsweek March edition reported that most of the best contracts are not usually signed in the places one would suppose they are signed (such as offices, restaurants to name two), they are signed in nightclubs, bar, places that involve a very different environment from the places they met (customer-supplier). Corona’s supplier director explains, â€Å"Our customers are use to going out, to having fun, to being out of the work environment when they have to make an important decision that is just the way it is, there’s n o way we can change it, remember that â€Å"the client is always right† they expects us to entertain, amuse them, it’s hard work but, somebody has to do it† Both sides have very good points and the success of

Are We Free Within Society Essay

For me, I find that there are two different answers to the question: â€Å"Are we free within Society? † – and that there are many variations, with thanks to culture, socialization, social interaction and social structure. For the most part I find freedom all around. I’ll give some examples of that and show some areas where I see other’s struggle with finding a sense of freedom, whether it be external or within. First, what is freedom? It’s an ambiguous term that can hold many different meanings to different people. Where a person comes from, their socio-economic status, their race, age, gender and other factors play a role in defining what freedom is. It’s used in many different senses, for example: is freedom being able to do as you like within society or is it free-will? Is it something you do or a way you feel? For me, it holds many different meanings pertaining to many different things. It isn’t the same for all matters and some hold-fast ideas I have on freedom, have or can quickly change or slide into a different meaning with new discoveries. Reading the news paper can be profound enough to shine a new light on something that changes me as a person. Isn’t education liberating?! Some people say we are free†¦ if we say we are. Some believe we are not free in society because we willingly give it power over us, thus we are not free. What about the laws that govern us? As a law abiding citizen, I don’t find any issues with the laws that are in place to protect us. Some people who smoke pot think it should be legalized and that it is just â€Å"The Man† infringing upon their freedom. Some think it should be legalized for other reasons such as medical purposes (in some states it is legal for those said, medicinal purposes. ). See the variation of reasons!! Culturally is one free†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ say, to change ones sex? Yes, but the individual should be comfortable enough to go forward knowing that for some, it causes fear, because changing one’s sex is seen as a threat to the â€Å"normal† way of life. I certainly don’t and never have had a problem with anyone’s sexuality or sex characteristics, being different from my own. I think in today’s society we are more open to change and difference. How much freedom does a homosexual person have when it comes to their sexuality? Certainly as much as anyone else but for the individual this varies drastically per their own learned ideals, their culture, their families outlook on it and the experiences they have had. For those that are homosexual, the risk of â€Å"coming out†, can either be very easy or one they hide all their lives. I see much younger generations now, unafraid of what people may think about their sexuality. Conversely I know families that have a homosexual father or mother, who didn’t make it known that they were gay, until the kids were much older. My childhood best friend has five brothers and sisters. They had the biggest house on the block. They were wealthy beyond all recognition and the parents seemed happy. When I was twenty, so about ten years ago, I heard her parents were divorcing. Dad moved out. The next thing I know, when she had her first child three years ago, was that Dad came with a male friend. Okay, I for some reason immediately knew it was his boyfriend. Never the less, I had questions of how life was for him living with a beautiful family, I’m positive he loved every moment of, but really wanting that family with a man, instead of a woman? Did he not feel free to choose a man thirty-five years ago? If not, what enabled him to feel free to be with the man he loves now? Did he impose certain restrictions on his own life at the time and eventually shake the feeling of being limited or fearful of what negative impact his lifestyle would have? I imagine the political and social strides, plus the acceptance homosexuals have present day, made quite a difference. It is possible that he was never bound by fear, but that his family life was full and homosexuality came to him later in life. I’m not positive as to when he knew he was homosexual but this is a random analysis. Oh yes, the family also had a strong faith in Christianity and the bible condemns homosexuality. His religious belief could have surely left him feeling as though he had no choice but to marry a woman. The bible says a lot against homosexuality. Back when we were children, homosexuals were not as widely accepted as they are now. Thankfully, our society as a whole dose not look to the bible for answers. In several states there are now laws giving marriage rights to same sex couples, just as a men and women can marry. There was a huge social calling for it. Also, homosexuals exists in all cultures across the world, including in nature. So sure, we are free in society but in some cases have cultural obstacles to overcome in order to get there. What does socialization have to do with freedom? I think if anything it allows us to understand what freedom is, it shapes how we feel about it. Without socialization we aren’t human. Socialization is essential for learning how to think, feel, reason AND how to interact with others. In an isolated environment where you have no grasp of self or society, there is no understanding of what boundaries are. There is no need. Through socialization we have social encounters that show us different ways of life and encourage us to find alternate ways of thinking. We meet with individuals that have other views of the world and so we too, are exposed to new ideas, feelings and can form our own thoughts and behaviors. Our formal socialization or ideas that have been imposed upon us, can be changed and discarded as we see fit. Some people are not as emotionally strong or too afraid to change things about themselves let alone confront social injustices. This could be a fear one blames on society. I mean where does one’s own fears and or learned behaviors come from? Who and or what is really standing as a hindrance to their freedom. It’s important for people to feel some sort of freedom within social structures. Is society a prison? NO! Imagine having the type of upbringing where it was ingrained in you that you are a slave. Imagine always feeling trapped, searching for a way to get out, but get out of what? I guess real freedom isn’t about that, real freedom is freedom from the past: from your own conditioning, from fixed sets of ideas inherited from others or yourself, from behavioral habits which turn you into a â€Å"machine† instead of a fully alive human. There are all sorts of discussions on morality going on in Japan right now, and that the nation is slave to materialism and climbing the socio-economic latter. That’s seemingly a norm here in the US. What really makes me think, is the polar opposite -the kind of freedom you can have anywhere, even in jail. Inmates being completely free in their minds. Imagining they can travel the world and learn different cultures from the confines of their physical space -a four foot by six foot cell. Social structures may limit you, to what you want to do anyway but most importantly, certain structures are in place to protect society as a whole. We are not free to kill or harm people! Sociology says individuals are actively involved in the construction of self -reasoning, personality, morality, emotion, gender. You are free to think whatever you want, follow whatever religion you want, vote for political candidates of your choice, wear you pants backwards, have expectations of the people around you etc. For some, that is not enough. Defining what freedom means to you will determine whether you are free within society or not. Some will find limits and other’s will find that freedom falls within a matter of degree that can vary. Culture, socialization, social interactions and social structures all play their role in the individuals creative definition of freedom. They say, free your mind and the rest will follow!

Risk And A Form Of Linguistic Imperialism - 1509 Words

The term risk has been defined in so many ways by many scholars. The term ‘risk’ itself is very broad to interpret. However, risk is often defined as a threat and it usually brings negative impacts to a person or an organisation. Hansson (2005) claims that many attempts have been made to define risk in a single meaning and eliminate other definitions which are futile and a form of ‘linguistic imperialism’. Since there is no exact meaning of risk, people describe risk based on their own perceptions and purposes. Perminova et al. (2008) and the Association of Project Management (APM) define risk as an uncertain event and exclusively negative (APM, 2006). Ward and Chapman (2003) recommend that project risk management (PRM) is categorized as project uncertainty management. Nonetheless, the term ‘uncertainty’ again brings confusion as there is no single meaning that can successfully define it (Perminova et al., 2008). On the contrary, Kaplan and Garr ick (1981) define risk according to public’s risk perception. There are three criteria suggested by the authors such as the failure of that particular event, its tendency as well as the impact of the failure. Although there have been countless struggles to picture risk in a proper way, it is best that the focus should be diverted to a more important issue which is how to manage risk instead of defining it as time may not be on our side. Apart from the confusing issue of defining what risk really means, authors find themselves veryShow MoreRelatedEnglish And English Linguistic Imperialism977 Words   |  4 Pagesthere has been much discussion on the issue of whether English users are the victims of linguistic imperialism. Historically, English was regarded as a lingua franca and it has the same function nowadays (Kachru, 1985, cited in Jenkins, 2014). In addition, linguistic imperialism is related to English in this essay. Although English users could profit from the spread o f English and ‘English linguistic imperialism’ indeed brings some advantages, some others still hold the view that English users areRead MoreEssay on The End of the Cold War1634 Words   |  7 Pagesthe way for an unprecedented new paradigm – one characterised by the end of hostilities between the two dominant ideologies: Soviet communism and American liberal capitalism. This dominant new paradigm encouraged the homogenisation of ideas, in the form of exchanging ethos and values along former cultural, ideological and geographical divides. As such, this integration of world societies has earned the title ‘globalisation’, forcing the global community to appear so united as to warrant the metaphorRead MoreThe Effect Of Globalisation On Language Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pagesthose languages (BBC, 2014). As a result of globalisations effect on language, the English language has become a lingua franca, also known as a ‘global language’ (Dew ey, 2007). With English becoming the de facto international language a rise in linguistic hegemony has also occurred. This essay critiques two scholarly articles, which explain the effects of globalisation on language. Each article examines English as the lingua franca. The content of the articles is then compared and contrasted to identifyRead MoreEnglish As An International Lingua Franca Essay2287 Words   |  10 Pagestrade, technology and entertainment. With its pervasive presence which can be felt most in worldwide culture and media, in many countries, Singapore, for instance, are confronting with the issue that local indigenous languages and the diversity of linguistic and ethnic identity are in a dangerous situation. By having English as its official language and to copy with that, local government in Singapore comes up with two main language managements: the â€Å"top-down† and â€Å"bottom-up†, in order to best minimizeRead MoreInfluence Of Globalization On E tl ( English Teaching Language )1344 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish has been supported and promoted globally specifically for economic and political reasons and thus this argument forms the English linguistic imperialism. Imperialism is a type of relationship where by one society can dominate another society. It is evident by dominating the other society that it also comes with its language. As with English in the American and European imperialism thus globalization today has been spread by many languages but English is the most dominant. English today is vastRead MoreThe Curriculum And The Classroom Of The Classrooms Of U.s. Schools1334 Words   |  6 Pagesinclusive and diverse teaching practices in their curriculum. Additionally, it is important that educators are aware that using a monolingual/monocultural type of pedagogy puts students at risk as they are led to see Westernized culture as dominant both inside and outside of the classroom. This type of cultural ‘imperialis m’ may be linked further to the globalization of non-native people, which, in turn, may increase inter-cultural misunderstandings, and thereby extensively reinforce the â€Å"us versus them†Read MoreThe Globalization Of The English1730 Words   |  7 Pagesprograms and movies around the world when English has penetrated those foreign cultures. Radio news and popular music broadcast even to the poor in the third world ( Crystal, 2012). Furthermore, English is always so prominent and with the slickest forms of advertisement and often the most compelling (Crystal, 2012). Education being a pivotal consideration, has provided English a platform in gaining more prestige since many institutions choose English as the language of instruction. For example, inRead MoreThe Language As A Lingua Franca Of The Business World2048 Words   |  9 Pagessignifies the common language or the common language for speakers of different first languages and can also be referred to as the; bridge, working, vehicular or trade language. The term ‘linguistic imperialism’ and ‘linguistic relativism’ are key in understanding a language as a Lingua Franca. Linguistic imperialism stands for a dominant nation’s practice of transferring it’s cultural, social, political and, even, economic features and ideologies by transferring its language to other nations and accordingRead MoreNationalism Is A Progressive Force1356 Words   |  6 Pagesby globalization, as well as a risk factor in war. Therefore, there is a division in terms of if nationalism is progressive or regressive, as far as international relations are concerned. As a response to these conflicting views, this paper will explore the relevant literature to support the thesis that nationalism is a progressive force in international relations. Nationalism is a Progressive Force O’Leary (1997) argues that nationalism is the most significant form of political legitimacy in theRead MoreThe Effects Of Globalization On Multilingualism And I Propose Doing Multiple Case Studies1524 Words   |  7 Pagescreate a distinctive style of music unique to them, and their heritage. Culture is being changed and expanded by new linguistic patterns globalization has introduced. Blommaert argued that Rip Slyme’s mix of language was a form of cultural sharing that lacks colonialist power imbalances and creates new semiotic communication patterns. This optimism about the scarcity of cultural imperialism present in the spread of English worldwide has not gone uncontested. Across the globe, numerous academics have