Situational Leadership

Leadership is as much a function of the situation in which the participants find themselves as it is of the characteristic of a leader. (Discuss) The characteristics of a leader are most important; however, one needs to take into consideration that different situations call for different types of leadership. Previous research by Luccier & Achua (2010) states that different situations need different types of leadership. Therefore, leadership, organisational culture, situational leadership, personality and other traits need to be defined. Furthermore, an exploration of the impact of situations in relation to the characteristics of a leader and/or their leadership style shall be discussed, as will argue how this impacts upon the organisation and its leadership. A discussion of what abilities should be displayed by a leader in different situations, especially in education will ensue. Evidence suggests (Palmer 2011) that leadership changes its meaning, revealing different thoughts as well as different viewpoints. It â€Å"is the influencing process of leaders and followers to achieve organisational objectives through change† (Luccier & Achua 2010, p6. Daft (2005) highlights that there is a connection between leaders and followers, and the goals they wish to attain. In other words, leadership affects power or control, and it takes place amongst people, and those people wanting critical change (Richard & Andrew, (2009). Above all, leadership is about motivating â€Å"confidence and support† who are required t o realise the objectives of the organisation (Palmer 2011; Dubrin, 2004, p. 3) A number of writers have defined traits as â€Å"distinguishing personal characteristics† of a leader for example honesty, appearance, intelligence and self-confidence. Luccier & Achua 2010 p 33; Palmer 2011; Samson &Draft 2003) Personality is the mixture (combination) of traits in regards to specific behaviour. In other words, personality is character, and it affects our decisions. (Palmer 2011; Luccier & Achua, 2004, p. 29) Organisation culture relates to a collection of, standards, and understandings shared by members of an organisation, including new members. (Richard & Andrew 2009) In addition, it is viewed as a â€Å"shared mental model† or â€Å"social glue† that brings an organisation together. (Luccier &Achua 2010; p. 70) The staff at a school, led by a Principal should possess such a model. Situational leadership is a theory identified by Harsey & Blanchard (1969) that purports that â€Å"effective leaders are those that reflect greater change in their leadership style in respect to task orientation and directive orientation in support of individual follower’s abilities and requirements†. Fuchs (2007; p. 15) It is also based on the thought that leadership moves between business followers according to the needs of an individual group at a specific time. Sousa 2003) Ministers of Education, Principals and Education Department heads should all embrace this theory, so that they can instigate positive development and/or change in their respective organisations. Leadership style is the mixture or combination of personalities, abilities and behaviours leaders use as they relate with followers. (Luccier & Achua 2010) Observations of followers can suggest the favoured approach or forms of behaviour used by different leaders. (Fuchs (2007) Thus, a school leader would need to know their staff reasonably well to be able to do so. Organisational success is not only influenced by leadership, but, also by the organisation’s vision, cultural mission and support from the public. However, many specialists argue that strong leadership is very important to organisational needs (Richard & Andrew 2009). Above all, effective leaders are ethos or beliefs makers (Luccier & Achua 2010). According to Palmer (2011) leadership is the skill to encourage, impact and inspire staff to achieve excellent work, and states that motivation is measured as a dominant instrument for employers’ improvement. It also helps leaders to realise the types of people in their organisation and inspire them to get involved in developing and improving the organisation. A practical example of this is illustrated in the USA study which indicated that about 77 percent of workers or employees were not satisfied at work, mainly because they felt they were not motivated by their leader (Luccier & Achua, 2010. ). New employees need to be motivated by their leader, which in turn leads to greater job satisfaction and a greater likelihood of organisational involvement. A Principal should make professional development school wide and appropriate to the school, it students and educational context. Effective leaders are responsible for direction and support of every worker, and also assist with conflict resolution. They also have to be outstanding speakers to be able to communicate well so that they can pass on information to staff and also to people outside the organisation (Palmer 2011; Richard & Andrew 2009). In a school, the Principal/Deputy Principal would need to deal with such conflicts, making sure that they are imparcial and fair, free from bias. Leaders serve as role models for employees and are key motivators. Staff members can model honesty, integrity, commitment and other values demonstrated by their leader. (Luccier & Achua, 2010; Palmer 2011) In addition, they are strategic developers which form the organisation’s vision in collaboration with staff and other stake holders. Above all, they are policy producers and decision makers for both staff and organisations (Cited in Palmer 2011 Dubrin, 2004). Decisions can either be right or wrong, and can lead to the success or failure of an organisation, unless guided by a learned, insightful leader. An effective leader should demonstrate values like accountability, transparency, professionalism, commitment, innovation and motivation. Above all, an effective leader should be versatile to be able to cope with global change and new trends in management and leadership. Principals and others in educational leadership roles need to have up-to-date knowledge and be able to utilise it appropriately. Previous research (Luccier & Achua 2010; Palmer 2011) states that leadership efficiency is learnable. Not all leaders represent leadership hat has been learned. Different leadership styles are used under certain conditions according to Dubrin & Dalglish (2001) they draw attention to Malcolm Fraser's experience. He changed his leadership style due to influences on his situation. For instance, Fraser as Prime Minister of Australia, he was exercising authority, whilst also acting as chairman of CARE Australia, his profile was low. For this reason, one can highlight that the situation has an imp act on which leadership style is most effective. The impact can be influenced by both internal and external situations. Also, it may be negative or positive depending on how favourable or unfavourable the employee’s or leader’s perceptions are (Richard & Andrew 2009). Fiedler’s (1967 as cited in Richard & Andrew 2009) point out that leaders’ have essential features. In the same way he establishes the contingency theory as a session of behavioural concepts based on the principle that there is no one preferred way of leading, and that a similar leadership style does not work in all circumstances. This theory is classifying a manager’s leadership style as task motivated and relationship motivated. Fiedler (1967) used the least preferred co-worker (LPC) scale to measure the degree of leadership style. Fiedler’s theory highlights that situations can be placed into three categories, namely high, low and moderate. Fiedler also used the leader match concept to match leaders to situations. For instance, Fiedler points out that task motivated leaders do better in situations that are high, enabling them to concentrate on building and maintaining relationships. In contrast, for moderate situations the relationship motivated is better, so is not as much of a focal point, as in low situations. Task motivated leaders may do well, but they may create a sense of misunderstanding, while relationship motivated leaders will seek consultations and support staff emotionally. The contingency theory is the most researched and advantageous, however, it had been established that it is very difficult to make sure that it has a good influence on most leaders. Furthermore, the total amount of control a eader exerts differs depending on the time and situation. It has been argued that from the situational characteristics, there is a negative connection between LPC score and group performance. Also, it is hard to make a summary about a leader's performance, when leaders are always adapting their leadership style according to changing situations they find themselves in. More research needs to be carried out on the contingency leadership so that it can be flexib le and meet the desired outcomes of modern globalization tests and organisational requirements. The Situational Leadership model (SLM) was developed by Hersey and Blanchard (1996) as cited in Richard & Andrew (2009). It focuses on followers as being the significant component of the situation, and therefore, defines an actual leader's behaviour. Hersey & Blanchard (1996) highlighted the importance of appropriate leadership training, and stress the importance of leaders being adaptive in exact situations. In the case of school Principals, many have not received adequate training to be able to do a productive and credible job. However, experience, maturity and impartiality may be evident and are the reasons for a person being chosen for such a position. Hersey and Blanchard (1996) support the earlier theoretical assumptions from the Ohio State study which reveal that behaviour of a leader can be a combination of two points of view, such as having aspects of being democratic and autocratic. (Luccier & Achua 2010) The SLM is based on four groups which are a mixture of the two dimensions â€Å"delegating, participating, selling and telling† (Dubrin & Dalglish 2001, p157. This model focuses on the readiness of group members and states that â€Å"there is no one best way to influence group members and the most effective leadership style depends on the level of the group members† (Dubrin & Dalglish 2001 p. 156) In addition, employees differ in readiness levels. For instance, there are those that lack enthusiasm for a task due to a lack of appropriate training. These employees lack confidence in the ir abilities. To improve on this, a change of leadership style may be required. Such employees are in contrast to those with high levels of task readiness. These employees, thanks to better training, are secure and confident employees who are able to make decisions and contributions to their organisations. Luccier & Achua, (2010) argued that leaders should develop skills and task should be clearly stated as evident in MacDonald’s Corporation. The leaders in this organisation provide employees with ongoing training, thus constantly upgrading and improving their skills, so that they can be confident when performing tasks. If a teacher/staff member is not well trained in some aspect of their job, i. e. omputer based programs; Principals ought to provide access to such training, without critical outcomes. The leader has the ability to guide the business to greater success and employee participation by developing better relationships within their organisation (Dubrin & Dalglish. 2001) Such a model would be a good one to be adopted by organisations, especially in Swaziland, where employees are low in their task readiness, due to numero us constraints. This is a situation beyond control and cannot be changed overnight, but, it is a possibility in the future. Therefore, the leadership style can be changed to suit or meet different groups. For example, in a classroom situation, a student with impairment cannot change that situation, but a teacher can change teaching methods by differentiating their teaching in order to meet the individual's needs. This model has been demonstrated as being valuable as a foundation for leadership training. (Dubrin & Dalglish 2001) It has been established that before one decides on a leadership style, one has to assess the readiness level of the group members. It also provides leaders with precise guidelines, and not complicated rhetoric unlike the contingency theory. However, Vecchio's (1987) research on 300 teachers and their principals, showed mixed results, advising that this model is only good for staff that are confident. More research should be carried out in different cultures and differing contexts so as to provide appropriate examples for differing settings, so as to get results that will be relevant to contemporary issues and global challenges. (Dubrin & Dalglish 2001) In conclusion, the contingency and path goal theory focus on â€Å"task, authority and nature of the subordinates†; while the cognitive resource theory illustrates that stress is vital to â€Å"how leader’s intelligence is related to group performances† (Fieldler & Garcia1987; Vecchio 1990; Chemers1997 cited in Dubrin & Dalglish p. 163) Principals have a stressful role, therefore, many draw on such resources to be effective leaders. The SLM focuses on the everyday tasks and the effective applications of behaviours the leader employs. Dubrin & Dalglish 2001). The SLM is a more appropriate model, and has demonstrated its impact by addressing culturally diverse organisations, leadership effectiveness in the global context and by its correlating leadership styles and follower relationships. (Luccier & Achua, 2010). The writer believes that SLM is still the appropriate and relevant style for a leader, as it can bring change to a leader’s behaviour as it is conn ected with relationships, which is more important to subordinates for mutual understanding. On another note, culture is very important when leading people, all the situational models originated and were tested in the United States, which may not be appropriate or have the same impact compared to other cultures in Africa, Asia and Europe. Henson and Werner felt (1989) suggest that the culture of an organisation influences how subconscious and conscious decisions are made in it. (Lok & Crawford 2003) Finally, more research needs to be carried out, that will establish an effective leadership style chosen to be appropriate for diverse cultural organisations.

Functional Areas of Business Paper Essay

The role that one should play as a manager in the functional areas of human resource management is making sure within my organization that I focus on the recruitment of the best workers they need in our organization success. I want to make sure that each person can work comfortable and safe environment. Human resource management it gives you three reasons why it is important. â€Å"First, it can be a significant source of competitive advantages as various studies have concluded. Second, HRM is an important part of organizational strategies. Finally, the way organizations treat their people has been found to significantly impact organizational performance† (Robbins & Coulter, 2012, p. 312-313). A manager in the functional area of human resource management is my responsibility to ensure the organizational objectives are fulfilled. Strategic Planning is another functional area that I am interested in. As a manager my purpose is to achieve and clarify the results of an organization. As a manager I must ensure that we work together in achieving the same goals. Strategic planning â€Å"are plans that apply to the entire organization and establish the organization’s overall goals† (Robbins & Coulter, 2012, p. 207). Which I know that strategic planning is a process where I will have to make choices and decisions to help develop the necessary approaches to achieving the organizational goals. Human resource management is very important to an organization. To help me with my statement I read a peer reviewed article that had some interested things about human resource management and why it is important. According to the article â€Å"the modern role of human resources management is recognized in the following range: newly defined aims which this scientific discipline, and practice as well, appoint as direction of relevance, redesigned processes by which it implements its activities and of course, new demands in the â€Å" palette† of managerial competencies of its experts† (à urović, 2012, p. 87). As a manager it is my duty to ensure the best for and organization. To fulfill these objectives it cannot be done alone we have to work together so we can reach those goals. Strategic planning is very important as well to a manager. I read another peer-reviewed article that I could relate and  use for my own benefits. In this article, â€Å"So good strategic planning is not about predicting the future, it is about shaping the future and developing the intellectual agility and alertness to recognize the future as it goes by in order to respond in a agile and appropriate fashion† ( Blatstein, 2012, p. 33). I know as a manager that both human resource management and strategic planning are both helpful within an organization. I cannot see why any manager would not use these functional areas too their organization advantage. Reference Page Robbins S.P., and Coulter, M. (2012). Management (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall. à urović, M. (2012) Human Resources Management-Strategic Aspect. Management (1820-0222). Issue 62, p83-88. 6p. Blatstein, I. M. Summer (2012) Strategic Planning: Predicting or Shaping the Future. Organization Development Journal, Vol. 30 Issue 2, p31-38. 8p. 3 Graphs.

Legal framework for social work in United Kingdom Essay

Social work is defined as a professional and academic discipline that will seek to have improvement on the individuals, groups’ and communities’ quality of life and their well-being through having policies, conducting researches, organizing communities and teaching for the good of the people affected by social limitations that may include poverty, mental and physical sickness, social injustice including violation of human rights. International (Federation of Social Workers 2000). These groups may include school dropouts, the elderly in the society, juvenile offenders, drug and alcohol abusers and the homeless Social workers will work in different settings within a set of framework of legislation and practices. The setting may include a school situation, the service users’ home, a hospital or a public sector premise Social work values Social work is argued to be value based. Since it is a profession on, social work ethics (values) thus refer to a set of guidelines that have to govern the way professionals treat the people they interact with and the sort of actions that are regarded as right or wrong. They offer a vision and discernment (Bernstein 1970) Social work in the United Kingdom occurs in four spheres. The first sphere is majorly a concept relates to the moral philosophy that creates the ethical arguments on social work. The second sphere is based on the legislation that has created an environment for practice of social work with reference to the social work cases. The third sphere is the political ideas and concepts and their influence in shaping and sculpturing the social work models, social work methods and practices. The last sphere presents the historical part of the beginning of social work as a profession and its struggle for professional identity. These spheres are extended, mid range and restricted definitions of social work ethics and values (Bernard et al 2008, p. 6) This paper will focus on the second sphere in reference to the United Kingdom. Social work and law Social work as a profession has to follow certain laws and regulations which govern the profession. The legal framework involves the statute laws and case laws and tries to explain the relationship that links them. Moreover, it details legislation of the government under acts of parliament, the international laws, policy guidance, and the local government circulars that articulate the purpose and guidance principles of legislation. The Health and Care professional Council code of practice As a social worker, it is paramount to be aware of the legal obligations required of them to cretae a healthy and safe working conditions. The General Social Care Council code of practice imposes more duties for employers of social workers. The code states that (Brayne & Carr 2002, P. 49) The social worker shall protect and promote interests of the service users The social worker will strive to establish, maintain trust and confidence of the service users The social worker will promote independence of the service users while giving them protection from possible harm The social worker shall respect the rights of the service users while ensuring that their behavior will not harm other people and themselves The social worker shall uphold the public trust and confidence in the social care services The social worker shall be accountable for quality in their work and taking responsibility for maintenance and improvement of their knowledge ACTS OF PARLIAMENT The Carew standard Act 2000 This Act has a significant role in the social care work as it did extend the registration regime for the social care in England and that of Wales for provision of the children’s services, the Act requires the following: Registration of children homes Registration of family centre’sRegistration of the independent fostering agencies Registration of voluntary adoption agencies Registration of support agencies To be a permanent registered member one has to meet a set of regulations tailored to each individual service. In coming up to a decision whether the regulatory requirement shave been fulfilled, the registering authority must have a regard to minimum National standards. England’s registration authority is Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED). The Social workers and the social care services cannot function without having satisfied the above requirements. As a social worker or a social care service provider, there is a need to have knowledge to avoid prosecution by Law The health and social care Act 2012 This bill was agreed upon by both houses and obtained the Royal Assent on the 27th of March to become an act of parliament. The bill created an independent National Health Service Board to promote choices made by the patients in regard to their health issues and reduced the administration tool of the National Health Service. A National Health Service Board was also created to allocate resources and provide guidance on commissioning of social care services. Powers of the government’s ability to commission services on behalf of patients were increased. The function of the Care Quality Commission was strengthened and Section 209 of this Act amended. The powers of the new law under Section 60 of the 199 Act gave her majesty the power by order in the council to regulate social workers and social care practitioners of England. This placed the role of social workers and the role of social health care providers directly under her majesty (Britain 2012, p. 9). This Act placed a lot of Significance on Social Care services being provided in the United Kingdom. A consideration on the adult social care was emphasized. For example, allowing the transfer of public health to the local authorities through local health and the well being boards. Various new bodies have emerged such as the Local health watches which have a function of checking on health and the social care standards. Children’s Act 2004. In England, the law protects the right of children. Section 11 and 12 of this Act places a statutory duty on all agencies to co-operate and promote the welfare of the children. The government guidance for social workers and other professionals that interact with children is that: the social worker has a duty of keeping the children safe. There should be constant feedback to the children social care local authority on suggestions and assessment and lastly every person who has a role should not think that he/she has the absolute right to the child’s needs. Professionals sometimes fail to report the abuse and neglect cases do not face penalties for crime however; they might be subjected to professional discipline Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 The bill got a Royal Assent on 8th of March. The bill aimed to give strength to the social enterprise businesses sectors and make relevant the concept of social value and its importance in the placing and providing of public services. With this bill a National Social enterprise strategy was created to encourage the engagement in social enterprises. The local government act 2000 section 4 was then required to have a sustainable community strategy proposal that promote the engagement of social enterprise in their areas. The Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 This Act brought together the different fields of social work into a single Social service department in every local authority. With this establishment, an emphasis was laid on a co-ordinated and comprehensive system of approach to the social care, the support of families and identifying the need for people to seek aid. The formulated departments then became responsible for domestic aid, residential accommodation and recreational services. Care council of Wales All social workers should be registered. It is one of the bodies mandated to register and regulates the activities of the social workers and all other social care in Wales. The care council is set up under the Care Standards Act 2000. It includes the codes of professional practice, conduct rules, and a well established guideline on the complainant’s procedure. Some other features accessed include consultation services, annual reports, the newsletters and the e-bulletins. Registration of workers ensures that there is as constant data of available social workers and social health care workers in a given state or region. It is easy to verify a genuine worker and avoids imposters who might be out on criminal activities Care and Social services inspectorate Wales This is a body mandated to regulating and inspecting the establishment of agencies that offer social care services in Wales region. It carries out duties on behalf of the ministers of Wales. It has been given power under Act 2003 of the Social and Health care to look into the handling of social services by the local authorities. On their website, one is able to raise a query on social workers conduct for necessary action. Rights and freedoms of Social workers and limitations Guide to information sharing Social work is a professional duty. When dealing with children, England places emphasis on effective information sharing between the local agencies and the social workers on identification and assessment of service provisions. These are defined in â€Å"Working together to safeguard children (PDF). Under this guidance, paragraph 1.24 states clearly that fears that arise on sharing personal information should not hinder promotion of a child’s welfare and safety. All social workers and social care provider thus are required to have an efficient information discernment process to avoid a scenario of neglect in believe that another individual will do the task. Limitations to this guide These provisions however do have limitations. In Wales’s guidance on information sharing is found in chapter 14 of Safeguarding children working together under the Children Act 2004 (PDF). In these guidance paragraph 14.5 overlaps the guidance for professionals in England. It states that â€Å"The safety and welfare of a child or young person must be put into consideration first when making decisions about sharing information about them† and that must be, â€Å"an overriding public interest in disclosing information.† The guidance then further goes on to give the way forward in sharing on information. Paragraph 14.6 states that â€Å"the best way of ensuring that information sharing is properly handled is to work within carefully worked out information-sharing protocols between agencies and professionals involved, and taking legal advice in each case where necessary. Guide to Loss and damage Social workers have been mandated with a legal duty of caring and service providers. In essence these role places the employers with responsibility of paying up damages their employees suffer while in line of duty.In the event those being taken care of suffer adverse damage as a result of social work interference, then they are entitled to sue the social work company for negligence. These may be as a result of physical damage, emotional or psychological damage. While this is the case, the law prohibits the suing of social workers when performing certain statutory functions like safeguarding children. Employers need to understand the times which their employees may be liable to protection under the law and when not. Legislation on discrimination on Personal privacy In line of duty, social workers provide aid services. In order for them to carry out these functions effectively, it is paramount for them to have knowledge of the raft of legislation that protects individuals for discrimination basing on their gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability or ethnicity. These are domestic laws of the United Kingdom and are complemented by European Convention on human right which protects the citizens of the United Kingdom against unjustified state interference with their life. It is always possible for government and social work agencies getting into people’s life when they are not willing. In this event then the public can resort to the human rights protection of privacy and autonomy. Social workers and social work agencies need to have knowledge of the rights and privileges granted to the masses under the European convention for both parties to avoid violating them while at the same time helping individuals who have had their rights contravened The Human rights Human rights are legal obligations that are to be adhered to universally. Human rights are defined as â€Å"the universal right to standard living that is adequate for healthy and well being of individuals and their families.†(Roosevelt 2000, p.5). The global social work perspective embodies this by stating that â€Å"The struggle for dignity and fundamental freedoms, which allows for the full development of human potentials, boils down to two words: human rights.†(IFSW 1996). With this law, special work in the United Kingdom is bound to human rights which are considered sensitive to human race and collective citizenship. The social work must then be conceptualized and sensitized to the culture in which the services are offered. Thus a social worker in England should be able to accept the culture and laws of a state or region in which he/she is working in. Conclusion Social work and social care has a pivotal role in service delivery to the society. This view cannot go unnoticed. The values, ethics of social work such as respect for humanity, equality and service to all have played a major role in helping the less privileged in the United Kingdom. The beneficiaries have included the mentally ill, the old, women and children. The United Kingdom having realized the vital role of social care came up with various laws not only to check but to guide the professionals in their field of work. These laws have been defined in various Acts of parliament, Scholarly publications and various codes of ethics and conduct of the Social work profession. Social workers and social care workers interact with different people on daily basis. In order for a harmonious and efficient system of operation to uphold, these laws and various publications have played a major role. However the legal stipulations have also had a negative side of the story being felt where they h ave had to hamper the operations of social workers and social care practitioners. Technological advancements and constant reviews of challenges that have risen in the working environment of this profession I believe can act as a catalyst to new ideas to command this noble profession to greater heights in the United Kingdom References BRITAIN, G. (2012). Health and social care act 2012: chapter 7. [S.l.], Tso. BRAYNE, H., & CARR, H. (2012). Law for social workers. Oxford, Oxford University Press. BRITAIN, G. (2012). Health and social care act 2012: chapter 7. [S.l.], Tso. BARNARD, A., HORNER, N., & WILD, J. (2008). The value base of social work and social care. Maidenhead, England, Open University Press. ROOSEVELT, E. (2000). Universal declaration of human rights in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic. Bedford, Mass, Applewood Books. HEALY, L. M. (2008). International social work: professional action in an interdependent world. Oxford, Oxford University Press. REAMER, F. G. (2006). Social work values and ethics. New York, Columbia University Press. BERNSTEIN, P. (1997). American work values: their origin and development. New York, State Univ. of New York Press.BANKS, S. (2012). Ethics and values in social work. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan. (2004). Children Act 2004: Explanatory notes. [S.l.], Stationery Office. Source document

Identify three government market failures and describe their effects Essay

Identify three government market failures and describe their effects. As in past government failures in the world - Essay Example In the end, there is market failure because the market fails to regulate itself to achieve economic efficiency. Market failure results when the government interferes with the market, often for its own good and success, rather than that of the economy. On the contrary, market failure may also happen owing too government inadequacies if it fails to, or insufficiently, intervenes. ‘Passive government failure’ refers to a scenario when government intervention would cause a socially beneficial mix of output. The housing bubble, BP oil spill, and payment of welfare benefits are three past government failures in the world that have had drastic effects on the economy and society. The global financial crisis, typified by the housing bubble is a good example of market failure. The downturn born of the housing bubble was a significant market failure that resulted from underpricing of risk, which a form of market distortion (Bernstein 1). There was an incorrect valuation of opportunity costs and risks. Pricing is a primary building block of capitalism, which demands that correct and important information about a market are provided in a timely manner. People borrowed into high-priced mortgages because of the underpricing of credit. It was either a case of ignorance about the market, because the only way they would pay off the high-priced mortgages is if the prices of houses continued to increase. Unfortunately, the bubble did not continue to inflate, prices plummeted, and many citizens were unable to service their debts. According to Bernstein, the profit motive coerced the actions of the lenders, because it is highly unlikely that they did not foresee such a ma rket failure. It is the duty of government regulatory bodies to enforce regulatory functions to prevent the housing bubble. The Federal Reserve and a myriad of government agencies focused on the

Psychoanalytic Theory and Learning Perspectives Essay

Psychoanalytic Theory and Learning Perspectives - Essay Example It should be mentioned that his theories also underwent the same process of development and change, much like the theories of the mind that preceded his arrival on the field of psychology. His famous theory of the Id, Ego and Super-Ego was a result of a continuing process, beginning with the first topographical model, in which the mind was divided in 3 psychic areas, each allocated to an unconscious, subconscious and pre-conscious level of function. One of the central elements of the system was the censor located between the unconscious and the pre-conscious, whose basic purpose was to repress certain unconscious mental activity (Perelberg). It should be mentioned that, according to this theory, such activity still represented a part of the unconscious, and it only became part of the conscious mind if it was focused on through the process of attention. Freud in a 1915 paper, "The Unconscious", presented clinical manifestation, where such dynamically unconscious thoughts were apparent ; however, it was more than clear that the theory needed to be modified, as same systems operating in the area of the unconscious and conscious inadequately explained the structure and functions of the human mind (Perelberg). Some psychologi Some psychologists explain that the second topographical model was, in most part, based on the previous model; what was revolutionary was the clear definition of the individual areas of the mind, as well as their level and method of functioning. The theory of the Id, Ego and Super-Ego "had a highly clarifying effect and so made further clinical advances possible. But it did not in itself involve any fundamental changes in Freud's views on mental structure and functioning. Indeed, the three newly presented entities, the id, the ego and the superego, all had lengthy past histories" (Perelberg). In his new model, Freud defined the Id as the repressed unconscious, as well as the setting of our desires. This aspect of the mind had no structure and it was solely based on the pleasure principle, which demanded the uncompromising fulfillment of its desires. It represents the basic and most primitive part of the human mind, directed towards satisfying essential desires, ranging from nutrition al to sexual needs, and, according to Freud, it is most evident in young children. The Ego, which was the focus of Freud's research was formed at a later age, when the pleasure principle came in contact with reality, and the realistic condition that not every desire can be fulfilled. This realistic principle modified the pleasure principle forming the regulatory principle of the ego, which acts as the primary censor of the unconscious. It was defined by Freud in 1923 as the primary organizer, using the principles of adaptation, integration and control in order to create a functioning individual in the conscious reality. Freud further developed the theory by focusing on the ego from an aspect of an object of certain facets of our psychological live, like our libido. In schizophrenic patients, the objects of libido are substituted with the ego, which forces the patients to become megalomanic (Perelberg). This is closely related

Educational Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Educational - Research Paper Example These topics were as following: their family situation, employment, their non-educational activities, financial security, their evaluation of the quality of education and their opinion concerning social services and support. The results of the research showed that more students with advantage surroundings had the parents with higher education, compared with the students from disadvantage surroundings. On the contrary, the students from disadvantage surroundings revealed a stronger tendency to be involved into paid employment. As the result, the students with disadvantage surroundings were less involved into non-educational activity, and less time was devoted to the communication by these students. The research also demonstrated equal results as regards to the questions of the education quality and financial concerns. Basing upon the results of the research the authors suggest necessary changes that are to be carried out to provide more favourable conditions for the students with disadvantage backgrounds. The research approach (methodology/technique) used by the author is cohort study, carried out with the help of questionnaire. The types of study are as follows: longitudinal study, cohort study, cross sectional study, and trend study. The definition of the cohort study is as follows(Cohen et al, 2000): Where successive measures are taken at different points in time from the same respondents, the term 'follow up study' or 'cohort study' is used in the British literature. In a cohort study a specific population is tracked over a specific period of time but selective sampling within that example occurs. This means that some members of a cohort may not be included each time. Advantages of Cohort study are(Cohen et al, 2000): 1. They permit researchers to examine individual variations in characteristics or traits, and to produce individual growth curves. This approach allowed the authors represent the data with the help of diagrams, where the results for each group were represented separately and could be compared to each other. 2. Cohort analysis is especially useful in sociological research because it can show how changing properties of individuals fit together into changing properties of social systems as a whole. This study observed various aspects of students' living basing upon social background of their living and their families, and the results make evident necessary changes that are to be carried out to improve bad conditions. 3. Finally, time, always a limiting factor in experimental and interview settings, is generally more readily available in cohort studies, allowing the researcher greater opportunity to observe trends and to distinguish 'real' changes from chance occurrences (see Bailey, 1978) . As the authors state, "this data allows us to both hone in on a particular time point for thorough analysis (e.g. the third year) as well as examine trends over time." Disadvantages of Cohort study are(Cohen et al, 2000): 1. During the course of a long-term cohort study, subjects drop out, are lost or refuse further co-operation. Such attrition makes it unlikely that those who remain in the study are as representative of the population as the sample that was originally drawn. The authors admit that there could be important issues to reflect the notions of the students from disadvantage background, and these issues could have been missed in this study. Another approaches that provide for more

Webcomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Webcomics - Essay Example The internet provides the freedom to the artist to provide web comics at global level. They provide the advantage over the traditional paper comics in different forms. The artist are now free to publish their comics easily on the web site The internet enhance different artist to freely show their thoughts and feelings in the form of comics, in simple word they are free to draw their voice. Above all, this is a less costly and more enhanced way of providing the comics at global level.Background and context: the very first comic was appears in 1986, by T.H.E Fox which was published on CompuServe and Quantum link and the comic was head as "Where the buffalo roam"1. By this first web comic, the web comic fields boost up in 1993 where different artist start their comic art on internet. In 1994, the Net comic weekly started on the net and keeps on running till 1999. By 2000, the trend in the web comics rises and thus takeover the position of traditional web comic paper media.Aims and Objec tives of the research: the aim of this paper is to evaluate that either the web comics are providing more advantages to the readers or artist or the traditional paper comics are still better then the web comics. We will provide different objectives that web comics are providing, holding a literature review and different data, and in the end we will conclude a comprehensive result of the whole research paper. We will compare the paper media and electronic media in providing the comic service and will elaborate that which of the media is more useful for the web comics. Rational statement: Web comics and Distribution: Do they offer an advantage over the traditional print comic medium YES! The web comics and distribution offer an advantage over the traditional print comic medium. LITERATURE REVIEW The print media comic is now becoming less effective, more time consuming and provide less opportunity for the artist to provide its services at broader area. Some authors think that Scott McCloud2 that he web comics provide the freedom to the artist. It enhance artist to show its art, feelings and thought at global level. On the other hand, there is no limitation to the artist in designing specific comics showing specific thoughts. The comics are the substitute of words in which a feeling is provided showing what actually the artist is thinking. The comics didn't require the expressions as the art itself is very expressive and showing the entire basic theme. Another comic, Mark Fiore3 still feels inconvenient in web comics and still using the paper media. According to him the comics is a special field and the internet provides the opportunities to those who know few or nothing about the comic field. Therefore, many artists are misusing this field and its quality and motives remain n or more same as it was in 19th century. The web comics rather enhancing the field of comic, making it more poor and ineffective. Similarly the famous artist, Gallagher's shows4 that the internet is enhancing the comics fields because the comic is actually a simple way that helps the people in describing their feelings and thought, so comics should not remain as the part of artist field rather every one should have freedom in using the comics to express what they want to say. Similarly the filed of web comics is becoming more popular and now different firms, companies and specially the consumers are trying to express their feelings and thought through comics about any event, product or service. The artist Joe Cameau5 stated that web comic are better then the paper media comics due to the unique capabilities of web. Where as, in the case of paper media the artist need more effort and have fewer resources in order to sketch the required animation. On the other han

Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 4

Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation - Essay Example Entrepreneurial behaviour is needed, and it is through the individual characteristics of entrepreneurs that enterprises and organisations occur. For the first section, this essay analyses the individual characteristics of three types of entrepreneurs, namely, small-business entrepreneurs, serial entrepreneurs, and social entrepreneurs. Then the second part presents a comprehensive debate on the role of individual characteristics in entrepreneurial choice or preference. Small business entrepreneurs are the powerhouse of the private business world. They create the competitive drive; enhance economic development and social backbone; generate employment, new enterprises, and prospects for others. Small business entrepreneurs are idealistic self-beginners who are fond of taking the risks of building new businesses (Chen et al., 2012, p. 1314). They possess the boldness, creating an environment of dynamism, ingenuity, and opportunity to develop. Primarily, they initiate change and are dedicated, tireless, and opportunity pursuers—agents who discern a market demand and fulfil that demand by transforming it into a profitable venture (Walker et al., 2013, p. 186). The act of disentangling oneself from the crowds of the employed to start a small business exhibits commitment and resolve. However, numerous other characteristics of small business entrepreneurs, such as confidence, flexibility, and adaptability, bring them success as entrepreneurs. A large scale research by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute discovered that there were specific characteristics that showed up among the most profitable, successful small business entrepreneurs (Walker et al., 2013, p. 186-8). Roughly 1,100 small organisations took part in the Guardian research. Generally, the research discovered several major characteristics that distinguished successful small business entrepreneurs (Baum et al., 2014, p. 94). First, small business

Wilson and Lenin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wilson and Lenin - Essay Example After the world war, the world saw two great leaders trying to develop international peace. Wilson and Lenin however were very different in their ideologies. As opposed to Wilson who advocated disarmament in his fourteen points, Lenin did not believe â€Å"Disarmament’ could help in avoiding wars; he considered it as a means of evading reality (Lenin). Lenin proposed that the way to achieve world peace was through a global revolution and interference in the workings of the capitalistic states which would not only put an end to their governments but also their societies and this could not be achieved if the disarmament policy is followed (Mayer). He believed that if a revolution does not prevent a war, the proletariats should use the defeat of their own governments to create revolutionary reforms. Lenin believed only in the existence of a proletariat armed force and not the bourgeois army. Hence the most prominent difference between Wilson and Lenin was one of reform against r evolution. Lenin wanted to bring about reforms through revolution while Wilson wanted a ‘revolution’ through reforms (Schild).

Political Implications of Sophocles Book - Antigone Research Paper

Political Implications of Sophocles Book - Antigone - Research Paper Example Lack of satisfaction on the form of leadership attracts criticism while what they deem to be the best form of leadership that leaders ought to adopt is exalted by different authors. Thoughts of authors could either have positive or negative influences on the people who read their work. In analysing the dangers of different authors, this paper will look at two thinkers and authors of ancient history. An analysis of Sophocles’ ideas in Antigone and Plato’s The Trial and Death of Socrates will be used as the reference to the analysis. In his book Antigone, Sophocles explores on the punishment which disobedient people in Thebes, the kingdom of Greek. It also showed the various methods used in ruling the kingdom. The author, in his choice of using a woman as the main character, showed the theme of the plight of women in the times, though in a negative way. He chose to support the plight of women, as the episodes of the book progress. On his part, however, Plato in his book, the trial and death of Socrates, he explores the influence of political leaders and their influence on the subjects. The book portrays Socrates in a devilish way as he manipulates the people around him with his philosophical influence. Plato himself was an astute follower of Socrates and had done so out of choice. Socrates believes that Plato’s closeness to him made him vulnerable to manipulation. Rarely would he speak on his first-person voice, as he often made reference to a different force behind his words, that of Socrates? His reasoning and ideas, though very dynamic and radical as an influence from his mentor, does not make him much dangerous as his counterpart Sophocles. Sophocles develops personal ideas and thoughts and sends his sentiments through his book. Through his book, he portrays himself as a dis-respecter of humanity.

International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

International Business - Essay Example Alibaba.com works in a simplistic environment. The buyer logs onto the website and creates an account. They can either post buying leads or go to each company directly. The site offers a way for them to search for what they want by country. If a buying lead is posted then potential sellers will email the buyer through alibaba.com. They can even contact them by phone if the buyer allows it. Once potential suppliers are identified an order can be placed and alibaba.com can be used for transactions via escrow. Escrow means that alibaba.com holds the money until the buyer has received their order in good condition. The buyer lets alibaba.com know and they release the money to the supplier. Some transactions can also occur outside of alibaba.com and this is where the potential for fraud comes in. A buyer could be sending money to someone who has no intentions of selling them any products. Some even develop false websites just to make themselves seem legitimate. This site makes it easier t o find suppliers who are in other countries and it helps companies find new markets to sell in thereby keeping them in business.

Team America Essay Example for Free

Team America Essay World Police America is a nation notorious for certain attributes. Unilateralist policies have existed throughout much of American history and exist today, reflected in America’s war in Iraq, though the extent to which the agenda has disregarded other parties has seemingly increased. The word jingoism, defined as â€Å"extreme patriotism in the form of aggressive foreign policy,† is often used to describe American foreign policy, and is rampantly displayed in American films, i. e. Rambo. America has been labeled imperialistic, hubristic, hegemonic, xenophobic, and/or shortsighted by many. Team America: World Police blatantly satirizes these American attributes and the modern day actions reflecting them. From liberal and conservative viewpoints on foreign affairs to national pride, Team America attacks all sides of the issue. The film’s satire of American themes begins in the title. The film’s main subject is the American government’s hubristic assumption that because America is the last remaining world superpower, it is America’s responsibility to maintain order and guard freedom in the world. The United States’ emerging unilateralism since the Cold War is highlighted and mocked. Team America’s military actions, such as destroying the Eiffel Tower and half of Cairo in reckless and bullish assaults on terrorists, exemplify the U. S. A. ’s pervasively destructive foreign policies. Americans and American government have an international reputation for a cocky, yee-haw attitude. This is on full display in Team America. The known penchant for xenophobia in the US is mocked in the film by portraying other cultures as simple stereotypes. America’s hegemony has not always been so selfishly nationalistic; during previous administrations, foreign policy was more based on instituted policies and relatively benign. However, The United States is seen as a nation whose very reason for existence is to maximize freedom. This widespread notion, one that has come into more intense scrutiny under the current American administration, is a core them satirized in Team America. The Bush Doctrine has led America’s unilateralism and imperialism to its extremes. Team America, while not directly naming or portraying George W. Bush, identifies and mocks the jingoistic regime. The blind and unquestioning self-justification with which Team America operates is intentionally reminiscent of the Bush administration’s Iraq-WMD fiasco. Also satirized is the left wing approach to the war in Iraq. Sean Penn, actor/activist, is portrayed as one of the radical left wingers, and says in reference to Iraq, â€Å"Before Team America showed up, it was a happy place. They had flowery meadows and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate, where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles. This satirizes the liberals’ reaction, and the hollowness of their peace movement. The film, however, is not merely a direct skewering of modern day political events; its satire is more broad and sweeping. The prevailing American attitude of having moral high ground due to its stated values and form of government, and the belief that America’s position of power and ethical superiority designates i t the world leader and justifies any and all political and/or military action, is attacked in the film. This attitude dates back to colonial times, and has puritanical roots. John Winthrop’s vision of America as a â€Å"city on a hill,† a shining beacon of light serving as a model of Christian society above all others, is a theme that has lingered in American national identity to present day, and has extended to hubris on some levels. Team America: World Police’s portrayal of Americans seeing their way as the only way and having an over-the-top sense of pride is based off of these original American themes. Team America certainly ridicules all sides of American politics, and America itself, without remorse or regard. The recurring themes of unilateralism and jingoism in particular are satirized through Team America’s incompetence, disregard, and general bullheadishness. American foreign policy has long been controversial with its imperialist parallels and sense of righteousness, especially under the Bush administration, and stems from its puritanical roots. America as â€Å"World Police† has connotations rife with controversy, something Trey Parker clearly embraces.