Health Care Delivery Systems Essay

Bursting the Health Care Bubble A source states that, the 30 million uninsured Americans have forced the United States to put part of the responsibility of health care into the government’s hands (Terry 116). By 2014, the changes in the health care system will be life changing for some, while others will have little to no effect by the reform. A surgery specialist from New York states that, â€Å"†¦46 million people in America lack access to health care and†¦ has been based on a person’s ability to pay† (Goldberg 6). Since 2010, the Health Care Reform Act already started making changes in our economy and will continue to do so until for many years, or the election of a new President. These changes will allow each person to have little to no excuse on why they are not taking responsibility of their health. As I sat patiently in the waiting room for my doctor who was twenty minutes late, I sat and watched the clock every few minutes until a nurse came to greet me. I couldn’t help but look around at the other patients next to me thinking†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"right, privilege, or responsibility?† Was it my right to be here, my privilege, or my responsibility? Going through the scenarios in my head, I could think of examples that could fall under each. A small child ran about the waiting room while her mom sat in her chair reading â€Å"Country Living†, an elderly couple sat holding hands to my left, also waiting patiently for someone to greet them. I could hear the medical assistants at the front desk gossiping and discussing insurance matters. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them after learning what pain insurance companies could be. Originally, while sitting there unwearyingly for the doctor and watching the people around me, I thought it was a privilege to get to be one of the lucky ones that had insurance, which better allowed me to take care and responsibility of my own health. This then lead me to my next thought, the reason that I am here right now is because I am the one taking responsibility for my own health (†¦and maybe the help of my parents until I am 26†¦ hopefully). As the nurse called me back, I had finally come to a  conclusion. Health care in the United States is a responsibility, not a right and no longer a privilege. The responsibility of healthcare if shifting everywhere, whether it be changing into the hands of patients, medical personnel, or the government. According to www.dictionary.com, being responsible is being accountable. I feel that many American’s in the United States have trouble being accountable for their own actions, and like to put the blame on someone or something other than themselves. â€Å"Americans do not blame themselves for their health care problems†¦instead attributing the rising health care costs to the profits made by drug and insurance companies† (Blendon 636). Even from the standpoint of our country as a whole, many would like to believe that we don’t make mistakes and that we are better than the rest. Even on Google, there are many websites containing all the reasons that American’s think they are superior to other countries†¦ and sadly, there is a long list. Reality has to hit at some point, and someday I hope many of us can recognize that we aren’t perfect, and that in fact we do make mistakes, mistakes that can hold even the lives and the decisions of others. Thinking I am being proactive and taking responsibility for my own health, I finally get to see the doctor after not only a thirty minute wait in the lobby, but a two to three week wait just to see my family physician. Marshall Kapp, the director of Florida State University’s Center for Innovative Collaboration in Medicine & Law, states that â€Å"†¦practicing physicians in the United States are already extremely busy† he goes on to say that adding new patients to practices will only result in either more hours to the day or a longer wait to get into your doctor, depending on the physician because of the reform (418). Marshall Kapp fears that â€Å"†¦affordable health insurance†¦ may still fail at actually providing medical care† (416). Because each physician will have more patients, will each patient be receiving the right quality of care? Or even the right medical care at all because of the long wait? In the same article he goes on saying,  "According to an official of the American College of Physicians, ‘newly insured patients can anticipate difficulties gaining access to primary care, particularly in undeserved communities’† (416). More patients will then  cause a shortage of physicians in the United States. Another source goes on to say that â€Å"Americans’ are far less satisfied with the availability†¦of health care in their country than Canada and the British are with theirs†¦ Nearly three-fourths of Americans in 2003 expressed dissatisfaction with the availability of health care in their country† (Blendon 629). Although Americans no longer have an excuse on why they aren’t taking responsibility, will the number of patients decrease the quality of care or the access to a physician? The Health Care Reform Act is predicted to reduce health care costs, which will then lead people to receive preventative care and will also allow Medicare patients to receive a physical with â€Å"no direct costs or low costs to patients† (Terry 116). Terry begins to then say that â€Å"preventative medicine and chronic illnesses-for instance, diabetic patients- are going to have incentives and better coverage (116). Edward J. Dougherty, Senior Vice President of B&D C onsulting in Washington D.C.†¦ says, ‘There is a greater focus on preventative care, on wellness, on patient education, and intervention before an acute event or episode occurs. That provides opportunities for anyone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Terry 116). The wise words of Dr. Baker that will haunt my brain forever went a little something like this, â€Å"As I was shaving this morning, I looked in the mirror and saw the person who was responsible for high health care costs.† Every time I look in the mirror, I am now disturbed by these same words, as I’m sure many of my other class mates are as well. Dr. Davis Goldberg goes on to tell a story of Joe Skin, â€Å"Joe Skin died of metastatic malignant melanoma because he could not afford the $100 it would have to cost him to see a local dermatologist two years earlier, when he only had melanoma in situ. Unable to afford the original fee, he left his pigmented lesion untreated, until a seizure from metastatic disease ended with him having multiple surgeries at a cost of $350,000 to tax payers† (Goldberg 6). I wonder if Mr. Skin looked in the mirror while he was shaving that morning to realize that he would be one of the reasons for high health care costs in America. Unfortunately, because Joe Skin didn’t have health insurance he decided to not take responsibility for his health, which then resulted in more problems than before and even resulted in death. This seems to be a  popular trend in the uninsured Goldberg states, â€Å"The uninsured also tend to wait longer and get sicker before seeing a doctor† (6), he then states that a popular trend among the uninsured is that they are â€Å"†¦less likely to receive recommended preventative and primary care services, face significant barriers to care and ultimately face worse health outcomes† (6). The overall attitude toward health care changes dramatically when you bring those who are uninsured into the health care industry. â€Å"Americans’ attitudes toward the health care system are related to difference between those with secure and comprehensive coverage, and those without it† (Blendon 628). A source states that, one of the purposes of the Healthcare Reform act is to better allow each person to take responsibility into their own hands, as well as â€Å"†¦lower health costs† (Terry 116). The responsibility and the cost of health care have been taken out of the physicians and the medical staff’s hands, and into those of the governments. Nathan Kaufman, Managing Director of Kaufman Strategic Advisors states, â€Å"It is a brutal fact that hospitals can no longer afford to delegate the responsibility and accountability of cost and quality of care to an independent medical staff of physicians practicing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (167). Like we have discussed earlier, the reform is supposed to help lower the costs, but Kaufman believes that â€Å"health care costs will contribute to the destabilization of the economy† (164). He then proceeds with Richard Foster, the chief actuary for Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, who also states that â€Å"†¦the new law will increase the nation’s overall spending on healthcare by $289 billion through 2019† (Kaufman 164). This budget will then cut the spending in other important areas, which will then raise our taxes once again to pay back the borrowed money (Kaufman 164). Dr. Baicker also states that â€Å"†¦ there is much less to fund public schools, roads, and other necessary public services† (Goldberg 6). Although the Healthcare Reform or PPACA seems to be a good idea in many ways, this is where it all seems to be a little bit fishy, and when life seems to be all great and dandy with the reform, we will eventually be hit with the reality of the damage that our government and what our decisions have caused us. Dr. Katherine Baiker also questions the concept of the PPACA stating, â€Å"Yet the question remains: What will work? What is the most effective way to ration  health care?’ (Godberg 6). There are consequences to most every situation, and I do not know if physicians or patients are prepared for the consequences that the PPACA will bring us. The question is not if there are consequences, but when will we be affected by them? According to â€Å"Americans’ Health Care Views of Care, Access, and Quality† states that American’s have little to no faith in their government and were ready for some sort of reform (624). With the Healthcare Reform Act already facing high disputes and the non-support from many health care providers and some politicians, and because we spend so much time building the reform up, our nation is not aware of what is about to hit. At some point, Americans are going to be forced with higher taxes, and I fear health care providers who are also not prepared for the consequences will be faced with, and will not get the benefits of the reform to its fullest. Dr. Blendon says that, â€Å"†¦ when issues like health care rationing, increased taxes, and longer waiting times are raised, public alternatives fall sharply† (641). Later in the article, he also begins to say that †Å"less than half† of the people agreed to pay higher taxes to achieve the goal of a â€Å"universal health plan† (Blendon 642). Kaufman states, â€Å"Those who recognize the existence of a bubble and prepare for its brutal realities can benefit when the bubble bursts† (167). He also begins to say that, health care providers who do plan for the bubble bursting, â€Å"†¦will be able to treat higher volumes of patients at lower predictable costs per episode, demonstrating measurable high quality and providing an exceptional patient experience† (167-168). For those who do not prepare themselves for the â€Å"bubble burst† who will be responsible? Everyone involved in the health care system will be responsible for some of the â€Å"lack of thought† that has gone into this health care reform. One of the man purposes of the reform is to also help the quality of care, which is one of the many responsibilities that physicians face in the health care industry. Although doctors have many patients, if a patient is taking the responsibility of taking care of their own health, then it is th e responsibility of the physician to provide the best quality of care. A source states, â€Å"Health reform policies currently envisioned to improve care and lower costs may have small effects on high-cost patients who consume most resources. Instead, developing interventions tailored to improve care and lowering costs for specified types of complex and costly patients may hold greater potential for â€Å"bending the cost curve† (Kaufman 166). Changing the quality of care isn’t done at no cost, but a source states that â€Å"†¦health care organizations must contribute on some level to promoting the highest quality of care, the greatest safety of the patient, and the best patient experience† (Liang 1426). Coming from personal experience, if a patient is satisfied with their visit(s) and receives the best quality of care and experience possible, the likelihood of them returning is much greater. In the article â€Å"Quality and Safety in Medical Care: What Does the Future Hold?†, brought up some interesting points about physician to patient relationships during their medical stay or the decisions made about their health. Doing so will make the patient more understanding and responsible for their own health. It is important for the physician and the patient to make decisions together and understand the benefits, consequences, and the outcome of each procedure. A source states that â€Å"†¦less t han one-half of hospitalized patients stated they were always involved in the decisions about their treatment, and almost one-third of the patients indicated they did not know who handled their care in the hospital† (Liang 1426). Allowing a patient to take more responsibility for their health is a lot harder when they have no idea what is going on. The quality of patient care affects the quality of a patient’s life. Dr. Blendon says, â€Å"†¦most Americans are satisfied with the quality of medical care they and their families receive, and they do not see the issue as a top problem† (648). A source states that â€Å"†¦ the Institute of Medicine has defined quality as ‘the degree to which health services for individuals and population increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge† (Schuster 3). When dealing with health care I believe that it is always the patients responsibility, but if the physician giving incentive to the patient stay proactive and understand what is going on, than how can the patient be responsible? The thoughts on health care are constantly changing, whether its people’s right to be provided with health care, whether it’s a privilege to be able to receive health care, or whether it’s the respo nsibility of those apart of the health industry and the patients to receive the right kind of health care. A source states that, â€Å"Finding ways of doing more with less will continue to be hospitals’ biggest challenge†Ã‚  (Hospitals are expected to do more with less 4). The health care reform will be in full force before we all know it. As a citizen and patient, I know that it is my personal responsibility to keep proactive on my health, help make decisions for my fellow American’s to make the best health system possible. So every morning, when I stare into the mirror, I know that the reason the health care industry is the way it is, was because I made it that way. Health care is a responsibility, not a right and no longer a privilege.

Business Law, the Laws Applied in This Case Study Essay

Introduction Funster had suffered three forms of losses in this factual matrix, namely the broken ribs, the damaged iPhone and the torn T-shirt. Prima facie, Magic Studios is liable for the negligent damage caused to Funster. Therefore, whether Magic Studios should bear liability for the damage hinges upon whether they can successfully rely upon the exclusion clause set out in the ticket. The approach taken by the courts on determining the applicability of the exclusion clause is neatly set out in Press Automation Technology v Trans-Link Exhibition Forwarding [2003] 1 SLR 712. A court will first determine whether the clause is successfully incorporated, before applying the common law principles of construction to determine if it can be enforced. Following that, it will then apply the Unfair Contract Terms Act [UCTA] to determine if the clause can indeed be struck out by statute. Each point of law will be discussed in turn. Incorporation Two issues regarding the incorporation of a term arise in this case. The first is whether the term has been incorporated before the formation of the contract, and the second is whether there has been reasonable notice on Monster Studio’s part. Both issues will be discussed consecutively. On the first issue of incorporation before formation of the contract, the law is clear that terms should be incorporated into the contract before formation (Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking, [1971] 2 QB 163) [Thornton]. The terms and conditions of a contract should be well known to both parties before they are made to bear legal responsibilities under the contract. Therefore, the notice of a ticket must come before its formation. Elsewise, it will not be enforceable. In this case, it is likely that a court will decide that the term has been incorporated before offer and acceptance. This is because Magic Studios has clearly placed a sign above the ticket booth that certain terms and conditions will apply. Funster thus entered into the contract knowing that certain terms will apply to the transaction. In conclusion, the term would thus be properly incorporated into the contract. On the second issue of reasonable notice, the applicable law is clearly set out in the landmark English case of Parker v South Eastern Railway Co (1877) 2 CPD 416 [Parker] that the recipient of a ticket is bound if â€Å"he had reasonable notice that the document contains terms†, even if he remains ignorant of the terms. This means that the term can be incorporated into the contract only if it is reasonable that an ordinary person would have noticed the existence of such a term. The law in Parker was further clarified in Thornton that where the court held that if the party seeks to enforce an onerous term, it must take additional steps to bring its presence to the other party’s notice. In this case, it is clear that Magic Studios should be deemed as having successfully incorporated the exclusion clause. By using an obvious red font, it had clearly brought to any customer’s attention that there are underlying terms and conditions on the ticket. In any case, Funster had consulted an attendant about the exclusion clause and cannot claim that he does not know of such an underlying term. In conclusion, by applying the clear rules set out in Parker and Thornton, the exclusion clause should be successfully incorporated. Common law principles of construction Following the successful incorporation of the exclusion clause, the next issue is whether the clause can be enforceable by applying the common law principles of construction. As held clearly in Emjay Enterprises Pte Ltd v Skylift Consolidator, [2006] 2 SLR(R) 268, the rule of construction approach will be taken in Singapore where exclusion clauses are concerned. Following the landmark decision in The Suisse Atlantique, [1967] 1 AC 361, the court will determine, through a fair construction of the contract, if the parties have intended for such an exclusion clause to be enforced. Courts have traditionally taken a strict approach towards enforcing exclusion clauses purporting to exempt total negligence (Canada Steamship Lines v The King, [1952] AC 192, but following the enactment of UCTA, such a requirement has been visibly relaxed or non-existent [Jiang Ou v EFG Bank AG, [2011] SGHC 149) [Jiang Ou]. Applying the law to the relevant facts, it should be clear that the common law requirement of construction should be fulfilled. Both Funster and Monster Studios can be said to have reached an agreement as to the enforcement of this clause since Funster had only bought the ticket after seeing the large sign containing â€Å"terms and conditions apply† above the counter. Funster must thus have entered into the contract knowing that certain terms and conditions may apply. Moreever, as seen in Emjay, the court is reluctant to reject any claims at this stage of the inquiry, preferring to use UCTA to weed out unmeritorious exclusion clauses. In conclusion, the clause can thus be successfully enforced, pending passing the requirements in UCTA. Unfair Contract Terms Act As mentioned earlier, Funster had suffered three types of damages – personal injury, damage to iPhone and damage to T-shirt. Each of the damage will be discussed in turn using the appropriate provision in UCTA. Broken Ribs Section 2(1) of the UCTA clearly states that a person cannot â€Å"exclude or restrict his liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence†. This clearly shows that parties are not allowed, under the law, to exclude liability for personal injury or death. Such a provision was written into law in order to protect parties, especially vulnerable ones such as customers to theme parks who might not have equal bargaining power, in cases whereby one party’s negligence have caused serious injuries or even death. Applying the s.2(1) to the facts, it is clear that Funster can claim for negligence with regards to the broken ribs he has suffered. Broken ribs belong to the category of â€Å"personal injury† in s.2(1), and a party clearly cannot exclude liability for such personal injury. As Monster Studios is already prima facie negligent, whether Funster can claim damages for his broken ribs hinges solely upon the application of s.2(1) of the UCTA. Applying the strict requirement in s.2(1), it is clear that Monster Studio cannot exempt liability for the personal injury that Funster has suffered. In conclusion, Monster Studios cannot rely on the exemption clause to exempt liability for Funster’s broken ribs. Damaged iPhone and Torn T-shirt Both the damaged iPhone and torn T-shirts may be classified under other forms of damage, applicable under â€Å"other losses and damage† under s.2(2) of UCTA. It is thus important to look at the relevant provision, which states that Monster Studio’s liability cannot be excluded except where it is reasonable to do so. While s.2(2) does not state what the term â€Å"reasonable† means, this is clarified in s.11 that a reasonable term is one which is â€Å"known or in the contemplation of the parties when the contract was made†. Typically, courts will consider several factors in determining whether a particular exclusion clause is reasonable. They include whether the relative bargaining powers of respective parties (Jiang Ou), whether there are any protests by the claimant (Kenwell & Co Pte Ltd v Southern Ocean Shipbuilding, [1998] 2 SLR(R) 583) and if there are any reasonable alternatives (Tjoa Elis v United Overseas Bank Ltd, [2003] 1 SLR(R) 747). As mentioned in Jiang Ou, the ultimate consideration by the court is whether it is against public policy to allow the enforcement of the particular exclusion clause, and such an inquiry is based on the particular facts of the case. In this case, there are two claims which arise with regards to s.2(2) of UCTA, namely the damaged iPhone and torn T-shirt. For both items, Funster should be allowed to claim for the relevant damages. Applying the several factors set out above, it is clear that Funster had little bargaining power over the inclusion of the exclusion clause and cannot be said to have any other alternatives but to accept the clause if he wishes to take the roller coaster. As discussed in Jiang Ou, it is against public policy if amusement parks such as Monster Studios are allowed to escape with their own negligence by drafting an exclusion clause. The UCTA was specifically drafted to protect consumers such as Funster from being denied legal recourse when faced with a negligent organisation such as Monster Studios. In conclusion, a court is unlikely to deny Funster the claims for his iPhone and the T-shirt. Conclusion In conclusion, Funster should be allowed to claim for his personal injuries, the broken iPhone and the torn T-shirt. While the exclusion clause drafted by Magic Studios can pass the requirements of incorporation and common law construction, it is unlikely to pass the stringent standards set by UCTA. REFERENCES Cases 1.Canada Steamship Lines v The King, [1952] AC 192 2.Emjay Enterprises Pte Ltd v Skylift Consolidator, [2006] 2 SLR(R) 268 3.Jiang Ou v EFG Bank AG, [2011] SGHC 149 4.Kenwell & Co Pte Ltd v Southern Ocean Shipbuilding, [1998] 2 SLR(R) 583 5.Parker v South Eastern Railway Co (1877) 2 CPD 416 6.Press Automation Technology v Trans-Link Exhibition Forwarding [2003] 1 SLR 712 7.The Suisse Atlantique, [1967] 1 AC 361 8.Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking, [1971] 2 QB 163 9.Tjoa Elis v United Overseas Bank Ltd, [2003] 1 SLR(R) 747 Books Ewan Mckendrick, Contract Law (8th Edition), Palgrave Macmillan Law Masters (2009) Websites Singapore Academy of Law. Singapore Contract Law (accessed on 3rd May 2012). URL: http://www.singaporelaw.sg/content/ContractLaw.html Stamford Law Legal Updates, Jiang Ou v EFG Bank AG (accessed on 3rd May 2012) URL: http://www.stamfordlaw.com.sg/legal.php?id=241

How American Hisotry X Relates to Political Science Text Think American Government

Lisa _______________ Professor _______________ Political Science 02 Due April 3, 2013 SUMMARY American History X was written by David McKenna and directed by Tony Kaye. Starring Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, the film was released in 1998. The main idea of the film is the social and political issues of racism. It is a story of how a family is affected by one son’s view of the history of race roles in America, his life within the neo Nazi culture, and finally, after resigning himself to such a lifestyle due to prison reformation, his attempt to pull his younger brother from the same way of violent life.Ultimately, it is a story of the cycles of hate surrounding racism. The film is shown in non-linear narrative where events are given out of chronological order. When going back in time, the audience is given black and white film whereas the present is portrayed in color. Danny Vinyard, is given an assignment to write an essay on the incarceration of the main character, his older brother, Derek. The essay was to entail what led up to the incarceration and how his family was affected. The verbal reflection of his essay is when the audience is shown the film presented in black and white.Also during the verbal reflection, we find out that Derek was incarcerated for the murder of 2 Black thieves who were trying to steal the truck left to him by his late father who was killed by, not without intent of the writer, a Black man a few years prior. With that, the storyline is set up so that we know why Derek and Danny have turned to a life of neo Nazism and why Derek was given a 3 year sentence for going overboard in killing the thieves: the brothers have been affected by the criminality of the Black culture.The essay assigned to Danny, which was due the following day, was an assignment given by Danny’s Black principal after his Jewish teacher reported a questionable essay to him entitled My Mein Kampft. In the 24 hours in which the essay is being written, and narrated to the viewers, we learn the entire story of the brothers’ journeys from average kids, through neo Nazism and back, only to learn their lesson too late when Danny is fatally struck down by a former Black recipient of his race hatred, essay still in hand.American History X correlates to the discussions of the class as well as various points of the class textbook, Think American Government. The film backs up two class discussions thus far in the semester: Khalil Muhammad’s theory on Black criminality in America in addition to Bryan Stevenson’s ideas on the stigma of mass incarceration attached to the Black culture in America.The film also touches on political issues from the text, such as: immigration, the first amendment to The United States Constitution, and Hate-Crimes Legislation. Khalil Muhammad: The timeline of the film literally goes back 24 hours; flashes back 3 years; and historically traces back to both 1863 and 1865 when, respectively, the Ema ncipation Proclamation was signed (proclaiming slaves in Confederate territory to be free forever) and when the first Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was organized.Some may even argue that the story goes back to the beginning of slavery in the United States colonies because those were the first racist acts of early America and upon which America was formed. Khalil Muhammad, a current day Black historian, might argue that the plot of this film traces back to the moment when, in 1865, following the Civil War, European immigrants were given opportunities by the government to stray from their acts of criminality but recently freed Black people were not.Instead, as Muhammad asserts in a Bill Moyers interview, as well as his book, Condemnation of Blackness, Black people were sent to ghetto housing to sort their criminality out on their own, whereas White European immigrants were given social welfare and job opportunities because they were, as Muhammad states, thought of as â€Å"children of Americans who need our help†, but Blacks were thought of as â€Å"naturally morally inferior and had propensity to harm people or steal†.American History X mimics this way of American ideology when Derek preaches, â€Å"We're so hung up on this notion that we have some obligation to help the struggling Black man, you know. Cut him some slack until he can overcome these historical injustices. It's crap. I mean, Christ, Lincoln freed the slaves, like, what- 130 years ago? How long does it take to get your act together? † If Derek had read Damnation of Blackness, he would understand Muhammad’s theory that it has been 130 years (from the end of Civil War to the making of the film) of a race in America that has ontinued to be downtrodden and imprisoned through actions such as Black Codes, Stop and Frisk policy, and the â€Å"invention of the criminal justice system as a repressive tool to keep black people in their place†. That is a hard battle to win. Derek migh t also understand how he fits into Muhammad’s theory that the European race has ideologies of an institutionalized Black race when Derek complains, â€Å"One in every three Black males is in some phase of the correctional system. Is that a coincidence or do these people have, you know, like a racial commitment to crime? † Bryan Stevenson:Not only does such a statement back up Muhammad’s theory about American ideologies, but it also touches on Bryan Stevenson’s argument. In Stevenson’s interview conducted by Bill Moyer, Stevenson states that in order to change the notion that the Black man is a criminal, we must understand the history from where it stems, and we must care about human rights and dignity while we remember that all of our survival â€Å"is tied to the survival of everyone. That our visions of technology, design, entertainment and creativity have to be married with the visions of humanity, compassion and justice†.Derek’s r ant about Black males in the correctional system oozes with Stevenson’s idea that the power of criminality identity among Black culture ultimately came from how American government and Europeans have stigmatized the Black race. In the scene where Derek finds himself in his prison cell begging African American Principal Sweeney to help him, it is not until Sweeney replies, â€Å"Has anything you’ve done made your life better? † that Derek sees the light and begins to make a change toward a life outside neo Nazism. This is a perfect example of the power of identity which is Stevenson’s underlying idea to his theory.Immigration: The writers of American History X touch on the illegal immigration topic as does the text, Think American Government, in chapter 1. The textbook says that, â€Å"critics (of illegal immigrants) charge that undocumented workers drive down wage rates for American citizens† (15). In the film there is a scene in which Derek gives a lecture to his neo Nazi peers on the subject of illegal immigrants to pump them up to terrorize a neighborhood store that has been taken over by a Korean owner who replaced the American workers with 0 illegal immigrants: â€Å"It’s about the hardworking Americans falling through the cracks and getting the shaft because their government cares more about the constitutional rights of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  illegal immigrants. However, the textbook lends a contrasting thought stating â€Å"advocates contend that the United States benefits from†¦ illegal immigration. They argue that undocumented workers take jobs that citizens do not want and that they pay more taxes than they receive in government services† (15). It is also worth noting the difference in illegal immigrant statistics from when the film was released in 1998 until now.According to the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) â€Å"2,830,000 illegal immigrants resided in California in 2011 compared to 2. 5 million in 2000. † In the same scene, Derek states, â€Å"There’s over 2 million illegal immigrants bedding down in (California) tonight†¦ $400 million just to lock up a bunch of illegal immigrant criminals†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In an article by BakersfieldNow. com on May 25, 2011, it was estimated, using data from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2010, that California now spends $1 billion on illegal immigrant prisoners compared to the time the movie was released. irst amendment & Hate-Crimes Legislation: Another point worth noting, from when the movie was released in 1998 until now, is hate-crime laws. Within the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution added in 1791, Amendment 1 states, â€Å"Congress shall make no law†¦ abridging the freedom of speech†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (363). Although the first amendment protects freedom of speech, it is not legal to use freedom of expression during an act of hate crime. The textbook states â€Å"in recent years, many states have adopted hate-crimes legislation, enhancing penalties for persons convicted of crimes motivated by bias† (69).Interestingly, Obama signed a bill in 2009 which was rooted by two hate-crimes of 1998, the year American History X was released, but it was before the movie that the Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1990 came into effect. According to USA Today, in an article published October 28, 2009 and entitled â€Å"Obama Signs Hate-crimes Law Rooted in Crimes of 1998†, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded the existing Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1990 and mandated that it is against the law to attack any person â€Å"based on sexual orientation or gender, in ddition to race, color, religion or national origin†. Matthew Shepard was a gay teenager beat by two Wyoming men in October of 1998, after which he was tied to a fence where he died. In June of the same year, James B yrd Jr. , an African American man, was chained to a truck by three white men in Texas and dragged to his death. Notably, as the text explains increased penalties are given for those charged with hate-crimes, Derek only received 3 years for his hate-crime in the film.In conclusion, I would recommend the film to anyone interested in wanting to broaden their horizons on the race wars in America. I thought it was prudent that Derek verbally gave the stereotypical views of hate mongers in America, but it would be interesting to see how Khalil Muhammad and Bryan Stevenson might add their theories to the dialogs of the Jewish teacher or the Black principal to show America a way of thinking that I believe is not in the public eye as much as it should be. Perhaps a film should come our way from those two aforementioned?

Human Resource Management Information Information Systems Personal Statement

Human Resource Management Information Information Systems - Personal Statement Example During the dark days, any available job posting could be filled be anyone, this was due to the fact that; no special skills were required because technology had not advanced at that time. The main implication that various HR department have been going through includes, trying to keep up with the changing demand of labour skill that is changing at a high rate. Also, many companies have not included human resources as part of their strategies; rather they have incorporated technology in their strategies. HRIS, standards for human resources information system, this is a system where employee, statistics are kept in a data base. The information that is captured by HRIS includes; grade, history salary and education information. HRIS, Is basically a system where data and information of the employees in a company is captured and kept in a controlled manner This is software developed for the purpose of hr day to day running of the department. HR software have helped in streaming operations, improvement of relation in various department and finally removing barriers both vertically and horizontal in any organization set up. Hr software coordinates all the activities with accuracy and error

Barrack Obama's Presidential Campaign in 2008 and Web 2.0 Essay

Barrack Obama's Presidential Campaign in 2008 and Web 2.0 - Essay Example The concept Politics 2.0 can be identified as the ideology that social networking and e-participation technologies can be used for modernising the public in seeking, reacting, and influencing political campaigns. As Daniel Nations points out, clearly understanding the communication techniques is the centre of a politician’s arsenal, whereas anticipating the future communication techniques can be the furtive sword for them to win the battle; and â€Å"for Franklin D. Roosevelt, it was radio, for John F. Kennedy, it was television, and for Barack Obama, it was social media† (about.com, n.d.). Politics  2.0 Today the society is highly fused with the network of computers and it has further changed the way one interacts with the Internet. In other words, the time people spent on Internet has significantly changed, and instead of gathering information dumped to them, they reach out to the rest of the world to listen what others have to say on any subject. In the opinion of Kreiss and Howard (2010), Obama has changed the face of politics in America, and as he used Web 2.0 in his presidential campaign, he gave the American people a voice in politics (1032-35). The ideology of politics 2.0 was first used during the political operatives of 2004 US presidential elections, when the enthusiasts of the Draft Clark campaign and of Vermont Governor Howard Dean made use of it. The most recent intervention of the politics 2.0 was seen during the trials of Obama’s campaign. Before launching his campaign, Barack Obama had a firm view that a fundamental understanding of communication had always been the prime tool of a successful politician’s arsenal and having a clear idea on the future of communication is the secret weapon that fights the battle (FC Barcelona). Obama's own social network had turned out to stage a protest of his attitude on a federal wiretapping bill, proving that social networking can cut both ways. Obama was able to shift the campai gn from the classical methods into the digital age by exploiting the advantages of Web 2.0, utilising it as the prime podium of his presidential campaign. He was efficient in turning the Web 2.0 into a major force behind his campaign, diversifying it through YouTube, blogging, and Social networking. Barack Obama and the ‘New Media’ The official website The official website, BarakObama.com was designed efficiently that any user could navigate through the site easily. The presentation and the layout of the website were surprisingly eye-catching with lots of information and continuous updates, which included links to articles, videos and gallery of Barak Obama (BarakObama.com). Moreover, the website did not remain just as a presentation, instead it was a multifaceted platform where the viewers could make calls in supporting Obama, volunteer programmes, or donate to the fundraising events. In the same way, the ‘My.BarakObama.Com’ section of the website enhanced a special platform for the youngsters who are already on the social sites, allowing them to create their own blogs or groups within the website with access to photos and videos. Social Media Social media can be considered as the living environment or necessary tool for the youth, where a lot of marketing strategies seem working. From the records (Guido, 2011), the social media network created by the campaign team contained about 3,500,000 friends for Obama, besides having the huge online subscriptions on

ANTH 419 Anthropology of Religion Final Take-home Exam Questions (20%) Essay

ANTH 419 Anthropology of Religion Final Take-home Exam Questions (20%) - Essay Example The inattention to sexuality and gender contradicts with the liveliness of gender studies in the recent decades. Sex comes out as a multifaceted social construct, a phenomenon that is complex and is viewed differently by the society (Reilly & Scriver, 2013). Without any doubt, various religious rituals, beliefs and practices shape the gender and sexuality of people in the society. In most religions, if not all, certain practices are designated by the male part of the societies (Reilly & Scriver, 2013). The females are also required to act in a unique way as per the demands of those practices. Within any organized religion, there exist beliefs that seek to address the true nature of sexuality and gender and also the appropriateness of various sexual behaviors. People confined within such religions have diverging levels of agreement(s) with the doctrines of such religions. Gender and sexuality are crucial in religions (Reilly & Scriver, 2013). There are religions that lack the official ground on the purpose of sexuality or gender. These two are regarded by most religious beliefs to represent temptation, a gift, an emotional enforcement and a means of procreation. In many religions, sexuality and gender are deemed as spiritual (Reilly & Scriver, 2013). Others primarily treat the issues to be physical. Some believe that sexuality and gender are only spiritual within the limits of certain kinds of relationship when employed for given purpose. Other religions do not see the difference between the spirituality and physicality of gender. Such religions teach the existence of spiritual-physical mind and that sex and religion seek to fill the gap. Using the religious practices of the Jewish and Hijras of India, there is concrete evidence that religions portray the differences in gender and sexuality. Thus, the approach is to show various similarities and differences of the Jewish and

Should the UK join the euro Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Should the UK join the euro - Essay Example Thus it means giving up the traditional pound for a new European wide single medium of exchange that is already in circulation. Moreover, this would also facilitate the adoption of a common EU monetary policy. That is why the British government too is unhappy with the idea because it entails transferring power and economic decision making to the EU bureaucracy. However, the government is not fundamentally opposed as long as there are demonstrated economic benefits of doing so. Also, if it does decide to join, it is a tough decision to make as to precisely when to join the bandwagon because this could have economic consequences too. Then there is the period of turbulence to endure before things settle. The main benefits of joining are due to the removal of economic barriers that hinder trading. A common currency does away with exchange rate fluctuations and transaction costs. This for example, makes investment more attractive in the UK. So we have the potential to gain in the areas of trade and investment but these benefits must be weighed against the effects of the loss of autonomy over macroeconomic policies and other complications. By not joining though, the UK risks being marginalised within the EU. And, the euro currency is a growing in strength. It is now â€Å"the world’s largest by cash value† (Stevenson, 2009). A successful European wide monetary policy requires that there is economic parity or at least a convergence in the economic circumstances between the euro-adopting states. For instance, if the rest of the EU fares better than the UK during the looming recession, interest rates are likely to be high and this would exasperate the financial difficulties of UK businesses and cause even lower output. On the other hand, low interest rates can cause higher inflation. This shows that the decision of joining and when to join is very much tied to concerns over the level of convergence and interest rates and the impact this could have

How and In What Ways Information Technology Has Changed How We Essay

How and In What Ways Information Technology Has Changed How We Collaborate - Essay Example Information technology, which is a core element of information, has influenced many aspects of organizations. First, the adoption of IT has led to changes in the organizational structures. The organizational structure refers to the arrangement of authority and communication relationships as well as a workflow in an organization (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2008; Golembiewski, 2000). The type of organizational structure influences the level and nature of collaboration in the organization. Hierarchical organizational structures limit collaboration because they tend to focus on top-down collaborations. However, flat organizational structures enhance collaboration across the organization because people from different levels or different departments within the same level can communicate easily. The integration of IT into organizations has influenced the transformation of organizational structures from the hierarchical structures that prevailed before the development of IT to flat organizational structures with little hierarchical levels. Therefore, with the adoption of IT, the barriers to communication and collaboration that existed in organizations because of the hierarchical structure were eliminated or reduced. Organizations that have adopted IT have increasingly reduced the hierarchical levels in favor of flat structures. In a flat organization, people working in the different departments can easily communicate without having to follow the strict hierarchical and bureaucratic systems of communication and authority.

Religion in Things Fall Apart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Religion in Things Fall Apart - Essay Example The novel is one of the most influential of twentieth-century works of literature and is considered to be one of the landmark novels in English literature and postcolonial literature. What constitutes a man in the novel can be seen from the description of what constitutes success within the Igbo tribe, according to Achebe. This would include worldly success as well as the spiritual ascent. This is indicated through a variety of gestures within the novel on the part of the writer and the other members of the society that the novelist is a part of. The idea of the man is then derived not only from the material aspects of life but also from the spiritual; aspects of it. This can be seen from the fact that Okonkwo is also assigned spiritual responsibilities as a result of the social position that he held. He is assigned the responsibility of taking care of Ikemefuna, something that becomes very important as far as the progression of the plot is concerned. Apart from this, the fact that O konkwo is a part of the Igbo priesthood is also very significant as it points to his position within the spiritual society of the Igbo community. His removal from the priesthood is also accompanied by a fall in his social status and this points towards a connection between religion and society in the material sense of it as far as the Igbo community was concerned. The aim of life in such a society is to regenerate the society itself through a flourishing of human lives. This is what the religion also enjoins as is seen from the high price that it places upon the crime of murder. The price that Okonkwo has to pay for the one mistake that he makes is enormous. This can also be seen to be a worldview that he shares in when he says, â€Å"my children do not resemble me. Where are the young suckers that will grow when the old banana tree dies?† (Achebe). This emphasis on the regeneration of the society and the urge to see oneself in the future generations can then be seen to be th e basis of a social form of religion in Things Fall Apart. These lies are the story of how Okonkwo is unable to be satisfied with his own son and often compares him to his father who he felt was not somebody who had led a productive life. What is true and what is false, is also something that like traditional western religions, do not have their basis entirely in rationality and scientific beliefs. The beliefs that are upheld are often arbitrary and the very nature of the traditional religion supports this kind of an ambiguity in the ways in which religion works within traditional African society. This is then the result of a great many years of ossification of the traditional structures of religion. Such structures are then broken down in the face of colonialism within the novel. As important as an analysis of the traditional structures of the religion is the idea of the changes that were brought about in these ideas of tradition by

Identifying Methods of Assessing Organizational Culture Assignment

Identifying Methods of Assessing Organizational Culture - Assignment Example However, caution should be taken to ask only questions which are relevant to the topic of organization’s culture. If done as outlined, answers can be got from the interviewees and generalized for understanding the entire organization’s culture. On the other hand, while assessing organization’s culture qualitatively, I would suggest the use of survey. Here, a more scientific approach is applied in the examination of different aspects and elements of an organization’s culture (Lazidou, 2008). The records gotten from the studies are then analyzed and generalized as the findings for the whole organization. While doing it, measures should be taken to ensure that only closed ended questions are used. Valid results can be gotten from surveys conducted through the use of questionnaires, telephone conversations and face-to-face communications between the person conducting the assessment and the target respondents (Moody, Horton-Deutsch & Pesut, 2007). All the questions should be asked about different issues revolving around the organization’s culture. So, just like the qualitative interview, quantitative survey can be a very resourceful tool in evaluating the culture of an organization, but only if properly, ke enly, professionally and cautiously

Habitat for Humanity Essay Example for Free

Habitat for Humanity Essay Habitat for Humanity originated at Koinonia Farm, which is a small Christian farming community located outside of Americus, Georgia. Clarence Jordan brought the idea to Millard Fuller, who is the founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International. They developed the idea of â€Å"partnership housing,† calling for families in need of a home to partner with volunteers to build affordable homes. In 1975 Fuller and his wife Linda established Habitat for Humanity with one clear vision in mind â€Å"a world where everyone has a decent place to live. † Habitats ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christs love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only – it must be true love, which shows itself in action, this is the full forces that lead Fuller and his wife to establish this organization. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. The idea of Habitat for Humanity is to work in partnership with God and people to build decent, affordable, houses in which people can live and grow into all what God has intended. The Fuller’s vision has become a successful reality that has presently helped build over 500,000 homes and helped over 2.5 million people worldwide. Habitat for humanity is operated based on two main sources: donations and mortgage payments of the homeowners. Donations generate from individuals, foundations, and businesses their monies are used to purchase land and materials. The no-interest mortgage payments made by current Habitat homeowners greatly contribute to support the construction of additional Habitat homes. Some organizations such as Ameri-Corp may pay their volunteers with school courses and materials in return for their time. Habitat for Humanity’s crucial point is not just to build a house and help people to be under a roof, but their main goal is to build a clean, decent, and stable house for families: these families can provide stability to their children, the sense of dignity and pride grows for these families; health, physical safety, and security improves, educational and job prospects. My experience at Habitat for Humanity was a powerful and passionate one. Amazingly, one of the most precious gifts we can give one another is – time. A couple of hours or days can translate into a lifetime of hopefulness and commitment to strive and I had the opportunity to experience this reality, throughout my experience at the Habitat. I have learned what the meaning of passion is mainly because I’ve had the genuine sentiment to finish the work I’ve started, along with many other people that shared this experience with me. The other thing that I discovered about passion is how easy it is to be a family with people you have met for the first time if you open your heart to them and let them be part of your life. The other thing I found about passion is the skills that I have that would help to repair the universe. In this experience I found something that has deepened my faith that God created each one of us uniquely with specific skills that not everybody has; therefore, this experience helped me to find skills that I am going to use to help building the world again with passion and also the experience and realize that the simple usage of my hands can a the life of a family. The people that I met at Habitat for Humanity were dedicated to their jobs. As I approached the job site, I noticed several groups of people who were putting their time and organization into this home-building project. They invested hundreds of hours of sweat into building houses to help low income families. Some days, community volunteers spend more than eight hours working on the houses. To complete their jobs, volunteers overcame obstacles such as: lack of supplies, unusable wood, and lack of enough workers. The employees and volunteers I met were motivated to overcome obstacles to help families in need. Though they may not have had the best materials, they used what they had in order to complete the job. Many of these materials come from the Re-Store; this store sells donations mostly given by the community. The funds collected are used for materials and other services that are required. Volunteers must be willing to work in the heat and endure a lot of intense physical labor. Wall-framing, installing dry wall, plumbing and roofing are skills that the organization needs from volunteers. The volunteers I worked with were willing to endure the heat and physical labor in order to help low income families who need a home. If you are looking for a place where you can make a huge impact on society, Habitat for Humanity is the place. People of all backgrounds, races, and religions are invited to build houses for people in our community. Habitat for Humanity is capable of working with each volunteer’s skill level. Don’t be afraid of hard work. No matter what goes on in your life, you will always remember all of the positive things you have done to help out in your community. In conclusion, Habitat for Humanity does such essential work and by that work they recognize the concept of passion and Christianity, and the other thing about them is they recognize that there are needs in the world and these needs should be met with their work. My experience helped me change my idea about service and the real meaning of service, and it let me be familiar with the big three R’s- restoration, reparation, and reconciliation that are the keys for service. The three R’s were spoken among many of the volunteers that I met, indeed the R’s simply describe this experience, the other thing I found is that dedicating myself is another important part of service because without dedicating myself, the work that we need to do to repair the universe would not be as perfect as how it should be.

Existentialism and Metamorphosis Essay Example for Free

Existentialism and Metamorphosis Essay Existentialism is defined as a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of one’s experience and accountability. Its focus is the make on the personal reflections that these make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe. Its philosophy is meticulous that, in a nutshell, advocates a diverse arsenal of responses and solutions to the ‘existentialist attitude’; which, essentially, is what an individual feels when confronted by the absurdity of life. Throughout humanity, rumination and self-proclaimed ‘ultimate’ truths have assumed various forms: poetry, religion, and numerous other doctrines and textual works. In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka narrates the ramifications of a metamorphosis in which the subject and protagonist, a man named Gregor Samsa, is transformed into a bug. Despite the novella’s literary methods and influences, the most prominent being the way Kafka so nonchalantly describes such irregularity in his life, The Metamorphosis is also hailed as a prime textual work of existentialism, the previously mentioned philosophical movement. Both prior and subsequent to the transformation, Kafka portrays Gregor as a man who seems lost within himself, and lacking identity. The reminiscences of his past are neither nostalgic nor poignant: his human life is seen to revolve solely around trivial matters. His social life pays the price from this, his failure to assert a concrete and consistent existence. The extent of his lack of individuality is further exemplified by his reaction to the metamorphosis: finding himself â€Å"transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect† (Kafka, 296), he prioritizes work over all else, even in his newly equated insect form. Furthermore, he panics because â€Å"the next train went at seven o’clock; to catch that he would need to hurry like mad and his samples weren’t even packed up† (297). Gregor’s identity crisis is a device for conveying Kafka’s belief of an impersonal society where individualism is drastically mitigated as a result of excessive materialism. Gregor, in the context of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground analogy, would be the ‘ant’ in the anthill— thus rendering his metamorphosis ironically. Another dominant theme prevalent throughout the novella is the absurd situation Gregor is confronted by. These nonsensical happenings (296-327) reflect the world as seen from the existentialist perspective: a world absent of a rational and comprehensive objective. Jean-Paul Sartre postulated that ‘every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance’. This meaninglessness is precisely what Gregor is victim to in the microcosm of society that Kafka generates: Gregor flounders about, beleaguered by absurdity and helplessness, presumably because he is unaware of Nietzsche and Kierkegaard’s somewhat consoling conclusions that one must devise meaning for one’s own existence ex nihilo. Once again, Kafka utilizes a combination of plot and character to convey his angst concerning an apparently pointless existence. Freedom— or rather the lack thereof— is another existentialist tenet that Kafka addresses. Gregor is depicted as someone constrained by self-imposed burdens, the most demanding being the role as the financial pillar of the family. Despite having the freedom to repudiate this role, Gregor instead pursues it with feverish ardor to the extent that it becomes his ‘sole desire’ (310). Yet his harangue regarding his career (297-298) reveals that this is not due to personal desire, but rather the belief that he must replace his father financially, regardless of preference. Gregor’s delusion regarding an absence of choice contradicts what Kafka perceives as the truth: that freedom is ubiquitous in spite of any ethical obligations we may be expected to adhere to, and that the individual defines his or herself via one’s decisions. A quasi-motto of existentialism coined by Sartre, ‘existence precedes essence’. In conclusion, Kafka employs the fictional literary elements he constructs to address the very non-fictional, existentialist aspects of society and life. Akin to Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground, it can be interpreted as both a rumination and tirade against impersonal communities, restriction of freedom, and the absurdity of life.

Social and Economic Impact of Tuberculosis

Social and Economic Impact of Tuberculosis Introduction Overview Tuberculosis is a common and infectious communicable disease that is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is of two principle kinds: pulmonary TB, which usually attacks the lungs, and extra-pulmonary TB, which attacks any part of the body, such as: the lymphatic, pleural, bone and/or joint, genitourinary, miliary, peritoneal, meninges and/or central nervous system (CNS), and all other sites combined. Pulmonary TB sometimes combined with extra pulmonary tuberculosis (Parimon, 2008; Sreeramareddy et al., 2008; Friedman, 2001). Tuberculosis is spread in form of droplets which are expelled when the infected persons cough, sneeze, speak, or sing. Close, prolonged, frequent, or intense contacts are the main ways that leads to 22% of the infection rate. Other resources include: foreign-born from areas where TB is common, residents and employees living in plagued congregate settings, health care workers who serve severely infected clients, low-income populations, highly inflicted racial or ethnic minority populations, children exposed to severely infected adults, and persons who inject illicit drugs. Extra pulmonary TB that occurs outside the lungs may spread through lymphatic or hematogenous dissemination to any tract or through coughing and swallowing to the gastrointestinal tract. Such a type of bacteria may remain dormant for years at a particular site before causing the disease. Since extra pulmonary TB can affect virtually all organs, it has a wide variety of clinical manifestations. A matter which causes difficulty and delay in its diagnosis (Mehta, 1991; Gonzalez et al., 2003). Though, it is said to be more often diagnosed in women and young patients (Rieder et al., 1990; Gonzalez et al., 2003; Yang et al., 2004; Noertjojo et al., 2002; Cowie and Sharpe, 1997; Antony et al., 1995; Chan-Yeung et al.,2002). In the United States, extra pulmonary TB is associated with ethnic minorities and with those born in other countries (Rieder et al., 1990) while in Asia, lymphatic TB occupies the front position of the risky infectious diseases (Cowie and Sharpe, 1997, 1998; Moudgil and Leitch, 1994; Nisar et al., 1991; Ormerod, et al., 1991). A study of Somali TB patients in Minnesota showed frequent lymphatic TB as well (Kempainen, et al., 2001). In HIV-infected patients, the frequency of extra pulmonary TB depends on the degree of decrease in cellular immunity (Huebner and Castro, 1995; Barnes, et.al., 1991). While in patients with

John Griffins Black Like Me :: Black Like Me Essays

John Griffin's Black Like Me All men are created equal... or are they? John Griffin's "Black Like Me" shows how racism is nothing more then the foolish misunderstanding of man. White's current superiority hangs in the balance as Blacks become tired of being the minority, in the late 1950's. Even though this struggle isn't as dreadful as it was then, it still exists. The certainty of racism can't be ignored but it will soon disappear as generations mix. Racial discrepancies challenge the unity of human civilization. John Griffin had a biting curiosity which he could no longer stand. What was life truly like, for a black man in the deep south? He sought the real answer to this by darkening his skin with extreme amounts of medication. A new skin color determines everything and John is now thrown into a new world that he was in no way prepared for. He was no longer John, an average but respected white novelist, he was a black man and that is all that mattered. Simple pleasers like a drink of water or the use of a restroom become near impossible. John, at first was puzzled by this, but soon realized that it was not his personality, his age, but his blackness that made him a disgrace in the eyes of an average white person. If he were white, a white store owner would have not hesitated in the slightest to allow such privileges. How could these people be so blind as to not see that a black person breathes the same air, eats the same food, and has the same internal functions as themselves? This misunderstanding stares them in the face and they can't see it. Their selfishness and fear is completely unnecessary but it remains because the whites have never been exposed to any other way of life. This is why the whites can not allow such common privileges to Mr. Griffin or any other black person. To treat a black as an equal was absolutely unheard of. Fatigued from rejection and many actions which would be declared unconstitutional, the blacks must do something so their future generations do not suffer the same. This desire for action only stirs a greater terror within the (racist) white community. People like, Martin Luther King Jr. begin to surface. He and many others aspire to show the blacks that they are equal human beings. Its strange to think that most blacks thought a white was better just because that is what they were brought up to believe. This new realization

Taizong versus Al Mawardi in Politics and Religion Essay examples -- e

The Taizong handout and the Al Mawardi source can be compared through their religious and political similarities and differences. These two sources have many similarities, yet they also have some key differences. They differ, for example, in their views of: ways a ruler or emperor should rule their government or empire, the use of the military, and the similarity between who will succeed and or shall be chosen for a right task in government. It seems as if the Islamic structure for government is much more strict than the Tang Dynasty, based on the fact that the Islamic government must follow the Koran and Hadith. One difference between the Taizong handout and the Al Mawardi source is the way an emperor or caliphate shall rule their government or empire. The Islamic ruler or caliph was elected by the people, which was the idea of the majority of the population, the Sunni’s. The job of caliph or ruler involved strict religious and political duties. The power of the government was complete as long as its ruler or caliph stuck to the Koran and Hadith. If something clashed with the Koran it could not be done. A ruler could not broaden his will so that he will be able to accept heaven and earth. The ruler had to follow the words of the Koran and had to follow the Islamic law, Hadith. The Islamic ruler at the time had to follow the Koran and Hadith, thus if this ruler did follow the Koran and Hadith it would constitute him and a good ruler. Emperor Taizong on the other hand believed there are other ways for an Emperor to act. Based on Confucian philosophy, â€Å"When the ruler looks as lofty and firm as a mountain peak and as pure, bright and illuminating as the sun and moon, the people will admire and respect him†. If this Emperor did... ...ons for the caliph. Knowledge about the religion, Hadith, and the government is required to be a caliph. One difference between Taizong’s advice and Al Mawardi’s ideas is the fact that in the Tang Dynasty there was Confucianism within the government, it was the examination system. To become part of the Tang Dynasty government, one must pass a Confucian based test. If one does pass the test they become part of the government. â€Å"Those with low intelligence or capability should not be entrusted with heavy tasks or responsibilities. If the right person is given the right task, the government can be governed with ease. Whether the emperor gets hold of the right person for the right task determines whether his empire will be well governed.† Determining whether the emperor gets the right person for the right job will determine how long the government and Dynasty shall last.

Essay --

Through the various events in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain presents the life of a young, adventurous character named Huck. This interesting character embarks on the Mississippi River through the novel along with a runaway slave named Jim. The Mississippi River serves as symbols of protection, retreat from society, and Huck's true morality. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain contrasts life on water to life on land through Huckleberry's experiences. Mark Twain uses the Mississippi River as a symbol showing protection from danger. Several instances in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn include this contrast of the carefree and safe river and the dangerous and mischevious land. Huck and Jim encounter two con men, the King and the Duke, on land. The King and Duke put on a dramatic show for the town making them believe that they are the Wilks' brothers and are from England. Huck only knows the truth behind con men's tricks, and thus another troublesome event on land emerges. The Mississippi River actually protects him from all danger throughout the novel....

Nursing Management

Contents GLOSSARY ABSTRACT/SUMMARY INTRODUCTION DM 45 DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT STYLE 1. Self- assessment analysis 2. Stakeholders analysis 3. S. W. O. T analysis DM 46 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION DM 47 MANAGING PERFORMANCE DM 48 DEVELOPING TEAMS & INDIVIDUALS RECOMMENDATION REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDIX Glossary D. O. H – Department Of Health N. H. S – National Health Service N. S. F – National Service Framework P. E. S. T. O – Political Economical Social Technological Others 7 S – Shared Values Strategy Structure System Staff Style Skill S. M. A. R. T – Specific Measurable Achievable RealisticTime-bound S. W. O. T – Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Abstract/Summary I am currently working as a Charge Nurse/ Deputy Ward Manager on Ward X , a Diabetic and Renal ward based at a North London Hospital. The ward contains 21 acute medical male beds and a team of 28 staffs which includes 6 student nurses, 2 domestics, 1 ward clerk, 7 h ealth care assistants, 6 junior nurses, 4 senior nurses and 2 ward sister/charge nurse. Some of my main responsibilities on the ward includes the assessment of care needs for patients, the development of programmes of care and their implementation and valuation and most importantly carrying out all relevant forms of care without direct supervision, and demonstrate procedures to, and supervise qualified and unqualified staff and contribute to the overall good of the organisation by being a positive role model and treating all staff, visitors and service users with courtesy (Appendix 1). In this assignment I will demonstrate the use of knowledge, management concepts and theories that I have acquired while undertaking this module of Managing People and relate them to my clinical area.Certain area of practice will be identified, analysed and evaluated through effective people management using the CLINLAP model (Jumaa (1997) ), ( Jumaa & Alleyne (2001) ) within the ward setting. ‘C LINLAP is defined as a strategic nursing leadership and learning process that positions strategic learning as a driving force within health and social care organisations, on a day to day basis, in the management of nursing goals; nursing roles; nursing processes; and nursing relationships’ (Jumaa & Alleyne, 1997 & 2001)Introduction The National service frameworks (NSFs) are long term strategies for improving specific areas of care. They set measurable goals within set time frames. NSFs: †¢ set national standards and identify key interventions for a defined service or care group †¢ put in place strategies to support implementation †¢ establish ways to ensure progress within an agreed time scale †¢ form one of a range of measures to raise quality and decrease variations in service, introduced in The New NHS and A First Class Service.The NHS Plan re-emphasised the role of NSFs as drivers in delivering the Modernisation Agenda. Each NSF is developed with the a ssistance of an External Reference Group (ERG) which brings together health professionals, service users and carers, health service managers, partner agencies, and other advocates. ERGs adopt an inclusive process to engage the full range of views. The Department of Health supports the ERGs and manages the overall process. (DOH, (2005) )The NSF makes it clear that the NHS is committed to building a modernisation programme to provide high quality patient care and improving the working lives of all NHS staff. In terms of patient care, it draws the attention to the need to look at each service from the patient’s point of view and to ensure that a patient focus is embedded in the culture. In order to achieve this, new and better ways of working are required through, for example: – Investing in the workforce in terms of more staff and better training Giving frontline staff responsibility, freedom, skills and resources to do a better job, using their initiative for local inno vation within national standards – Reducing bureaucracy whilst increasing accountability so that there are clear and transplant process for holding the NHS to account for their delivery of services – Requiring staff to work effectively in teams, for example, through managed clinical networks – Working in partnership with staff and involving them through representationNHS is critically dependent on its employees for delivering the strategic and operational goals at corporate, departmental, functional and team levels and managing people efficiently and effectively has become a central part of the ward manager/sister/charge nurse’s task at all levels particularly with a view to improving the performance of employees and thereby the performance of the NHS in delivering services. Ward managers increasingly are being expected to take great responsibility or the personnel management aspects of their work. This implies that we are able to function effectively in 4 key aspects of managing people : – Developing our own management style – Employee recruitment and selection – Managing performance by motivating and developing staffs – Developing Teams and Individuals by improving staffs performance at both individual and team levels. Dm 45 Developing Management Style In this unit I will identify 3 ways of assessing my current skills and competence as a manager.These methods will allow me to discern clearly my strenghs and weaknesses and thereby identify areas on the ward in which improvements can be made and devise action plans which will then be monitored for progress. The 3 methods chosen will be, firstly self-assessment and analysis through appraisal, secondly the stakeholder analysis tool and thirdly the SWOT analysis tool. Self- assessment analysis Self-assessment steps :- 1. Arrange a meeting with Ward Manager to agree on an appraisal date. 2. Ward Manager distributes pre-appraisal meeting self-assessment form. Appendix 2) 3. Work through the pre-appraisal form making notes and identifying potential areas for improvement. (Appendix 2) 4. Meeting with Ward Manager on agreed appraisal date. Work through the Personal Development Plan form (Appendix 3) to reach agreement on the current performance and potential areas for improvement 5. Following the meeting the Ward Manager distributes completed Personal Development Plan and list of potential areas for improvement 6. Ward Manager agrees and complete draft action plan to forward to Matron 7.Matron follows up and verifies the Personal Development Plan. (Appendix 3) 8. Action plan agreed with matron. Ensure that all points on the action plan meet the SMART (Jumaa & Alleyne, (1998))criteria: Specific, Measurable, Action based, Realistic and Time bound. (Appendix 3) Stakeholders analysis An integral part of the clinical governance review process is feedback from stakeholders. The Hospital’s definition of stakeholders includes staff, patients , relatives of patients, carers, other local NHS organisations, voluntary groups and other people with an interest in the trust.The information provided through stakeholder work helps shape some of the areas that the clinical governance review will concentrate on. Clinical Governance is a framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish. It aims to create not only a culture, but systems and ways of working which assure that the safety and the quality of care is at the heart of the business at every level. Appendix 1, Unit 5) As a Deputy ward manager it is important for me to take into account feedback from stakeholders for effective managerial performance and to provide high standards of care. In order to do so the table that I have produced below will help me to identify the role of individuals, or st akeholder groups who are involved or affected by the clinical governance programme and can thereby affect its success or failure. Stakeholder analysis chart | |Programme |Organisation |External | | | | | | | | | |Clinical Governance |Hospital |Diabetes UK , Patients | | | | |Staffs, Patients |Relatives, carers, PCTs| |Who wants the team to: |Succeed | |Yes |Yes | | |Fail | |No |No | |Who is betting on the |Succeeding | |Yes |Yes | |team: | | | | | | |Failing | |No |No | |Who is supporting the |Visibly | |Yes |No | |team: | | | | | | |Invisibly | |No |Yes | |Whose success: |Affects the team | |Yes |No | | |Does the team affect | |Yes |Yes | |Who does the team’s |Benefit | |Yes |No | |change: | | | | | | |Damage | |Yes |No | |Who can the team’s |Happen without | |No |Yes | |change: | | | | | | |Not happen without | |Yes |Yes |In the above table it can be noted that the group of stakeholder who are mostly involved and influence a programme are mainly the patients and the staffs. As part of my objectives I will in future concentrate on feed back from my staff on the ward and our group of patients. This can be achieve by organising ward meetings with staffs or actually having a one-to-one interview with them at least once in a month. As for feedback from patients this can be organised by their allocated staff nurse in the form of an informal one-to-one interview at some point prior to the patient being discharged home. SWOT analysis A SWOT analysis is a tool, used in management and strategy formulation. It can help to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of an organisation.Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors that create or destroy value. They can include assets, skills or resources that the ward has at its disposal to provide care to patients. They can be measured using an internal assessment tool such as Peters & Waterman’s 7S’s. The table below will help me assess the internal factors of the ward and identify my goals and make them SMART (Jumaa & Alleyne (2001)) This will help me to identify areas for development. Shared Values Current: The ward believes in team working providing quality care Goal: To support staffs and encourage them to carry on working as a team Provide them with feedback from patient on quality of care on the ward. StrategyCurrent: The ward believes in staffs further development and clinical skills. Goal: To send every qualified staff on in–house study days to develop their clinical skills Structure Current: Staffs does not communicate clearly between each other to promote continuity of Care. Goal: To meet up with staffs on a one-to-one basis or ward meeting and discuss appropriate communication. System Current: Staff appraisals only being carried out once in a year Goal: To discuss with manager if appraisals can be done every 6 months Staff Current: The trust is introducing Senior Health Care Assistant posts.Goal: Identify if any of the present Health Care Assistants on the ward are suitable candidates for the post by appropriate supervision. Style Current : The ward has a team with multicultural staffs Goal: Encourage staffs to respect each others cuture and thereby work more efficiently. Skill Current: The ward has staffs with different skill mix. Goal: Give positive feedback on their skills and encourage them to share their knowledge and attend study days to expand them. Opportunities and threats are external factors that create or destroy value. Usually an organisation cannot control them and they emerge from Political, Economical, Social, Technological and Others.The assessment below using PESTO will help me to identify the goals set up by external factors and which needs to be included on the ward to meet expectations and thereby identify areas for my own professional development. Political Current: The NHS Plan outlines a new delivery system for the NHS and changes for social services, and changes for NHS staff groups. It also sets out plans for cutting waiting times, clinical priorities and reducing inequality. Goal: Have regular ward meetings to discuss with team how to incorporate changes on the ward. Economical Current: The NHS budget has doubled since 1997, and will have almost trebled by 2008.All NHS organisations including my ward are receiving above inflation funding increases, both this year and next. Goal: Meet up with team and prioritise our expenses so we can work within our budget Sociological Current: The Hospital accommodate patients from different ethical background and beliefs. Goal: Ensure that the trust can meet certain requirements for its ethnic minority group. For example providing them with special diet like halal meal in the case of muslim patients. Technological Current: The trust is currently using advance computer system to handle patients’ data. Goal: Ensure that members of the staffs who are not computer literate attend IT course for quicker access to patient†™s data. OtherCurrent: The Hospital has performed well in maintaining and encouraging ‘The clean our hands campain’ and reducing the risk of cross infection Goal: Encourage the team by giving them positive feedback and reinforce infection control policy. DM 46 Recruitment and Selection Once a trust has decided on its goals, it is essential that it identifies whether it has the people necessary to achieve them. Trusts need to develop ways of assessing the number of employees that they need to provide specific services. The implications of the recent policy changes in the NHS are that there will be further major changes in the numbers and deployment of employees across trusts. DOH, (2005)) As a Deputy Ward Manager part of my responsibilities is also to have a clear view of the number of staffs that we have on the ward and the number that we need to deliver the trust’s objectives. Currently on my ward we have vacancies for 2 permanent Senior Staff nurses post prev iously known as grade E. The new post which is now named Band 5b according to the agenda for change has been created by the trust due to our increase in bed turnover and high demand of standards of care. Before the posts were advertised I had a meeting with my Ward Manager and Matron so we can focus on the basic stages of recruitment which are: 1. Agree the vacancy 2. Prepare a job description 3. Prepare a person specification 4. Attract applicants through good advertisement(Appendix 4a) 5. Selection 6. InductionIt is important for us team leaders to use vacancies as an opportunity for re-assessing people’s needs and the organisation’s structure so objectives can be achieved. Therefore an agreement between team leaders is important to reach our goals. – After the agreement me and my ward manager we devised the job description and person specification taking into account an analysis of the following criterias (Kneeland, (1999)) : – the present or expected duties of the job – changes which might impact on the job in the future – existing duties which might be done more effectively or efficiently by some one else – new duties that could be added to the job While preparing the job description my manager and I focused on 5 important aspects which were: Accuracy in order not to understate or overstate the role and duties associated with the post. (Appendix 4b, Section A) – Clarity in terms of tasks, duties, roles and responsibilities(Appendix 4, Section B) – Up-to-date (Appendix 4b, Section A, E) – Flexibility (Appendix 4b, Section A, B) – Non-discriminatory particularly in terms of gender,marital status or ethinic background The use of person specifications have a different purpose and it actually aims to identify the qualifications, skills, experience and abilities which are seen as essential or desirable in the post-holder and is used primarily to assist those involved in the selection p rocess. (Appendix 5)After the posts were advertised and the applications received me and my ward manager short-listed 8 candidates out of 23 applications. This was undertaken by eliminating those who did not meet the pre-agreed essential requirements as set out in the person specification. (Appendix 5). For example some candidates did not have the knowledge of the KSF of Diabetes which is an essential requirement for the post as we specialise in this area or did not have a minimum of 12 months experience as a qualified staff nurse. We made sure that the necessary information about the selection process were recorded and appropriate feedback given to unsuccessfull candidates about their performance at the interview.Once the 2 candidates out of the 8 were successfull and appointed, it was important for me to plan induction and development for them. Given the investment made in new employees it is important that they should receive an appropriate induction so they can bring maximum con tribution to the trust. At the Whittington Hospital, the trust induction covers areas such as the trust objectives so that the employee understands what they are trying to achieve, personal objectives so that the staff understands what is expected from them and relevant immediate training so that the person can properly undertake their job. Though it is a policy for every new employees to attend the trust nduction, I would personally recommend that all new starters on my ward should have a mentor to supervise them for at least the first 2 weeks of employment or even suggest an informal visit to the ward prior to interview so that candidates feel that the working environment is appropriate for their futur development. DM 47 Managing Performance Performance management encompasses a range of standard management techniques and is not necessarily a formal system and is not necessarily the same as an appraisal system. (Templar, (2001)). On my ward, performance management systems is a comm on benefit which enable my staffs to see more clearly their role on the ward and the trust’s objectives. The key elements of managing my group of staffs involve setting objectives for the ward, assessing their development needs, making it happen, review it and doing better. Staffs on the ward need to know what is expected of them. Setting objectives which are S. M. A. R.T for action means that they can be sure what they should deliver, when and how. (Appendix 6). Discussion about individual objectives will also enable my staffs to understand why they should do the things that they have to do and how they fit into and contribute to the wider goals and aims of the trust. It is important to assess the training and development needs of my staffs to improve their ability to reach the standards of performance expected of them in their jobs. This process should result in planned actions to meet individual needs, and will, where appropriate. (Appendix 6). In order to make the assessm ent happened, communication between me and my staffs should be improved.Many tangible and intangible factors contribute to an effective working environment. As a deputy manager it is important for me to focus on the creation of a shared understanding and sense of purpose in my workplace, in particular, communication,culture and climate. Good communication is essential for effective performance management. For example on my ward internal communication such as team briefings, staff meeting, noticeboards and emails enables me and my ward manager to ensure that all our staffs are clear about the ward’s goals and that messages are given and received to and from staffs. This include aims and objectives as well training and development opportunities.People’s performance is affected by their working environment. Morale,motivation, frustration, enthusiasm and commitment all influence the performance that the trust can achieve, so understanding what is important to staffs and li stening to and acting on their views is an essential part of organising effectively. (Templar, (2001)). Having set objectives for individual staffs it is essential that performance and progress are regularly reviewed with individuals so that staffs feel recognised for their achievement and can identify areas where performance can improve. Reviews are necessary to improve individual and organisational performance but at the same time identify poor performance.The scenario below will demonstrate a situation where one of my junior staff nurse was constantly showing poor performance on the ward and the action taken against her. Scenario: Miss X, a junior staff nurse on the ward has been persistently coming late to work and is very slow in carrying out her daily tasks. Several members of Senior staff nurses have been reporting to me that standard of care for the group of patient she was looking after, has been deteriorating. I had a formal meeting on a one-to-one basis with Miss X where her poor performance issues were raised and an action plan was devised. It was discussed that she will be on a 3 months probation and will be supervised at all times by a senior member of staff and feedback will be given to me if her performance was improving.A copy of her job description and a self-assessment form was provided to her so she can set her personal objectives and discuss it with my manager or myself. The disciplinary and grievance process of the trust states that no disciplinary action will be taken against an employee until the case has been fully investigated. However, it should be recognised that there may be occasions when a full investigation is impossible e. g imprisonment. For example individuals will be informed of specific complaints against them in writing and will be given the opportunity to state their case directly to those who are considering disciplinary action before any decisions are made.Individuals and their Trade Union representative will be given a written explanation of any penalty imposed and its duration and in the case of written warnings , will have the right to appeal against this penalty. Usually no employee will normally be dismissed for a first breach of discipline except in cases of gross misconduct where summary dismissal without notice or pay in lieu of notice will be appropriate sanction. It, should, however, be recognised that there will be occasions, not covered by gross misconduct, when it will be necessary, because of the seriousness of the offence, for disciplinary action to begin at any stage of the procedure up to and including dismissal with notice for a first offence. (The Hospital disciplinary and grievance policy, (2006) )In the case of a first offence or disciplinary measures my role will be to discuss it first with my line manager as they are the one who are allowed to issue oral warning, dismissals and discuss the circumstances with Human Resources. DM 48 Developing Teams & individuals To get the be st from employees, managers need to know who will be doing what, where the strengths and weaknesses of staffs are and which skills need to be developed by their teams. Properly set, achievable objectives that make clear what is expected, by when and to what standard, benefit both staffs and managers by clarifying roles and responsibilities, and assist in delivering value for money in the use of people resources.Setting performance objectives with staffs will also enable us managers to assess how our team can be best be used productively and identify any areas where staffs are producing different results and output. This can be useful in benchmarking performance and identifying individual, team and departmental areas for improved productivity. (Templar, (2001)) When performance objectives and standards are set for a team, it is necessary to assess whether the team has the skills to meet the standards being set and to agree how skills will be developed if they do not already exist. Th is is particularly important when ways of working are being changed.The Developmental plan below which has been devised with a team member and also reflect the team’s objectives as a whole, demonstrate the organisational and individual needs that can be met in many ways: Development Plan Individual/Team |Work shadowing |Get full support from Senior members of the team and provide | | |feedback. | |Special Projects |Encourage staffs to actively get involve with hospital projects such| | |as campaings. |Planned self-development |Meet at least every 6 months for appraisal and plan self | | |-development | |Mentoring |Offer support to newly qualified staff in the form of | | |mentorship/preceptorship for the first 2 weeks of joining the team | |Coaching and guidance |Provide staffs with support and guidance whenever and wherever | | |required. |Study for professional qualifications |Encourage staff to go for further studies for example encourage | | |Diploma holder to complete th eir Degree or send people for | | |specialist course such as the Diabetic Course. | |Planned delegation |Ensure that Senior staff nurses take responsibility in delegating | | |tasks to junior staffs, H. C. As and student nurses | |On-the-job training |Encourage staffs to attend in-house clinical skills study days. |New responsibilites |Allocate new rsponsibilities to members of the team. For example | | |making each member of the staff responsible for certain part of the | | |ward like for instance in charge of the treatment room’s general | | |tidiness. | |Off –the- job training |Negociate with staffs if there is any external training they want to| | |attend and provide them with leave or day off. |Job rotation/secondment |Senior staff nurses to act as team leader in the absence of myself | | |or the ward manager. | |Membership of professional societies |Encourage staffs to join professional bodies like the Royal College | | |of Nursing and UNISON | In the above table it can be noted that the individual development needs add up to the team development needs and trust-wide development needs.Individual managers must have a view of the team needs across the trust so that common needs can be met in the most cost-effective way and competing needs can be prioritised. Recommendations Staff development should be linked to the achievement of the trust’s goals and targets. If a key priority for the trust is to improve patient care, development plans at individual, team, departmental and corporate level should reflect that goal by focusing on enhancing the skills of staffs to deliver the required levels of patient care. Staffs will know which aspects of their work need support and development and are well placed to identify training and development needs to help them perform better in their jobs ReferencesDepartment of Health (2005), ‘The New NHS plan’ London D. O. H Jumaa, M. O & Alleyne, J. (2001), ‘Managing and Leading in a con stanly changing contexts in Health and Social Care’ Middlesex University Kneeland, S. (1999), ‘Recruiting for Results’ How To Books Ltd Templar, R. (2001), ‘Fast Thinking : Appraisal’ Pearson Education Ltd The Hospital (2006)‘Disciplinary and Grievance policy’ The Whittington Hospital Bibliography Belbin, R. M. (1996). ‘Managing Teams: Why they succeed or fail. ’ Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Johnson, G. & Scholes, K. (2001). ‘Exploring Corporate Strategy 6th Edition’ Prentice-Hall Martin, V. & Henderson, E. (2001). ‘Managing in Health and Social Care’ Routeledge

The Effects of Motivation on Work

In a world of abundance filled with unmatched economic lows, there has never been a greater calling for the understanding of the effects of motivation in the workplace. We will look at motivation as the light needed to see positive change in our work life, the change necessary to improve the economic stature of our family and peers. Though motivation cannot be taught, it can be stimulated by an employer or an individual. Stimulated in a way that creates the foundation to breed and exceed expectation. To understand why motivation plays such an important role in one’s career it is clearly definite we must understand the true meaning of the word and how it works in different forms. Motivation comes from the Latin root meaning â€Å"to move† (Wade & Tavris, 2009). As if this root meaning is not enough to grasp the idea, Psychologists define motivation as the process of which a person or animal move toward a goal, or away from a negative situation (Wade & Tavris, 2009). There is no difference in the way motivation works when we are trying to achieve within the workplace or the motivation to eat when we are hungry. The force it creates is the same though the desired need is different. Motivation is also broken down into two varying factors. These two factors of motivation must be understood because they influence our mentality of achieving or more so, why we choose certain aspects of following our motivations. Intrinsic motivation is the pursuit of an activity for its own sake whereas extrinsic motivation is the pursuit for external rewards (Wade & Tavris 2009). We can see that motivation propels us in a way that we consciously and subconsciously move forward to attain what it is that we seek, and it also used to push or pull away from a situation that would be possess negative attributes to our motivations. We also know that motivation is influenced by different motives. In this research paper we will discuss motivation in the workplace, be it positive, negative, or null. We will also discuss some studies behind the thoughts of how we function mentally at work, to work, and for work. Working within a company that creates a positive mental attitude mantra is detrimental to the success of the company and well-being of the employee. Companies can launch campaigns to replicate motivation, but unless the companies approach is truly sincere and consistent the value is lost. In Douglas McGregor’s book, â€Å"The Human Side of Enterprise,† published in 1960, McGregor states that human beings have a natural dislike for work and avoid it if they can (McGregor, 2010). So if we as human beings dislike work in general, how could we ever become motivated? In Frederick Herzberg’s book, â€Å"The Motivation to Work,† Herzberg discusses how a workplace can create a motivating environment for its employees. He lists factors that result in motivation and dissatisfaction in the workplace. He calls them motivators and hygiene factors (Herzberg, 2002). We will discuss the hygiene factor later in this paper. The satisfying motivators he lists are as follows: achievements, responsibility, work itself, recognition, advancement, and growth (Herzberg, 2002). These factors provide positive motivation in the work place. His beliefs of how a company can motivate also include ideas such as when an employee shows the ability to take on more responsibility the company should honor the individual, that the company should work to utilize the full capability of the employee, and that if a person’s capabilities cannot be used the company should replace the individual to maintain the state of motivation in the staff (Herzberg, 2002). A company can try all that it can to motivate the work force, but what causes one employee to be more motivated than another in the same position. An individual’s positive motivation they bring to work each day can produce tremendous success in their career. Where does their desire come from? What makes one employee more motivated than others? These are two great questions that will assist in determining what fuels an individual to perform at work with non-motivational attempts by the company. There are several conditions that positively affect our individual motives for attaining success. One answer is goals. Goals are said to improve performance when three conditions are met: the goal must be specific, challenging yet achievable, and designed to gain what you want rather than what you don’t want (Wade & Tavris, 2009). This means when someone knows exactly what they want, as long as it isn’t ridiculously out of reach, and they work in a direction that when completed provides maximum satisfaction, one will begin to perform better. A goal is just the vehicle of motivation, the vehicle requires the fuel of motivation to reach your destination. So in essence, goals breed motivation. There are two types of goals that assist in growing as a person. A performance goal is framed to do well in front of others, be judged respectfully, and avoid criticism (Wade & Tavris, 2009). A mastery goal is designed to increase ones competency and skillset. (Wade & Tavris, 2009) When these two goals are set into motion, our motivation is called upon and we will ultimately produce further success. Another factor that will cause motivation is very definition of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factor (Wade & Tavris, 2009). For example, a new car, new family home, sales contest, bonus, and advancement are all attributes that require an individual to become more motivated at work and produce greater results. Also in Frederick Herzberg’s book â€Å"The Motivation to Work,† he lists factors that create motivation within an individual to succeed at work as achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility, advancement, and growth (Herzberg, 2002). Motivation from within also can spawn from self-expectancy (Wade & Tavris, 2009). When one expects to succeed, they work harder and become more motivated to work (Wade & Tavris, 2009). In direct correlation to expectations is self-efficacy. Self-efficiency is the belief that he or she is capable of producing desired results, mastering skills, and achieving goals (Wade & Tavris 2009). This too, cannot be taught. It is developed. We now see a relationship with how a company and an individual can produce motivation at work and why it is important. What we see is that it is the same basic process, but it all starts with an understanding that the person must be willing to both do and want greater results. There are also motivating factors that can discourage an employee at work. We will call this motivation, a negative motivation. As with all the factors that cause positive motivation, when their values are reversed negative motivation will occur. If there is no advancement opportunities, tasks are repetitive, the work in itself is not meaningful, there are poor relationships with superiors, or the worker does not feel appreciated then the motivation and overall mood of the individual turns awry (Herzberg, 2002). The â€Å"Hygiene Factor† we touched on earlier explains that the dissatisfaction one finds at work is a motivator buzz kill (Herzberg, 2002). He calls these dissatisfying factors hygiene because just as in health hygiene, these factors are maintenance factors (Herzberg, 2002). Maintenance factors are what we must do to avoid dissatisfaction (Herzberg, 2002). These factors include: company policy, problems with superiors, work conditions, salary, and problems with peers (Herzberg, 2002). These factors are directly related to the effect of the work environment. In summary, it seems when one has to work, to work, the mindset becomes negative about the specific job. As with detractors in the workplace, one can have detractors within themselves that are disturbing their ability to become motivated in a career. These detractors are feelings, emotions, and events in one’s personal life that are causing negative influence on their work mentality. Finances, time, family life, and lack of fulfillment are all negative factors that weigh against ones motivation. If one believes they are not following their dreams or living up to their full potential they will suffer, if one isn’t spending enough time with their family they will also suffer, and if one is struggling financially they will obviously have issues within themselves. Depression is another factor that can take away motivation. Depression causes the inability to function in several varying forms. These are just a few rationales as to why an individual may struggle to motivate themselves. When motivation is lost within the mental confines attributed to our career, whether individually or bred by the employer, one could become resistant to change, null to growth, and inconsistent in task. This makes it hard for one to complete daily tasks, yet alone go to work with the motivation achieve great results. However, motivation is a multifunctional psychological ability. Multifunctional because it can possess negative, positive, and null results. It can also produce an effect where one will work with the fear of losing their position. They will do what is necessary to maintain their status, all the while living with the fear of their comfort level changing. Working in this capacity causes a poor mental attitude both at work and at home. We have studied the multiple sides of the effects of motivation in the workplace. We found many common ideas, theories, and studies that associate both positive and negative motivation. For a workplace to provide a positive environment there are clearly defined structures to produce the desired outcome. As an individual, we must sincerely feel comfort, challenge, acceptance, and growth to become and remain in a motivated state. A tall list sure, but in order to grow as individuals these are all very important aspects that we must understand and be able to handle. In conclusion, motivation clearly affects each and every one of us in different ways, at different times, with unpredictable results.