Buddhism Essays (1275 words) - Gautama Buddha, Ascetics, Buddhas

Buddhism Buddhism is probably the most tolerant religion in the world, as its teachings can coexist with any other religions. Buddhism has a very long existence and history, starting in about 565 B.C. with the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. The religion has guidelines in two forms in which Buddhist followers must follow. These are the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path. It all started in about 565 B.C. when Siddhartha Gautama was born. He was a young Indian prince born to the ruler of a small kingdom that is now known as Nepal. Gautama's father was said to have been told by a prophet that if Gautama saw the sick, aged, dead, or poor he would become a religious leader. If he didn't see these four things he would become an emperor. Because of this prophecy Gautama's father decided to isolate his son from the outside world, where he might "see how the other half lived", for the good of his empire and his citizens. Trying to shelter Gautama from all the four sights was impossible, and Gautama ventured out and that is when he eventually saw the four sights, which would, if experienced as it had been told to Gautama's father, lead the young prince to a religious leader. These sights or as how Buddhists refer to them "The Four Signs" were in turn, a sick man covered with terrible sores, an old man, a corpse, and a wandering monk. The sightings of these men made Gautama think of the suffering and inevitable death which comes to all people great and small. This brought further questioning such as the meaning of life and the ultimate fate of man. As time passed these thoughts became great burdens to Gautama and he increasingly became dissatisfied with the shallow dissolute life of the royal court in which he lived. Therefore at the age of 21, although married with a beautiful young son and also the heir to a very rich throne he forsook it all and became a traveling holy man. After a while of traveling as a holy man there was a great even that transformed Gautama into the Buddha (or the Enlightened One). Siddhartha had been meditating under a bodhi tree for six years, but had never been fully satisfied. Eventually at dawn it all began on Gautama's thirty-fifth birthday. He finally realized the essential truth about life and about the path to salvation. He realized that physical harshness of asceticism was not a means of achieving Enlightenment and Nirvana. From then on, he encouraged people to follow a path of balance rather than extremism. He called this path the Middle Way. "Devotion to the pleasures of sense, a low practice of villagers, a practice unworthy, unprofitable, the way of the world [on one hand]; and [on the other] devotion to self- mortification, which is painful, unworthy and unprofitable. By avoiding these two extremes the Buddha has gained knowledge of that middle path which giveth vision, which giveth knowledge, which causeth calm, special knowledge, enlightenment, Nirvana." He cleaned his mind of all evil thoughts and achieved Enlightenment at the age of thirty-five, earning the title Buddha, or "Enlightened One." Because of this Gautama then became the Buddha and remained at this spot for many days while remaining in a trance-like state and told his teachings to five ascetics for many weeks. This experience made Gautama feel a desire to share his knowledge with others, so he and his five students preached to the world. Gautama was a teacher and guru until his death in about 483 B.C. Buddhism is a lot like other Indian religions based upon the beliefs. Such as the beliefs in reincarnation, dharma, karma and Nirvana. But mostly in Raja Yoga the profound meditation which holds the key to enlightment and therefore to the way of Nirvana. Buddha himself expressed the base of his beliefs when he said, "I teach only 2 things, O disciples, the fact of suffering and the possibility of escape from suffering. These ideas are expanded upon in the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path". In His first sermon to the five ascetics in the Deer Park near Varanasi, the Buddha spoke of the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths summed up, in a systematic formula, are the central teaching of the Buddha and can be summarized by saying, life is suffering (dukkha), the cause of suffering is desire (tanha) the way to end suffering is to overcome desire, and to overcome desire one must follow the "Eightfold Path".

Free Essays on Mending Wall

â€Å"Mending Wall† by Robert Frost assesses the relationship between two neighbors who join in the annual refurbishing of the stone wall that separates their land. The culprit of the damage is evident and mysterious. Repairs caused by intruding hunters are made often, so the responsible force remains unclear. The narrator mentions the â€Å"something there is that doesn’t love a wall, that wants it down.† This â€Å"something† is unidentified and unexplained, which leaves the reader to his imagination Frost uses the imagery of the wall to depict man’s separation from man and nature. The poem illustrates two diverse characters with profound differences in their perception of what the wall represents. He offers no answer regarding who’s right or wrong, but again, a plethora of room for one’s own interpretation. The mischievous narrator tells the story of himself and his neighbor getting together each spring to mend holes that appeared in the wall. He describes these holes as â€Å"gaps even two can pass abreast.† He owns an apple orchard and finds himself questioning the purpose of the wall since there aren’t any cows to keep from eating his apples. He doesn’t quite understand what they are â€Å"walling in or walling out.† He has a playful notion in his mind when he suggests that it was elves they should keep out. He also adds humor by saying that his apples couldn’t cross the property line to eat his neighbors' pinecones. Regardless of these playful thoughts, the narrator truly wants to build a friendship rather than rebuild what he feels is a barrier to it. He doesn’t want to keep the old wall because he believes that it serves no modern purpose and acts as a barrier that stops a man’s quest to connect with nature and mankind itself. The neighbor has a completely different perception of what the stone wall represents. He relies on traditional wisdom that was passed down from his father. Twice in the poe... Free Essays on Mending Wall Free Essays on Mending Wall There is a lot happening in Robert Frost’s poem, â€Å"Mending Wall† (1914) and as a result, there can be many different valid interpretations of the poem. The time period in which it was written, the form, and the content all correspond to each other in very important ways. These three factors lead me to believe that the poem is much more then just a commentary on one man’s feelings about repairing an old wall. The year 1914 is, in my opinion, the most important outside factor when discussing the work. The obvious reason being that it was a very pivotal year in World War I, but it was also a time when Women’s Rights were being debated, and it was not so long after the end of the Civil War. That being said, the issues that those facts bring to mind – destruction/death on a large scale, feminism/challenging tradition, slavery/racism – play important roles in what the overall message of the poem is. â€Å"Mending Wall†, in my opinion, is a poem that challenges old values and ideas of the status quo.... Free Essays on Mending Wall â€Å"Mending Wall† by Robert Frost assesses the relationship between two neighbors who join in the annual refurbishing of the stone wall that separates their land. The culprit of the damage is evident and mysterious. Repairs caused by intruding hunters are made often, so the responsible force remains unclear. The narrator mentions the â€Å"something there is that doesn’t love a wall, that wants it down.† This â€Å"something† is unidentified and unexplained, which leaves the reader to his imagination Frost uses the imagery of the wall to depict man’s separation from man and nature. The poem illustrates two diverse characters with profound differences in their perception of what the wall represents. He offers no answer regarding who’s right or wrong, but again, a plethora of room for one’s own interpretation. The mischievous narrator tells the story of himself and his neighbor getting together each spring to mend holes that appeared in the wall. He describes these holes as â€Å"gaps even two can pass abreast.† He owns an apple orchard and finds himself questioning the purpose of the wall since there aren’t any cows to keep from eating his apples. He doesn’t quite understand what they are â€Å"walling in or walling out.† He has a playful notion in his mind when he suggests that it was elves they should keep out. He also adds humor by saying that his apples couldn’t cross the property line to eat his neighbors' pinecones. Regardless of these playful thoughts, the narrator truly wants to build a friendship rather than rebuild what he feels is a barrier to it. He doesn’t want to keep the old wall because he believes that it serves no modern purpose and acts as a barrier that stops a man’s quest to connect with nature and mankind itself. The neighbor has a completely different perception of what the stone wall represents. He relies on traditional wisdom that was passed down from his father. Twice in the poe...

Democratic candidate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Democratic candidate - Essay Example John Kerry raised in 2004 combined. No doubt, Obama is a contender. But what is it about him that will make voters want to vote for Obama come November 4th? First of all, people who have voted strictly Democratic will probably tend to vote for Obama. Obama also seems to be gaining ground with independents because of his inclusive message. Unfortunately, John McCain’s vice-presidential running mate’s message at the Republican National Convention was divisive and alluded to the culture wars—something that has slowly but surely made its way into McCain-Palin campaign rallies, where cries of â€Å"Terrorist† and other nasty verbal threats have been heard, referring to Sen. Obama. All the serious ones have been investigated. Obama will surely appeal to people who definitely want change, as well as leadership for the economic crisis. When the economic crisis hit, Obama outlined a four-point plan and appeared very presidential, calm, cool, and collected, with a clear idea of what to do. This may appeal to voters who may vote the ir pocketbooks this election, and want to see someone in office who will end a costly war in Iraq which is currently bringing our country into debt by an extra $10 billion dollars per month, when that money could be spent on health care for every man, woman, and child, and better the country’s infrastructure, schools, and other programs. Obama may also appeal to the middle-class voter, as he is the only candidate allowing for a tax cut for 95% of working families. Obama also offers a health care plan for universal coverage with the government. That is the bulk of the Obama program. It is a solid program, as he sharply contrasts himself with Bush-McCain politics, and offers a change from four more years of the same failed policies. John McCain will probably appeal to voters who are more socially and

Need to fix and tweak Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Need to fix and tweak - Essay Example in mentoring on: the use of hardware, software applications, multimedia, databases, presentations, and other digital technologies (Available Equipment-STC). It’s important to have the right stuff for the right kind of job and that is what the STC helps students get the job done. If you require a certain type of software for work and not sure how to use it, STC has mentors that will help you learn how to use the software and train you also one on one on just about any software available (Technology Mentoring-STC). This is very helpful because not everyone knows a lot about certain software especially those who are freshmen in college. You have certain formats to use for classes and some we may never even heard about it. And this is where STC comes in handy. They teach us about the software in addition to making it available for us. This is very helpful because this saves the students thousands of dollars (Technology Mentoring - STC). STC made it also very convenient because mentors make themselves available for students, walk-ins or by appointments. And if you have a busy schedule they can work around you. You wonder just how helpful a place like the STC can be helpful for a student. There is free printing and many computers to use just about any time you need to work. The STC now provides  40 Dell computers and 8 Apple computers for student use. In addition, the center offers training on  13 software packages and loans out digital cameras, HD camcorders and laptops to students free of charge (Available Equipment-STC). A freshman named Corby who frequents the library commented â€Å" I took a tour and found STC very available for me. I use this place 2-3 times a week. Things that benefit me are the free printing and software† (Wozniak). Freshmen seemed to find them more useful compared to any other students who are in the higher year levels. All students that were asked by the survey â€Å"What do you like about the Student Technology Center?† The

Phd proposal Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Phd - Research Proposal Example Research Approach 6 3.2. Research Design 6 3.3. Data Collection 7 3.3.1. Secondary Data 7 3.4. Time Line of the Dissertation 8 References 9 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background of the Study Past decades and passing time has proven to be the most dynamic for every global aspect. Organizations have also been faced with the need for change, no matter how large or small they are. Organizations go towards changes and modification to meet the pace of the changing world and its requirements. Although, the concrete and customized purposes of the organizations vary in nature; yet, the philosophy of change in organization remains the same, and that is, to become more effective, moving towards increased efficiency and being actively responsive to the ever-changing environment of the dynamic world (SONG, 2009, pp 6-7). Change does not dawn itself easily. Organizations, similar to any other forces that might get affected by change also face numerous problems in the process. As the change proce sses threaten the existing milieu of the situations, the organizations might face numerous problems including staff resistance, organizational strengths, weaknesses and capabilities, and most importantly the lock or lethargy of management. Rod ascertains that the administration should understand the processes of change intricately and its impact on the people, production and environment. For the purposes of comprehension of these processes and guiding the organizations towards the journey of change, clear and motivated management of change is inevitable (Fernandez & Rainey, 2006, p.168). Hence, managing change becomes as imperative as the change itself. Change management has justifiably acquired a chief aspect of the studies of management, outlining various types of changes which are adopted by the organizations, and their related theories or constructs. 1.2. Research Aim and Objectives This research will aim to explore the change management in organizations with particular referenc e to structure of the organizations. The objectives of the study will be to explore and investigate: Changes in organizations Causes of organizational changes Types of organizational changes Change management Change management with regards to structure of the organization Enterprise Education, a precursor for success 1.3. Research Questions The research will be carried out to respond to the develop research questions which are as follows: 1. What are changes in organizations? 2. What are the causes of changes in the organizations 3. What are the types of organizational changes? 4. What is change management? 5. What is change management in terms of structure of the organizations? 6. How can structural change management prove to be a precursor of success for the organization? 1.4. Significance of the Study As mentioned in the subsequent section, the study of change management has acquired a significant position in the management constructs. Globalization constitutes as one of the most key features of the time that drives the organizations to move forward and adopt global changes (Dawson, 2003; 114). Structural frameworks are the major stakes of organizational change. Related to management and forming the environment of the situation, structural changes in organizations are essential to delve into and be investigated. Consequently, this study will prove to be an addition to the wealth of researches and studies in this regard because of the essential nature of change and dynamism in this era. 1.5.

Evaluating Expectations And Role Of Modern Nursing Nursing Essay

Evaluating Expectations And Role Of Modern Nursing Nursing Essay Introduction Modern nursing is a rewarding, but challenging, career choice. The modern nurses role is not limited only to assist the doctor in procedures, however. Instead, the contemporary nursing professional takes on a partnership role with both the doctor and patient as advocate caregiver, teacher, researcher, counselor, and case manager. Under the paradigm of quality health care, modern nurses should interpret this as quality patient care which comprises three important factors sound theoretical knowledge of the latest medical procedures, information and innovations; superior communication skills that are multi-culturally based; and the ability to empathize appropriately with the patient and family to buttress the role of caregiver. The necessity for modern nurses is to be far more than ever more of a multitasking professional with superior communication and organization skills and even more focused on the holistic model of the patient and the manner in which they, the nurs e, affects the outcome of the patients care experience (Brown, 2007). Theory into Practice It is a given that the modern nurse will have a far greater exposure to new medical methods, pharmaceutical interactions, and techniques than many nurses of the past. In fact, the use of clinical judgment in the provision of care to enable people to improve, maintain, or recover health, to cope with health problems, and to achieve the best possible quality of life, whatever their disease or disability, until death is one of the definitions of modern nursing (Royal College of Nursing, 2003). In fact, with such a vast amount of clinical information needed, combined with the stress of a busy hospital, and the various insurance and legalities to be considered, many contemporary nurse managers find that it is helpful for the modern nurse to utilize a medical checklist to improve patient care (Hales, 2008). In the contemporary world, it is important to note that a more holistic approach is preferable, seeing the patient as more than their disease, and advocating for that patients proper care and assistance when they are unable (Kozier, Erb, Blais, 1997). One of the more critical approaches to the rubric of patient care and advocacy is the Theory of Human Caring, by Jean Watson. This book represents a needed, but dramatic, shift in the modeling of patient care, and remains controversial still. Watsons theory formed the basis of modern nursing theory and some of the ideas she epitomizes have become part of other theories, among them Marilyn Rays Theory of Bureaucratic Caring for the Nursing Practice. Some of Watsons material came from a previous theoretical maxim, that of the Self-Scare Deficit based on the book Nursing: Concepts of Practice (Orem, 1971, 2001). Between 1949 and 1957, Orem worked for the Division of Hospital and Institutional Services of the Indiana State Board of Health. Coming out of the World War II paradigm, Orem immediately found that the health care system often perpetuated illness as opposed to helping cure disease. She believed that the quality of nursing in general hospitals should be upgraded, and to do this, she believed that the patient should take some of the overall responsibility for their care and management of their own ability to deal with illness (Dorthea Orem, 2010). The reason Orems model is important when discussing other nursing theories is due to its seminal nature of generalized care and one of the most commonly used in actual practice. Orems model has three major templates: 1) Nursing is required because of the individuals inability to perform self-care in many medical situations, 2) As adults age, they deliberately learn and master actions that help direct their survival, quality of life, and well-being, and 3) The product of nursing systems should be a nurses advocacy to help people meet their self-care requirements and avoid dependency on others (Ibid.). The significance of these paradigms set up a value system and put responsibilities on both the nursing profession and the client. The nurses role is not continual care without the prospect of improvement, nor is it simply to provide medical care without explanation. Instead, the nurses role is a bit of a self-advocacy method (advocacy, we will see, is very important for Watson, too). The nurses role is to help the patient understand their care, perform care on their own, and be able to remain self-sufficient and independent as long as possible. In fact, Orems theory found resonance in the new ways of communicating with patients. Instead of simply providing medication or therapy, but educating the client on their own illness and care, a greater level of empowerment is reached and a lessening of completely dependence on the health care system (Alligood and Tomey, 2005, 255-9). One way to understand the way and importance of Orem in the modern hospital situation is to analyze the way the theory has been put into practice: Operations Issues Regulatory Systems Takes into consideration the basic factors of age, developmental state, and health care systems. Provide for effective regulation of health and development state by setting forth relationships among component and self-care demands. Specify timing of nursing contact, reasons for contact; actions of nurse, client and others. Production of Care Specify time, place, environmental conditions, equipment, supplies, and number of personnel and stakeholders. Coordination of self-care tasks, assist client in performing of those tasks; bring about accomplishment of self-care that is satisfying to the client. Observation/Appraisal of Care Make judgments about quality and quantity of care; development of self-care agencies and assistance; judge nursing assistance and make adjustments to determine if operations are in accord with client condition and appropriate care. (Bridge, Cabell, and Herring, n.d.). Even though it was published in 1979 and revised in 2008, the book Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring, remains a seminal part of new nursing scholarship/ Discussion abounds, possibly because of the implications of her theory challenge the applicability of nursing practice in the contemporary world of budget cuts and HMOs, as to less the validity and more the practicality of Watsons theory. There is a great deal of information on Watsons theory, critiques, applications, and amalgamations of her theory, and the content and veracity of the information that is available is well documented and explored.  [1]   Jean Watson views nursing as an art and a science, which has the goal of preserving the worth of humankind through the process of caring. Caring is the essence of nursing and a moral ideal: Caringhas to become a will, an intention, a commitment, and a conscious judgment that manifests itself in concrete acts. Watson herself notes that human care is both an ideal and a moral tenet, and it must, for the nurse, move beyond an individuals frame of reference and ensure that the profession as a whole acts in tandem with a more universal attitude toward the care for all humanity (Watson, 1988, p. 32). In addition, Watson emphasizes that all individual experience is relatively subjective, and uses the term phenomenal field to describe the specific frame of reference arising from the individual. This frame of reference is influenced by a myriad of cognitive stimuli, experiences that are individual and unable to uncover in the initial nurse/patient relationship. Instead, Watson stresses that one take those cognitive paradigms, move them into transpersonal care and allow the patient to partner with the nurse all with one goal complete health for the individual. (Watson, 1988, p. 70). Watson (1988) defines health as harmony between mind, body and soul, and illness as a subjective disharmony between mind, body, and soul. As well, integral to Watsons theory are the 10 carative factors that serve as a framework for providing a structure and order for nursing phenomena (Watson, 1997, p. 50). The 10 carative factors are as follows: Humanistic-altruistic system of values Faith-hope Sensitivity to self and others Helping-trusting, human care relationship Expressing positive and negative feelings Creative problem-solving caring process Transpersonal teaching-learning Supportive, protective, and/or corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment Human needs assistance Existential-phenomenological-spiritual forces. All of this presupposes a knowledge base and clinical competence (Watson, 1988, p. 75). Watson (1988) believes that nursing must separate itself from the reductionist views of the traditional science medical paradigm and focus on movement towards a human science nursing paradigm. Watson also readily acknowledges that her theory is a work in progress, and she invites participants to co-create the models further emergence (Watson, 1997, p. 52). This is in accordance with her theory in that she believes that everything is in an unending process of becoming (Watson, 1988). Within the Watson theoretical construct, then, the central view for healthcare professionals is that they work diligently to emphasize care as more than a mere term, and take it further to engender the universal idea of comfort, attention to a patients needs, genuine concern. This idea, certainly historical in its constructs, has no specific chronology, rather has been a part of human nature since the first Neanderthal tribe cared for a sick individual who was unable to hunt for the tribe. It is this overwhelming caring that changes Watsons theory into a practical view for modern health care systems. (Watson, 2008). This universal theory is both intellectually and emotionally attractive, and seems to embody the very principles of health care however; it was necessary to utilize additional non-internet sources to delve deeper into Watsons theory. Marilyn Ray, on the other hand, looks at a slightly wider universe, in a sense the medical anthropology paradigm, and forms a model called the Theory of Bureaucratic Caring. While Orem emphasizes the way nursing must model care so the patient can take over some of the responsibility, and Watson primarily seems nursing care as a way to advocate the patient through the mire of modern health care, Rays theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of nursing within modern health care systems as a hole. Like Watson, Ray believes that nursing is part of a holistic determiner of care as opposed to the cause/effect template so prevalent in Western medicine. When nurses realize that they represent the entire breadth of medical care (social, spiritual, medical, practical, etc.), then they realize they are treating an organism, not just an imbalance. If one thinks about the contemporary world, one easily sees that changes in the political, economic, legal, and technological world necessitate a broa der view of nursing care. This is the power of Rays work it helps find new policies and ways of looking at the human perspective, if even through corporate or governmental policy (Ray, 1989). If the contemporary nurse asks themselves truly what the most important part of their job would be it is difficult to delineate just one aspect. However, in the past three decades the demographic and psychographic landscape of nursing has dramatically evolved. Combined with the movement towards cultural and economic globalism, the number and proportion of international nurses practicing in the United States continues to increase (Aiken, 2007). Among the most often reported challenges for these nurses, a deficiency in communications is the top, most persistent, issue for employers (Davis and Nichols, 2002). Additionally, the communication paradigm works equally with American trained nurses and an increasingly diverse, multi-ethnic, population most especially the need to communicate effectively with the patients family, many of whom have very poor English skills. However, how can communications be part of a nursing paradigm without looking at culture and the whole person as Ray does. What is most important for Ray is that desirable and derivable consequences occur. She challenges the medical field to think beyond their usual boxes and to envision a more holistic world. Once the nursing profession appreciates and responds to the interrelatedness of the individual, one has adopted Rays theory (Marriner-Tomey and Alligood, 2005, 132-4). Conclusions- All parties in the healthcare paradigm have certain expectations of nurses: physicians are ever more reliant upon the expertise and attention to detail from nurses and expect more clinical knowledge; hospital staff see the nurse as the focal point in the wheel of patient care the go-to person who is really a patient care manager; the patient tends to view the nurse as the lifeline of communication and empathy; the family the translator of the physicians diagnosis and the true individual who is watching out for their loved one (Daly, et.al. 2005). Competence, then, for the modern nurse has a number of significant definitions. Certainly, all sides expect the clinical expertise to be a given, as well as continuing education and training on new technologies and treatments. The nurse is almost expected to be prescient, but if not possible, then at least exhaustive in the ability to synergistically interact with all sides of the patient-healthcare equation (Saha, p. 1280-1; L evin and Feldman, 2006). Thus, the core concept for nurses and the professional and non-professional people they interact with, care is one of the fields least understood terms, enshrouded in conflicting expectations and meanings. Although its usage varies among cultures, caring is universal and timeless at the human level, transcending societies, religions, belief systems, and geographic boundaries, moving from Self to Other to the community and beyond, affecting all of life and the ability for nurses, as well as patients, to self-actualize and assist in the healing process (Watson, 2008). This universal theory is both intellectually and emotionally attractive, and seems to embody the very principles of health care. In actuality, though, the new paradigm of Nursing care; whether Watsonian or Ray or the myriad of others, must be an amalgamation of aesthetic knowing. For only in that manner can a modern nurse be truly successful (Slevin in Basford, pp. 197-200).

When Harry Met Sally Essay -- essays papers

When Harry Met Sally The film I chose to view for this Romantic Comedy paper was When Harry met Sally. I enjoyed this movie. The two main characters were Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally Allbright (Meg Ryan). When first introduced to these characters, Sally is driving to New York, and Harry, who is the boyfriend of Sally's friend, is catching a ride with her. Sally is a very structured person. To quote Harry, she is a "high maintenance" women. Harry, on the other hand, has a more laid back attitude. This causes some tension between them on the long drive to New York. This fits well into the romantic comedy genre. In a romantic comedy there is usually tension between the two charcters in the beginning. Part of this pattern is for them to soften toward one another and by the end they fall in love. On the way to New York, Harry tells Sally some things about men she doesn't know and is reluctant to believe. One thing he tells her is "men and women can't be friends because sex gets in the way." This only increases the tension between them. By the time they reach New York, Sally doesn't appear too happy with him. She seems angry with him, but anger is sometimes used to cover other feeling. This is also a classic feeling in the genre. A gap of several years passes before they see each other again. They see each other at the airport, but they both pretend not to know the other. The next time they meet is a couple of years after they saw each other at the airpo...

Color in Do the Right Thing

Jionne McMichael November 17, 2012 Art of Film Color As A Formalistic Device in Do The Right Thing Spike Lee presents his â€Å"truth† about race relations in his movie Do the Right Thing. The film illustrates the spectacle of black discrimination and racial altercations and portrayed the â€Å"true† realities of an African American living in the 1980s. The movie is set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York on the hottest day in the summer where racial tensions are growing.Spike Lee uses color dramatically to help illustrate and emphasize these growing tensions that ultimately escalates to violence and tragedy and also, to help emphasize emotions. Color, as defined by Gianetti, is a realist technique but can be formalist having a subconscious impact on the viewer. There are two types of colors; warm and cool. Warm colors stress adjectives such as violence, stimulation, aggressiveness etc. Cool colors stress adjectives such as serenity, tranquility etc.Spike Lee definitely embraces this by using the elements of both warm and cool colors to emphasize the theme of escalating racial tensions that come to a climax at the end of the movie. In addition, it emphasizes the weather and the heat with bright tones. The color red is used symbolically to convey a variety of emotions. Mood and tone are created by this use of color. As racial tensions escalate, the color continues to visually dramatize what is going on in the minds of the characters as well as what is occurring in each scene.From its first frame, the energetic credit sequence in which actress Rosie Perez dances in a red bodysuit vibrantly to Public Enemy's powerful anthem â€Å"Fight the Power,† against a rear-screen backdrop that is lit in vivid blues and reds, right to its final shot. The film is an explosion of bright and warm colors and glows in an almost burning-furnace light full of vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. In the first scenes, yellow light pours t hrough windows of shuttered apartments, nearly obscuring or melting the actors and scenery around it.In later scenes, particularly the nighttime sequences, a chiaroscuro effect is used, with blue and purple light surrounding the outer areas of the screen, and bright yellows and reds lit on the actor's faces and bodies. Overall, color is used as a metaphor for the emotions of the characters as well as to set the tone and mood. At the end of the movie, the culmination of these elements parallels the violent consequences of racism and prejudice. The different colors used in the film create a visual experience that helps to set the tone.The bright, vibrant colors create strong impressions of the characters’ emotions, as well as the overall mood of the movie. The main color used is red, which emphasizes the high temperatures experienced by the people in the neighborhood. In a scene showing Da Mayor's bedroom, the whole room is tinted with yellow, orange, and red to symbolize the h eat. After this scene, we get introduced to the character Smiley who is standing in front of a big red building and he is being shown with an orange tint.Then this scene is followed with Mookie in his sister, Jade’s room. This room is totally red, to show that it is very hot in there. We can see the use of red, orange and yellow through out the movie to keep reminding us of how warm it is. The bright red brick wall that serves as a background for the three men on the corner gives the scenes involving them a tone of the weather. This brick wall is a reoccurring object in the movie, and it gets lighter or darker depending on the mood of the particular scene.Tints of red, yellow, and orange are shown during the course of the film to maintain the mood of heat created by them. As the day progresses, bright yellow colors slowly transition into a darker yellowish or orange color. This is used as an indication of the setting sun and the dissipating heat. Color not only emphasizes the heat, but also emotions. The red color used so often reflects the tension, conflict, anger, and frustration among the characters. Their strong and passionate emotions are complimented by the tints of red, yellow, and orange used in the scenes.As rising racial tensions mount, color is used again to emphasize the heat and emotion. When the rioters set Sal's pizzeria on fire, it is a bright contrast to the surrounding dark night. The bright color of the flames conveys the rage of the rioters over Radio Raheem's brutal death at the hands of the police. As Sal and his two sons watch their pizzeria burn down, we see that reoccurring red wall behind Vito. The red color stresses their emotions of anger about the injustices that are taking place. The color red is also used in reference of love and hate.When Sal and Pino are sitting together in the pizzeria, the tone seems to be a bit red hinting some kind of love connection between the two. It is not the usual red color that shows the hot w eather. Also Da Mayor gives red roses to Mother Sister, the red in the roses stands out from all the color during the scene. The use of color in the lighting also brings another important element into the ways that certain scenes play out through the movie. There is a lot of natural lighting being used portraying the characters just as they are. But at the same time, different locations provide for different lighting styles.Such as is the case in Sal’s Pizzeria where it seems everything is a bit too dark and somewhat shady. Even in the introduction when Mookie wakes up for the day the lighting being used makes his room seem jumbled and is an insight into his life being a mess. The bright fluorescent lighting in the Korean store makes everything stand out too much, and does not make the place seem inviting, but strictly business instead. The light in DJ Mister Senor Love Daddy’s booth is relaxed and calm, just enough light comes in reflecting the cool personality he por trays.In the scene where Mookie decides to take yet another break from work and visits Tina the mood is entirely set by the color of the lighting. The sun is going down and the room becomes blue. It provides the cool, just as the ice Mookie brings, and makes everything slow down as it happens. The scene where the character Buggin Out gets his shoes scuffed by a white pedestrian is complemented by the warm colors of the mise-en-scene along with the costumes which are important in suggesting the positions of the characters in the community.The mise-en-scene includes the brightly colored cars on the road as well as the red and brown buildings, all very warm colors. It appears that in the post-production the shots may have been edited to posses a red hue, intensifying the hot atmosphere that is created by the heat wave. Along with this, Buggin’ Out and his group all match the mise-en-scene, wearing bright yellow, orange and red costumes suggesting their sense of belonging to the neighborhood. The contrast is presented through the entrance of the white man who is wearing a green t-shirt with lue socks pulled up, the antithesis of the warm colors the audience has been consistently presented with. The color difference is emphasized in the juxtaposition of the shot, reverse shots where we see the frame filled with Buggin’ Out and his friends wearing the warm colors and then the quick pace of the cuts to the white man wearing the cool green color. The contrast in colored clothing between the characters accentuates the difference in skin tone, instigating the audience’s insight into the importance of racial tension within the film.The out of place coloring in the white man’s costume, suggests the unusual nature of him being in this black community, an idea pointed out by Buggin’ Out when he says, â€Å"what do you want to live in a black neighborhood for anyway? † Also, the cool nature of the man’s clothing could be seen to emulate the calm and collected manner in which he handles the situation, he keeps trying to diffuse the argument with apologies and through this, Lee highlights the hot-headed nature of Buggin’ Out, a characteristic the audience is shown more explicitly later on in the plot.In conclusion, Spike Lee is very clever in his use of colors. Warm colors, especially red, are used in characters clothing as well as props and lightening to help put emphasis on the growing racial tensions among the characters that ultimately ends in a huge riot and tragedy. Color is also used to help express emotions that the characters are facing. For instance, in the riot scene, there are so many reds and oranges that clash with the dark blue night to illustrate the anger of the riots after the murder of Radio Raheem at the hands of the police.Spike Lee’s use of color is forcing us to take sides with his ideology, which is very explicit in this film. The principal idea of Lee’s film is that of the oppression of the black working class, by the non-black capitalists in their very own community. Lee has his characters basically come right out and express their view on this subject. The black characters of the community are alienated from their capitalist counterparts and therefore feel a certain rage against them. By using color, he forces us to take sides with them and succeeds in that.

Mcdonalds in China Essays

Mcdonalds in China Essays Mcdonalds in China Essay Mcdonalds in China Essay Introduction: McDonald’s in China McDonald’s is considered as the most successful and largest restaurant chain in the world. In 1990 McDonald’s opened its first store in Shenzhen China. In 1992, McDonald’s Beijing outlet was opened. There are more than 800 McDonald’s outlets in China today. This paper aims to analyze the importance and the extent to which culture affects the operations of McDonald’s in China. The impacts of the Chinese culture on the operations, policies and decisions of McDonald’s are studied as well as the changes brought about by McDonalds, a symbol of American culture, to the Chinese society. Two areas will be analyzed –employee relations (human resources management processes and policies) and restaurant operations. Part I: The Chinese Culture Kluckohn and Strodtbeck’s Cultural Orientations According to Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck (1961) there are five basic value orientations underlying cultures. These orientations are human nature (good versus mixed versus evil crossed with the mutability of the goodness), man nature (subjugation to nature, harmony with nature, mastery over nature), time (past, present, future), activity (being, being-in-becoming, doing), and relational (lineality, collaterality, individualism). Human nature refers to the innate goodness of people. A counterexample of this comes from the idea that people are evil, as evidenced in traditional Puritan thought. Emphasis was placed on controlling and regulating behavior to prevent evil from spreading. The man-nature aspect involves the relation of the individual to nature. For instance, many Asia n cultures stress the view that man must be seen as a harmonious part of nature, whereas the orientation of most Anglo Westerners is that of man over nature that is, dominance of nature through technological means. The time orientation refers to the time frame salient to a group. For example, Chinese culture places a great deal of emphasis on ancestral obligations and rites (related to the Confucian principles of relationships and the five moral principles. Such a past orientation is contrasted with the future orientation of Westerners, who are often discontent with their current setting and seek change for the better. An activity orientation concerns self-expression in activity. In a being society, emphasis is placed on immediate gratification and spontaneous action, much like Morriss Dionysian dimension. A being-in-becoming society focuses on action and accomplishment measurable achievements. Finally, the relational orientation involves an individuals relation to his or her collective (Earley 1997). Culture and Its Importance Culture as a meaning system is materialized in patterns of human behavior and social interaction as well as in artifacts and observable rituals. Culture means more than physical materials or observed patterning of human interactions. It is also found in the evolution of distinct systems of ideas, beliefs, values, and their manifestations through symbols, forms of presentation, and patterns of social relationships. Culture is not static but dynamic, a constantly flowing current (Chaffee et al 1994). Each culture has its distinct value systems and orientations (Kluckhohn Strodtbeck 1961). Values are often revealed in the behavioral patterns, community relationships, rituals, and cultural artifacts that make it possible for us to recognize and experience each culture. A conceptual definition must differentiate values from other closely related concepts such as beliefs, attitudes, and norms. Values are a type of belief, but are not identical with beliefs, which are cognitive elements that have existential referents. In Kluckhohn and Strodtbecks terms, a value system is a set of principles that are patterned in a distinct configuration. This patterning of value elements distinguishes one value system from another. For example, both Chinese and Americans value family stability. But in traditional Chinese culture, family stability was built upon the supreme importance of ones obligations to ancestors, clan, and parents. The Chinese value of family stability is closely associated with many other values, such as prohibiting free male-female courtship and reliance on parental arrangement for marriages. This means that forces beyond the marriage itself, primarily those from clan and family elders, are involved in enforcing family stability (Chaffee et al 1994). Study of Chinese Relationships One area in which values differ across cultures is that of social relationships. Social relationships are those that are stabilized institutionally through culturally understood roles and responsibilities. For example, male and female relationships involve culturally accepted behavioral expectations in work situations, in families, and in social interactions. In each of these settings, there are socially accepted definitions of roles, through expected behavioral patterns and responsibilities associated with being a male or female. The same can be said about relationships involving authority hierarchies, seniority, or kinship (Chaffee et al 1994). Traditional Chinese culture is widely considered to be built upon value system crystallized in Confucianism. This traditional value system is revealed through elaborate definitions, regulations, and moral and ethical principles regarding individuals’ roles and relationships. These principles are not just ideas; they are materialized in social practices, including rituals, rites, ceremonies, and cultural artifacts. At the heart of the Confucian system lies linear hierarchy governing family structure, political structure, and the supernatural world. Study of the Chinese Language The Chinese language is one of the oldest living languages, and it is spoken by more people in the world than any other. Its script is used not only in China but in Japan and Korea as well. Nobody knows exactly how old the language is in its spoken form, but its system of writing was in existence nearly four thousand years ago. It probably originated by drawing pictures of word meanings into loess or sand. Like other ancient tongues, Chinese is a pictographic not an alphabetical language. The stylized, simplified pictures called characters or ideographs appeal with some exceptions more to the eye than to the ear. Each Chinese character symbolizes a meaning, an idea; it is not comparable with Western-type words which consist of a limited number of letters. English has twenty-six letters in its alphabet; Chinese is composed of thousands of characters that must be individually memorized by anyone who learns to read and write. The great dictionary compiled during the Manchu dynasty gives some 40,000 characters; however, knowledge of 3,000 to 4,000 characters constitutes a rather adequate reading vocabulary. The modern character often shows little similarity to its original pictorial counterpart because usage as well as changes in writing instruments and materials caused changes in form (Callis 1959). Chinese characters reveal thought processes of the Chinese mind; they have universal appeal to everyone endowed with intelligence and artistic feeling. Written with a pen, characters may look ordinary; but the same characters written with the Chinese brush can reflect the personality of the writer to an extraordinary degree. They will show the flow and rhythm of life movement in which the old Chinese calligraphers took great pride. Classical written Chinese differs so much from the written language of today that intensive training is needed to master both (Defrancis 1986). Study of Chinese Nature Chinas oldest religion, influential among the people until the doorstep of our times, was a nature religion. Spirits of river and mountain, of soil and grain, of wind and water, of field and kitchen, and especially the ancestral spirits of the dead were worshipped. It was believed that they played an active part in human affairs. Lord on High (Shang Ti) was the heavenly ruler of natural forces while the Son of Heaven, emperor of all China, was the mediator between these forces and all men. At the winter solstice when the sun, the great yang, symbol of warmth, health, and righteousness, would give more light again, the emperor would make sacrifices on the Altar of Heaven. In the home of every Chinese family ceremonial honors were brought to the spirits of the ancestors who were regarded as very much alive in the spirit world and revengefully powerful on earth unless properly remembered and revered. Geomancers, knowing about feng-shui, wind and water, saw to it that buildings fitted into their natural surroundings without disturbing the spirits. Work followed the rhythm of the sun, of the seasons, and of crops. Life followed the natural cycle of birth, marriage, and death. The calendar followed the phases of the moon. Festivals were celebrated to remember the ancestors, to venerate the spirits of great men, or simply to mark the seasons and to admire nature. Typical were the Lantern Festival, the Moon Festival, or Ascending High. Chinese were masters in observing nature and using natural products. Silk, medicinal herbs, and vegetable colors are outstanding examples. Tools, toys, and art objects were made of natural materials that the soil or plants provided (Callis 1959). Study of Chinese Human Nature There are traits, combinations of traits, and behavioristic peculiarities characteristic of native Chinese. These may be explained as results of race, geography, society, and a common culture to which all nurtured and raised in China are exposed. Chinese are, in general, hard working, practical, and thrifty. They are used to working much and to thriving on and enjoying little. A trace of optimism, even of humor, seems always present in the Chinese personality. Even under the most trying circumstances a spark of hope for better times is present. Chinese peasants and workmen are rarely demoralized. They keep their chins up, take what comes, help each other out, and are amazingly content in their unending struggle for the bare necessities of life. You can rob an army of its general, but you cannot rob a common man of his will, they will say. If fate turns and things are going very well for them, they readily become easygoing, even complacent, and opulent. They may yield to temptations: gambling, women, and opium. Aroused and angered, a Chinese who has convinced himself of the evil intentions and enmity of his foe can be cruel, determined, and revengeful in the extreme. He may wait long for his opportunity, but he will not forget. On the other hand, the Chinese can be a reliable and sacrificing friend when he is bound by cordial sentiments. As a highly emotional person who thinks with his heart, he is likely to go unjustifiably far in both his animosity and his friendship. Yet to a real or imagined change of heart in his opponent, he himself will respond quickly and warmly. Though accustomed to hide his own emotions under smiles or an impersonal mask, the Chinese is an expert in the psychological observation of others. Nothing escapes him, which is advantageous to know. He can be an unobtrusive, talented spy. Deeds alone, not words, will impress him though he himself is good at playing with words to cover up his true intentions or to mislead his enemy (Callis 1959). The Chinese culture is very different from the Western culture. The discussion above presents a clear picture of the Chinese culture that will aid us in the study of how the Chinese view McDonald’s and how the company used these views, which are culturally driven, to its success. Part II: Importance of Culture to the Operations of McDonald’s in China McDonald’s Culture McDonald’s is the epitome of an American Company. For most Chinese it symbolizes the American Culture. There is a great difference between the American culture and the Chinese culture. McDonald’s as an American company have American values. McDonald’s in China, like elsewhere in the world virtually follows the corporation’s basic American operating system. The majority of employees are called the ‘crew’. In China, and in every country where there is McDonald’s, crew jobs are fragmented into different stations such as working on the till, cleaning tables and emptying bins, garnishing burgers and monitoring fries, bread machines or the grill. Virtually all aspects of the business are highly standardized and rigorously monitored. Assembly line techniques are used to produce and serve identical products; standardization and higher productivity are ensured through new technology and the systematic planning of each job, broken down into the smallest of steps. he corporations industrial engineers measure and plan the equipment layout and scheduling in terms of seconds of working time using computerized time study methods. The workers skills are eliminated and the work is labor intensive with the machinery making the cooking decisions. Lights and buzzers tell workers when to turn burgers or take fries out of the fat. Computerized cash registers do most of the thinking for till and window workers, separating the hand and the brain in classic scientific management style. According to Royle (2000), the basic principles of the McDonald’s business model are: oHigh degree of standardization in all process oVarious standardizes layouts and concepts for the restaurants oAlmost identical products all around the world with only few adaptations oVery strong quality management oHigh levels of control in collaborations McDonalds Corporation believes that standardization is the most rational means of maximizing cost efficiencies. In addition, standardization has cultural functions, where the company maintains a global corporate image for marketing and advertising purposes (Ritzer, 1996 cited in Pereira 2002). McDonalds rationalization could be seen in its optimization of work processes, particularly through the use of technology. This is more than simply referring to the use of equipment and machinery, for McDonalds technology includes all processes from the preparation, cooking and serving of the food right up to the systems of financial accounting, ordering of stocks, staff planning and training. All these processes have been fine-tuned towards achieving cost and labour efficiency, and minimizing wastages (Leidner 1993 cited in Pereira 2002). Cultural Views of the Chinese about McDonald’s In the eyes of many Chinese, McDonald’s represent the American culture and the promise of modernization. McDonald’s highly efficient service and management, its spotless dining environment, and fresh ingredients have been featured repeatedly by the Chinese media as exemplars of modernity (Yan 1997). According to Li (1999) people in China are drawn to McDonald’s because of its novelty, status and symbol. Yan (2000) argues that McDonald’s attraction fro Chinese customers does not come from its food but from the sociality of the space it provides to consumers. The space is sociable, because it gives customers a sense of public accessibility, a sense of equality between customers and restaurant employees, and, among women customers, even a sense of gender equality. For these reasons, while McDonald’s in the United States is a place for grabbing some fast food, in Beijing it is a place for friends and colleagues to hang out and communicate (cited in Yang 2002). Most international fast food chains in China, particularly McDonald’s are targeting children. The policy of one child per family has had the effect of turning single children into fussy little emperors, the center of attention of parents and relatives. High-quality food and beverage products provided by companies such as McDonald’s are targeted at children, where they find a ready market. While McDonald’s remains essentially American in terms of menu, services, and management, the company has made serious efforts to adapt to the Chinese cultural setting. To present itself as a local company, all the restaurant sin Beijing actively participate in community projects with local schools and neighborhoods (Luo 2001). McDonald’s, American Culture and Chinese Culture As McDonald’s becomes a global phenomenon, it teaches non-Western and non-US audiences new forms of producing and consuming food, while initiating some cultures into modernization and modernity itself. Studies of the introduction of McDonald’s into Asia, for instance, stress how McDonald’s teaches consumers to queue up and wait in line and enter rationalized processes of food consumption. It provides an experience of cultural otherness that enables non-Westerners to participate in the culture of Western modernity. It teaches non-Western workers speed and efficiency, as well as food hygiene and customer service (Watson 1997 cited in Kellner 2003)). It is thus part and parcel of the process of globalization that is producing new forms of culture, social practices, and ways of life. For global citizens, McDonalds represents the charisma of the golden arches, Ronald McDonald and McDonaldland, the tie-ins and promotions, and the ubiquitous advertising, aimed at a variety of genders, races, classes, and national subject-positions, which attempt to incorporate more and more cultures and sets of consumers into its McWorld. In China, McDonald’s signifies Western modernity and presents itself as an alternative to their traditional culture in terms of cuisine and social experience. However, the Chinese culture also affects McDonald’s. One example is how McDonald’s adapts to the culture and cuisine of the Chinese. McDonald’s in China redesigned its menu, serving noodle dishes along with Big Macs and allows regional owners to vary the menu according to local tastes. In its global attempts to articulate McDonalds with local forms of various cultures, the corporation calls Ronald McDonald Uncle in China and also has an Aunt figure, drawing on Chinese respect for elders and relatives (Kellner 2003). The cultural background of the Chinese people shapes their views and attitude toward McDonald’s. As a country that has been secluded from the rest of the world, the entrance of McDonald’s in China has fueled curiosity and the Chinese people’s desire for modernity and to be included in the global village. The discussion above stresses the importance of culture to the operation of McDonald’s in China because culture shapes attitudes and affects behavior and attitude. In order to be successful in China, McDonald’s need to study the Chinese culture and to be able to adapt to the norms and expectations of the Chinese society. Part III: The Impact of Culture on Employee Relations of McDonald’s in China Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: China and The United States One of the most popular works in the study of culture is that of Geert Hosfstede (1984). Through his research and surveys he theorized that cultural and sociological differences between nations can be categorized and quantified, thereby allowing comparison of national cultures to take place. Hofstede identified five cultural dimensions. These are: 1. Power Distance The dimension of power distance is about the extent to which power structures are hierarchical and reflect significant inequalities in power. Countries with large power distances exhibit wide inequalities in power, power that is often concentrated in relatively few hands in heavily centralized and hierarchical organizations. Individuals within such cultures view themselves as inherently unequal: subordinates are dependent on those higher up the hierarchy and accept the power of their superiors by virtue of their position in the hierarchy. All participants in the hierarchy expect their position within it to be clearly demarcated. China is considered as a large power distance country. In small power distance countries, individuals are more inclined to regard themselves as equals: rather than expecting to be told what to do, subordinates expect to be consulted and will argue a case with those higher up the organization. Respect for individuals within the organization comes from their proven capacity to perform a role rather than from the possession of a particular job title or their place in an organization. Shorter small power distances coincide with flatter organization structures. The United States is considered a country with small power distance. 2. Uncertainty Avoidance Uncertainty avoidance measures the lack of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This manifests itself in high levels of anxiety and emotion. This in turn translates into a preference for highly structured formal rules and limited tolerance for groups and individuals demonstrating deviant ideas or behaviors. 3. Individualism vs. Collectivism The individualist-collectivist dimension measures the degree to which the interests of individuals or of the group take priority. The social framework in an individualistic society is looser than that of a more collectivist society and individuals take responsibility for themselves and their immediate as opposed to extended families. Individualist societies demonstrate a greater regard for individual rights and freedoms and tend to be characterized by assertiveness and competitiveness rather than by teamwork and cooperation. China is considered a country that is collectivist. In China, it is the group (which could be the extended family, the employer or the society as a whole) that looks after the interest of individuals and gives them their sense of identity. In return fro this protection, individuals offer the group loyalty and work towards the attainment of goals determined by and for the good of the group, organization or society. The United States on the other hand is a highly individualistic society. 4. Masculinity – Femininity Societies that place a high premium on assertiveness, achievement and the acquisition of material possessions are exhibiting aggressive or masculine goal behaviour. Masculine environments also favour conflict and competition in the workplace. Cultures that place a high value on social relationships, quality of life and sensitivity demonstrate passive or feminine goal behaviour. Cultures and workplaces scoring high on the femininity dimension exhibit high degrees of cooperation, negotiation and compromise. The United States can be considered as a masculine culture while China is leaning toward femininity. 5. Short- vs. Long-Term Orientation This cultural dimension was not included in Hofstedes original analysis but added at a later stage. In countries with a short-term orientation, which is more characteristic of Western societies (particularly the United States) and of some Asian countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines, the emphasis is on the immediate gratification of needs, a focus on the present and the attainment of short-term goals. In cultures with a more long-term orientation, which include the cultures of Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, the satisfaction of needs is deferred for the sake of long-term benefits and growth. Associated characteristics include persistence and thrift. International Human Resource Management International Human Resource Management is the process of procuring, allocating and affectively utilizing human resources in a multinational corporation (Sims 2002). IHRM according to Briscoe and Schuler (2004) is about understanding, researching, applying and revising all human resource activities in their internal and external contexts as they impact the process of managing human resources in enterprises throughout the global environment to enhance the experience of multiple stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, partners, suppliers, environment and society. In the case of McDonald’s culture has little effect on the company’s operations. Although the company has invested so much on making it’s restaurants appear as local as possible, the company system remains intact. McDonald’s conduct crew-level training at 25 workstations in addition to using step by step manuals and videotapes. Due to its international scope, translators and electronic equipment are provided, which enables professors to teach and communicate in 14 languages at one time. In addition to training, its Hamburger Universities provide a variety of advanced business management course, which allows aspiring managers to earn college credit. McDonalds Corporations organizational structure and its use of technologies appear to influence its employment policy. McDonalds is structured into three main groups: the headquarters team, the restaurant managers and the crewmembers. The headquarters team refers to a small group of senior executives and managers in charge of public (community) relations, finance, personnel, human resources, training, property management and several other tasks. As the restaurant managers task involves day-to-day management of the restaurant, McDonalds usually hires secondary school leavers to fill the post as the majority of the jobs training is conducted within the restaurant itself. Restaurant managers began their careers in McDonalds as trainee managers, before rising to become second assistant manager, first assistant manager, and finally restaurant manager. The higher the managerial position, the greater the number and the complexity of tasks, including staffing, training and recruitment of crew members (and junior managers), budgeting, accounting, and maintaining discipline. Numerically, crewmembers are the largest group in the organization, but are remunerated with the lowest wages. The crews main tasks are preparing and serving the food, and cleaning the restaurant. As these tasks are relatively simplified due to the heavy rationalization of the technology, the McDonalds Corporation does not need to hire a person with a lot of education or skills. The crew face the least favorable employment conditions in comparison to the other two groups. For its employment policies, McDonalds Corporation has its own espoused philosophy, which believes that issues of efficiency and equity can be dealt with without the need for unions (Love 1995; Royle 2000). The company has its own Human Resource Management programme, one which is similar to many other corporate HRM programmes, where the main objectives are to foster employee loyalty and to keep its employees satisfied through individualizing employee relations (Beaumont 1995). McDonald’s is the largest food service operation in the world in terms of system wide sales. McDonald’s is a franchised based multinational company that establishes franchises and company-owned operations to export its products. McDonald’s has developed highly standardized and uniformed products with minor alterations depending on the local market. McDonald’s also developed a highly standardized operating system and procedure. The HRM procedures in the host country are virtually the same as the host countries. However, there are different issues that affect the IHRM practices in McDonald’s, particularly in Europe.

Article Summary of “Working at McDonald’s” Essay Example

Article Summary of â€Å"Working at McDonald’s† Essay Example Article Summary of â€Å"Working at McDonald’s† Essay Article Summary of â€Å"Working at McDonald’s† Essay George Washington University Sociologist Amitai Etzioni analyzed the negative values that teen-agers get from working at fast-food joints in the essay â€Å"Working at McDonalds’†. Etzioni shares her views on the consequences of American teeners getting high pay for â€Å"highly-routinized† jobs. In the article Etzioni looks back on the American tradition of letting youngsters work in order to teach them the values of self-reliance and being productive .She analyzed how the current trend of teeners working for fast-food joints does not achieve the teaching of these values. In the past, working for youngsters meant delivering newspapers or setting up lemonade stands offering enough opportunities for youngsters to be disciplined and creative as compared to the jobs offered by McDonald’s and the others. The latter provide regular employment and high compensation but offer little room for entrepreneurship, initiative and inventiveness.This, according to the Etzioni, makes youngsters nothing but workers on an assembly line. The author in the end reminds parents that working is not automatically a learning activity for their kids but can possibly be detrimental to their kids’ future.

Appraches in Business Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Appraches in Business Psychology - Essay Example It is influenced by experience. To observe that a brain structure or a brain process is correlated with gender does not necessarily imply that brain differences cause gender differences. Gender differences in brain structure may result from gender differences in learning, experience, and socialization. All the elements of an organisation – the members, functions, rules, governing authority, revenue and ideas – must be regrouped around series of basic political issues. Thus, it becomes necessary to identify the issues so that politics in an organisation may be examined in dynamic terms. What issues are these? There are several issues, but the concern of this paper is the issue on the gender. Members are associated within the organisation; they must stand in some kind of relation to each other. In fact, the members are the most important element of the organisation. If the organisation is a pyramid then they were the base; therefore, they are the very foundation of the group. Authorities might be at the top directing and leading the organisation but they should have a thorough understanding of this element to able to run the organisation smoothly. Are all members placed on equal footing? Or are some superior to the rest? The truth is, no matter how bad it seems to be, members would always be categorized according to class in a society where they belong. This fact would tell us that business leaders, in order to interpret their mission and vision, must always conduct class analysis. Rowe (1994) asserted that â€Å"the measures we label as environmental (including such central ones as social class) may hide genetic variation† (p. 5). And how do genes create the environment? To Rowe, The answer is that the genes may construct a nervous system--and that hormones and neurotransmitters may then motivate behaviors resulting in the dramatic redesign of an environment.

Machiavelli's The Prince Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Machiavelli's The Prince - Essay Example 7, 2006) These principles have become insightful and meaningful political policies in the 16th century onwards in the European society. (http://www.123helpme.com/view.aspid=23518, Nov. 7, 2006) Although Machiavelli did not state directly how some European societies had failed in ruling them, he had specifically implied the thought through several examples that were presented in the book. But, The Prince did not, nevertheless, forget to point out those rulers who were worthy of praise in delivering the best principalities to its people. As each ruler change, the challenges that he faces also changes. The more that the society looks forward to modernization, the more that the ruler meets a challenging and a more demanding society. Moreover, the challenges and his reactions to these challenges at the same time depend upon how he acquired the principality. Therefore, the newer the ruler becomes, the more difficult are the problems that he faces. "I say, then, that in hereditary states accustomed to the rule of their prince's family there are far fewer difficulties in maintaining them than in new states; for it suffices simply not to break ancient customs, and then to suit one's actions to unexpected events; in this manner, if such a prince is of ordinary ability, he will always maintain his state, unless some extraordinary and inordinate force deprive him of it; and although it may be taken away from him, he will regain it with the slightest mistake of the usurper."(Machiavelli, p. 8) Machiavelli's conclusions were based from his experiences and observations from the previous rulers that he had encountered. Furthermore, in order for the ruler to convene the challenges of the modern society such that of the European society, a set of values is needed to be put into practice. But coping up with these problems, or rather overcoming them still depends upon how they had acquired the principality. One of the most significant points Machiavelli had stressed out were those of the different policies or strategies that a ruler may employ in developing a good society. The ruler's ability to exercise his power should be taken into account, as well as his ability to implement rules in the community. This may even encourage him to adopt new strategies in exercising his power up to an extent where he will be able to keep a hold on to the society he rules. There are however, traditional values that are found to be appropriate if applied in the modern society. Every principality should be governed differently such that every ruler faces his own difficulty in ruling the state. Still, depending on the ways in which the ruler had acquired the principality, there is a need for him to examine the situations and the values that he should practice in order to appropriately direct the society, and at the same time save it from his enemies. "As I have said, when those states that are acquired are used to living by their own laws and in freedom, there are three methods of holding on to them: the first is to destroy them; the second is to go there in person to live; the third is to allow them to live with their own laws, forcing them to pay a tribute and creating therein a government made up of a few people who will keep