Qualitative Research Assignment Essay

1. Was there a clear statement of the aims of the research ? Yes. In the article, the aim of the research was to understand the experience of participants, their knowledge about type 2 diabetes, and the factors of medication adherence in Malaysia. According to Susan (2010), the five components of PICOT are population, issue, context, outcome, and time. According to Al-Qazaz et al (2011), the PICOT was presented by the researcher in the study were, P: Type 2diabetes patients with receiving of hypoglycemic medication. I: Identifying participants’ perception, and their knowledge about type 2 diabetes disease and medication. C: USM clinic of Malaysia, where the study took place. O: It helps people living with type 2 diabetes to have a diverse understanding by relating with other people’s experiences. T: March and April of 2009.  Qualitative PICOT is a framework to help in formulating effective clinical question in a step-by step manner (Melnyk and Fineout , 2010). 2. Is a qualitative methodology appropriate ? Yes.Qualitative research is to study a person’s behavior and lived experiences related to what is being studied in the research (Denzin and Lincoln, 2011). The key characteristics of qualitative study in this article included a small sample size, in-depth interview (semi-structured), researcher involving during interview, non comparisons and non numerical. In qualitative study, sample size are usually small that achieve in-depth understanding of the experiences or feeling of the participants (Polit and Beck, 2012). Meanwhile, a semi-structured interview was used to collect data by codding participants’ ideas arising until no more new themes emerging. According to Polit and Beck (2012), semi-structured interview can provide rich and detailed information during phenomenon study. In this study, a phenomenological approach was used to described the aim of the research. It is to understand the experiences of diabetic patients in Malaysia, and explore their knowledge about the medications that they have been taking. According to Judith (2007), qualitative research is characterized by its  aims to understand the experiences and attitudes of patients. In brief, a qualitative methodology is appropriate to this research. 3. Was the research design appropriate to address the aims of the research ? Yes. According to NCBI (2014), a Phenomenological study can probably explore participant’s lived experience, beliefs about the efficacy of the medication, side-effects of drug and participants’ adherence to the treatment regime. By the square, in this article, the aim is to understand the participants’ experience and explore their knowledge and medication adherence related on type 2 diabetes. Therefore, phenomenological approach is appropriate to address the aims of the research. The advantages of Phenomenological study is to reveal patients’ beliefs and experiences by a flexible way to explore the respondents’ attitude, and allowing deep understanding about knowledge and feeling of participants (Polit and Beck, 2012). However, its limitation is that samples are often small band and the researchers are not attempting to generalize the findings. 4. Was the recruitment strategy appropriate to the aims of the research ? Yes.The researcher recruited participants from USM clinic and who were diagnosed type 2 diabetes while taking on hypoglycemic medications through a convenience sampling. According to HRDAG (2013), convenience sampling is to recruit participants from a particular clinical setting during data collection of a qualitative research. Moreover, convenience sampling is easy and efficient to extract the greatest possible information from the new cases in the sample, until there is no new data could be obtained and the redundancy of data saturation was achieved (Polit and Beck, 2012). However, convenience sampling may not be a preferred sampling in qualitative research due to unable to bring out the most information-rich sources and the representative of the population (Polit and Beck, 2012). In this article, the data was only obtained in one specific clinic, that would affect the credibility of result, such as the adverse effects of medication, and the satisfaction rates from health providers. It would be better if the researcher use purpose sampling into the study.Purpose sampling is to choose participants based on specific purposes, and it is primarily used in qualitative research (Polit and Beck, 2012). it can achieve  representativeness of the population and provide credibility of the result, because the researcher will not only focus on one clinic during recruitment of participants. 5. Were the data collected in a way that addressed the research issues ? Yes.A semi-structured interview was developed for data collecting of the research. Semi-structured interview is a paper-based interview guide which contain open-ended questions and the participant to follows (RWJF,2008). Moreover,Semi-structured interview provide rich, detailed information in the phenomenon study (Polit and Beck, 2012). In the study, the researcher has described in-depth interview to explore patients’ beliefs and experiences. Besides, a consent form was signed by participants before interview, a direct tell phone contact for arranging a time of interview. Further more, all the interview has been audiotaped, and the researcher did line by line analysis and coding the data to identify the key themes. The researcher interpreted to the participants who could not understand English during the interviewing by translating from a staff nurse to avoid bias that might affect the findings. In short, the data collected were fully addressed the research issue of this study. 6. Has the relationship between researcher and participants been adequately considered ? Yes. Qualitative researchers need to develop a strong relationships with participants in the study to establish credibility (Polit and Beck, 2012). In the article, all the participants were informed the purpose of this study, and a consent form was signed by each of them. The researcher also made phone call to arrange time and place that participants would like to choose for each interview. Besides, they are allowed to express their own views at the time of interview. From the analysis above we can see the participants have been fully respected by the researcher to gain their trust. Therefore, the relationship between researcher and participants has been adequately considered in this study (Al-Qazaz et al 2011). However, there was no mention about reflexivity by the researcher in this article. According to RWJF(2008), it described that reflexivity is a process use to exam researcher’s relationship to the respondent that refers to how the researcher’s values, beliefs, acquaintances and interests influence his/her  research. It would be better if it is mentioned about how the researcher located herself or himself in the study, the readers can identify how it affect the data obtaining, that will gain the findings of the research to be more credible (Polit and Beck, 2012). 7. Have ethical issues been taken into account? Yes.In the study, a respect for human dignity was fully presented based on informing the participants about the purpose of study, distributing a consent form, and a direct phone contact before interview. The participants have been fully respected by the researcher to benefit as well as the individual’s rights. Besides, they are allowed to express their own views at the time of interview, and the participants can choose place where they feel more convenience to be interviewed. It gave researcher a chance to explore the depth-richness data from participants, and enhance the participants’ autonomy and anonymity in the study. Further more, the study was also approved by the local ethics committee. In short, the ethical issues have been taken into the study as well. There was no coercion could be found in the study. However, the researcher did not mention about the confidentiality and how was data protected. Besides, they did not mention how many times participants understanding were checked before the consent form given. According to Polit and Beck (2012), it is described that it must deal with ethical issues if the studies involving human beings, because the human rights must be protected. 8. Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous ? Yes. In the study, the researcher has described clearly that a transcript of 12 audiotaped in-depth interviews were double checked for its accuracy. And the researcher identified the emerging themes via line by line data analysis and coding the relevant content data into categories until the data saturation was met and no more new data emerging from the interviews. According to Polit and Beck (2012), data saturation is a measurement of sample size that based on informational needs under the study. It is to achieve the rigour of data analysis until no more new information can be obtained. However, the researcher failed to mention about member checking in this study. It is not clear whether the researcher asked participants to  review and comment on the case summaries or drafts of the research report. It will effect the credibility of the data. According to Polit and Beck (2012), member checking defined as the researcher confirm their data accuracy by providing a feedback to the part icipants during data are being collected to ensure that participants’ meaning were understood, and it is for enhancing validation of the research. Further more, the researcher mentioned their data were analyzed by using means of a standard content analysis framework. Its aim was achieved by a appropriate phenomenological design in this study which have been discussed in question two. Moreover, the rigor and validity can also result in developing trustworthiness of qualitative research, and the five criterion for evaluation the trustworthiness in the research include in credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity (Polit and Beck, 2012). In the study, a phenomenological design was conducted with a semi-structured interview of data collection, and coding method for data analysis. this can be sufficiently proved its credibility, dependability, and confirmability. Therefore, it can be said the data analysis of this study is sufficient rigorous. 9. Is there a clear statement of findings? Yes. Four major themes were clear stated in the study which included (1). Participants’knowledge about type 2 diabetes and its medications; (2). Side-effects of medications; (3), adherence issues; (4), relationship with family on well-being (Al-Qazaz et al 2011). According to Polit and Beck (2012), the researchers interpret the data by rereading, categorizing and coding, then developing a data analysis to point out the themes into a unified whole. In this study, the researcher used qualitative design to consider increasingly the transferability of the findings to reflect the true experiences of the participants. It is relevance and accurately from the data, and give reader thought to the implications of the study for future research and practice. Meanwhile, the researcher are in the best position to demonstrate their limitations what they have been aware from the study. Consequently, it told readers that the researchers have done what they could do to guarantee the findings we re clearly and accurately as well. 10. How valuable is the research ? The purpose of qualitative research findings was described to explore participants’ experiences to develop a specific nursing intervention for improving a better outcomes of patients, and as a potentially applicable evidence influencing in future practice (NCBI,2011). Overview this study, a phenomenological approach that explore the aim of the research, it is to understand the experience of participants, their knowledge about type 2 diabetes, and the factors of medication adherence in Malaysia. Besides, it allows a deep understanding about knowledge and feeling of participants(Polit and Beck, 2012). Moreover, a semi-structured interview was used to provide rich and detailed information during the study for its validity(Polit and Beck, 2012). Further, a convenience sampling recruited participants and extract the greatest possible information to achieve data saturation for its rigour. Meanwhile, the ethical issues has been taken into account by the researchers to benefit as well as the individual’s rights. On the other side, the researcher demonstrated their limitations what they aware of the study to enhance the findings more clearly and accurately. Regarding quantitative findings, it is not generalizable that can be applied to entire populations, however, it is generalizable in a way this particularly pertinent to nursing practice in which there is an expectation that scientific finding, and provide knowledge about human experiences to readers for future research.Thus it can be seen, the research is quite valuable. Conclusion Critical appraisal is a process to judge weather a research is usefulness or its findings are trustworthy(Young and Solomon, 2009). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) produced a simple critical appraisal checklist guide people developing their skills what they need to make sense of scientific evidence(Burls, 2009). All of above,by following the CASP checklist in quantitative research, it was presented a Randomized Controlled Trial Appraisal Tool, to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention , a large sample size and a blinding to achieve the reliability of the outcome and prevent bias, a intention-to-treat analysis to compromise the validity of the study. Moreover, generalizability of the study can be practices in  other countries and helpful for further study. However, in qualitative research, the CASP is helped to understanding people’s lived experience and explore participant’s experience of taking the drugs, beliefs about the efficacy of the drug, side-effects and the adherence of treatment regime. A phenomenological method has been used in the qualitative study through a semi-structured interview, convenience sampling and coding to reveal patient’s beliefs and experiences, and allowing understanding of the knowledge and coping strategies in which the quantitative research is unable to cover. More, in this qualitative study, sample size is tend to be small, and the finding is not generalized(Polit and Beck, 2012). Both of researchers have considered validity, findings, and its relevance. However, in the qualitative article, if the researcher use a purpose sampling method and mention about reflexivity and member checking during data collection, that will enhance validity of the findings to be more accurate. Reference 1. Aveyard H and Sharp P (2009) A Beginner’s Guide to Evidence Based Practice in Health and Social Care Professions.Glasgow: Open University Press. 2. Al-Qazaz H, Hassali M and Sulaiman S (2011) Perception and knowledge of patients with type 2 diabetes in Malaysia about their disease and medication: A qualitative study. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy 7: 180-191. 3. Bandolier (no date) Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) Available at: http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/glossary/itt.html [Accessed 5/92014]. 4. Chan Z, Fung Y and Chien W(2013) Bracketing in Phenomenology: Only Undertaken in the Data Collection and Analysis Process?The Qualitative Report.Volume 18, Article 59, 1-9 [online] Available at:http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR18/chan59.pdf(accessed 26/10/2014) 5. Denzin N and Lincoln Y(Eds)(2011)The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research (4thedition). Thousand Oaks:SAGE 6. Human Rights Data Analysis Group(2013) Convenience Samples: What they are, and what they should (and should not) be used for [online] Available at: https://hrdag.org/convenience-samples-what-they-are/ (accessed 3/9/2014) 7. LONDON SCHOOL of HYGLENE and TROPICAL MEDICINE(no date) Qualitative methods useful for agriculture, nutrition and health programmes. [online]Available at:https://ble.lshtm.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/54407/mod_resource/content/107/ANH101/sessions/S1S2/ANH101_S1S2_040_010.html(accessed 28/10/2014) 8. Melnyk B.M and Fineout-Overholt E (Eds) (2010) Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (2nd edition). UK: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 9. MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES(2007) A Guide to Using Qualitative Research Methodology [online] Available at: http://fieldresearch.msf.org/msf/bitstream/10144/84230/1/Qualitative%20research%20methodology.pdf (accessed 28/10/2014) 10. Melling A, Ali B, Scott E and Leaper D (2001) Effects of preoperative warming on the incidence of wound infection after clean surgery: a randomized controlled trial. The lancet, 358: 876-880. 11. NCBI(2014) A phenomenological study to explore the experiences of Ugandan women that have undergone transvaginal ultrasound [online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175835/(accessed 1/9/2014) 12. NCBI (2011) Qualitative Research Findings as Evidence: Utility in Nursing Practice. [online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021785/ [Accessed 13 Nov. 2014]. 13. Polit D and Beck C (Eds)(2011) NURSING RESEARCH Generating and assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (9th edition). UK:Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 14. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2008) Qualitative Research Guidelines Project Semi-structured Interviews [online] Available at: http://www.qualres.org/HomeSemi-3629.html [Accessed 11 Nov. 2014]. 15. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2008) Qualitative Research Guidelines Project what is reflexivity [online] Available at: http://www.qualres.org/HomeRefl-3703.html [Accessed 12 Nov. 2014]. 16. Susan B.S, Fineout-Overholt E, Melnyk B.M and Williamson K.M(2010) Asking the Clinical Question: A Key Step in Evidence-Based Practice. The American Journal of Nursing.Vol. 110,No.3.Available at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/pdfjournal?AID=982283&an=00000446-201003000-00028&Journal_ID=&Issue_ID=(accessed 22/10/2014)

Teen Pregnancy Paper

There are hundreds of babies born each day. The scary and quite alarming fact about this is most of those moms are teenagers. Teen pregnancy has become an issue that affects numerous families in the United States. Planned Parenthood has reported an average of one million girls gets pregnant, and that is between the ages of 12-17. A staggering eighty-three percent of these pregnancies are to poor or low income families. Statistics have shown that seventy-eight percent of these pregnancies were unplanned and four out of ten were aborted.Although the numbers have plunged from five years ago, they are still uncomfortably high. The issue of teen pregnancy needs to be addressed head on otherwise this sweeping trend will soon become a dangerous norm. In most cases the only individuals that are for this issue are the teen mothers, and hopefully fathers, while the vast majorities against it are the families, schools, and society the girls are surrounded with. It is believed that the reason mo st young ladies are in support of pregnancy varies from the inability to go through with an abortion to feeling the need to be accepted.Teen fathers should be there for their girlfriends because they have also played a major role in the situation, but sadly a large number decide not to stick around. Families tend to be in opposition to the pregnancy due to financial and sometimes religious aspects. It is also difficult to comprehend the idea society has seemed to turn its back on teen moms when a solution is crucial at this time. The attention that is bringing much concern to this matter is the trend following it. Meaning, many younger girls are thinking it’s â€Å"in† to have children at a younger age and proceeds to multitudes of girls having babies at a very young age.In result of this, more and more girls are getting a lower education due to dropping out of school. Also the expectations girls have for themselves and their lives are decreasing. A recent poll by Seve nteen magazine revealed that five percent of teen moms go on to obtain a college degree. If that’s not shocking, more than half of teen moms go on to have a second child following the first. Along with this issue as a whole, a major concern is the fact that four out of ten pregnancies are aborted. This might not sounds like much, but when it is said in the thousands it is an extremely high number.It appears that most girls are relying on the ability to abort rather than the pill or other forms of contraceptives. If these options weren’t out there then teenage sex would hardly be a concept let alone the increasing outcomes of teen pregnancy. Schools have been trying over the past decade or so to educate students on safe sex and awareness. However, this education hasn’t been enough to drive the rates down to an acceptable level. If the teaching of this matter is spread out more and the awareness of diseases is also brought up, the numbers of teenage pregnancy will decline along with it.The media in some cases has brought attention to it, but has done it in a harmful way. In the summer of 2009, MTV kicked off a new series called â€Å"16 and Pregnant†. This show was to show the lives of girls who had gotten pregnant at 16. Most episodes revealed hardships each one went through and their decisions when it came to their unborn child. During the show there would be statistics on teen pregnancy and commercials about where to find help. All this seemed purely education until they continued the series for three more seasons as well as made a spin of series to showcase the growing lives of the first teen moms.The problem with this media is most of the episodes are now giving girls the idea that it is acceptable to have a child at a young age and even though there are hardships, things will still work out one way or another. Personally, the thought has crossed my mind a time or two, but reality sets in when I see real moms at my high school st ruggling just to get their diploma and juggle all the stresses of a baby. The shift of focus that needs to happen is, unfortunately, more of the bad side of pregnancy and parenting need to be shown in order to â€Å"scare† our youth.At the same time there isn’t profound public attention since this issue has never been fully addressed head on due to that fact it is a touchy subject. As with sweeping dirt under a rug for example, the more dust is swept under the rug the more it accumulates, then the problem becomes unbearable to manage. The same applies regarding teen pregnancy, the sooner education and a plan for the future is composed, the sooner this epidemic will come to a screeching halt. As long as individuals are armed with facts and have a driving force, the easier this issue will become obsolete.Although I possess all this information, there is still a lot more investigating on this topic that could be done. Are there more prevention programs or assistance for t he teen mothers and families that we don’t know about? What can the government do to eradicate teen pregnancy? In order to learn more about this, my plan would include searching the internet and possibly contacting Planned Parenthood to obtain these answers. The widespread trend of pregnancy extends further than just the teens it affects and society must handle this before it becomes intolerable.

Business Studeis Market Analysis

In doing so Samsung would build a customer base, and if sales were to increase more intensive research could be carried out as to ascertain more ideas from customers for future products. Furthermore it is essential that Samsung meet their customer’s demands, this is so that the company can become more efficient, by doing so, waste can be eradicated and inadequacy also. Therefore costs can be lowered within Samsung, increasing the amount of profit that can be made, with the eradication of waste this also lowers marketing costs, as the amount of products needed to be marketed is lowered. Here it is therefore evident market analysis is essential as this allows Samsung to save money, optimising their profit margins. The success of the company in the case of meeting customer needs and becoming more efficient, relies mainly on that of market analysis which contributes to objectives in these areas being met. In addition, on the other hand market analysis is not always essential when achieving market objectives, this is clear as, in the case of Samsung their market and competitors are rapidly changing frequently, so therefore market analysis would be pointless and time would be wasted, time = money, thus meaning money would be lost on research which wouldn’t be useful in the long term for Samsung but merely the short term. This would therefore make it hard for Samsung to achieve its objectives. Samsung’s market is constantly changing and the demand for new products is constant. Not only is the market rapidly changing but competitors also – as stated, for example Samsung’s competitors mimic and undercut Samsung’s promotional offers and match their prices, thus meaning market analysis would not be the best option for them in achieving objectives, this would not allow Samsung to gain the best possible competitive advantage over competitors, but simply aid competitors in gaining the competitive advantage over themselves, the best way for Samsung to complete a market objective associated with profit would be to copy the actions of competitors and also use penetrative pricing to undercut them. Another reason why market analysis may not necessarily be the most effective way in achieving marketing objectives is that when retrieving research the retrieval of secondary research proves to be costly, although cheap it is often useless, and out of date, and in the case of Samsung’s rapidly changing market then the use of secondary data would certainly not be an option for consideration, this therefore results in Samsung basing their research solely on Primary research via that of customer feedback or questionnaires, which is the most costly of the two, however proves most effective when put into action and contributing to marketing objectives. In conclusion, in the short term I believe it is best for Samsung to use market analysis to its full potential to gain the competitive advantage needed, although costly it may pay off in the long run, however in the long run I believe that it will become costly though, as market research would need to be carried out on frequent occas ions in this case of Samsung and therefore would prove too costly for the company, and this money spent could be used elsewhere perhaps on the production of more products. Business Studeis Market Analysis In doing so Samsung would build a customer base, and if sales were to increase more intensive research could be carried out as to ascertain more ideas from customers for future products. Furthermore it is essential that Samsung meet their customer’s demands, this is so that the company can become more efficient, by doing so, waste can be eradicated and inadequacy also. Therefore costs can be lowered within Samsung, increasing the amount of profit that can be made, with the eradication of waste this also lowers marketing costs, as the amount of products needed to be marketed is lowered. Here it is therefore evident market analysis is essential as this allows Samsung to save money, optimising their profit margins. The success of the company in the case of meeting customer needs and becoming more efficient, relies mainly on that of market analysis which contributes to objectives in these areas being met. In addition, on the other hand market analysis is not always essential when achieving market objectives, this is clear as, in the case of Samsung their market and competitors are rapidly changing frequently, so therefore market analysis would be pointless and time would be wasted, time = money, thus meaning money would be lost on research which wouldn’t be useful in the long term for Samsung but merely the short term. This would therefore make it hard for Samsung to achieve its objectives. Samsung’s market is constantly changing and the demand for new products is constant. Not only is the market rapidly changing but competitors also – as stated, for example Samsung’s competitors mimic and undercut Samsung’s promotional offers and match their prices, thus meaning market analysis would not be the best option for them in achieving objectives, this would not allow Samsung to gain the best possible competitive advantage over competitors, but simply aid competitors in gaining the competitive advantage over themselves, the best way for Samsung to complete a market objective associated with profit would be to copy the actions of competitors and also use penetrative pricing to undercut them. Another reason why market analysis may not necessarily be the most effective way in achieving marketing objectives is that when retrieving research the retrieval of secondary research proves to be costly, although cheap it is often useless, and out of date, and in the case of Samsung’s rapidly changing market then the use of secondary data would certainly not be an option for consideration, this therefore results in Samsung basing their research solely on Primary research via that of customer feedback or questionnaires, which is the most costly of the two, however proves most effective when put into action and contributing to marketing objectives. In conclusion, in the short term I believe it is best for Samsung to use market analysis to its full potential to gain the competitive advantage needed, although costly it may pay off in the long run, however in the long run I believe that it will become costly though, as market research would need to be carried out on frequent occas ions in this case of Samsung and therefore would prove too costly for the company, and this money spent could be used elsewhere perhaps on the production of more products.

Capital Punishment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Capital Punishment - Essay Example The history of death penalty dates to very ancient times. The earliest recorded evidence of this law comes from the fifth century B.C Roman law of Twelve Tables. This was followed by the Draconian Code of Athens in the seventh century B.C which made death the only sentence of every crime. The history of capital punishment also shows that this law was practiced in England as well. In England, one ruler who is famous for practicing this law was King Henry the eighth who sentenced a lot of people to gruesome death sentences. He did not even spare his wives from this punishment. It is established from history that in every civilized society there has always been a law of death in order to maintain law and order. The verdict of capital punishment has always been a matter of controversy generally because of the way a case is dealt at the court of law. A recent post by the Orlando Sentinel suggested to the state of Florida to change the way a death sentence is practiced. It suggested that instead of the existing law where a meek majority of the jury is sufficient to suggest a death sentence to the presiding judge, it would be better that a unanimous decision would be required to award the death sentence to the convicted person. The report highlights three cases in which individuals were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes which they did not commit. It took at least thirteen years before post-conviction DNA test cleared them from the charges. Such cases where innocent people are sentenced to death raises questions as to whether the individuals who were awarded death sentences in olden times truly criminals as the DNA testing techniques were not developed in those times. (Sepia 2011). Another issue which is raised with regard to death penalty is that whether the death penalty should be exercised or not in this day and age when a lot of emphasis is laid upon human rights. The ongoing case of Bradley Manning is an example. Bradley Manning leaked classified information relating to possible war crimes of the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan in WikiLeaks. The government of the United States has charged him for aiding the enemy which is a dealt with giving a capital punishment in the country. Now a letter has been sent to the president of America, Barack Obama which has been signed by more than 50 European Parliament members. They have stated their demands that Bradley Manning should be put to trial officially rather than being subjected to torture. Furthermore, they have demanded that he should not be given a death penalty (Guardian 2011). There are different places around the world where a ban has been placed on capital punishment. This includes th e state of Oregon in the United States. The governor of Oregon John Kitzhaber has declared suspension of the death sentence and would halt any execution till he is in office. The governor even declined two volunteers who were in death row and were willing to die. Mr. John Kitzhaber stated that this system was wrong and he clearly stated that â€Å"

Social work ethics - reflection paper Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social work ethics - reflection paper - Article Example Majority of the surviving American troops, referred to as veterans of the Iraq war are in dire need of therapeutic treatment which could be obtained from various help centres. The U.S. Department of veterans' affairs is charged with referring these patients to specialised mental centres (www.socialworkers.org). One such patient has been recently referred to me. Since my client had very nasty and frightening experiences in Iraq, it would be my noble responsibility to handle the situation most professionally and delicately to avoid causing further sufferings and anguish to him. My foremost action would be to assess the extend to which the war had on my client's emotional and psychological states by subjecting him to various interrogations concerning his social history; and psychiatric status. The social history would involve a brief review of relations, work and educational experiences prior to, during and after military service while the psychiatric aspect of the interrogations would involve a review of past and current psychological symptoms and traumatic experiences during military service, if any. This would greatly help me decide the best help to accord the client. Because the client is confirmed to be suffering from PSTD, my most immediate action would be to institute a type of counselling

Current Pop Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Current Pop Culture - Essay Example The current pop culture exercises its control over the thought of the people by generating the aspect of â€Å"opinion† through mass media. That is to say it becomes an artistic expression of the people, thus creating solidarity, as Kidd (2007) explains (Fedorak 3). To enhance the role played by pop culture in the lives of the people, I would undertake the examples from television and film fraternity. The television series The Sex and the City and the film The Hunger Games, both adapted from the book series, not only explain the blatant influence created by the pop culture, but also cover the wide genre of pop culture, namely literature and technology, in order to generate a striking effect on the mass consumption. The Sex and the City (1988-2004) is generally applauded for showing the prevalent theme of individualism and the society that rules our lives. It features single women as strong, honest, independent and happy, who are striving to find their individual identity in th e facets of societal foundations. The show is regarded as a post feminist exploration of single women living in New York City. It is a show about women and their friendships, their sex lives and their experiences. It is perhaps because of the issues like identity, the relation between an individual and society, and the underlying theme of sexual sovereignty that The Sex and the City can be used as the foremost example in explaining the workings of the pop culture. The protagonist Carrie Bradshaw is a sex columnist for the fictional paper The New York Star; it is through the lens of her columns that each episode is shaped. This characterization is quite important for the consumer. He meets an individual who is not only a strong, independent woman with a critical point of view, but also a sex columnist discussing sex lives of women, thus claiming sexual sovereignty. Her honesty and imperfection highlight the general thought of the public that make them identify with her. Other female characters, Miranda, a cynical attorney, asserts her independence as a woman reconciling with her motherhood and her marriage; Charlotte, a hopeless romantic lives in a world of fairy tales but eventually realizes the stark distinction between fantasy and reality; and Samantha, the self-proclaimed sex- loving, hyper sexualized old woman dealing with her state of menopause, different yet embodiment of feminism, gives a glimpse of different shades of a modern woman. They are reflection of an era where women were exercising control over their lives without the male interference. They highlight the concept of choice where an independent woman is free from the bounds of motherhood and marriage, where parents are never seen and the family mentioned is of female friendship, thus highlighting the notion of pop culture as an indicator of shared value. The Hunger Games (2012) is the most recent example of human identity being shaped by the interplay of media and individual choice in construct ing personality. It showcases the tenuous division between reality and fabrication through a violent competition in which children and teens are

Career as a Registered Practical Nurse (Canada) Research Paper

Career as a Registered Practical Nurse (Canada) - Research Paper Example As Pandit (2011) states, â€Å"being a registered nurse is beneficial for a long-term career.† Working as a registered practical nurse is a challenging and rewarding task in Canada. People like to choose the profession of registered practical nursing because it injects the sense of social responsibility in their minds, as well as helps them serve humanity in an appropriate manner. The profession of registered practical nursing requires a person to have a deep interest and effective nursing skills in order to be successful in this field. An interest in the field of medical science and 20 years experience in healthcare as a Personal Support Worker in long-term care, home care and Hospice Palliative care best match the profession of registered practical nursing. Skills in long-term care and hospice palliative care reflect actual nursing role of a registered practical nurse. A registered practical nurse also needs to have a caring and sympathetic personality along with other nursing and clinical skills. According to VandeCreek (2000), love and healing are such intangibles, which are imperative for a patient’s recovery (p. 48). Moreover, he/she should also have a deep knowledge of nursing and direct clinical practices. Such qualities and skills are the perfect match for a person who wants to establish his/her career as a registered practical nurse. There are two main ways for a person to become a registered nurse. First way is a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. A Bachelor’s degree (BSN) is the most common way that people use to earn the status of a registered nurse. A person has to spend full four years as a nursing student to earn this degree and become a registered practical nurse. This degree helps a person get additional clinical experience, as well as career flexibility. Another positive aspect of a BSN degree is that it prepares nurses for clinical practices and for teaching and

The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Shawshank Redemption - Movie Review Example Despite Andy’s declaration of innocence he is retained in the prison guided by circumstantial evidence. The movie uses the character of Andy Dufrense to reflect the resilience of human spirit and how one can retain his humanity against all odds under penitence. Andy Dufresne in his late 40s has no reason to be apprehensive about life unless things changes a little too fast for him. The corpses of his wife and her previous lover are found strewn with bullets after Andy comes to know of his wife’s illicit relationship. The circumstance goes against him when he visits his house with whisky and bullets. Though he admits to these incidents, he declares his innocence but all he receives form the court of justice is to life sentences to serve and undergo the tough penitence of the jail at Shawshank which is known to be the most atrocious one in New England. When Eliss â€Å"Red† Redding befriends Andy, he foretells that the lanky and out of place Andy would not be able to sustain here for long. His prediction seems strong given that Andy is surrounded by hostile inmates and strong tough and aggressive head guard like Hadley and personalities like Warden Norton (enacted by Bob Grunton) who made their dominance clearly felt throughout. Later when Andy narrates his story to Red, he says, â€Å"Bad luck, I guess. It floats around. It's got to land on somebody. It was my turn, that's all. I was in the path of the tornado. I just didn't expect the storm would last as long as it has†. This is complemented by the harassment of the group of troublemakers and sexual assaulters named â€Å"The Sisters† under the leadership of Bogs. Despite being tormented Andy does not give in. This surrounding is ideal to prove the Prison to live up to its name and reputation of atrocity and violence and abrupt instances of abuse occur frequently. With brutality on one hand, corruption also prevails on the other. For instance, the Warden Norton uses Andy to as sist him in his operation of laundering money under the fake name of Randall Stevens. This opportunity comes when by his luck his discovers Hadley is in a problem related to tax on an inheritance and renders his fruitful advice on the same. He is then asked to look after the library and also renders financial counseling to the other guards. Hadley also beats up the group of ‘Sisters’ who refrains from bothering Andy henceforth. Things were comfortable for Andy since his talents are being exploited by the Warden who uses the inmates for supplying labor force instead of skilled labor for which he receives incentives. Andy knows his corruption but has little way out. He takes a big risk by playing The Marriage of Figago for his inmates to hear despite knowing that he would be confined to solitary cell for this offense of rendering one pleasant moment. He carries on his good work by expanding the library after several attempts and with the help of the warden. He dedicates t he library to Brookes the old librarian who commits suicide after being released on parole since he could not adjust to the outside world. The movie set over a wide space of two decades joins different strands of stories taking place in the prison. This shows how Andy retains

The Jungle (by Upton Sinclair) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Jungle (by Upton Sinclair) - Essay Example Big businesses were enjoying an unprecedented reign of opportunism and the welfare of members of the public had begun to seriously deteriorate. Sinclair’s focus in this book was to expose the corrupt practices and the unsanitary conditions that were rampant in the meatpacking industry. This book was published in 1906 and it was successful in snaring the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who set up a commission to enquire into the meatpacking industry which finally resulted in the passage of the Beef Inspection Act. The story focuses upon the ordeals of one Lithunian family that is forced to reconsider its idealistic view that hard work and morality will lead to material success and happiness. The reality they encounter is that America is a place of greed and exploitation, where it is only immorality, corruption, crime and graft which are the means that will ensure material success. Sinclair’s book demonstrates how immigrants who came to America with the will to work hard in their pursuit of the American dream, were victimized, harassed and exploited. Throughout the book â€Å"The Jungle,† Sinclair focuses upon the meatpacking industry in Chicago but uses it as a means to demonstrate the evils of capitalism. According to Sinclair, capitalism breeds social inequality and an obsession with the accumulation of wealth that leads individuals to engage in unscrupulous practices for the express purpose of garnering wealth. Through the events in the book, Sinclair suggests that capitalism is a system that benefits only a few individuals and big businesses, hence it needs to be replaced with an alternative system such as capitalism which works for the benefit of everyone and ensures that the common man is not exploited by greedy capitalistic elements. Throughout the early part of the book, Sinclair therefore focuses on demonstrating the evils of capitalism, which in effect, destroys the many for the benefit of the few.

Audience as Market vs Audience as Public Essay Example for Free

Audience as Market vs Audience as Public Essay The relevance of ratings is very crucial, for it is what determines the most looked after programs that give a hint of satisfaction from the audiences as consumers. It is a measure of response that helps producers and managers determine what type of programs are appropriate for a certain time of the day. It also tells something about the audience, generally, their age and program preference. The audience-as-market view was manifested through the many advertisements that can be found on the commercials or air-time allotted in-between television programs. (Ang, 1991, pp. 28) Most of the television programs were an also profit-making program that generates money from the emotions and satisfaction of the public domain. In a more traditional sense, wherein broadcasting is used as a means of transmitting information, the audiences are viewed as a public. In a broad sense it portrays public service through broadcasting. Those who take broadcasting in the traditional sense believe that they have a responsibility to provide information to the public domain or to their audiences. (Ang, 1991, pp. 29) Impact of Globalization There had been several changes in the broadcasting industry due to the innovations in technology and the advent of globalization. The new ways of delivering audio-visual information via satellite have tremendously increase the audience choice and made access to different programs a lot more cheaper (McQuail, 1997, pp. 9). An instance that shows the advent of globalization can be reflected on the different interactive programs use to generate funds and advertisements. In public service broadcasting, the latest innovations have made it easier to get and present information and news. By being interactive, it had been able to solicit questions and opinions from the audience that further create a more informed viewers. Conclusion Broadcasting is a money-making industry that was promoted by a capitalist institution. Although there were views that it is ought to be used and contextualize to serve the public, nevertheless, this view would only be a part of a larger cultural-market scheme. It is important to analyze the institutional framework that fueled the broadcasting industry in able for one to determine how analyze the audience. Due to the fact that it is the institutional framework which determines who are the audiences and how they are supposed to response and be address. Bibliography Ang, I. 1991Desperately Seeking the Audience, Routledge, London/New York, , pp. 26-32 McQuail, D. 1997Audience Analysis, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California, , pp. 1-11. Moores, S. 2000. Media And Everyday Life In Modern Society. Edinburgh University Press. Edinburgh. pp. 5-23 Schirato, T. and Yell, S. 1996`Communication and Culture`, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An introduction, Allen and Unwin, St Leonards, Sydney, , pp. 1-21 Schlesinger, P. Do Institutions Matter For Public Servic Broadcasting? University of Stirling, Scotland. Retrieved on August 12, 2007. Retrieved from www. ofcom. org. uk/consult/condocs/psb2/psb2/psbwp/wp2schles. pdf Thompson, J. 1997, `Mass Communication and Mass Culture` in O`Sullivan, Tim and Jewkes, Yvonne (eds), The Media Studies Reader, Edward Arnold Ltd, London, pp. 28-41 Williams, R. 1997`Mass and Masses` in O`Sullivan, Tim and Jewkes, Yvonne (Eds), The Media Studies Reader, Edward Arnold ltd, , pp. 18-27

The war for talent Attracting and retaining organisational commitment

The war for talent Attracting and retaining organisational commitment Time has changed the way organisations operate today. Contemporary organisations not only need to compete for reputation and tangible organisational resources, but also need to participate in the war for talent (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002). Bartlett and Ghoshal (2002) described the war for talent as competing for talented and skilled workers by attracting them to work for the organisation as well as retaining their loyalty. Hence, this paper will centre around three human resource management (HRM) strategies, that is, attraction, motivation, and retention. These strategies are important because they help organisations to gain competitive advantage (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002; Global Reporting Initiative 2002; Jensen 2005). Competitive advantage refers to an organisation maximising its strengths as a method to compete in the marketplace (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002) which consists of cost leadership and differentiation in products and services (Global Reporting Initiative 2002). Organisations can win the war for talent and hence increase their competitive advantage by creating and maintaining loyalty within organisations, albeit sometimes requiring considerable investment, effort, and commitment to overcome obstacles. This discussion will demonstrate that HRM performs more than administrative duties and plays a vital role in determining an organisations success. Examples of organisations successes in attracting, motivating, and retaining employees will be illustrated throughout the discussion. This essay concludes with an analysis of the skills HR managers need to become an organisations strategic partner. Attracting staff into an organisation is one of the main HR activities and is usually the first step towards acquiring skilled employees or talent to build competitive advantage (Holland, Sheehan De Cieri 2007). The relationship between employee attraction and organisational factors can be perceived through the workplace attraction model developed by Amundson (2007). In developing his model, Amundson (2007, p. 161) reviewed different approaches and identified ten attractors that appeared to heavily influence workplace attraction; security, location, relationships, recognition, contribution, work fit, flexibility, learning, responsibility, and innovation. Amundson (2007) drew meaning of attractors from Bright and Pryors (2005) chaos theory of careers whereby career behaviour needs are mostly understood in relation to uncertainty, adaptability, possibility, ongoing change, and predictability (p. 156). Amundson (2007) also espoused that the impact of each attractor differs for everyone and can change with time. In addition, there are basic guides that encourage behaviour on one hand and limits on the other (Bright Pryor 2005). Consequently, it is important for organisations to actively motivate and retain employees once they become part of the organisation since attracting factors vary according to individuals needs, desires, and circumstances. Kimberly-Clark runs on the values of care and innovation from its brands to the way it treats its employees, customers, community, and the environment (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). This is demonstrated with its Employee Participation Program in which it enables and supports the contributions of employees to any cause or community organisation of their choice (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). For example, all employees are allowed to take a paid working day off in a year to volunteer at the charity of their choice (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). Furthermore, the employees contributions are acknowledged with an award (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). Kimberly-Clark also emphasises its dedication towards employee training and development, as well as safety and wellbeing. This commitment has led to the reduction of reported injuries by 30 per cent in 2008 (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). Overall, it appears that Kimberly-Clark corresponds to Amundsons (2007) attractors which would in t urn invite skilled workers to be part of the organisation. Kimberly-Clarks motto of care would also attract people who hold the same values and consequently, be motivated to strengthen and maintain its reputation as a company that cares. Accordingly, organisations can win the war for talent with investment, effort, and commitment and thus, increase its competitive advantage. In order to gain competitive advantage, organisations need to attract intellectual capital to ensure sustainability (Earle 2003). Sustainability refers to the capacity for organisations to survive and be successful in a dynamic and competitive environment (Global Reporting Initiative 2002). It also includes policies and practices of attracting, motivating, and retaining employees (Earle 2003; Global Reporting Initiative 2002; Holland, Sheehan De Cieri 2007). Sustainability is significant as people are unique. They create growth in the organisation by bringing distinctive knowledge, skills, and experience into the organisation (Amundson 2007; Harell Daim 2010; Ramlall 2004) which further contributes to organisational value and enhanced performance. To illustrate the argument above, St. George Bank, as part of the members of Australias leading Retail and Business Banking brands (St. George Bank n.d.) has proved its sustainability by winning numerous awards and recognition, including participating in the 2008 Family Friendly Employer of Choice program to appreciate family friendly practices and diversity; as well as being the winner of the Australian HR Awards 2007 Employer of Choice (St. George Bank n.d.). These awards also resemble Amundsons (2007) relationships, recognition, and contribution attractors which could then serve as an encouragement for people to work at St. George Bank. Furthermore, these attractors have the ability to create and maintain loyalty towards the bank. Organisations are required to actively seek talented employees due to the challenge of globalisation. This is because in order to survive, more markets are internationalised to compete both locally and internationally (De Cieri et al. 2008; Jorgensen Taylor 2008; Ma Trigo 2008). Besides this, multinational enterprises face the challenge of managing the global workforce mobility due to the international assignments of its employees (De Cieri et al. 2008), which usually involves a significant amount of investment (Dowling, Festing Allen D. Engle 2008). Subsequently, the result of having an increased global human capital movement increases competition for skilled employees (Earle 2003; Jorgensen Taylor 2008; Ramlall 2004). Therefore, there is a need for organisations to actively implement strategies to attract and retain skilled employees. Organisations are also competing to attract skilled employees because of critical skill shortages (Amundson 2007; Holland, Sheehan Cieri 2006; Holland, Sheehan De Cieri 2007; Hunt Rasmussen 2007; Jorgensen Taylor 2008; Ma Trigo 2008). Skill shortages are intensified due to an increase in the ageing population, which is characterised by increased longevity and lower birth rates (Australian Bureau Of Statistics 2007; De Cieri et al. 2008; Jorgensen Taylor 2008; Office for an ageing Australia 2001). Hence, the issue of skill shortages becomes more prominent as the ageing population retire (Ruch 2000). Subsequently, organisations that also attempt to attract the ageing population indirectly create a diverse workforce (Erickson 2010; Jorgensen Taylor 2008). As a result, organisations can win the war for talent as numerous research suggests that diversity within organisations leads to competitive advantage (e.g., Henry Evans 2007; Kochan et al. 2003; Riach 2009). This is because di fferent groups bring different knowledge and experience into the organisation, which consecutively creates richer intellectual resources. Three complementary employee retention models are briefly mentioned. The first is the matching model; a form of employee selection approach where both the company and applicant tries to mirror the requirements, interests, and principles of the other (March Simon 1958, cited in Samson Daft 2005). Second is the goodness-of-fit model that concurrently considers individual and contextual factors (Latham Pinder 2005). Finally, the career decision-making model considers internal and external factors that impact upon peoples career decisions (Parsons 1909, cited in Hartung Blustein 2002). These models also complement Amundsons (2007) attraction model that was previously discussed. Consequently, it is advantageous that organisations recognise individuals appealing factors so that HRM can devise attracting strategies and policies to invite and maintain talent in the workplace. Organisations need to proactively retain its employees to prevent voluntary turnover because significant expenses are associated with its loss (Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Garger 1999). The Diversity Dividend (2002, cited in Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.) reported that each employees departure costs organisations between 90 and 2000 per cent of an employees yearly salary. Moreover, recruiting and retraining new employees costs money and time (Brundage Koziel 2010; Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Peterson 2005). Furthermore, losing talent equates to losing knowledge since employees have unique talent (Amundson 2007; Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Ramlall 2004), as previously discussed. Additionally, company targets are not achieved (Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Garger 1999), the remaining employees productivity and morale are affected (Equal Oppor tunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Garger 1999; Hunt Rasmussen 2007), and the organisations reputation might be jeopardised (Garger 1999). Wal-Mart has successfully demonstrated effective retention strategies through its beliefs of getting, keeping, and growing good people, amongst other HR strategies (Peterson 2005). Value is placed upon knowing a person during the recruiting process so that the applicant and organisation can determine a match of needs, interests, and values. This corresponds to the matching model (March Simon 1958, cited in Samson Daft 2005) and goodness-of-fit model (Latham Pinder 2005). Managers are involved in the orientation programs so that a good working relationship is built (Garger 1999; Peterson 2005). Successively, employees can feel connected towards the organisation and feel secure in voicing out grievances (Peterson 2005). Besides that, clarification of goals and paths within the organisation are established from the beginning (Garger 1999; Peterson 2005). Furthermore, strong leadership is emphasised in Wal-Mart since leaders become a role model for the employees (Garger 1999; Peterson 2005). With these, Wal-Mart has illustrated organisational commitment towards its employees, and is likewise rewarded with loyalty from its staff. While there are various strategies available for organisations to improve employee motivation, it is valuable for HR managers to ground them from motivation theories so that they can be more efficient (Ramlall 2004). Since numerous motivation theories can be applied to employee attraction and retention; and since theories of attraction, motivation, and retention complement each other in winning the war for talent, this essay will mention a synthesised model; Jeffries and Huntes (2004) extension of Lockes motivational sequence (1991). This is because the model connects key motivation theories into a successive structure to illustrate individuals motivational drivers (1991, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004). Amongst the theories included are Maslows (1970) Hierarchy of Needs to represent the antecedents of values and desires (Locke 1991, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004); Adams (1963) Equity Theory to illustrate individuals value-driven choices and actions (Locke 1991, cited in Jeffries Hun te 2004); Banduras (1986) Social Cognitive Theory that states performance is determined by direct, immediate purposes and a sense of efficiency (Locke 1991, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004); and Hackman and Oldhams (1980) Job Characteristics Theory where work performance determines job satisfaction (Locke 1991, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004). Jeffries and Hunte (2004) introduced the role of intermediaries in which appropriate interventions can have influential factors on individuals. A synthesised motivational model is also relevant because organisations usually use more than one approach in motivating and retaining employees (e.g., Wal-Mart, in Peterson 2005), although they may not be grounded on theory (Ramlall 2004). Additionally, researchers have warned of the dangers for managers to generalise a theory because this could jeopardise their employees motivation aside from their career (Harell Daim 2010). As mentioned earlier, one of the consequences of staff turnover is the loss of motivation and productivity amongst the remaining employees (Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency n.d.; Garger 1999; Hunt Rasmussen 2007). In addition, overall productivity decreases with the use of new, inexperienced staff (Smith et al. 2004). Therefore, motivating employees could prevent or at least reduce turnover intention (Ma Trigo 2008) and simultaneously improve productivity (Hunt Rasmussen 2007). In turn, organisations can prevent major expenses related to innovation, production, and quality (Harell Daim 2010) and create a high-performance workforce (Jensen 2005). A classical strategy to attract, motivate, and retain talent is by offering financial rewards, such as high wages and profit sharing (e.g., Ma Trigo 2008; Ramlall 2004; Smith et al. 2004). Besides that, some organisations also practice salary increments whereby wage increases according to tenure (Ramlall 2004; Smith et al. 2004). An extensive study conducted by Chew and Girardi (2008) particularly draws attention to the suggestion that wage is one of three strategic methods of motivating and retaining employees. The researchers believe that financial rewards are one of the most important factors that lead to organisational commitment, which subsequently, results in retention (Chew Girardi 2008). Other forms of financial incentives include loyalty bonuses (Smith et al. 2004) and performance-based bonuses that is determined by the employees financial objectives and individual accomplishments, as well as the organisations performance (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002; Brundage Koziel 2010; Gullickson Gunn 2003; Smith et al. 2004; Ma Trigo 2008). Thorough investigations conducted revealed that these strategies aid employee motivation because they are regarded as the managements form of recognition and appreciation (Chew Girardi 2008; Harell Daim 2010). Thus, organisations can succeed in motivating and retaining employees, although it involves great financial investments. While financial rewards seem to be an evident strategy of attracting, motivating, and retaining talent, the use of non-financial rewards succeed equally well. Organisations can recognise employees efforts by honouring them with reputation and awards (Hunt Rasmussen 2007), such as commonly practiced in the advertising field (Medcalf 2008) and as demonstrated by Kimberly-Clark. Therefore, as Adams (1963) Equity Theory suggests, when employees feel that their management recognises their efforts, they would feel more motivated and hence remain in the organisation. Financial and non-financial rewards can also be associated together such as during an awards-giving ceremony. Aside from those, organisations can attract, motivate, and retain employees with the use of perks such as employment benefit packages (e.g., car, phone, insurance, and holidays) and the physical environment (Earle 2003). Earle (2003) noted that organisations that usually gain recognition in Fortune Magazines 100 Best Companies to work for (p. 252) are the ones that offers perks to improve employees quality of life. She noted that the top ten listed companies offered practical facilities, such as health-related and family friendly amenities. Therefore, while organisations can win the war for talent by investing in various tangible and non-tangible perks, investing in perks that directly improves employees well-being is more effective. Moreover, when an individuals well-being is increased, turnover due to poor health is likely to decrease (Jorgensen Taylor 2008). Organisations that strive to create a corporate identity are often well rewarded with talented employees (Earle 2003; Hunt Rasmussen 2007). This is because the brand or reputation of the organisation tends to reflect employees sense of identity (Earle 2003). Successively, organisations can work towards achieving the title Employer of Choice that further attracts, motivates, and retains employees (Ruch 2000). Kimberly-Clark has won the Federal Governments Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA)s Employer of Choice for Women award several times (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). It is necessary for organisations to fulfil stringent criteria in order to receive this recognition (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). Kimberly-Clark was recognised because it offered mothers paid maternity leave and flexibility in arranging work (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). For instance, they could work from home or work on a part-time schedule (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). Flexible work arrangements are significant especially for females who may be caring for others or want to coincide work with school hours (Wrekin Council 1997, cited in Smith et al. 2004). Additionally, flexible working arrangements can draw females into employment (Earle 2003; Wrekin Council 1997, cited in Smith et al. 2004) while retaining valuable employees (Earle 2003). As demonstrated, flexible work arrangements appear to be an important factor in attracting, motivating, and retaining employees. Recent research suggests that employees prefer flexibility (Jorgensen Taylor 2008) because it can contribute to work-life balance (Earle 2003; Hunt Rasmussen 2007; Holland, Sheehan De Cieri 2007). Furthermore, this practice promotes the retention and re-engagement of the more experienced, older workers (Holland, Sheehan De Cieri 2007). Earle (2003) noted that Baby Boomers who are offered more flexibility and autonomy to balance their professional and private lives are more open to work in a different and possibly, less comfortable environment. Consequently, as diversity, knowledge, and experience are maintained, organisations can win the war for talent and increase its competitive advantage. Organisations can also provide other variations of flexibility and work-life balance such as flexi time, job sharing, unpaid leave, and the ability to telecommute (Earle 2003). Earle (2003) notes that there are people who highly value the ability to control their own work schedule. Therefore, they would determine their own work datelines or even only work on certain days (Earle 2003). She also notes that some employees prefer to telecommute because it is more convenient and they can save on travelling time (Earle 2003). Thus, organisations can win the war for talent by attracting skilled workers who may happen to live a distance away or find travelling difficult. Meanwhile, these strategies can motivate and retain existing employees because there is less organisational pressure and demand. Organisations can increase its competitive advantage by being familiar with generational differences because their formative years shape much of their values, needs, and expectations (Earle 2003; Erickson 2010). Nevertheless, each generation would also require different needs and wants according to their stages of life (Earle 2003). This reflects Amundsons (2007) attraction theory, Bright and Pryors (2005) chaos theory of careers, as well as Jeffries and Huntes (2004) extension of Lockes motivational sequence (1991). Therefore, different attractors and motivators apply when recruiting, motivating, and retaining them (Jeffries Hunte 2004; Lancaster Stillman 2002, cited in Jorgensen Taylor 2008). It is useful for HR managers to consider that they are also hiring attitudes besides expertise (Ruch 2000). It is documented that Baby Boomers generally favour a stable and peaceful working environment (Earle 2003), appreciate longer time lines to complete the assignment, prefer to be involved in consensus building, and participate in management activities (Jeffries Hunte 2004). Nevertheless, they are willing to endure less than optimal conditions if they are highly compensated and are provided with good health plans (Earle 2003). Besides that, organisations could make necessary adjustments and involve Baby Boomers in management. These benefits the organisations since older workers tend to have more knowledge, skills, and experience, and are aware of the organisations goals and processes (Earle 2003). While Baby Boomers tend to be loyal towards their employer (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004), adjusting to their needs further strengthens their commitment. On the other hand, Generation X are comfortable with ongoing changes surrounding their job and environment (Earle 2003). They prefer to work in empowered teams, but will only put in as much effort to what is appreciated by the organisation (Earle 2003; Ruch 2000). This corresponds to Adams (1963) Equity Theory. In addition, Generation X places a lot of emphasis on work-life balance (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004; Ruch 2000). Therefore, flexibility and recognition plays an even bigger role in attracting, motivating, and retaining them (Earle 2003; Ruch 2000). In fact, they are willing to receive lower wages in exchange for flexible work arrangements (Earle 2003). Therefore, in order to gain competitive advantage, organisations need to adapt to the working styles of Generation X as the older generation retires (Ruch 2000). Finally, Generation Y are more ethically diverse (Howe Strauss 2000, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004). Consequently, they tend to be more selective with their work places and are more apt to leave the organisation if they perceive it as meaningless (Earle 2003). They value factors such as training and development, recognition, innovation, relations, consistent and timely feedback, and a positive working environment (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004). Generation Y also welcomes new challenges in their work (Earle 2003). Hence, in order to attract, motivate, and retain Generation Y, organisations need to invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and commitment to comply to the factors above as well as to establish their company image as one that is worth working for. A good example of this is Kimberly-Clark, which this essay has illustrated several times. Moreover, Generation Y grew up in a time of technology advancement (Jeffries Hunte 2004) which enables anyone to research a part icular employer at any given time. Henceforth, upon winning the war for Generation Y talent, organisations can increase its competitive advantage since Generation Y will create the bulk of the workforce in the near future (Earle 2003). This essay has discussed some strategies organisations can implement to attract, motivate, and retain skilled workers. Organisations can be successful in winning the war for talent through the role of its HRM to devise strategies that will contribute to employee satisfaction (Jeffries Hunte 2004). Nonetheless, in order to achieve this, organisations need to regard HR managers as strategic partners (De Cieri et al. 2008). This is because employees are less likely to resign if the management system is good (Ma Trigo 2008). Consecutively, an increase in job satisfaction will lead to an increase in affective commitment and hence, more success in talent retention (Ma Trigo 2008). Despite HRMs recognition of the importance of attracting, motivating, and retaining skilled employees, many fail to focus on these, focusing instead on administrative tasks (Jensen 2005). Furthermore, whilst HR managers may recognise the different strategies available to win the war for talent, it is futile if they are not utilised appropriately. One way of overcoming this is by using information technology (IT; Jensen 2005). For example, Delaware Investments outsources administrative work via technology to alleviate administrative time in order to focus on strategic human resource management (SHRM; Jensen 2005). Besides that, to maintain employee relations, Delaware Investments uses IT to help deliver messages efficiently and in a timely manner, especially those that would have a big impact on employees such as major organisational changes (Jensen 2005). Effective SHRM needs to be based on research, theoretical models, and information received from exit interviews (Garger 1999). It also needs to begin from the stages of selection and orientation so that organisations can determine the right people to hire (Garger 1999). Wal-Mart (Peterson 2005) demonstrated this with the practice of getting to know applicants before hiring. As cited, this relates to the matching model (March Simon 1958, cited in Samson Daft 2005) and goodness-of-fit model (Latham Pinder 2005). It is important for organisations to provide offers and values that are consistent with their advertisements during recruitment. Otherwise, motivating and retaining talent will be more challenging, if not failed, because the employees would leave for other organisations that provide better compensation and matching principles (Terjesen Frey 2008). This reflects Parsons (1909, cited in Hartung Blustein 2002) career-decision making model. Another method of achieving SHRM is by tailoring strategies according to the factors that each generation favours more, such as training and development, motivational factors, and compensation. For example, Generations X and Y appreciate constant feedback and evaluation (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004). Therefore, a strategic method to motivate and retain them would be to develop a comprehensive learning and development module that fulfils their learning goals (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004). Nonetheless, Jeffries and Hunte (2004) noted the irony that the additional skills would prepare the employees to leave the organisation for a different one. Therefore, an approach to overcome this effect is by developing a personal retention plan for individual employees such as flexible work arrangements, as discussed earlier, as well as developing goals surrounding approaching organisational opportunities (such as Wal-Mart). Targeted retention policies that are relevant include setting ma nageable jobs and expectations, providing career management, promoting good communication within the organisation, offering flexibility to achieve work-life balance, stating clear goals, and mentoring (Ruch 2000). In addition, since Generations X and Y seek challenges and prefer to work in teams (Earle 2003; Jeffries Hunte 2004), management could develop projects which requires an amalgamation of knowledge, skills, and experience of the generations. Organisations that maximises its employees resources tend to achieve competitive advantage (Jeffries Hunte 2004). An exemplary organisation previously cited is again, Kimberly-Clark. It is also worth noting that Kimberly-Clark has a dedicated HR team that works towards informing organisational strategy (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 2009). This essay acknowledges Jeffries and Huntes (2004) extension of Lockes motivational sequence (1991) because the model connects key motivation theories into a successive structure to illustrate individuals motivational drivers (1991, cited in Jeffries Hunte 2004). In addition, the authors considered generational differences as one of the intermediaries that can influence interventions (Jeffries Hunte 2004). Thus, HRM can carefully formulate attracting, motivating, and retaining strategies following this synthesis. For example, HRM needs to consider the provision of recognition and health-related benefits to Baby Boomers (Jeffries Hunte 2004) while focusing more on learning and development for Generations X and Y (Jeffries Hunte 2004). Besides being highly proficient in the business strategy and being able to lead, HR managers need to be skilled in networking to obtain and share knowledge in order to be an efficient strategic partner in the organisation (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002). Thus, HR executives need to be able to communicate with the employees and be on the same wavelength in order to meet the employees needs (Harell Daim 2010). Subsequently, it is imperative that HR executives follow up on the feedback in a timely manner (Harell Daim 2010) to prevent the loss of employee confidence in the organisation. Additionally, HR managers need to understand that a wide combination of strategies is involved when attracting, motivating, and retaining talent. It is insufficient to only utilise a few convenient strategies and anticipate employee retention. It is also vital that HR managers regard employees as partners of the organisation and compensate them alike other stakeholders (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002). Smith et al. (2004) documented two transnational Japanese manufacturing plants in Britain that consistently experienced high employee turnover. They attributed this to company paternalism while acknowledging its HRMs role in minimising production disruption. Nevertheless, the strategies only focused on wage, careful employee selection, and job routinisation (Smith et al. 2004). Therefore, motivating and retaining employees greatly depends on the factors that employees value, as well as the organisations response to them (Dolea, Stormont Braichet 2010). Furthermore, HR managers need to understand that financial incentives programmes alone are not the basis of attracting, motivating, and retaining employees since employees who were initially drawn by an offer that pays well will usually leave for a different organisation that pays better (Bartlett Ghoshal 2002). It is important that HR managers understand this phenomena because it is common for policy-makers to use finance as an immediate boost when faced with a lack of human capital (Dolea, Stormont Braichet 2010). Clearly, competitive challenges like globalisation and skill shortages have contributed to a spirited war for talent. Adding to these is the challenge of satisfying the demands of different generations. Various literatures have documented the trend that parallels the views presented by Bartlett and Ghoshal (2002). This essay has explored strategies that HRM can adopt to attract, motivate, and retain talent in order to gain competitive advantage. Nonetheless, there is recognition that some strategies would require considerable investment, effort, and commitment to surmount the competitive challenges. This essay has also highlighted that HRM is an integral part to an organisations success. A review of selected models has been presented to guide organisational strategic planning to win the war for talent. In addition, this essay has identified several organisations accomplishments in attracting, motivating, and retaining skilled workers. Finally, this essay indicated the competencies HR executives require to become an organisations strategic partner. This essay closes with a reiteration that organisations can create and maintain commitment.

Aristotles Rhetoric and the Ethics of Modern Advertising Essay

Aristotle's Rhetoric outlines the three main purposes of rhetoric as political, legal, and ceremonial. Persuasion is the main point of all three of the main venues for rhetoric. Rhetoric â€Å"may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion† (Aristotle 22). Rhetoric can also be seen as a primer to explain the methods of persuasion used in modern-day commercials and advertisements. While the classic methods of effecting persuasion are pertinent to our understanding of how different forms of advertising work, there are also a host of modern day techniques that have changed the landscape of rhetoric. Namely, what has changed is three-fold. First, modern-day advertising has a much more visual delivery. Second, traditional oratory is rarely used in modern day commercials. Finally, there is a departure from what Aristotle would say is ethical within the rhetoric of the modern day. Advertising is attempting to sell you somethin g. Unlike in the time of Aristotle, we live in a capitalist society where most rhetorical methodology is designed to produce a specific action from the audience to purchase an item, not simply to win an argument. The duty of oratory has changed from the Aristotelian definition. We can then ask, what can we learn from the rhetorical devices of Aristotle in responding to today's advertisements and commercials? However broad these changes may seem to the modern day audience, it is important to 2 show how the classical methodology of effecting persuasion is relevant today. Aristotle states the three means of effecting persuasion are â€Å" (1) to reason logically, (2) to understand human character and goodness in various forms, and (3) to understand ... ...nd logos are used by ad-writers in an attempt to persuade them, the public can look clearly at the underlying purpose of the advertisement. As Corbett and Connors point out, â€Å"a knowledge of rhetoric can help us to respond critically and appreciatively to advertisements, commercials, political messages, satires, irony, and double-speak of all varieties† (25). A close reading of Rhetoric and other forms of ancient rhetoric can be beneficial to a student who wishes to truly understand how advertising and commercials work. The ability to wade through advertising that only offers a mild truth, or worse yet a lie, has become a great attribute associated with post-modern American thinking. After a careful study of Rhetoric's past, we as Americans may be able to discern truth from propaganda, need instead of want, and fact from fiction.

Essay --

Most of the researchers have found that there are significant relationship between motivation and social support, within the organization and school. In organization, a study from Lin and Huang (2011) have purposed to examine the relationship between achievement motivation and training motivation. Furthermore, the study also investigated the social support of managers and colleagues as moderators for testing their effect on the relationship between two variables. In findings, the training motivation is significantly affected by achievement motivation, while the social support of managers and colleagues shows a moderating effect in organizations (Lin & Huang, 2011). In schools, Urdan and Schoenfelder (2006) have purposed an analysis article to describe and analyze the research on the contextual influences on student motivation critically, by reviewing the research from three theoretical perspectives (achievement goal theory, self-determination theory, and social-cognitive theory) and the field of social relationship with teachers and peers. In the studies of all three perspectives have emphasized the importance of providing students with a sense of ownership in learning process and the appropriate challenging academic work, will more likely to improve student motivation. Whilst, the perspectives of psychologist on social relationship have found the motivation behavior in school results from a combination of the characteristics of students and the environment. For instance, to encourage the â€Å"unmotivated† student willing participants in academic task are needed the conditions of the tasks are according to their interests, or got the opportunities to meet the social needs through the cooperation with friends or caring support from... ... the path of enrollment to the college, which due to the factors of the possible lack in adult role models and the required knowledge to assist in successful completion of college. However, the non-first generation college students are reported to have higher levels of motivation and more likely to attend college for achieving higher grade point average. Besides, the researchers also found that receiving support from family is important for the students to increase the well-being and chances of enrolling in college (Pannell and Olmos, 2012). As a whole, the studies showed the motivation will positive affected by social support, within the organization and school. In addition, the relationship between motivation and social support will impact the differences in achievement. However, the year of study and sex differences will persist as areas of concern in our study.

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay -- essays research papers

In “Hamlet';, the tragedy by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, the prince of Denmark withholds a great internal conflict throughout the play. As a result, Hamlet contradicts himself many times throughout out the play, which caused the unnecessary death of many others. As well as trying to be true to himself, Hamlet is an expert at acting out roles and making people falsely believe him. The roles he plays are ones in which he fakes madness to accomplish his goals. While one second Hamlet pretends to be under a strange spell of madness, seconds later he may become perfectly calm. He struggles with the issue of avenging his father’s death. He vows to kill Claudius but then backs out several times. Hamlet’s actions throughout the play support this deceitful nature. His dual personalities are the foundation of his madness. There are many examples that illustrate how Hamlet’s deceitful nature results in a tragedy because of his inability to choose which r ole to play. In Act One, Hamlet appears to be very straightforward in his actions and his role. When his mother questions him, Hamlet says, "Seems, madam? Nay it is. I know not seems" (1.2.76). By saying this, Hamlet lets Gertrude know that he is what she sees, torn over his father’s death. Later, he makes a clear statement about his state of mind when he commits himself to revenge. "I’ll wipe away all trivial fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, that youth and observation copied there, and thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain" (1.5.100-104). In that statement, Hamlet is declaring that he will be committed to nothing else but the revenge of his fathers death. There is no confusion about Hamlet’s character in Act One. He has said earlier that he is what he appears to be, and there is no reason to doubt it. In the next act, Hamlet’s intentions suddenly become confusing. In the first act, Hamlet was dedicated and inspired in seeking revenge. However, when Hamlet appears again in the second act, he loses the conviction that was present earlier. He has yet to take up the orders assigned to him by the ghost. He spends the act walking around, reading, and talking with Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenst... ...ave loved her, but he did not. Had he loved her he would not have treated her so poorly earlier. He is now committed to acting, and loving Ophelia fits the role. In the rest of the play Hamlet sticks to his resolve. He barely has time to tell his story of escape to Horatio before he is challenged. He does not refuse the challenge because as nobility, he cannot refuse he has to keep his honor. Hamlet goes to the match and because he has now accepted the role, he does not hesitate to kill the King when prompted to do so. Throughout the whole play, Hamlet wrestles with an inner conflict that ultimately costs not only Claudius’ life, but also many others, including his own. He even feels that playing one role can transform his inner feelings as well. While one moment Hamlet is committed to revenge, the next moment he is not sure if Claudius was the killer. In one scene Hamlet praises acting and realizes his role, but in the next he decides to put off his deeds. If Hamlet had followed through with his actions, and had not debated so often, there would have been fewer deaths. Hamlet’s inability to act lead to everyone’s demise.

Huckleberry Finn Ending Controversy

Mark Twain is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the history of the United States, having spun many memorable and iconic tales in his own creative and unique style. Held high in this position as a great â€Å"American† novelist, Twain flirted with the creation of a universal masterpiece in his novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. However, critics disagree on whether or not Twain’s work with Huckleberry Finn truly reaches the stature of a masterpiece, and that disagreement stems from the course the author chose for his conclusion. T. S Eliot finds Twain’s ending to be true to his style and the rest of the novel.Leo Marx finds that the ending abandons the apparent goals of the novel, leaving the work short of excellence. Twain ventured into the arena of greatness by combining two timelessly classic elements, and casting them as the central â€Å"characters† of his work. According to Eliot, Twain uses the â€Å"character† of the Mis sissippi River to relate to all nature, and he uses the title character of Huckleberry Finn to relate to the boy of mankind. Twain uses the former to guide the story and the latter to experience it. He engages the reader with his signature, easily accessed narrative and builds a strong foundation from these two universal elements.The only real question is the payoff; can the strength of the beginning be carried through to the end? This is where debate ensues, for Twain seemingly departs from the path he has laid throughout the novel to bring the story to resolution in a manner consistent with Twain’s writing, but not so much with the established course of this novel. Critics, such as T. S. Eliot, see the story’s ending, filled with the game-like attempts of the Tom Sawyer to free Jim, as a way to bring the reader back to the feelings of the beginning of the novel. It is a position with which I cannot disagree more.Instead, it is the view of Leo Marx that I see as the b est dissection of the ending of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one filled with flaws, significant enough that they â€Å"jeopardize the significance of the entire novel. † (Marx 291) Marx points out that the beginning of Huck’s journey with Jim has one specific goal, the goal to get Jim to freedom. This is made clear when Huck discovers the Duke and the Dauphin have sold Jim, causing Huck to say: After all this long journey . . . here was it all come to nothing, everything all busted up and ruined, because they could have the heart to erve Jim such a trick as that, and make him a slave again all his life, and amongst strangers, too, for forty dirty dollars. (199) Marx states â€Å"Huck knows that the journey will have been a failure unless it takes Jim to freedom. (294) However, at the end of the book we discover through Tom that Jim is already free. The impact of this revelation threatens the entire purpose of the journey, and diminishes the events along the way . Possibly the most disappointing aspect of the ending is Tom’s plan to free Jim from the barn. Filled with humor and games, the freeing of Huck’s close friend is made into a joke.This comes after the fact that (1), Huck has made his journey down the river a quest for Jim’s freedom, and (2), Huck’s â€Å"growth in stature† (as characterized by Marx, p. 296) has elevated the tone of the story beyond farce. Two of the most prominent examples of this growth — Huck’s decision to â€Å"go to hell† rather than let Jim be sold back into slavery, and his sorrow felt for the Duke and Dauphin while seeing them run out of town, tarred and feathered, by the angry townsfolk – are trivialized for the sake of a few laughs at the end. We believe that we have experienced a metamorphosis of Huck.Starting as a naive and ignorant child, skeptical about the ways of society, we are lead to believe that Huck finally has a grasp on what it mean s to be human, as well as a â€Å"mature blending of his instinctive suspicion of human motives with his capacity for pity. † (Marx 295) Huck’s participation in Tom’s scheme not only sacrifices the character growth that seemed a central theme of Twain’s story to that point, but also seems to represent a mishandling of the conflict identified by Marx the difference between â€Å"what people do when they behave as individuals and what they do when forced into roles imposed upon them by society. (Marx 300) Huck is well aware of his goal: freedom for Jim. The relapse of his character without equal awareness is inexplicable without explanation from the author. As Marx points out: The conflict between what people think they stand for and what social pressure forces them to do is central to the novel. It is present to the mind of Huck and, indeed, accounts for his most serious inner conflicts. He knows how he feels about Jim, but he knows what he is expected to do about Jim. 300) The idea of freedom in the minds of Huck and Jim are different from the simple definition of freedom, â€Å"for freedom in this book specifically means freedom from society and its imperatives† according to Marx (p. 303) The freedom sought by Huck and Jim is freedom both in the literal sense of being free from slavery, and in the figurative sense of being free from society’s expectations. However, given Huck’s questionable decision to go along with Tom, Huck gives into social pressure once again.He has given in to they ways which we were lead to believe he had overcome; he has given into the one convention he set out to escape from in the first place. It is with the appearance of Tom, that Huck’s quest for freedom no longer seems so important, even though he was previously willing to â€Å"go to hell† for what he had so diligently fought for along the way. The idea, the goal, is devalued for no clear reason. Such a departure of character cannot go simply unaddressed by the author.With Huck shifting back into the childish role we observed in the beginning of the novel, we also see yet another character simultaneously regressing, Jim. The tedious, degrading actions of the boys, in an effort to free Jim, are at first noted by Jim as such. However, he quickly becomes inexplicably submissive and accepting of what the boys are doing to him. This bears no resemblance to the Jim presented to the reader when the two companions were on the river. Twice Huck plays practical jokes on Jim, and twice Jim calls him out as being disrespectful, hurtful, and inconsiderate.And now, with freedom ever so close, the reader is expected accept that Jim’s passion for freedom and intolerance of nonsense has too vanished along with the maturity of Huck. Exactly how Twain expects this to be believable by the readers is questionable, unfortunately an answer is never offered. Instead, Twain seemingly dismisses the growth of his protagonists and resorts to the easy western comedy style from earlier in the novel. In the view of Eliot, this return to the introductory feel of the novel is a perfect example of great literary form.Instead, this return is nothing more than the apparent defeat of our seemingly maturing protagonist. Eliot’s argument that this return is of great form causes Marx to note in rebuttal, â€Å"A unified work must surely manifest coherence of meaning and clear development of theme,† and this regression of character fails to do either. With the ending of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn being so clearly chronicled by Marx as a failure to complete the initiated theme, it is left only to see Eliot’s argument for the greatness of the ending as an argument refuted.As clear as Marx’s chronicle, it is equally clear that â€Å"Huck Finn’s besetting problem [is] the disparity between his best impulses and the behavior the community attempted to impose upon him †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Marx 304). It is this disparity that needs resolution in order to have a proper ending to Huckleberry Finn. It is the transformation of the character, Huck Finn, through progression, not regression that would make the book a pure work of excellence.

Juche Ideology and Religion

Juche Ideology and Religion Juche is a Communist led and sponsored religion in North Korea made up of a mixture of ideology, philosophy, and religion for over 22,000,000 people, most of which are North Koreans, as stated by John Chin of the Religion-Info website (Chin). Juche is practiced, mandatorily, in North Korea by their government leader Kim Jong-Il, and is more of a social ideology instead of an actual religion. Although, the only way this ideology is promoted as a religion is by the way that Juche adopted some of the Confucius ideas. John Chin also states the ideas of Juche following only one â€Å"Great Leader†, and secondly that the Korean Worker's Party revolution belongs to the people (Chin). Then later the idea of self-reliance or self-sufficiency as a country was added to Juche which the word itself by Korean language means â€Å"self-reliance† (Adherents. com). Also, Jurgen Kleiner states that Kim Il-Sung created this ideology to save him from political and social obstacles of the day. So, really this religion in my opinion is not a true religion, but actually a social ideology; as a matter of fact, if Juche were really a religion then it would be a choice to adhere to not forced like it is in North Korea. Juche ideology is practiced majorly in North Korea where the choice is not given to the people on whether they want to believe in something else or to follow the Juche beliefs. By Jurgen Kleiner the Juche ideology saved Kim Il-Sung from getting too deeply involved in the earlier rift between the Soviet Union and China (Kleiner). So, by what Kleiner is saying the Juche ideology was used to keep Kim Il-Sung from being involved with any Soviet or Chinese involvement. This â€Å"religion† does not have a main saint who has a life or death childhood experience nor does it have a saint who has a God experince where the God of their culture passes a vision onto that main saint. The closest thing that Juche has to a main saint figure, and in the working people’s eyes he is a sain by what he declares, is Kim Il-Sung who is then followed by his son Kim Jong-Il. Kim Il-Sung who creates the social ideology of Juche declares one main ideal of Juche to be that there is one â€Å"Great Leader† who is to lead the world to the utopian philosophy (Oh and Hassig). Also, Kim Il-Sung makes it to where Juche is the only â€Å"religion† to have the proper methods by which paradise is able to be achieved. Now in my eyes these ideas are not the way that Juche can be called a religion. As I have stated, and will state again, I believe that Juche is not a religion, but actually a social ideology that is forced upon its people. Kim Il-Sung is making the typical dictator move to secure power over his subjects by making a nation wide religion. The easiest way that he procures such a feat is by finding the most abundant social class and makes them the most important of the social ideology. The manner in which Kim Il-Sung makes this â€Å"religion† such an accepted ideology among the common people is by the way in which he proclaimed the Korean Worker's Party revolution belonged to the people, and by making this move Kim Il-Sung has the entire working social class behind him to support him. By making this monstrously important move Kim Il-sung guarantees himself the survival of this ideology because of how the societal notions are regulated in North Korea. Secondly though, by Kim Il-Sung making this move he allows there to be someone to lead such a large group of people. So, Il-Sung by making such a large group without a leader comes up with the idea of a â€Å"Great Leader† in which the people who believe in Juche should follow, and who will also lead the world to the idea of a utopian society and paradise on Earth. Juche ideology made by Kim Il-Sung also led to the idea that there would be an abolishment of the social classes. Il-Sung stated that only with the establishment of communism, in which there would be no competing classes- the working class having taken control of the means of production- would contradictions disappear. If this dissolve of social classes is so important in the Juche beliefs then Kim Il-Sung should not have made the idea that the Korean Worker’s Party was so important. I am sure that Il-Sung is using the Juche ideology to control the people of Korea because if the absolving of social classes is so important then the idea that the Korean Worker’s Party belonging to the people would no longer be applicable to the ideology of Juche beliefs. Making the Korean Worker’s Party an important part of Juche ideals goes completely against the belief of having social classes become absolved because if the working class is so important then how could the Korean working social class still be important. Il-Sung made a mistake in adopting the idea that the Korean Worker’s Party s being so important while also saying that the social classes will be absolved. Now, the closest that Juche comes to being a religion is by how some beliefs of Confucianism are adopted. The ideas that are adopted are family values, material possessions, and self-sacrifice. The adoption of family values in that the family is important in society does coincide with the id ea of getting rid of societal classes, but also the adoption also could lead to a clash between these two ideas by how a rich family would treat its own family members as say a poor family. Family values are adopted to help strengthen society by making those family systems stronger in the way that they commune with each other and by the way they act with each other. The adoption of how to hold material possessions in life makes Juche closer to being a true religion in my eyes. Juche takes the idea that material possessions are not important in how life is valued, but that the family values that are shared and learned are more important. The adoption that material possessions come easily and go just as easily stresses the importance of the people and the bond between each other and not their possessions. Lastly, the adoption of the idea of self-sacrifice also strengthens the idea of absolving society to the point of where an individual is not more important than the whole. Although, with Juche having the main ideology of one â€Å"Great Leader† then that is the only individual that should not be sacrificed because of the importance that that specific individual holds in their acts. So, in part this idea of one â€Å"Great Leader† the idea of self-sacrifice cannot be fully applied so there is another contradiction in the ideology and belief system of Juche practice. So, overall in everything I have presented I believe that Juche is not a religion nor will it ever be one even if it were to adopt other ideals of other religions, and the reason it would not be even with the other adoptions is because of the two main reasons the foundation of Juche has in its own beginning. The two main beliefs of the Korean Worker’s Party being so important, and the belief of one â€Å"Great Leader†. Juche is not a religion, but rather a form of social ideology used to control a nation and her people. Kim Il-Sung making such a monumental Communist move to control the Korean people, and then trying to justify such a move by approving what he did as a form of religious worship does not make Juche a religion. In all actuality in my eyes, what Kim Il-Sung did was basically make himself a God by claiming himself and his male descendants as the â€Å"Great Leader† is the biggest flaw in Juche ideology, and will that single fact can keep Juche from being a religion. Also as a final side-note and to be kind of funny, another way I know that Juche is not a religion is because everytime I have typed it so far it is underlined by the red line as if I have mistakenly miswritten a word. If juche were a religion then I would not see that red line. Works Cited Adherents. com. Major Religions of the World. January 2000. 4 April 2009 . Chin, John. RELIGION-INFO. COM:A Guide to Religions, Religious Information and Help in Search for God. 21 December 2004. 6 April 2009 . Kleiner, Jurgen. Korea, A Century of Change. World Scientific, 2001. Marshall Cavendish Corporation. World and Its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia. Marshall Cavendish, 2007. Oh, Kong Dan and Ralph c. Hassig. North Korea Through the Looking Glass. Brookings Institution Press, 2000.