The Diversity Of Multicultural Team Management - 1190 Words

Multicultural team management Summary: Since inevitable change of diversification is taking place in the workforce due to the globalization, therefore, understanding of culture and diversity is of great importance for manager to manage a multicultural team where people has different values, beliefs and conventions. To find out how important culture and diversity are to team management in international business, this article emphasized on the important effects of culture and diversity to multicultural team and the solutions to deal with cultural barriers for manager when effectively managing a team. By comparing different types of cultural issues, results suggested that understanding culture and diversity can enhance effective-decision†¦show more content†¦Managing a multicultural team therefore is a challenge for managers who will meet a worst situation unless realizing the importance of culture and diversity and taking actions to deal with them. False-consensus effect The problem we face when working with people of different cultures is that the false-consensus effect confuses us. The false-consensus effect is a tendency for people to assume that the way we see the world is the same as that of others than they actually do (Rose, Greene, and House 1977). For example, when Maggie was walking along a path on a college campus with her group members, an attractive male came alone to ask for their phone numbers. Meggie refused him immediately and proceeded to say that it would be not appropriate giving phone numbers to strangers since they all have boyfriends. However, Linda, a member in the group, disagreed with Maggie and gave her number to the stranger even though she was not single. When Maggie asking others’ opinions, she was shocked that only one girl agreed with her. What Maggie has just experienced is called false consensus effect. False-consensus effect is more obvious in cultural diverse environment and it will create confusions, misinterpretations, poor decisions and ineffectiveness which are bad for team management. The

Nature Based Therapy Free Essays

Introduction Nature based therapy is not a new concept, our well – being and association with nature is part of the never-ending human quest of who were are and just where is our place in this vast environment which surrounds us. In order to better grasp the topic of nature based therapy or ecotherapy, studies consulted were those pertaining to our connection with nature and our wellbeing. Just how does nature connectedness affect our experiencing of a good life is the subject of the first paper reviewed, by Howell, J. We will write a custom essay sample on Nature Based Therapy or any similar topic only for you Order Now A. , Dopko, R. L. , Passmore, H. , Buro, K. (2011). The second paper by Jordan Marshall (2010) describes a the changes to the traditional therapy frame in a the uncertain environment of the outdoors. In taking therapy outside, we work with nature as one of the variables in the therapeutic relationship. The integrative, often experiential approach of nature- based therapy or ecotherapy, is gaining rapid ground in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. My final research paper aims at looking further into this growing field and how it can help those suffering from anxiety, burnout and depression. Article Review A Howell, J. A. , Dopko,R. L. Passmore, H. , Buro, K. (2011). Nature connectedness: Associations with well- being and mindfulness. Personality and Individual Differences, 51 (2), 166-171. Howell, Dopko, Passmore and Buro (2011) delve deeply into the question of our connectedness with nature and how it can be measured as a reflection of our mental well- being. The authors, all from the Grant MacEwen University in Edmonton Alb erta conducted two empirical studies evidencing this association with data demonstrating that connection to nature may be more beneficial to our emotional and social well- being that previously realized. Drawing from the Biophilia hypothesis argued by Harvard evolutionary biologist E. O Wilson in 1984, that human beings have an instinctive, emotional and genetic need to be in contact with nature, Howell et al. , thus hypothesize that â€Å"higher levels of nature connectedness would be associated with higher levels of well-being and with greater mindfulness. † Many studies have been conducted on the subject with various results. Howell et al. , describe a study conducted by Mayer and Franz in 2004 which showed a â€Å"significant correlation between trait nature connectedness and life satisfaction† (p. 66). They are careful to define the word trait and provide a seemingly through review of the qualitative variables in current literature, discussing the changes in definition of well- being by various theorists (Nisbert, Zelenski and Murphy, 2011). The team from Alberta builds upon current research by probing further into the question of the â€Å"whether trait nature co nnectedness was associated with feeling well †¦ and with functioning well †¦ as well as the relations among nature connectedness and a second index of positive mental health, mindfulness† (p. 67). Howell et al. , review a large amount of research, define terminology and uncover new holes in the theories, they then go on to pose the hypotheses: â€Å"are higher levels of nature connectedness associated both with higher levels of well being and with greater mindfulness? † Methodology Howell et al. , conducted two studies using quantitative methods. In the first study, data was collected from 452 university students, primarily female, with â€Å"81. 1% identifying Canada as their country of birth† (p. 167). Using a variety of questionnaires including Mayer and Franz (2004) 14- item Connectedness to Nature Scale, Keyes’ (2005) 40- item, measure of well being and Brown ; Ryan’s (2003) Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MASS). In order to ensure objectivity of results, Howell et al. , balanced these scales by using Paulhus’s (1994) Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding which serves to filter out â€Å"unintentionally inflated self-descriptions and impression management† (p 168). In the second study 275 students participated, all students of similar age and demographic as thefirst study. Howell et al. , used a few of the same questionnaires adding the Allo-Inclusive Identity Scale (Leary, Tipsord ; Tate, 2008) as well as the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PMS) (Cardaciotto, Herbert, Forman, Moitra, Farrow, 2008). In an attempt to provide consistency and validity to the results, Howell et al. , provide succinct definitions and examples for some of the questions on these scales in order that the reader better understand the subtle differences in the descriptive statistics of the variables. Results Variables such as connectedness to nature, nature relatedness, allo inclusive identity, emotional well being, psychological well being, social well being, MAAS, PMS awareness and PMS acceptance showed correlations between nature connectedness and well being. Descriptive statistics were measured and then correlated among variables using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Howell et al. , also provided models with hypothesized correlations between nature connectedness, well -being and mindfulness. In the first study â€Å"associations between nature connectedness and well- being and between well- being and mindfulness were significant; however, the association between nature connectedness and mindfulness was not† (p. 168). In the second study , correlations were significant with respect to psychological and social and emotional well being and with the added test scores added to the soup, nature connectedness was found to be significantly correlated to mindfulness. Discussion Howell et al. are satisfied with their consistent findings and that most results of their two studies support their hypothesis and suggest that † nature connectedness is associated with the extent to which people are flourishing in their private, personal lives† (p. 170). Howell et al. do admit that some of the findings were inconsistent with their hypothesis and that future research could examine â€Å"moderators and mediators of the relationship between nature connectedness and mental health† (p. 170). They go onto discuss future research possibilities and challenges, including how nature could be incorporated into other activities to produce maximum therapeutic results. Howell et al. , produced convincing research into the relationship between connectedness to nature and well being. They took into account multiple scales of affect in order to collect their results and carefully described their differences and their impact on the final results. I feel their downfall is in their sample size and demographic and suspect results may be different depending on age and culture. Perhaps new rating scales would need to be developed in order to reflect these differences. Essentially, nature can benefit us all and regardless of the outcome being present within a natural environment will help you learn to experience the moment and perhaps even a renewed vitality in life. Article Review B Jordan, M. , ; Marshall, H. , (2010). Taking counselling and psychotherapy outside: Destruction or enrichment of the therapeutic frame? European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling, 12 (4), 345-359 We all know that nature can help us feel better, but just how can we take a traditional therapeutic frame outdoors? What would be the challenges and what is the potential of this upcoming field of ecotherapy? Ecotherapy represents â€Å"a new form of psychotherapy that acknowledges the vital role of nature and addresses the human nature relationship† (p. 354) Martin Jordan and Hayley Marshall use relational therapy concepts in order to investigate mutuality and asymmetry and how they may be experienced differently in the great outdoors. Both Jordan ;Marshall are practicing registered psychotherapists and by using their own experiences, they explore both the successes and challenges to the traditional framework of a therapeutic session. Jordan ; Marshall address many fundamental questions including how confidentiality would be addressed in public settings and how timing or the therapeutic session is affected by practicing counselling and psychotherapy outside. They believe that the challenges to the traditional framework could be sorted out between client and therapist and in fact become part of the process . A flexible contract could be drawn up, one open to change. Jordan ; Marshall are careful to provide several definitions of a therapeutic frame, from eh uber- conservative â€Å"Psychotherapy should be carried out in a soundproof consulting room, in a private office in a professional building† (Langs 1982), to â€Å"being seen as a transgression or a dual relationship for the therapist† (Zur 2001). But there are others who believe that the therapeutic boundary should be a dynamic process (Hermansson, 1997) or that the flexibility in the frame is an opportunity for â€Å"deepening the therapeutic work and relationship† (Bridges, 1999). Jordan ; Marshall seem to be covering all bases with their own summary of a therapeutic boundaries,† Working outdoors can throw new light on these traditionally more fixed ideas concerning boundaries and invite an increasingly flexible perspective on issues concerning power and mutuality within the therapeutic relationship† (p. 347). They examine the changes in client therapist relationships and how mutuality must not be equated with equality in terms of the therapeutic relationship. Jordan ; Marshall are not prescribing a recipe for therapy outdoors nor are they saying therapy is better outdoors. Their goal with this paper is to present their experiential findings and observations regarding the challenges various forms of outdoor therapy impart on the traditional therapeutic frame as well as on the relationship between therapist and client. Methodology The qualitative method devised to learn more about the impacts of taking the therapeutic frame outdoors was simple. Jordan ; Marshall began to hold sessions outdoors with their existing clients. They used two types of interactions outdoors: 1. taking the traditional therapeutic frame of one hour into ‘ nearby nature’ and 2. aking clients on excursions where the frame is extended to over a weekend or more. Relational theory concepts were used in order to better understand how the traditional frame of psychotherapy elements such as â€Å"confidentiality and timing of therapeutic work, weather, containment and power dynamics† (p. 347), would be challenged by unpredictable natural environment. The variables of m utuality and asymmetry were also studied in terms of the expanding boundaries in the client – therapist relationship. One case study (in two parts) is presented in order to better grasp the challenges and potential of nature – based therapy. Results Jordan ; Marshall found many potential challenges in taking the therapeutic frame outdoors. In particular, they found that the boundaries between client and therapist, could become challenged. The outdoors provided a neutral environment which fostered mutuality but maintaining some asymmetry in the relationship could be difficult. In taking this frame outdoors, Jordan ; Marshall also found that the structure of the frame itself may need to be reshaped and become more flexible; perhaps the frame becomes an open process, rather than an ultimate set of rules. They also found that sometimes the unpredictability of the environment created more anxiety, both in the client and the therapist and that the establishment of a therapeutic container or the ‘building of a home in nature’ (Berger, 2006) was successful in overcoming some of these obstacles. Discussion The purpose of Jordan ; Marshall’s paper was to provide information on the potential and challenges of taking traditional therapy practice outdoors. Jordan Marshall consulted a vast reference list including one of the founders of nature- based therapy, Ronen Berger and this provided interesting insight into this emerging field. At times the paper felt disorganized and the case presentation split in two halves was confusing. Results were scattered throughout the paper and the methodology was vague and seemingly structureless. Nevertheless, Jordan Marshall got to the gist of the subject and were honest with their results, reporting their own struggles with mutuality and asymmetry when taking clients outside of the traditional hour long frame; â€Å"both clients and therapists can experience a blurring of the boundaries between what is therapy and what is social space† (p357). Jordan Marshall did not however, provide much data as to how many clients they had seen and under what circumstances. Their observations are keen and easily related to when thinking about the traditional therapeutic frame, nevertheless a concrete chart or model, using the relational as well as other theories or approaches, would have been welcome and interesting. Conclusion Overall I found both these articles fascinating and extremely pertinent to my final research paper. Simply being present within a natural environment can help us feel better. Perhaps when taking therapy outdoors and as nature becomes a dynamic third in the therapeutic relationship, the traditional frame will come alive with an emergent creativity and mindfulness nudging us all towards our own true nature. How to cite Nature Based Therapy, Essay examples

Infinity Mirror Essays - Fiction, Literature, Congo Free State

Infinity Mirror Annonymous Joseph Conrad?s novel Heart of Darkness is about a seaman named Charlie Marlow and an experience he had as a younger man. Early in the novel it becomes apparent that there is a great deal of tension in Marlow?s mind about whether he should profit from the immoral actions of the company he works for which is involved in the ivory trade in Africa. Marlow believes that the company is ignorant of the tension between moral enlightenment and capitalism . The dehumanization of its laborers which is so early apparent to Marlow seems to be unknown to other members of the Company?s management. In this story Marlow?s aunt represents capitalism. Her efforts to get him a job are significant because of the morally compromising nature of the work of which she seems totally ignorant. When Marlow expresses doubts about the nature of the work, she replies, ?You forget, dear Charlie, that the labourer is worthy of his hire? (12). It is clear that Marlow has mixed feelings about the whole idea. At one point, trying to justify his actions to himself, he says, ?You understand it was a continental concern, that Trading Society; but I have a lot of relations on the living continent, because it?s cheap and not so nasty as it looks they say? (12). Marlow finally takes the job, however, and tells himself that the pain and unusually harsh treatment the workers are subjected to is minimal. During the tests and the requirements that he has to undergo before entering the jungle Marlow feels that he is being treated like a freak. The doctor measures his head and asks him questions such as, ?Ever any madness in your family (15). In this part of the story Marlow is made to feel small and unimportant. Any feelings or concerns that he has are not important to the company, and as a result, he feels alone. It is only logical that Marlow would have been second guessing his decision and feeling some kinship with the other (black) workers who are exploited, but he does not reveal any such understanding. Upon reaching his destination in Africa, Marlow finds that things are just the same. At the point when he is denied rest after traveling twenty miles on foot he sees things are not going to change. Marlow then tells of how disease and death are running wild through out the area, and the company does nothing in the way of prevention other than to promote those who stay alive. Marlow?s theory on why the manager was in that position was that ?...he was never ill? (25). This is a bad situation for Marlow because he sees his boss as a simple man with little else to offer the company other than to be a mindless foreman over the operation. This is an example of the company stripping self worth from its workers in the sense that it does not encourage or expect input from them. This is all significant because Marlow finds himself in a position where he is giving up a big piece of himself and his beliefs to make money. The tension between capitalism and moral enlightenment in the first twenty pages of this story is evident. Conrad uses Marlow to depict a seemingly good-hearted person caught in the middle of the common dilemma of moral ethics and desire for monetary success. Marlow knows that there is a great deal of repugnance in what he is doing, yet he finds himself forced to deal with it in his own personal way, which is justify it or ignore it. It is clear that the company also is forced to deal with this same issue, but it does it simply by pretending that it is not dehumanizing its entire work force. This blindness allows the Company to profit and prosper, but only at the expense of the lives of the workers in the jungle who have no way to protest or escape and the ?white collar? workers like Marlow who have to live with their hypocrisy.

The Fall Of The Western Roman Empire

The Fall Of The Western Roman Empire In the third century A.D., the Roman Empire began to decline. Many Germanic tribes begn to invade Rome. The Roman army lacked training so they were not prepared for the invasions. The Roman government became too strict and thus the people stopped supporting the government. One of the main reasons the empire fell, was because of the division of eastern and western Rome. Afterwards, people became selfish and lazy.The fall of the Roman empire began when the empire was divided. Due to this, the government became too strict and there were many corrupt officials. When people realized this, they stopped supporting the government and became bvery selfish. The Roman government had very large expenses because of the maintenence of the army and vast bureaucracy. The people didn't like these new taxes and how high they were so farmers left their land and moved elsewhere. That's when the middle class in Rome started to disappear.The Roman empire in the time of Hadrian (ruled 117...After this, the unemployment rate went sky high and the expense of providing gree grain to the poor drained Roman resources.Economic issues and slavery were two major reasons the empire fell. Slavery was a big reason because it led to growth of latifundia - the great estates that came to dominate agriculture and ruin the free coloni [farmers] who drifted to the cities to add to the unemployment there. The Romans also used too much slave labor, but, no one had noticed it until the division of the empire. The biggest economic issure was the heavy taxes necessary to support the government. As a resuly to this, farmers fled their land and workers fled their occupations. The Roman population plunged because of this.One cause that was not major, but, still was a cause of the fall, were the military causes. The Roman army...

Word Choice Altar vs. Alter - Proofeds Writing Tips

Word Choice Altar vs. Alter - Proofeds Writing Tips Word Choice: Altar vs. Alter One little letter can make a very big difference sometimes, so it is important to make sure you know the difference between similarly spelled words which nevertheless have dissimilar meanings. In the case of altar and alter, for instance, the contrast couldn’t be much bigger! Whilst alter is a commonly used verb in English, altar is a noun which should only be used in a very specific context. Mixing these words up can therefore seriously impact upon the quality of your written work. So to help out we’ve thrown together this guide on how to use them. Alter (Modify) Alter is a verb which means â€Å"change† or â€Å"modify.† Thus if you are looking to describe an adjustment or change that something has undergone, use the word alter: After his sister forgave him, William decided to alter his will to include her. Altar (A Ceremonial Table) Altar, on the other hand, is a noun which refers to a table or raised surface used in religious ceremonies, including the Christian Eucharist. For example: The congregation faced the altar as they awaited Holy Communion. The word altar is also sometimes seen in the idiom â€Å"to sacrifice X on the altar of X.† This means to give up or neglect something in favor something else. Usually this is used in a negative way, such as: John sacrificed his family life on the altar of his career. The above relies upon the religious meaning of altar, metaphorically suggesting that John has failed to fulfill his family duties by sacrificing them in favor his work. Alter or Altar? It is quite easy to remember which of â€Å"alter† or â€Å"altar† to use in any given situation. Just keep the following in mind: Alter (verb) = Change Altar (noun) = A ceremonial table If you’re looking for a word meaning â€Å"change† or â€Å"modify,† it will always be a verb you need. As such, â€Å"alter† is the term you’re after. The noun â€Å"altar,† meanwhile, will usually only be applicable if you’re describing a religious ceremony of some kind. For further advice on vocabulary in your writing, you will find plenty of helpful tips in the word choice archive section of our academic blog. And to make sure that the spelling, grammar and vocabulary in your work are perfect, Proofed’s professional proofreaders provide a comprehensive range of proofreading and formatting services.

Quality focused paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Quality focused paper - Essay Example TQM encompasses other factors such as the Kano model’s analysis of the customer’s perceptions of quality; the cost of quality model; statistical process control; the Six Sigma and other quality strategies, and the implementation of best practices in quality development in business enterprises. Soltani et al (2008) have found that the success of TQM depends on the extent of commitment of top management towards the concept. This paper proposes to discuss the various dimensions to quality management, taking into consideration the relevance of quality management in today’s world, the quality control strategies constituting total quality management, and best practices for implementing quality management philosophies. Other related concepts will also be discussed, and the quality development strategies in various companies in the business world, will be demonstrated. There are various dimensions of quality. Some of the factors are related to excellence in performance and manufacturing and meeting the requirements of specifications and standards. The measurability of quality is also an important dimension, which involves use of statistical process tools for measuring quality. Quality systems can be benchmarked against quality standards. The International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 and the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model are two international standards for quality management. Quality, cost, level of customer complaints, flexibility and reliability are some of the performance goals. Value for money is another important factor, achieved throutgh six sigma statistical process control, and â€Å"added value† through customer care programs such as the provision of servicing, repair and maintenance facilities (Pergamon, 2005). Relevance of the Topic in Today’s World: With increasing competition in the production and marketing of goods and

Details of Facilities Management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Details of Facilities Management - Coursework Example If we analyze then we come to know that the impact of metropolitan enlargement throughout the United States has established a flow of growth for the electric helpful which serve this growth. For many of these similar cooperatives, this enlargement is exacerbated by trying to meet all the needs by means of fracturing operations, insufficient consumer access, and cramped and crowded labor conditions and, in one case, the roof caving in. This has caused further co-op managers to take a fresh look at the sufficiency of present services, facilities, and the helpful aptitude to meet the ever-increasing requirements of today's electric customer. For many managers, this appraisal has been long tardy.Let’s take some examples of the case of Pioneer Electric Cooperative of Ulysses, Kansas. Located in the heart of the Hugoton Gas Field and bounded by acres of land ripe for augmented rural growth, Pioneer Electric found itself serving one of the best rising areas in Kansas. In 1991, kilowatt-hour sales greater than before by 2.23%; though, by 1994, the percentage of increased sales grew to a whopping 14%. Pioneer presently serves 12,000 customers by means of 40 employees and more enlargements are in sight. This enlargement presented a quandary. The current office, garage, and storehouse facilities fully made use of and there was no space for adding staff or placing the wanted computer equipment for the process.Accordin g to the company General Manager Dave Jesse who explained the theory of facility management that, "When I started my career as manager of Pioneer on January 1, 1991, I never dreamed that the 20-year-old structure that housed our head office wouldn't be enough. The planned planning procedure we embarked on at the end of 1991 pointed out the requirement for more space to give our helpful the aptitude to grow and assemble the changing requirements in our service area. That's like 'fine news, bad news' narrative to a fresh manager."Â