Generic Organization Essay

A group is a well structured organization with different individuals that has different characteristics and diversity these groups can be formal or informal. In my research I have found that retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Kmart has organizational structure. Group task satisfaction describes the group-level counterpart to individual job satisfaction and represents the group’s shared attitude toward its task and work environment. Places such as Wal-Mart demonstrate these skills to make their organization. The prevalence of groups and teams in the workplace (Beyerlein, Johnson, & Beyerlein, 1995; Devine, Clayton, Philips, Dunford, & Melner, 1999) makes it important to understand their effects on group members. In this paper I will identify an industry and organization type, explain four problems that could impact groups productivity, develop and describes logical and appropriate recommendations for each of the four problems provided and its recommendation, wide training, and the conclusion. Organizational structure may be defined as the system of relations that subsist among a variety of positions and position holders. Formal structure is a blueprint of relations that has been knowingly deliberated and put into action by the organization. It includes a formal chain of command of power as well as policies and procedures and other premeditated attempts to control conduct. Wal-Mart organizational structure consists of a divisional structure. A divisional structure has three different categories in which are product structure, market structure, and geographic structure. Wal-Mart falls under market structure. This is where groups function by types of customers so that each division contains the functions it needs to service a specific segment of the market. For example Wal-Mart offers vision, pharmacy, haircuts, grocery, crafts, clothes, electronics, house wares and etc†¦ This means each department will conduct its own group within Wal-Mart this will separate each structured group such as managers, supervisors, customer service, stockers, CEO, and so forth. With so many different employees within the company each individual has their own task but it takes group structure to make sure that the task is complete. Every task that is met within the group mostly deals how Wal-Mart revenues. If the each group orks together with their task then the job can be complete and helps Wal-Mart makes money. If the groups fail then Wal-Mart fails, this leads to behavior within the group. According to Losh, S (2010), â€Å"as group members, we frequently behave in ways that we do not as individuals. And our behavior as group members may fluctuate from group to group. † Companies such as Wal-Mart want to be successful and a key component of many businesses is the creation and development of new ideas. Efficient processes or products and services, many times, come from the ideas of more than one individual and generally involve teams or groups. Although teams and groups often are mistaken as identical units because they involve multiple individuals however differ in leadership, decision-making, and accountability. Another aspect to consider with groups and teams is workplace diversity and its effects on these units and especially the dynamics of a team. According to Robbins and Judge (2009), â€Å"a work group’s main purpose is to share information and make decisions that help other members of the group. † Work groups focus is on individual goals, holding themselves individually accountable. It also provides a platform for knowledge and information sharing that would not otherwise be available to us. Group even provides an identity to its members. Still cooperative group is something that comes with lot of effort. For example a cashier’s at Wal-Mart goal is too quickly and accurately process customer’s orders. If asked, he or she will share information regarding a price or item, but his or her main concern is a balanced cash drawer at the end of the shift. The cashier is not concerned about another cashier’s cash drawer even though each cashier is a member of a work group . A team is a small group of individuals with knowledge and skills that complement the knowledge and skills of other team members. The work is interdependent. Team members actively interact together toward a common goal while holding the team aggregate accountable. Work teams create synergy. Synergy happens when a team’s result is greater than the total of the individual results of the members. Group behaviors impact group productivity, by determining the outcome of the productivity. Negative group behaviors will produce negative productivity and vice versa with positive group behaviors. There are four problems that can impact group productivity; culture, conflict, group diversity, group cohesive, and characteristics. Culture in a work group can impact a work group it can be either positive or negative. According to Sergeant J, & Laws Chapman, C. (2012), â€Å"teams that operate in stressful environments are less collaborative and more likely to make mistakes (Business in the Community 2009). Building emotional resilience, therefore, can create healthier workplace cultures, reduce absenteeism, improve teamwork and raise morale. In some ways culture can be like personality. A person personality is made of values and beliefs, interests, underlying assumptions, upbringing and habits. Culture I am sure is influenced by leadership at Wal-Mart such as a manager or executive. With Wal-Mart being a big company and having so many employees you can maybe even look at the manager’s desk and tell his culture and background. Culture may become so dominant that employees and employers alike may dismiss good ideas that seem counter to the organizational culture. Companies that do not have an open and flexible culture can find themselves losing a competitive edge because they do not adapt to the changes within in the market making it bad for the workplace. Another problem that can harm a group organization is conflict if you have an individual that disagrees with others idea then this causes conflicts. The differentiator of a successful group is that the group members share sense of trust among themselves as well as feeling of shared responsibilities however the one that is different from the rest of the group may not and this can create problems in the group. Say for instance if you have a employer at Wal-Mart that thinks that organizing food cans and meat in a different order but you have more than one employee that is okay with what is being done this brings negative impact because then others going to feel that maybe she is right then this may not be good for the employer. Diversity can take many forms namely age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, mental and physical capabilities and ethnicity and culture are the main areas of diversity and have a continuous impact throughout our lives. Managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can improve workplace productivity but sometimes it can create a problem. According to Diversity Takes Center Stage at Wal-Mart (2013) â€Å"Reports on the effort of Wal-Mart Stores to enforce work diversity in its stores in the U. S. Remarks from Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart, on the reduction of bonuses if Wal-Mart does not promote women and minorities in the workplace; Allegations against Wal-Mart for gender bias and unfair treatment of workers; Information on the pay structure implemented by the company. If employees feel that because of their culture race or religion are affecting them then nice times out of ten it would create chaos in workplace such as Wal-Mart. Diversity can aid in bringing awareness of different cultures, races and age difference into a mix, but can have negative effects if people are not well prepared in how to work in that environment. According to MacDonald, Lynne (2010), â€Å"Companies put a great deal of time and effort in to encouraging employees to work effectively with their colleagues. † If a company finds that workers have bonded in to a cohesive group, it should be a positive discovery. However, this is not always the case and it can turn sour. While cohesive groups offer advantages in terms of social support for group members, they also present disadvantages for the employer. Low performance norms can be very detrimental to group productivity meaning they will not make much effort to meet group deadline. Characteristics can also be a problem in workplace bad characteristics from an employee can make a workplace unpleasant reducing employees moral and productivity. Some employees can’t find anything positive to say. They criticize their supervisor, the corporate office, other employees and even customers. If you have a stock person working at Wal-Mart the normally stock at night but really hate the night schedule and all the do is complain, complain this lacks enthusiasm from other co-workers around them. This can also make the group to become dishonery towards upper management in the facility. Even having an am employee that gossips can cause conflict in the group because they are the ones who are always twisting the story and only thing at this point is to put them on disciplinary action. There are many ways a workplace can address the negative impacts in a workplace by developing action plan to address the negative Sometimes enterprise-wide systems and compensation schemes need to be revamp, but more often business performance and results are affected. Using customized survey this means getting employees thoughts and idea and surveying patterns and correlations that are effecting the company. Use open minded questions asking employees if there is anything they would like to address putting everything on the table but in a professional manner. Even the company should sacrifice companywide training. Country wide training should be conducted not only for the employees but also for management such as managers CEO, human resource department, and also crew members. Despite the importance of training, a trainer can encounter resistance from both employees and managers. Both groups may claim that training is taking them away from their work. However, a trainer can combat this by demonstrating that training is actually a crucial part of employees’ and managers’ work, completing task and working well with others. These also open doors for employees to get to know other employees culture and background. Conclusion Group work is important because it helps solve problem and accomplish task in a workplace. Working in a group allows members to share responsibilities, rather than the brunt of the work falling in the hands of one person. Instead, group members can delegate tasks to individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to accomplish the task successfully. Because we are human beings we have our own characteristics, style, culture and diversity which sometimes can be a hindrance to a group but doing things such as companywide training can help every employee to conquer the power of being in a group in a workplace. Working in a group can help individuals build long-lasting relationships based on trust and loyalty. As group members, people learn about the common things they share and differences, which lead them to seek group members they can build relationships with even outside of the group.

Social Studies Sba on Alcohol Abuse

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The successful completion of this study is as a result of the helping hands of numerous individuals. I thank the people of Community X for their massive cooperation in answering the questionnaires given. Also , to my friends, who helped with the distribution of the questionnaires and my family for the giving me the hope and strength to persevere. Lastly, much gratitude is extended to my teacher for guiding me in every step of the way throughout my investigations.Social studies SCHOOL BASED ASSESSEMENT (S. B. A. ) [pic] Statement of the Problem What are the causes, effects and solutions of the usage of alcohol amongst individuals of Community X? Method of Investigation I have chosen the questionnaire as a means of collecting data to carry out the survey.The questionnaire has numerous advantages which include the following: †¢ It is done at the convenience of the person completing it. †¢ Requires very little time to be completed. †¢ Guarantees confiden tiality , since no names are required. Instrument used to collect Data Copy Of Questionnaire Survey of alcohol usage among individuals in Community X. Dear Villager,This is a survey being carried out in Community X to determine the level of alcohol usage among individuals in the community. This study I am currently pursuing, is conducted as an assignment for a Social Studies course. I advise you to answer the questions given, truthfully and honestly since you are not required to write names.There are no wrong or right answers as this is not a test. Most answers require a tick in the small boxes provided ; read the questions carefully. Villager’s Questionnaire 1. Sex Male Female 2. What is your occupation? ____________ 3. To what Ethnic group do you belong?African Descent Chinese Descent Indian Descent Mixed Descent 4. How long have you been a member of Community X? __________________ 5. To what age group do you belong? Under 12 12-14 15-16 17-19 6.As a youth, which of the following influences you to consume alcohol? Peer pressure For the fun of it Out of curiosity Depression 7. When do you often consume alcohol? Special Occasions Partying To gain popularity I do not drink alcohol . Do problems in the home contribute to students drinking alcohol? Yes No 9. What normally happens when you consume alcoholic beverages? I feel tipsy I feel normal I have headaches I do not drink alcohol 10. How do you think the students of Community X get alcoholic beverages?It is made available at community shops An older sibling/friend is asked to purchase it for them They steal it away They are given the consent 11. What is the most common effect caused by drinking? STD’s Being an alcoholic Having Heart disease Death 2. What effect does known cases of alcohol drinking in Community X, have on the rest of its population? _________________________________________________ . 13. How does alcohol consumption affect a student’s academic performance? T hey work less Nothing is done They work harder They give up on school 14. Do students who drink alcohol show signs of aggressive behaviour? Yes No 15.What do you suggest to your fellow community members who have already started to drink? Tone down their intake Drink responsibly Stop drinking Seek professional help 16. Should the age of consent for drinking be increased? Yes No 17. Do you think Rehabilitation Centers should be considered for alcoholics?Yes, but it will not be fully effective No, It will not help Let them suffer the consequences Have counsel sessions instead Presentation and Interpretation of Data [pic]Fig 1. The causes of alcohol consumption is simply represented in Fig 1; this figure briefly explains that 45% of the people in Community X consume alcoholic beverages for minor influences as the simple fun and njoyment that comes with the pleasures of drinking. One the other hand, 20% indicate that the partake of the activity as a result of Peer Pressure where individu als, mostly teenagers, drink because they either think it is â€Å"cool† or o prove a point. However, 30% population specified that they â€Å"drink† for the little curiosity of finding out what other individuals get, feel or benefit from it, this being. Mainly just experimenting the activity. A smaller 5% say they drink alcohol because of Depression because alcohol is known to somewhat relieve the stress that causes Depression. pic]Fig2 Whereby the effects of consuming Alcohol are concerned, almost half of the population indicate that no harm is done, as 55% of them feel normal after their intake of the substance. And so, this could be one of the reasons, the level of consumption in the community should be monitored. 5 % of them say they feel tipsy, an eerie felling, that may cause them to intake alcohol regularly. However, a few of them seem to be affected as 10% of the population state that they have headaches which may discourage them to do so. Another 10% indicate that they simply do not drink alcohol, mainly because of religion and other personal reasons. pic]Fig3 In order to manage the level of alcohol usage in Community X. Fig 3 shows that 70% of Its members indicate that the individuals who already drinking, should drink responsibly Suggesting that they should look at the consequences of whether it be becoming an alcoholic or getting drunk. Another 15% say they these individuals should simply tone down their intake of by drinking less of the substance.On the other hand, the remainder of the population , 15%, indicated more drastic measures to the solution. Fig 3 shows that 10% of them say people should just stop drinking while the other 5% believe they should seek professional help. These responses therefore can be interpreted as the respondents knowing someone who drink too much.Procedures Used to Collect Data Community X has an estimated number of 130 individuals; due to calculations, it was discovered that 15% of the population was needed in order to gather possible causes, effects, and solutions to the level of alcohol usage in the community. That is, ( 15% of 130 =20 ) Therefore, a total of 35 questionnaires were distributed with the expectation that at least 20 would be returned. Later, it was decided that the questionnaires be given to random personnel.This resulted in the recording of information on each individual on small pieces of paper, placed in a box, shaken and a total of 35 slips were selected. Therefore, 35 individuals received a copy of the questionnaire, were successfully completed and left in my mailbox 4 Hart Rd. Cheleston Gardens. Findings The survey carried out resulted in numerous interesting discoveries due to the level of alcohol usage in Community X. These state: Alcohol is consumed mainly through social activities where 70% of the individuals indicate that they partake of alcoholic beverages when â€Å"partying†. †¢ The most common effect known caused by drinking is neutral between 1. Becoming an alcoholic 2. Being sexually active at an early age. Which was I therefore observed that the questionnaires have revealed a 50-50% ratio. †¢ The individuals of Community X believe that in order for the level of alcohol be decreased, Rehabilitation Centers should be established.However, all 100% of the people who agree, stated that it will not be fully effective for the common reason that the alcoholics will not endure the necessary procedures that will be required. Recommendations The level of alcohol usage should not be taken lightly, as many young people in Community X are partaking of the activity when are far too young to be drinking.That said, I would recommend to this community that the decreasing level of alcohol us be accomplished through two simple objectives. These objectives include: ? Allowing adults of the community to take on leadership qualities whereby they look out for children who they see with alcoholic beverages and hinder them from c onsuming it. More specifically to shopkeepers, since in recent survey it is proven that most individuals especially children receive alcohol by the availability of such beverages in the community shops. Talk to individuals about drinking as little talks can do great things. There are people who are willing to listen. Parents will see to it that their children go to these sessions and ensure that they understand the dangers of drinking. ———————– Pie Chart Showing Causes Of Alcohol Consumption 20% 30% 5% 45% Peer Pressure Out of Curiosity Depression For the fun of it Chart Showing Effects of Alcohol Consumption In Community X. I feel tipsy 25% I have headaches 10% I feel normal 55% I do not drink alcohol 10% I feel tipsy I have headaches I feel normal I do not drink alcohol

Objective Reality Cannot Exist Without Subjective Reality Essay

The topic of Meta-Ethics pertaining to whether moral values are objective or subjective, and whether or not as a society we should be able to intervene on another society if we do not believe what they are doing is morally ethical, is quite a large topic. How can we come up with a solid answer as to whether or not there are universal human values, and whether certain things should be considered right for everyone are very difficult questions to answer, we must be wary as to not insult different cultures, religions and societies. It has been concluded that an objective reality cannot exist without a subjective reality, in order to reach this conclusion, we must first consider that morality is wholly subjective, if this is so, we cannot call anything wrong, what we believe is right or wrong is simply an individual’s opinion on a subject. As an example, if someone killed several children from an elementary school, if morality is subjective, all anyone is able to say is that from an individual perspective it was wrong, from the perspective of the killer it may have been (in their opinion) the highest moral good. However, if reality is objective, then we can say that what the killer did was wrong. If one believes that killing is something that is truly wrong, then you believe in objective moral value, and in that case one must ask; how far do objective morals stretch, and where do they come from? If one believes that the wrongfulness of killing is simply a matter of perspective, then one should ask; why does society have the right to tell me what to do if morality is merely a matter of perspective? We cannot truthfully choose one way to look at the world, because the world is not black and white, there are many grey areas and many exceptions people would have to their beliefs, because of this we cannot have an objective reality without a subjective reality. Let us look at the cultural differences on morality, if a North American  (male) citizen is asked the question â€Å"Should women have the same rights as men?† the answer would more than likely be yes, if however this question was asked to a Saudi Arabian (male) citizen, the answer would more than likely be no. Whose opinion is correct? The North American would say their opinion is, and the Saudi Arabian would say their opinion is. In this situation, do we as North Americans have the right to impose our views on another society when we believe their views are wrong? The only reason one could justify imposing their societies views on another society is if that society is giving a different gender, race, or person’s with a different sexuality the same rights. In this example it would be that Saudi Arabia does not give women the same rights as men. In this situation human rights and equality are involved, and another society should interfere in order to help the individuals who do not have the equal rights. As North Americans we could say that this is not our problem, and that because it is not our culture or society, we have no right to interfere. Saudi Arabia would most likely agree, we have no right to interfere, and that it is there culture, society and religion, thus it is up to them to decide how to live, but simply put in the case of human rights, it is not a matter of society; culture, or religion, human rights are a universal issue and as people, we cannot let other people be treated as less than us. â€Å"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.† (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 1) Simply put, the only articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that should be kept and enforced are those pertaining to human rights, equality and freedom. Any other articles included should be disregarded, and laws should be decided by country. It is very important that we begin to enforce the human rights and equality articles to each country because these are the most important to the human race as a whole, we must advance our societies, and our people together, and societies with more advanced living and understand should willingly help societies that have not yet made it there. We as people should feel incredibly sad, and motivated to help when we see other people who are not being treated as equals, anyone of us could be in that situation, and we should be grateful we are not. We must do all  we can as a society to help those in need. It is crucial that all countries begin to work together in order to help those who are not being treated with the rights they deser ve.

The components of HRM's success Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The components of HRM's success - Essay Example Despite Guest’s hesitancy in concluding that HRM contributes to organisational performance, other scholars provided an empirical link between HRM strategies, policies and practices and certain aspects of individual and organisational performance (Liu et al., 2007; Nohria, Groysberg and Lee, 2008; Huselid, 1995: 635; Wall and Wood, 2005: 430; Pfeffer; and Pfeffer and Veiga 1999). This paper aims to determine HRM issues and to offer some solutions. After reviewing several studies, including opposing ones, HRM systems, policies, and practices are believed to drive company performance through shaping recruitment, selection, and retention strategies that develop engaged and creative employee, who can serve as one of the company’s sustainable competitive advantages. The role of human resource systems in strategic recruitment cannot be undermined (Liu et al., 2007). Recruitment should not be dismissed as something that can easily be outsourced to other parties because recruitm ent strategy should meet existing HR strategy goals. Walker, Bernerth and Tocher (2009) studied job seekers’ organisational attitudes at different phases of the recruitment process by evaluating the interactions among the variables of job seekers’ procedural justice anticipations, procedural justice perceptions and preliminary screening feedback quality. After using two phases of data collection that included 392 participants in phase 1 and 351 in phase 2, findings showed that participants who were engaged in the recruitment process with high procedural justice expectations were more affected by initial screening feedback quality than those with low justice expectations (Walker et al., 2009: 5). Procedural justice perceptions throughout the preliminary screening affected their organisational attitudes (Walker et al., 2009: 5). These authors concluded that how firms recruit candidates can affect the quality of perceptions regarding the organisation (Walker et al., 2009: 6). Rehman (2012) affirmed the same findings for his empirical work on the recruitment efforts of public sector organisations in Pakistan. He discovered that organisations with poor promotion and governance systems tend to recruit fewer competent applicants and tend to have higher turnover rates. Managers must be clear in explaining what they expect from their employees and what employees can expect from the organisation, in terms of rewards, culture and other organisational and managerial factors. HRM managers who carefully carve the right organisational image and job expectations for its employees during the recruitment process can hire high-performing employees than those who do not care on the image and expectations they provide to applicants. HRM affects individual performance through its recruitment strategies because they influence individual decisions through organisational factors, which when affirmed through hiring, can result to employee job satisfaction and retention. H an and Han (2009) explored the relationship between hiring perceptions and retention and found a correlation between the two. Another studies emphasised that in recruiting the right people, job experience, skills, and personality are critical. Newman and Lyon (2009)

Cultural Interview Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cultural Interview - Research Paper Example This paper will discuss the ethnic diversity at the workplace in the United States. In this case, ethnic diversity entails the employment of individuals without discriminating them on the basis of their ethnic background. Companies in the United States are supposed to employ a diverse workforce in order to understand the demographics of their clients. This will substantially increase their market and attract more customers. The jurisdiction in the United States is committed to protecting individuals from all forms of discrimination. According to the employees at Murray State University there interface between individuals is extremely crucial in enhancing respect and reducing biases at the workplace. In most workplace settings, the employees are faced with ethnic differences. After carrying out an interview with Raman Shaman who is Indian employee based in the United States, Shaman supported the aspect of ethnic diversity in the workplace setting. The details of the interview are presented below. Shaman: Diversity is all about employing different individuals in the business setting in order to enhance the business demographics. I am diverse because I strive to work with individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and coping with their diverse nature. Shaman: I would describe my ethnic background as understanding because; according to my understanding most of the Indians understand the diverse nature of other individuals in the society. The Indian culture is strict concerning certain regulations, which are supposed to be followed strictly. Therefore, our cultural heritage involves several regulations and laws that are to be followed strictly. Shaman: As an Indian, I value my cultural beliefs and my religion. This is because, my background defines my personality. My diverse nature also impacts my identity in that I am able to relate with other individuals from all walks of life. I selected Shaman for the interview when I was

Membership makeup of this unions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Membership makeup of this unions - Essay Example Firstly, with regards to the demographic makeup of these unions, it must be understood that the German unions are almost exclusively made up of individuals that it been within the workforce for a period of time. As such, the average age group that is demonstrated by these individuals is necessarily higher than would be for entry-level employees; represented within the German system as an average age of 43. Comparatively, did the fact that unionization is requirement within the Chinese system, the average age is much lower at 37.5 years of age. It is of course necessary to note the key differential is economies is the fact that the German unionization system is voluntary; although heavily impacted by the extent to which government oversight integrates with economic development (Fitzenberger et al 148). Moreover, with respect to the Chinese system, the Communist party insists that any and all enterprise must necessarily be overseen by and ultimately managed by the state. Although a gre at degree of liberalization is taken place in recent years, the level and extent to which unionization has dropped in China is not indicative of a fully capitalist system. Similarly, with regards to the overall level of minority composition that is represented within these two systems, Germany has a minority representation within the unions of approximately 14%. This is somewhat interesting due to the fact that the minority population Germany only registers around 8%. With respect to the Chinese system, the dynamic is considerably different. Due to the fact that minorities make up only around 8% of the Chinese population, the reality of union representation is surprising. As a result of the fact that the Western regions of China represent the lion’s share of the minorities and due to the fact that these regions are on the whole un-industrialized, the level of union participation among minorities is approximately 2% (Wang 680). Likewise, with regards to the sexes and their ove rall representation within the unions, Germany represents a gender representation of males to females that is nearly 3:1. However, as has been previously discussed, the nature of government involvement within the unions of China means that a much larger precentage of participation by females is realized. Due to this fact, the level of participation among the female population within China is much higher and represents an overall dynamic around 1.5:1. Although it may be assumed that the ratio would be closer to 1:1, the fact of the matter is that no matter how industrialized the economy or the region, there continues to be a differential with regards to the total integration of the workforce based upon males and females. Moreover, with regards to the relatively lower level of female participation within the unions of Germany, this of course can be understood as a dynamic that is the result of the overall percentages of industrial workers that make up the broad majority of union membe rs. Due to the fact that these are traditionally male dominated jobs, the level of female participation within the unions of Germany are necessarily constrained. Work Cited Fitzenberger, Bernd, Karsten Kohn, and Wang Qingwei. "The Erosion Of Union Membership

My Legends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

My Legends - Essay Example What happened to me in sixth grade was just a spot of my bad history the real beginning was in junior high school. After graduating from primary school, I went to the fourth junior high school in the city. This was the best school in my hometown, but it was also famous for bad boys and girls. Most bad students from my city came to this school. There were three grades and I made several new friends who always wanted to play. I usually go with them and we played together every day. In China, we can’t smoke and go to the entertainment places. However, I started to smoke and was able to go to internet clubs with them. Sometimes we fight with other students for any reason, so some students were scared of us and treated us as bad guys, but we were not the worst students. Even though I always did bad things, my grade was a little good. I was good at English and Math, and I always got in the first three ranks. At the same time my parents began to work on their own company, so they har dly had time for me, and I started to behave worse. Actually, I thought I would have a party time without my parents’ control over me, but it didn’t take long. One day, I went to the internet club, as usual, not knowing that my mother followed me;. she criticized me and pulled me home. As a punishment, my parents made me kneel for three hours to reflect on what I did. Another occasion, my father learned from his friend that I also involved myself in fighting in the streets, so I was again punished for it.

Position of Comcast Corporation in the Environment Assignment

Position of Comcast Corporation in the Environment - Assignment Example This justifies why in its value statement, ‘As we shape the future of media and technology, our 139,000 employees strive to earn the respect and trust of our customers, our shareholders and members of the communities we serve’ has captured major stakeholders including shareholders, employees, clients and the general public. Nonetheless, from this value statement, it is evident that the primary stakeholders of the company are employees, customers, and the public. It highlights what needs to be done to each of these stakeholders based on their diverse demands, interests, and expectations. Actually, the consideration of the welfare of these stakeholders is very important. It is a good decision that was made by the management because it can help in motivating everyone to enable the company to achieve its objectives. Personally, I am convinced that the company’s value statement is in alignment with the demands of its primary stakeholders. By stating that it is committe d to earning respect from them, it is proven that it is not focused on profit-maximization, but cares about each of its stakeholders. I believe that this has been the driving force in the company because it has been taking a lot of measures and initiatives to satisfy its clientele. This has been achieved by offering exceptionally high-quality services at affordable rates at all times. Although it has been accused of focusing too much on profit-making, the truth is that the company treats its stakeholders in a better manner.

Electronic Commerce & Prosper.com Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Electronic Commerce & Prosper.com - Essay Example This form of borrowing and lending is much cheaper unlike the traditional lending businesses like credit cards. Hence, borrowers in pursuit of cheap credit will definitely opt to borrow through prosper.com than their bank. Consequently, according to (Arnold and Harzog 75) the traditional lending/ borrowing businesses are likely to experience a drop in their lending business as more and more Americans are opting for peer-to-peer lending. Secondly, the business model of prosper.com does not require borrowers to deposit collaterals to get loans. Therefore, borrowers in pursuit of small loans will opt for prosper.com due to minimal lending requirements. Subsequently, this will lead to a fall of traditional lending/ borrowing businesses. According to (Arnold and Harzog 78) customers of traditional lending businesses will most likely shift to the peer-to-peer lending business model offered by companies such as prosper.com, because of low interest rates and minimal lending requirements. This will definitely lead to a decline in borrowing from traditional lending

Inventory System Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Inventory System Summary - Essay Example This paper aims to discuss periodic inventory systems and its advantages and disadvantages. A periodic inventory system is a system where data is entered after a specific duration of time (Wensing, 2011). It is here where the term periodic is derived. Data is updated after a specific period, in the inventory systems, unlike in perpetual inventory systems where data is entered as sales are made. Information for this system is not kept up to date. While information for the inventory is noted, total and permanent storage of this data is only entered once a year. Under this inventory system, the amount recorded, in the account for inventory, is not updated after sales of goods or services are made (Wensing, 2011). The inventory account is updated once or adjusted one time usually per annum. During the current year, the inventory will only show the previous year’s end cost of inventory. Under this system, service and merchandise purchase is made, in either one or more than one purchase accounts. There is closure of purchase accounts and adjustment of the inventory account to equal the services and merchandise that is, in hand at that time, at the end of the year. This system has no cost of goods or services sold account for updating after a sale (Wensing, 2011). Periodic inventories utilize simple modes of calculation, in order to maintain an account for inventory, in the general ledger (Wensing, 2011). Materials and services purchased are entered, in a purchase account. A single entry is made moving to COGS sold material, at the end of a period of accounting. A periodic inventory only requires the total purchases and total sales entered on a monthly basis. There is no need for inventory count accounting records since the maintenance of the inventory is done through the entry of journals, in the general ledger (Wensing, 2011). The only records that are kept physically are derived from the

Causes of Great Depression Essay Example for Free

Causes of Great Depression Essay The economists and historians have not been able to reach an agreement regarding the causes of the depression. Most of them argue that the extensive stock market speculation was the major cause of depression. However they differ in the magnitude of effect of stock-market crash on the great depression. Milton Friedman says in this regard; I dont doubt for a moment that the collapse of the stock market in 1929 played a role in the initial recession (Parker, 49) Another economic historian Temin (1976) only attribute a minor role to the speculation and stock market crash as the cause of great depression. Other economists speculate that stock market crash set an impetus for great depression and was the primary cause of this economic devastation. For example, the research studies by Romer (1990) and Flacco and Parker (1992) provides verified and verifiable evidence that speculation and stock market collapse were the primary source of consumers uncertainty in the economic activity that finally led to great depression. As usual the period of depression was preceded by a long period of speculation. The prosperity of the 1920s has benefited only a small group of people who owned great businesses. These people made huge profits in the form of dividends. No doubt in these big businesses hundred and thousands of stockholders had also shares but their investments were purely of marginal nature. The major share in these concerns was in the hands of comparatively small number of people. It is estimated that in 1929 almost 78% of the dividends from the great industries, railroads, oil companies and other combines went to 0.3% population, headed by a handful of multi-millionaires. Gusmorino (1996) says in this regard; According to a study done by the Brookings Institute, in 1929 the top 0.1% of Americans had a combined income equal to the bottom 42%2. That same top 0.1% of Americans in 1929 controlled 34% of all savings, while 80% of Americans had no savings at all3. Automotive industry mogul Henry Ford provides a striking example of the unequal distribution of wealth between the rich and the middle-class. Henry Ford reported a personal income of $14 million4 in the same year that the average personal income was $750. As a result of speculation wave which swept the country during the years 1928-1929, the stock market reached new heights. This boom was caused by a large number of people speculating in shares of stock ‘on margin’. Under this system speculator deposited only as much money with their brokers as was sufficient to cover the probable range of fluctuations. Speculation in shares is resorted to because the price of the shares is rising and seems likely to rise. Tempted by the possibility of an easy fortune and wealth, in the late 1920s, people from different walks of life and professions freely indulged in stock speculation. For some time the prices of the shares showed a steady rise and reached an all time record in 1928-1929. Hall and Ferguson states that: The Federal Reserve began expressing concern in early 1928 and at that time began a policy of monetary restriction in an effort to stem the stock market advance. This policy continued through May 1929. The monetary restriction was carried out by selling $405 million in government securities and raising the discount rate in three stages from 3.5 percent to 5 percent at all Federal Reserve banks. But it was a late move as in October 1929, the stock market collapsed following Britain decision to raise the rate of interest to six and a half percent, with a view to attract back the capital that had been invested in United States. As a result many European holdings were thrown on the market and the prices of the shares began to sag. Once the process fell, the speculator started selling their stock-shares to avoid bigger losses. Once selling on larger scale started, this affected the confidence of the others who also fell in line. As a result of this stock market collapse, an unparalleled depression overtook United States. The prices started falling sharply, foreign trade declined, factories curtailed production, real-estate declined, new construction practically ceased, wages were cut and unemployment began to increase. Over-production of agricultural products is considered as another cause of great depression. As the farmers produced more wheat, cotton, corn and other cash crops than could be consumed, as a result there was sharp decline in the prices and purchase of farm products. This affected the purchasing power of the farmers, Furthermore, the farmers had assumed heavy mortgage during the prosperous times, which further curtailed their purchasing capacity. This inevitably cut down the market for the manufactured goods and prevented the factories from producing to their full capacity and stood in the ways of the workers getting employment. So it was cause and effect phenomenon. Over-production in the industrial sector also augmented the depression. In the years of boom which followed by World War I, the American manufacturers, encouraged and captivated by huge profits had made too many goods which could not be consumed by the home market. Ultimately these manufacturers were compelled to cut down the production which meant dismissing a number of workers. The unemployed workers had very little or no capacity to spend which meant further reduction in the production of goods. As the depression grew, this process continued. For sometime the production of these merchants was consumed by the domestic consumers due to system of installment buying. However, carried to extreme, this plan of installment buying was dangerous and completely dried up the future purchasing power and increased the load of private debts. The introduction of the labor-saving devices also led to greater production with less labor. As a result of introduction of the machines, a large number of men were thrown out of jobs and usually they failed to secure alternative jobs. This meant diminishing capacity of the labor to purchase. The Gold standard and money hoarding also contributed toward the increase of depression. Due to economic unrest caused initially by bathed stock market crash compelled the people to hoard large amounts of money. As America had a 100% gold standard at that time, so circulation of money became a major dilemma for the Federal Reserve Board. Money supply dropped radically. However Professor Richard Timberlake (2005) negates this preposition and holds that the gold standard could not held accountable for the Great Depression, because Federal Reserve Board was not pursuing a austere gold standard even earlier. As a result of the war, the economies of the European powers were badly shattered and they owed huge debts to United States. Most of these debtor nations made an effort to buy as little as possible and sell more to United States. For sometime the American investor kept the international trade machinery working by providing huge loans to the foreign powers. But once the borrowers reached a point where their capacity to repay ceased, the loans were stopped. This greatly affected the American trade. Gusmorino (1996) holds the view; A last major instability of the American economy had to do with large-scale international wealth distribution problems. While America was prospering in the 1920s, European nations were struggling to rebuild themselves after the damage of war. During World War I the U.S. government lent its European allies $7 billion, and then another $3.3 billion by 1920. By the Dawes Plan of 1924 the U.S. started lending to Axis Germany. American foreign lending continued in the 1920s climbing to $900 million in 1924, and $1.25 billion in 1927 and 1928. Further, the American government adopted huge tariffs (Fordney-McCumber Tariff 1922 and Hawley Smooth Tariff of 1930) which checked the inflow of European goods into United States. The European powers retaliated by erecting tariff barriers against American goods. As a result the American exports to overseas markets fell considerably. Randall Parker add another psychological dimension to these material and monetary causes of great depression. He analyzes that pessimistic expectation of the investors and the consumers also contributed greatly toward solidifying depression. He further says; †¦the behavior of expectations should also be added. As explained by James Tobin, there was another reason for a â€Å"change in the character of the contraction† in 1931. Although Friedman and Schwartz attribute this â€Å"change† to the bank panics that occurred, Tobin points out that change also took place because of the emergence of pessimistic expectations. If it was thought that the early stages of the Depression were symptomatic of a recession that was not different in kind from similar episodes in our economic history, and that recovery was a real possibility, the public need not have had pessimistic expectations. Instead the public may have anticipated things would get better. However, after the British left the gold standard, expectations changed in a very pessimistic way. The public may very well have believed that the business cycle downturn was not going to be reversed, but rather was going to get worse than it was. When households and business investors begin to make plans based on the economy getting worse instead of making plans based on anticipations of recovery, the depressing economic effects on consumption and investment of this switch in expectations are common knowledge in the modern macroeconomic literature. In addition to these above factors, certain other factors also operated either o cause the depression or to make it worse once it had come. These included (i) the increase in population rate was much less than the production rate, which reduced the consumers.; (ii) the disappearance of the western frontier, which meant that America could no lo9nger move in that direction during bad times and (iii) political unrest in Europe, Asia and South America, due to inter-governmental debts, also aggravated the great depression in United States. References Gusmorino, Paul A., III. `Main Causes of the Great Depression.` Gusmorino World (May 13, 1996). http://www.gusmorino.com/pag3/great_depression/index.html Flacco, Paul R. and Randall E. Parker. â€Å"Income Uncertainty and the Onset of the Great Depression.† Economic Inquiry 30, no. 1 (1992): 154-71. Hall, Thomas Ferguson, David. The Great Depression: an international disaster of perverse economic policies. Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, 1998. Kaiser, David E. Economic diplomacy and the origins of the Second World War: Germany, Britain, France and Eastern Europe, 1930-1939 (1980) Parker, Randall E. Reflections on the Great Depression. Northampton, MA, USA : Edward Elgar. 2002. Parker, Randall E. An Overview of the Great Depression. Economic History Association. http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/parker.depression Temin, Peter. Did Monetary Forces Cause the Great Depression? New York: W.W. Norton, 1976. Timberlake, Richard. Gold Standards And the Real Bills Doctrine in U.S. Monetary Policy. Economic Journal Watch. VOL.2. No. 2. (August 2005). 196-233.

Pressure Ulcers in the Hospital Essay Example for Free

Pressure Ulcers in the Hospital Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pressure ulcers remain a common health problem throughout the health care system. It has been conservatively estimated that annually 1 million adults develop pressure ulcers due to faulty nursing or care management. The incidence rates vary greatly depending on the health care sector. However, pressure ulcer incidence rates for hospitals range from 0.4% to 38%, for skilled nursing facilities from 2.2% to 23.9%, and for home health agencies 0% to 17%. The development of pressure ulcers occurs when there is sufficient progressive or reoccurring pressure over time to case capillary destruction, which in the end results to tissue necrosis. The development of a pressure ulcer or failure to prevent such condition from progressing to a more severe stage can result in negative consequences for the health care system (Fitzpatrick and Wallace, p.482). Nursing research has remained at the force-front in building knowledge-based related to pressure ulcer prevention. Pressure ulcers have become a quality issue for all areas of health care. The incidence and severity of the condition are used as markers of quality of care by agencies and acute care hospitals. This emphasis on pressure ulcers across the spectrum of health-care settings highlights the importance of the condition for clinicians (Sussman and Jensen, 2007 p.337). Pressure ulcer management can be based on clinical practice guidelines, which can be a source of enhancement for care plan development. The existing guidelines are broad based and general and, as such, for a good basis for wound care when the goal is comfort as well as healing (Coyle and Ferrel, 2005 p. 320). Purpose of Research   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The purpose of the study is to illustrate the physiological relationship between wound healing and the occurrence of pressure ulcers in hospital work-settings in order to provide means to come-up with another research procedure. In this case, we have utilized various quality researches and validated supporting studies in order to illustrate probable connections. Critical analysis, comprehensive data integration, and interpretation of research outcomes are the founding methodologies applied in the course research. The value significance of this study provides awareness to the public especially in terms of what can these contributing factors impregnate to the condition occurrence. The relationship of wound healing and the occurrence of pressure ulcers are necessary knowledge contribution in the field of health care; since, this is one of the major quality indicators in the clinical setting. Problem and Rationale   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcerations are the result of mechanical injury to the skin and underlying tissues. The primary forces involved are pressure and shear, which is the perpendicular force or load exerted on a specific area causing ischemia and hypotoxia of the tissues. High-pressure areas in the supine position are the occiput, sacrum, and heels. In the sitting position, the ischial tubersosities exert the highest pressure, and the trochanters are afflicted in the side-lying position (Beck 2005, p.205).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the amount of soft tissue available compression decreases, the pressure gradient, consequently, increases, and vise versa. The occurrence of these pressure ulcers are greatly manifested on bony prominences where there is less tissue for compression and the pressure gradient within the vascular network is altered easily upon compression. The changes in the vascular network allow an increase in the interstitial fluid pressure, which exceeds the venous flow. This results in an additional increase in the pressure and impedes arteriolar circulation. The capillary vessels collapse and thrombosis occurs. Increased capillary arteriole pressure leads to fluid loss through the capillaries; hence, tissue edema, and subsequent autolysis results. Lymphatic flow is decreased as well, allowing further tissue edema that contributes to the occurrence of tissue necrosis (Sussman and Jensen, 2007 p.337).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unfortunately, there is substantial evidence to show that many patients develop their sores in hospital. Versluyen (1995) demonstrated that 66% of patients admitted with fractures involving hip developed pressure ulcers in hospital. This particular medical condition occurs almost exclusively among the elderly and involves immobilization for at least 24 hours. Areas such as accident and emergency, X-ray department, and theatres are all implicated in the causation of pressure sores as trolleys in these areas have been shown to generate pressures (Walsh and Ford, 1999 p.71).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pressure ulcers are serious and frequent occurrence among the elderly, especially those who are immobile and debilitated. There are estimated 1.5-3 million Americans affected. A pressure ulcer will develop in approximately 5% of patients admitted to acute care hospitals. Studies have shown that 60% of pressure ulcers develop in the hospital, 18% in the nursing home, and 18% at home. Pressure ulcers prolong the hospital stay, and the pre-operative mortality rate is increased to 27%. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in the long-term care setting is reported to be 15-25% at the time of admission (Moylan, 2003 p.55). Obstacles and Solutions The problem of pressure development is a natural consequence of faulty health care management, poor health care quality, and negligence. Such condition is now associated, especially those with prolonged pressures, with contractures and/or shearing forces that frequently occur during transfers. Without diligent behavior modification related to skin inspection, and unless intervention strategies are employed to abort the process of skin breakdown, there will always be an open invitation to local, systemic, and generalized infection caused by pressure ulcerations (Whiteneck, 1993 p.231).Various proposed treatments in enhancing wound healing of pressure ulcerations are expensive and to be considered rare; hence, the treatment means may still be unrealistic. In this case, another research to enhance pressure ulceration healing is through the use of therapeutic air mattresses. According to the research of Sinclair and the group (2004), the utilization of air mattresses can further enhance the conditions of wound healing among pressure ulceration incidents. The proposed argument of the research involves the effectiveness of traditional turning and positioning protocols, which is evidently predominant in the nursing setting, and the therapeutic air mattresses. The study has covered elderly patients not less that 75 more than 75 years of age and in a condition of long-care term facility. Upon the progression of the overall research process, the results obtained do suggest that therapeutic mattresses are effective in preventing and healing ulcers. However, considering surface characteristics between beds utilized are still on the process of determining. Therefore, the clinically accepted practice of bed turning and repositioning still needs to be adhered until further research proves such intervention absolutely effective or otherwise (Sinclair, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, further researches may be suggested especially in air mattresses’ effectiveness in providing healing enhancements as well as pressure ulcer prevention. Such procedure is more practical and publicly realistic than the other proposed treatment measures. Research in antimicrobial application for the benefit of pressure ulcers should be well researched again considering the number of subjects involved in the research. The implication of such methodologies in accordance to wound healing involves the utilization of bed mattresses as the most economic and nursing-care enhancing procedure for clinical setting. If such procedure is proven effective, nursing efforts of bed turning and repositioning shall be reduced significantly. If such procedure is proven effective, treatment measures on such condition can be enhanced in terms of cost-effectiveness and practicality. In general view, pressure ulcer occurrence in a particular clinical setting connotes decreased quality of care management; since, pressure ulcers are prevented acceptably through bed turning and repositioning; hence, such methods are essential. Prevention of pressure sores in the hospital is a complicated process involving the assessment of complicated factors and accordingly the recommendation of interventional strategies. The traditional idea that the nurse alone should be responsible for the prevention of pressure ulcers is therefore ineffective (Coyle and Ferrel, 2005 p. 320; Webster, 1991p.53). A team of nursing and medical staff responsible for this task can produce more effective outcomes in terms of preventing such pressure sore occurrences. Nevertheless, the nurse remains the most essential part of such a team and acts as the main source of information about patient condition (Webster, 1991p.53). Executive Summary and Conclusions The problem of the study is basically the occurrence of pressure ulcers among hospital setting, which on the irony, should not even occur due to the presence of clinical managers. The condition of pressure ulcer is basically caused by prolonged stationary immobility conditions of the patient, such as those with paralyzed conditions, unconscious, in coma, and basically immobile. With prolonged immobility, the parts of the body exposed to pressure, such as bony prominences (e.g. trochanters, hip area, scapular region, etc.) are the usual site for its occurrence. The etiological character of the pressure acts in two ways in order to induce the condition: (1) Obstruction of vascularization, which further impedes oxygenation of the area causing tissue necrosis, and (2) prevents healing process of the area. Pressure ulcerations have been a major health care problem as well as the indicators of adequate and proper delivery management of care. In such case, it is therefore necessary to maintain strict, adequate and the best possible appropriate intervention against the occurrence of pressure ulcerations. In the light or research developments progressing in the medical field, various wound enhancing treatments have been proposed in order to enhance the means of curing pressure ulcers. Hospital setting accounts as the highest place of occurrence of pressure ulcerations with percentage rates of 60% as of 2002 survey. The primary age group involved is the elderly individuals who are usually prone to immobilizing conditions, such as (CVA) Cerebrovascular Accident, cardiac problems, etc. With the impaired capacity of the patient to move, pressure accumulates in those sites afflicted; hence, inducing the condition of ulcerations or sore-formation. There are two basic rationales that cause the condition of pressure ulcers for the elderly: (1) aging conditions that impairs the skin integrity of the aged patients, which further predispose them from the conditions of pressure ulcers, and (2) degenerative conditions that cause their immobility. The obstacles of such condition occurrence involve the faulty care delivered by the health care managers (nurses and medical physicians). Hospital management is the prime essential intervener of the condition. In fact, clinical settings view that such condition depicts the status of health care system in the hospital. The justifications of such perspectives are based on the logic that nursing and medical interventions involved in this condition are the most basic procedure of health care field. The inadequacy of proving such care protocol is mainly the responsibility of the health care team. As with the standard protocol of bed turning and positioning, the patient obtains reduction of risks in terms of pressure ulcerations. However, nurses are not the only one involved in the care management of such condition but also the medical care team, although nurses are the primary managers of care delivery for this condition. With the advent of nursing research and enhanced interventions, air mattresses has been deemed to reduce the risks of bed sore formations. As the conducted study proposes, air mattresses reduces the pressure thus aiding in the partly oxygenation of the area exposed to pressure. Such action helps prevent and even slows down the progression of pressure ulcerations. However, due to the small population size of the research, further study has been advised. If the study is proven effective, this may provide decrease work load from the health care practitioners and also helps prevent or reduce the risk of progression of the condition. References Beck, J. C., Ferrell, B. (2005). Geriatrics Review Syllabus. Blackwell Publishing. Coyle, N., Ferrell, B. (2005). Textbook of Palliative Nursing. Oxford University Press Publishings. Fitzpatrick, J. J., Wallace, M. (2006). Encyclopedia of Nursing Research. Springer Publishing Publisher. Moylan, K. (2003). The Washington Manual Geriatrics Subspecialty Consult. Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Rai, G. S., Mulley, G. P. (2002). Elderly Medicine: A Training Guide. Informa Health Care. Sinclair etal, H. J. (2004, February). Do Therapeutic Mattresses Enhance the Healing of Pressure Ulcers in the Frail Elderly Population?. American Journal of Nursing, 62, 243-2451. Sussman, C., Jensen, B. (2007). Wound Care: A Collaborative Practice Manual. Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Walsh, M., Ford, P. (1999). Nursing Rituals, Research and Rational Actions. Elsevier Health Sciences. Webster, J. G. (1991). Prevention of Pressure Sores. CRC Press. Whiteneck, G. G. (1993). Aging With Spinal Cord Injury. Demos Medical Publishing.

Pigovian Tax: Analysis and Overview

Pigovian Tax: Analysis and Overview Neo-classicals uphold perfect competition as the ideal state of the market. But in truth, the economy is fraught with market failures. Therefore, we need government interference to correct many of these market failures. Pigovian Tax imposed by the government is one such course of intervention. It helps to curb negative externalities (e.g. pollution) and reduce the burden on the society caused by the externalities (social costs of production and consumption). Moreover, it attacks over-consumption, bringing it closer to the socially optimal level of production and/or consumption. The paper examines the effects of Pigovian tax and analyses its degree of effectiveness on an economy. What is Pigovian Tax? Pigovian tax is a kind of tax, which is levied to correct a negative cost that is created by the actions of any business firm, but that is not considered in a firms private costs or profits. Also known as sin tax, it is a tax placed on an action with a  negative externality,  to correct market failure (Mankiw, 2010). In the presence of negative externalities, the  social cost  Ã‚  of a market activity is not covered by the private cost of the activity. In such a case, the market outcome is not  efficient  Ã‚  and may lead to over-consumption of the product. A Pigovian tax equal to the negative externality is thought to correct the market outcome back to the level of efficiency. For example, a factory does not financially take into consideration the damages caused to the environment by their emissions. By imposing Pigovian Tax, the government can artificially make the firms bear the cost of the damages, which will ideally be equal to what the price would have been if a market for such an activity existed. In a country like Canada with a publicly funded health care system, that is, where the medical service of every patient is funded from government revenues, the cigarette tax acts as a Pigovian tax it raises the revenue necessary to offset the expenses towards the health care system, as a consequence of smoking. Pigovian Tax in Implementation This idea was first put forward by Arthur Cecil Pigou in the year 1912. In his book, The Economics of Welfare, he argued that industrialists seek their own marginal private interest, while not taking into account the social costs of their activities. Pigovian tax is the difference between marginal social cost and the marginal private cost, which is equal to the marginal external cost, shown as Tax in the diagram. The tax level may not equal the marginal external cost at quantities other than the socially optimum equilibrium level. The diagram indicates that marginal external cost increases with increase in quantity produced or consumed. After imposition of the Pigovian Tax, the new supply curve intersects demand (the marginal benefit) at the socially efficient quantity. As a result, the new competitive equilibrium, taking into account the amount of the tax, is efficient. Although this tax works perfectly in theory, its practical implementation is very difficult due to a lack of complete information on the cost of the damages to the environment. When Arthur Pigou first came up with the concept, he laid down a set of assumptions, one of which is a perfectly competitive market. Yet, perfect competition is an unrealistic situation. Monopoly, monopsony and oligopoly markets are commonplace. To internalize the external cost, the government needs to intervene by way of imposing taxes. Pigovian tax can be applied to all spheres of production, be it production of a good (automobile) or service (transportation, banking etc). Baumol and Oates (1975) argue that if Pigovian tax is set equal to the level of marginal damage (external cost) at the Pareto-optimal level of pollution, the industry will move towards its optimal pollution level. The tax is applied to the production of a good that has an externality. Overhead: Pigovian Tax Anatomy from Diagram 2- i. Unregulated result (Q, P) ii. Socially efficient level of production = Q iii. Efficient Pigovian tax = P-P iv. Tax payment to government (shared by consumer and producers = PACP v. Gross benefit from decrease in externality = ADBC vi. Foregone consumption benefits i.e., the social cost of abatement = ABC vii. Net benefit to society = ADB Pigovian tax enhances welfare of the society; restricting over-consumption. It also generates additional revenue for the government. Roland Coase (1960) propounded that if markets may not secure the optimal amount of externality, they can be very gently nudged in that direction without the necessity for full-scale regulatory activity. Yet again, the coarse theorem faces criticism. Property rights are not as strictly defined as required by the coarse theorem. Coarse argued that social costs are even worse if only the offender pays for the social harm and not the consumers for whom the goods and services are produced. Under the Pigovian Tax, it is only the firms who pay for the externalities. Moreover, it is difficult to calculate the right tax in a world of imperfect Coarsian bargains. The concept has evolved through time and many similar ideas were developed such as the Coarse theorem, emission trading i.e. cap and trade (Europe), Environmental Protection agencies (U.S.) formed with the idea of command and control, carbon tax, and tradable permits. The principal problem remains that of quantifying the externality. There is some debate about whether to quantify externalities if the methods are imperfect. The usual response is that as long as we are honest about the flaws in the numbers, it is better to have some numbers than none (Phillips, Carl V, 1999). The benefits accrued by taxing externalities are more than that without taxing the externalities as shown with the game theory approach. The co-ordination game consists of two players, Company A and Company B, with two strategies: Subject to Pigovian Tax and Not Subject to Pigovian Tax. The payoffs of each player are given in the matrix. Nash equilibrium occurs at 2 points, when both companies are subject to Pigovian taxes and when both companies are not subject to Pigovian taxes. If both the companies are ready to bear the social costs, the benefits of sustainability accrued to the companies and society as a whole are more than if the costs are not borne by either company. The many forms of Pigovian Tax Since players dont always come to a socially efficient negotiation, there is a traditional way of limiting externalities command and control. This approach sets quantity limits on activities that have external effects. However, the method is cumbersome. While this method has been undertaken by the US government, the economies of Europe consider cap and trade as a better solution. It causes the least polluting firms to do the majority of the production since their social cost of production is the lowest. Rajeev K. Goel and Edward W. T. Hsieh laid down a two-period model in their research (Durable Emissions and Optimal Pigovian Taxes) where a social planner minimizes social damage by setting the per-unit Pigovian tax on a polluting monopolist. Results show that for a given level of production, the durability of emissions and the socially optimal Pigovian tax are negatively related. Mike Moffatt, in his article named Pigovian Taxes Joining the Pigou  Club; Promoting Economic Growth and Reducing  Externalities, wrote in favor of Pigovian Tax, stating, One of the uses of taxes is to discourage activity that has negative externalities, or we believe is otherwise economically/socially harmful. The benefits accrued versus the inherent failings In addition to correcting social disequilibrium, these taxes also raise revenue for the state. In 2004-2005, the Canadian government collected $16.7 billion in other taxes, which were largely Pigovian taxes such as energy taxes and excise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol (Moffat, 2006). In theory, using Pigovian taxes to correct what economists call market failures is simple. But in practice, its not so. The important problem often ignored by advocates of Pigovian taxes is what might be called the measurement problem or the Knowledge Problem. Pigou himself also declared that it must be confessed, however, that we seldom know enough to decide in what fields and to what extent the State, on account of [the gaps between private and public costs] could interfere with individual choice (Pigou, 1954). Pigou and  Friedrich Hayek  point out that the assumption that the government can determine the marginal social cost of a negative externality and convert that amount into a monetary value is a key weakness in the framework of the Pigovian tax. The economists blackboard model assumes knowledge we dont possess its a model with assumed givens, which are in contrast with real-world happenings.  Friedrich Hayek  would argue that this is knowledge which could not be prov ided as a given by any method, yet could be discovered, due to insuperable cognitive limits. However, the key difficulty with this tax is calculating what level of applied tax would counterbalance the negative externalities. Even when a Pigovian tax is charged to correct the market imperfection in a world with regulations and efficient transfers, the observed amount of the externality (e.g., pollution) is unlikely to be zero since we will still observe some externalities as a consequence of the exchanges and transfers. The rate of tax best set should be equal to the per-unit external cost that spills over into the society. A tax imposed without such calculations may well be inefficient and redundant. There is also political influence on the levied tax, in such a way that lobbying of government by the polluters may tend to reduce the level of the tax levied and which would ultimately reduce the mitigating effect of tax and lead to increase in production. Instead of accomplishing the goal of the tax imposed, the burden shifts to the society. Thomas A. Barthold (1994) argued that in the US in the year 1994, the actual policy decisions often came from budget requirements, and not concern for the environment. The taxes do not always comply with economic theory because social benefits and costs are hard to measure. He uses the 1989 Montreal Protocol as an example. President George H. W. Bush signed this protocol that allowed either a permit auction or a tax on ozone-depleting chemicals. Barthold attributes the decision to implement the tax to the pressure on the Ways and Means committee to come up with more consistent revenue. Like the other taxes imposed by the government, Pigovian tax gives air to malpractices like black marketing, smuggling and child labour, especially if they create large differences in the prices of products, which are popular, and if the demand for the product increases in spite of the increase in production. Pigovian Tax imposed by the government is a complex mechanism. It has its societal merits and elementary de-merits. While it covers the cost of negative externalities and eliminates the burden of society, on the same page, it may also hamper the growth of industries leading to inefficiency of small industries. In a monopsony market, where there is only one buyer, it is difficult to impose Pigovian tax since the burden of the tax will be borne by one entity. This may consequently lead to rise in the prices of the commodity. When Pigovian tax is imposed, in a monopolistic competitive market, the tax will be borne by a large number of consumers and hence, the burden of tax is divided. While it can be said that imposing Pigovian tax would lead to a reduction in the level of quantity produced of a commodity by an industry, it can also cause the industries to look upon to new advancements in technologies. This will open doors to research and innovation in the field. For example, the company AkzoNobel Industrial Chemicals is always trying to innovate and make a leap forward in its development to achieve its target to reduce CO2 emissions. Its production facility in Mariager in Denmark uses wood to generate electricity. Wood and other plant-based materials are also used to produce chemical building blocks. Moreover, this shift in technology by commodity producers will cause the externality to be automatically internalised. Whatever benefits Pigovian taxes might be able to provide, it will usually give diminishing returns past a certain point, where the government might fail to achieve their objectives of meaningfully reducing the excess social costs. Instead, these kinds of taxes would appear to simply become a vehicle by which politicians may raise tax revenue by imposing a discriminatory tax policy aimed at an undesirable minority. Therefore, only where  institutional and trade solutions are not efficient, the government should consider whether specific  interventions, regulation or specific  taxes are appropriate to address externalities. These measures are preferable when the net efficiency gains from the  intervention are larger than the associated administrative and compliance costs. This suggests that intervention is desirable when externalities are reasonably large.

American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes and The Virgin Suicides, direct

Reality. Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines reality as â€Å"something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily.† But what is real by today’s standards? Does what appears to be normal equal reality? By looking at two different films it seems that the old cliche stands correct. Things aren’t as they appear. American Beauty and The Virgin Suicides give classic examples of how â€Å"normal† and â€Å"happy† suburban life is anything but. American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes (1999) and The Virgin Suicides, directed by Sofia Coppola (2000), share many of the same themes even though the plots are contrasted. Underneath the layers of white picket fences, beautiful houses, and safe neighborhoods, lies a truth. A truth so dark that it leads to the destruction of many characters in both of these movies. The first element that must be looked at is the imprisonment of the characters in both films. The main character of American Beauty, Lester Burnham, is the man whom feels the burden of imprisonment the most. He is in an ongoing marriage that should be coming up to the red light. He is also stuck in a job where he feels under appreciated and not well respected. He has been at this job for fourteen years. That is fourteen years of being in jail. It is quite evident that he is not happy. Who would be when you know that your wife and you daughter think that you are a â€Å"gigantic loser† (American Beauty)? Lester is not the only character who suffers from this. His wife Carolyn and daughter Jane both know what it is like to feel trapped in an unhappy life. Carolyn is imprisoned by image. She has the notion that she cannot be happy unless everything appears as perfect. And Jane, feeling the weight of her parents, wants to break off from her prison, her home life. She like most teens views her parents as weird and wants out of that life. In The Virgin Suicides the characters that are the most imprisoned are the five Lisbon sisters. After the youngest sister plunged to her death during the first party they were allowed to have, and Lux came home late after the homecoming dance, their parents literally turned their home into a prison. â€Å"For most children, mothers and fathers set boundaries; for the Lisbon’s, it’s iron bars† (Berardinelli). They were not allowed out, had the tree cut down that was near their window, and even had actual bars put on the window... ... ‘You’re not even old enough to know how hard life gets,’ he tells her. ‘Obviously, doctor,’ she says, ‘you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl.’ No, but his profession and every adult life is to some degree a search for the happiness she does not even know she has.† (Ebert). Bibliography Berardinelli, James, Review: American Beauty, http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/a/american_beauty.html, 1999 Berardinelli, James, Review: The Virgin Suicides, http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/v/sirgin_sucides.html, 2000 Bowman, James, Suffering Poses, American Spectator, Jun 2000, Vol 33, Issue 5, p. 66 Ebert, Roger, American Beauty, Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi Ebert, Roger, The Virgin Suicides, Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi , May 5, 2000 McKittrick, Casey, Shaping Pedophilic Discourse around American Beauty Happiness. Velvet Light Trap, Spring 2001, Issue 47, p 3-12. Scott, A.O., Film Review; Evanescent Trees and Sisters In an Enchanted 1970’s Suburb, The New York Times, http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/review.html Viner, Russel, The Virgin Suicides, Student BMJ, Jul 2000, Vol. 8, p 254

The Effects of Forgiveness on Mental Health Essay -- Mental Health Psy

Forgiveness has been defined in many ways by psychologists and researchers with no one universal definition. Hill (as cited in Maltby, Day and Mackaskill 2001) state that it is widely agreed that forgiveness involves a willingness to abandon resentment, negative judgement and indifferent behaviour towards the person who has hurt them Although research is recent, from the last 15 years, it has helped develop our understanding of forgiveness . Research has shown that forgiveness gives positive mental health and prevents the development of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and stress. Two major models of forgiveness are Enright’s model and Worthington’s (2001) pyramid model to REACH forgiveness. Both these models involve steps and processes we go through in order to reach forgiveness. Individual differences are also taken into consideration such as personality traits such as the big 5 and narcissism which helps our understanding of why some individuals forgive a nd others do not and why as a result some individuals have poorer mental health as they are unable to forgive. This essay will therefore argue that the process and structural models have helped our understanding of forgiveness in terms of individual differences and mental health as they have shown steps we need to go through to reach forgiveness and research has additionally shown that those who do not forgive have poorer mental health. Furthermore it has shown that individual differences affect whether people can forgive or not taking into account personality traits. A process model of forgiveness is Enright’s model. Originally this involved seventeen stages incorporating cognitive, affective and behavioural elements (Enright and the human development group 1991) ... ...bes-bolyai, thrologia catholica Latina, LI, 1 Maltby, J., Day, L., Mackaskill, A. (2007) Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence. Harlow, Pearson prentice Hall McCullough, M.E, Pargament, K.I., Thoreson, C.E (2000) Forgiveness; Theory research and practice (eds) New York, The Guilford press Mccullough, M.E., Sandage S.J., and Worthington, E.L.Jr. (1997) To forgive is human: How to put your past in the past. Downers Grove, IL, Intervarsity press. Walker, D.F., Gorsuch (2002). Forgiveness within the big 5 personality model. Journal of personality and individual differences, 32, 1127-1137 Worthington, E. L. Jr. (2001) Five steps to forgiveness: The art and science of forgiving, New York, Crown Younger,J.W., Piferi, R.L.,. Jobe, R.L., Lawler,K.A. (2000) Dimensions of forgiveness. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 21: 837

Auditor Liability :: Business Accounting

Auditor Liability Recently, the question of liability has become more prevalent in the practice of public accounting. The AICPA has been lobbying for liability reform in cases involving negligence or malpractice by public accountants. Opposition to this lobbying has come from consumer advocacy organizations, trial lawyers' associations, and state public interest groups to name a few. (Bolinger p. 53) The key to success for the AICPA, according to Gary M. Bolinger is creating an image as a, "profession performing high-quality services but faced with excessive liability burdens that harm the public interest." (Bolinger p.56) One should not be concerned, however, in the pending political outcome, but in weighing the evidence argued by both sides and developing a sound reasonable basis. Therefore, the remainder of this document shall concern itself with comparing the prevalen t arguments of both sides against one another and drawing a conclusion based on the evidence. Opponents of liability reform rely heavily on an idealistic constitutional argument as well as an economic argument to foster their point. The main components of their argument are as follows: Limiting recovery of loss has a detrimental effect on those which are harmed by alleged negligence. The cost of liability is reasonable when compared to total revenues, and in light of a CPA's public responsibility. Indemnity insurance spreads risk in the aggregate therefore removing the element of risk at the f irm level. The threat of litigation provides public accountants with a deterrent against negligent work. Finally, the results of lawsuits cause the profession itself to implement new standards. (Bolinger p.54) The AICPA and its supporters have developed their argument based on continued liability's likely effect on the profession as well as an economic argument. The arguments in favor of liability reform include the effect of continued liability on the availab ility of CPA services. The likelihood of fee increases resulting from liability risk. The threat of the inability of public accounting to obtain and retain qualified individuals. (Bolinger p.56) Finally, the complexities involved in the audit engagemen t and the subjective decision making process versus the ability of a given jury to understand and levy a fair decision in such cases. After examining the arguments of both sides one will see that litigation in its current form is a hindrance to the accou nting profession as well as society, and the benefits provided by litigation are Auditor Liability :: Business Accounting Auditor Liability Recently, the question of liability has become more prevalent in the practice of public accounting. The AICPA has been lobbying for liability reform in cases involving negligence or malpractice by public accountants. Opposition to this lobbying has come from consumer advocacy organizations, trial lawyers' associations, and state public interest groups to name a few. (Bolinger p. 53) The key to success for the AICPA, according to Gary M. Bolinger is creating an image as a, "profession performing high-quality services but faced with excessive liability burdens that harm the public interest." (Bolinger p.56) One should not be concerned, however, in the pending political outcome, but in weighing the evidence argued by both sides and developing a sound reasonable basis. Therefore, the remainder of this document shall concern itself with comparing the prevalen t arguments of both sides against one another and drawing a conclusion based on the evidence. Opponents of liability reform rely heavily on an idealistic constitutional argument as well as an economic argument to foster their point. The main components of their argument are as follows: Limiting recovery of loss has a detrimental effect on those which are harmed by alleged negligence. The cost of liability is reasonable when compared to total revenues, and in light of a CPA's public responsibility. Indemnity insurance spreads risk in the aggregate therefore removing the element of risk at the f irm level. The threat of litigation provides public accountants with a deterrent against negligent work. Finally, the results of lawsuits cause the profession itself to implement new standards. (Bolinger p.54) The AICPA and its supporters have developed their argument based on continued liability's likely effect on the profession as well as an economic argument. The arguments in favor of liability reform include the effect of continued liability on the availab ility of CPA services. The likelihood of fee increases resulting from liability risk. The threat of the inability of public accounting to obtain and retain qualified individuals. (Bolinger p.56) Finally, the complexities involved in the audit engagemen t and the subjective decision making process versus the ability of a given jury to understand and levy a fair decision in such cases. After examining the arguments of both sides one will see that litigation in its current form is a hindrance to the accou nting profession as well as society, and the benefits provided by litigation are

United Kingdom – Cultural Leadership Style

A wise Professor named Geert Hofstede established one of the best studies that put into account a countries culture and how values in the workplace can affect them. Today I will look at a particular country that is quite similar to the United States. The country I have chosen is the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom encompasses England, Wales, and Scotland (which combined make up Great Britain) and Northern Ireland. Before looking at how United Kingdom numbers there first needs to be a description of what is in fact being numbered. Hofstede created five cultural dimensions. In each dimension whether it marked high or low can help a business determine how it should operate in that specific country. The first Hofstede dimension is the Power Distance Index. The Power Distance Index has to do with the inequality that not only is accepted but the inequality in existence between individuals of power and also to those without it. There will always be some kind of level of power in all societies and although some may be very unequal this measure simply shows the level of inequality they really are. A low Power Distance Index would mean that power and equality are shared. Society may view them as being a society where power is well dispersed among each other. In a high Power Distance Index however there is an unequal distribution of power and people simply understand their place in the society. When it comes to the United Kingdom though the Power Distance Index is relatively low and has a thirty PDI. This number is an indicator that the ranking of a person or the status in conjunction with their inequalities are low. When relating to more of the office structure this can be more illustrated when looking at the relationship between the superiors and the subordinates. The relationship is more casual like and not as structured and strict as in a high power distance would have been. The second Hofstede dimension is Individualism. Individualism refers to the community and all the ties that link people to them. If there is a high individualism score than there is a loose connection which only means that sharing of responsibilities are low and a lack of interpersonal connection nless of course it is between family and a few close friends. It also means that an individual’s rights are quite dominant. If there is a low individualism score than there is a strong group bond in which there is much respect and loyalty for all members of that group. The group itself would be much larger in comparison to a high score and would take more responsibility for each person making it more collective. In the Uni ted Kingdom they score a quite high one with eighty nine being there IDV number. Therefore there is a need of people’s freedoms and the valuation of their time. They enjoy challenges and expect some sort of reward for their accomplishments. There is also more of a respect for their privacy. In this sense the United Kingdom has a nuclear family that is the more leading form of basic social structure. When you think of this on more of a business aspect having a high score would also mean that individuals would be thinking about themselves more instead of the group. High scores would promote individual success but may affect the group which should be monitored. The third Hofstede dimension is Masculinity. Masculinity refers to the traditional roles of a male and female and how much they are valued and stuck to within a society. Having a high Masculinity score would mean that these countries have males that have high expectations to being tough and being the provider for the family as well as being assertive and strong. When pertaining to females in a high context score if they worked would be doing a profession that men did not. There would also be a distinction between men and women’s work. In a low masculinity score for a country you would see more of a balance when it came to jobs and skills. Women would be able to have success doing the exact same thing as a man. The role of both genders just becomes a bit blur where women work equal across professions with men. Men are also allowed to be sensitive. The United Kingdom had a score of about sixty two. Therefore they try to be somewhere in the middle. Men and women can work equally with each other although a bit of gender bias may still exist. This bias may not be as apparent if the score was a fifty but because it exceeds a little more than fifty it shows that it is an underlying bias maybe just below the surfaces. When relating this to a more business aspect in a high masculinity score the leader of the team should be a male if you wanted to obtain greater success however in a low masculinity score the team should be more balanced with a greater emphasis on skill instead of on gender. The fourth Hofstede dimension is Uncertainty/Avoidance Index. Uncertainty/ Avoidance Index refer to the degree that society members may feel while being in an anxious or uncertain situation. This can also relate to whether or not a person is comfortable or uncomfortable within a certain situation. In a high uncertainty/avoidance index country avoidance of ambiguous situations is a must with the creations of lots of rules and regulations. There is much order with a collective type of truth that is held. Business is also very formal with the need for structure and differences are highly avoided. If there is any level of nervousness it creates high levels of emotion mixed with high levels of expression. In a lower uncertainty/avoidance index the society will enjoy surprises and the differences between individuals are highly valued. They are actually encouraged to seek for their own truth. The United Kingdom has an Uncertainty/Avoidance index of about thirty which means in a more business aspect that they have a more informal business attitude. There is also a more concern on the long term goals and strategies instead in comparison to the more daily happenings. There is a far greater acceptance of change and this society is more prone to taking a few risks unlike a high UAI group which would avoid risk taking. Conflicts and disagreements would also be seen as a healthy relationship amongst workers even at times superiors with different views taken into account to conclude with a better outcome. The last Hofstede dimension is Long Term Orientation. Long Term Orientation refers to how society views the long term standing of traditions and values in comparison to the short term traditions and values. In a high long term orientation score the individuals in a society would refrain from losing face and have social obligations. Traditions are valued to the extreme and family is the basis of the society. Parents and men are seen in these societies to have far more authority than women and young adults. There are very strong work ethics and a high value is placed on the education that is obtained as well as any training. The United Kingdom has a long term orientation score of about twenty. Being that it is very low in comparison to Asian cultures this just means that much can be expected when discussing the creative expression that is in the United Kingdom’s culture. Traditions may not be valued here as much as they would be valued in other societies. This then ust sums that they would be more likely to help when it came to the business aspect of innovating any sought out plans. There would be an execution of those plans as well with the compromise that there will be full participation. In a low long term orientation there is also promotion of equality. Creativity and individualism is also a definition of a low long term orientation where what is strived for is self actualizati on. Although some may see the United Kingdom as being more traditional with all its associations it still promotes equality which in the end makes it different from other cultures or societies. The five dimensions that Geert Hofstede established were one being Power Distance Index (PDI), two being Individualism (IDV), three being Masculinity (MAS), four being Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), and five being Long Term Orientation (LTO). Each one looked at in pertaining to the United Kingdom gives more of an insight on how the societies culture is and how a business can benefit better if in the United Kingdom. Although many cultural norms play a huge part in the procedure and interpersonal associations at work all these things may seem to just be. Each and every norm just comes natural to the society that you live in. However, when you move outside your norms and are found in a new society knowing what to do or how to run a business may be very intimidating without knowing how that society’s culture may behave. Once you step foot in a foreign place everything may seem different with completely different norms that are followed. Hofstede’s five dimensions can thus be a starting position for one to use in determining how to act when comparing what the reactions might be and how that society might think about how you just acted. It would also help in evaluating your approach and the decisions that you make in an organization or business. There may be other deviations from all the norms that may make up a society but having a guide like Geert Hofstede’s five dimensions will help to not feel completely off guard when encountering new societies. Sometimes not knowing what to expect can be very threatening and not knowing how to act or not knowing how your actions will be perceived can be scary. However, using Hofstede’s five dimensions can bring new light on any society. When looking at the United Kingdom it is quite similar to the United States so intimidations can be a little lower but taking into account every dimension will help in creating a successful business.