An Introduction to Religion in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

An Introduction to Religion in China - Essay Example Other reasons also come to play their part as well and they will be discusses later on (De et al 73). In China religion was something of a taboo because practicing any single faith was considered incorrect. It was more of a pluralistic society which was against allowing members to adhere to any organization. They were more practicing in their cultural customs and believed in following one particular family as a dynasty with its specific rules of living and policies of the state. Scholars still indulge in the argument about China having a religion or not from the time the country took its shape on the planet. Various terms which are now associated with legendary and traditional practices are considered to be the earliest form of value-drilling such as Buddhism and Confucianism, which help in understanding the culture of China even better (De et al 74). Starting with the teaching of Confucianism which goes back to the 551 BCE, one will observe that it was an attempt to revive the golde n age. Kong Qui who came to be known as Confucius was inspired to follow the rituals of the ancient people. He exercised ethical force to make his dynasty follow the same rituals and make these practices common amongst the people. These practices included: i. Consciousness to do the right thing ii. Be loyal to the superiors iii. Be benevolent towards each other The rituals were known as â€Å"li† which, if practiced, largely affected the role of the individuals in the society and so did their status. Hence, the deities of worshipping were divided into various classes according to the level of peoples’ performance. Kong Qui was the sole transmitter of the social hierarchies and rituals who stood the weight of the revival of the ancient times. His teachings included the lessons included in the previous books and the people who followed him started associating the teachings as Confucianism. During the late imperial age, the performances in China were remarkably at their p eak and elaborated with various local opera genre and solo performances. Since rituals had been the bedrock of Confucianism, during the time of Tang dynasty, theatricals of all kinds became eminent. For Father Evariste Hue, a European traveler who had lived in China for years exclaimed that China looks more like a fair for amusement of people (De et al 75). Countless works of literature depicted the Chinese tradition including â€Å"Mulian zhuan†. This opera is considered the best amongst other village performances. In 1929 a performance was recorded in the recital form which was organized and created by the Ding County’s experienced village actors in Hebei. The Ding County â€Å"yangge† was not a valuable evidence of popular culture. The themes of political righteousness and loyalty are absent while there is much farce and romance to discuss (De et al 104). Right after Kong Qui’s era or even during his time which came considered an overlapping of the pha se, the concept of Daoism began to emerge. This was all about patience and seeing life as a whole despite all the chaos surrounding it. Those persons or hermits who had a connection with the previous teachings including Confucianism were asked to escape the civilization. This made Daoism the most complex tradition especially for the current times. As time passed and people became more accustomed to the modern world the government asked the people to establish temples for every community so that those who wanted to practice Daoism or the teachings of another tradition including Buddhism could do so with peace and strengthen their network (De et al 92). The teachings Buddha emerged next in line and were commonly known among the Chinese as Fojiao. Buddha is

Globalized Homogeneous Society And Culture In Nepal Cultural Studies Essay

Globalized Homogeneous Society And Culture In Nepal Cultural Studies Essay The dictionary of sociology defined the term, homogeneous as the same in structure, quality etc.; similar or identical or composed of similar or identical elements or parts; uniform. Theobald (1994) suggested that etymologically, the word tour is derived from the Latin tornare and the Greek tornos, meaning a lathe or circle; the movement around a central point or axis. This meaning changed in modern English to represent ones turn. The suffix -ism is defined as an action or process; typical behavior or quality whereas the suffix -ist denotes one that performs a given action. When the word tour and the suffixes -ism and -ist are combined, they suggest the action of movement around a circle. One can argue that a circle represents a starting point, which ultimately returns to its beginning. Therefore, like a circle, a tour represents a journey that is a round trip, i.e., the act of leaving and then returning to the original starting point, and therefore, one who takes such a journey can be called a tourist and whole process known as tourism. In a simple word, globalization is a process by which product and capital markets, economies and cultures are getting progressively integrated on global scale. There are many ways of globalization around the world and no doubt; tourism is a means of globalization. Tourism is an important transmitter of globalization in Nepal. It has significant impacts on societies and cultures in the destinations. It seems a process of acculturation or westernization or Americanization and leads globalized homogenous society and culture. It has been a major source of intercultural contact. Globalization leads to socio-economic and cultural changes in Nepal. Regarding tourism, the impact is differentiated culturally, socially and economically on globalization. According to Robinson, there has been little evidence that tourism brings the world together. Further, he states, tourism is one globalization influence that can initiate dramatic and irreversible changes within the cultures of host communities (Robinson, 1999, p.22). While there is agreement that culture has become increasingly global (Hannerz, 1987; Lechner, 1989; Featherstone, 1990; Robertson 1992), few scholars defend the thesis of a global culture (McLuhan, 1964; Schiller, 1976; Levitt, 1983; Sklair, 1991). Most sociologists (Guillà ©n, 2001) reject the idea that a homogenizing global culture is in the making (Mazlish, 1993; Friedman, 1994; Appadurai, 1996; Geertz, 1998; Held et al., 1999; Inglehart and Baker, 2000). It is clear that a globalization of culture does not necessarily lead to global cultural homogeneity. Micro-phenomenological and conventional cultural models stress the tradition-based resistance of local life to the exogenous pressures of modernization (Meyeret al., 1997). Others point towards diversification in the form of hybridization (Nederveen Pieterse, 1995) or glocalization (Robertson, 1992) of world culture. However, they miss the extent to which, in the contemporary world, the local is itself cosmopolitan (Hannerz, 1987). Again, some scholars strongly argue that globalization leads to a homogenization of culture for example, Giddens (1997:64), who sees it in terms of growing economic and cultural interdependence. In General, it is very difficult to find out what process is there (in Nepalese culture and society), acculturation or Westernization or homogeneous or globalised homogeneous? Respondents opinions were different according to geographic regions, villages and cities. People from cities like Kathmandu, Chitwan, Janakpur and Lumbini have different experiences than Khumbu, Annapurna and Pokhara. A respondent nearby Bouddhanath in Kathmandu said: Everything has changed; you will not get any typical local cultures in this area. People are directly connected to tourist and have to fulfill the demand of tourist. Therefore, they has been using foreign languages, fast food and drinks (pointing to the Coca Cola in shop) but now it turned to habits and not easy to leave these things at present. I totally do not believe, tourism is only one factor for this phenomenon, the actors of globalization are more responsible for it. For example, I use English more than Nepali, in one hand tourism is responsible because my profession is related to this field, but, in other, I listen English songs, watch English movies and many more because without English we ( specially Nepali people) will not grab any better opportunities. A respondent in Themal Kathmandu Actually, the Thamel and Lakesied lifestyle has always attracted western travelers, because they have been getting any things like in western societies, like disco hall, music and movies, food, dress, drinks etc. Even local people are happy to use English language than Nepali. For us it is normal, to celebrate western festivals like Christmas, New Year, concerts, valentines day etc, because we are in touristic area and we must do these things. Again, we are learning some new culture. A respondent in Lakeside Pokhara In the tourist regions and groups most affected by tourism, aspects of a globalized culture are evolving and a special reconstruction of Nepalese culture for tourists is performed. Other groups react against this by re-inventing Nepalese traditions. Tourists themselves enjoy a combination of globalized and reconstructed Nepalese culture, though not willingly and able to understand negative Nepalese reactions and reinvented traditions. This section will describe the impact of tourism based on globalization, on Nepalese society, culture and economy; and how it creates globalised homogeneous society and culture in Nepal. Based on primary data, socio-cultural structures have changed considerably under the influence of tourism in Nepal. Those changes, both positive and negative, have varied from place to place. Tourism has contributed to social and cultural changes in host societies, including changes in value systems norms, traditional lifestyles, cultures, family relationships, language, models, individual behaviour or community structure in Nepal. The responses of the hosts in the face of these modifications have been quite diverse and complex, ranging from an active confrontation to a complete acceptance of Western culture. The choice of strategies to cope with changes wrought by tourism depends on the socio-cultural characteristics of the host community and the level of change affected by tourism. It is suggested that earlier homogeneous community characterized by a specific response to tourism becomes varied and groups exhibiting different responses to tourism emerge within the community because of touristic developments. Tourism makes connection between local to global people. It affects the change in societal norms and values in favor of Western or American norms and values. It is destructing the indigenous culture, system, tradition, social norms, value system, daily life, language, food, drinks, dress and many more through the process of homogenization under state patronages and later creates globalized homogenized society and culture. When local Nepalese, meet with the Western or American norms and values through tourist and globalization have begun to look down upon their own traditional norms and values due to the influences of Western and American norms and values. This situation is not only seen in tourists areas but also into remote villages as well. Needless consumer production of Multinational Companies such as disposable diapers, baby and canned foods, blue jeans, two-wheelers and four-wheelers, fast/junk foods, imported liquors, soft beverages, soft drinks ( like Coca-Cola, Beer), electr onic products are consumed/used by urban Nepalese. The very complex impacts of tourism on Nepalese are discovering new types of culture, society, values, norms and traditions, which contains their own traditional and Western or Americans. This looks like new but combination of local traditional and foreign cultures, values, societies, living style, food and drinks, language and many more. Here are some facts found by researcher during his study time; majority of Nepalese in tourists hubs are intending that that individualism is good, but communication is bad, that Christianity is good but Animism, Lamaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are bad. Similarly, drinking local beer ( Chyang and tongba), Mohi, Lassi (A kind drink made by Yoghurt) and milk are bad but drinking Western Beer, Wine, Whisky Coca-Cola and imported dust milk are good, that riding car is good but walking/ trekking is bad. Similarly, CNN and BBC are the reliable news sources but not National channels are not, English or foreign movies are best but not owns, again best educa tion is available in USA, U.K., Germany, Australia, and Canada but not inside country. On the basis on data, the researched concluded that, it is interesting that due to impact of tourism by the process of globalization, two things are happening in Nepalese society and culture: a globalized homogeneous are developing and at the same time Nepalese cultures are reconstructing on local levels ( for tourist but also as identity building and national politics). The researcher has analyzed various variables to prove, tourism has created globalized homogeneous society and culture in Nepal. The researcher has collected data on family structure of local respondents. The traditional family structure of local people was joint family headed by father or mother. After introduction of tourism, people knew that single family is good and easy to manage than extend family. After that, the structure of joint family has been changing in to the nuclear family. The history and literatures says; the nuclear family has started from Europe and America after industrial revolution. Most of the natives especially new generation who are working in tourism are interested to stay in nuclear family instead of joint or extend family. The research has found, tourism is one cause of the cause of single (nuclear) family; because they are busy than others profession and cannot give time for their family members. This types of data proved that Nepalese family structure is not different form European and American. Gambling, prostitution and drug abuse were not found in the history of Nepalese civilization. Somehow, it was exist unknowingly in high-level family like Rana and Royal, because these are socially prohibited activities and still these are socially prohibited. After introduction of tourism, such activities were found in touristic areas. At the beginning, the Government and local societies ignored those activities due to tourism industry and gradually these activities were increased dramatically. Now it is big problem for Nepalese society. Gambling, prostitution and drug abuse are directly related to tourism in Nepal because tourism is the key factor of those activities. Such activities are more in touristic hubs of Nepal and slowly expanding to the all-major cities. The answer given by tourist from USA in Thamel: I was surprised when I was walking in Thamel, Kathmandu, I feel I was walking in some street of Las Vegas of USA and walking street in Thailand. Nepal is not so for from sex tourism. Similarly, in the case of gambling, some countries found to manage gambling for the foreigners in their countries. In this aspect, Los Vegas of America is a famous gambling center in the World. Such types of facilities are mostly found in Hotel in Nepal. But, Nepal government do not have any rules against local people to involve in such activities. Major touristic areas of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan such activities has been increasing especially Young locals. Which prove that tourists places of Nepal is not different from American and European touristic places. This could be an example of globalised homogeneous society and culture created by tourism in Nepal. The next variable of globalised homogeneous society and culture in Nepal is language. Nepalese society is ethnically varied and multifaceted (complex). In Nepal, there are 61 ethnic cast group and they speak different languages. Languages, cast religion, and dress are different according to geographic regains. Formally, most of people in different geographical regions communicate each other in their own language. After introduction of tourism in communities, all indigenous people, who have opened hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, travel and trekking agencies are, have to speak foreign languages for their business. Similarly, the local guide and all workers related to tourism should speak English and other foreign language. Therefore, there are huge demand of such persons able to speak English and foreign language. To get better opportunities people started to learn foreign language. Most of the people had started to learn foreign languages with tourists because they did not have language center in their society, for this work, different International and national organization has been helping them. I have been working in tourism more than 30 years, I do not have any schooling education in foreign languages, me and my family members can speak English very fluently, not only in business we use English at home also. Even my son can speak German, French and Japanese except English, we learnt it from tourist. A father with his family members in Thamel Kathmandu Furthermore, majority of the indigenous people involved in tourism can understand communication easily with the tourist in different foreign languages. Nowadays the youngsters are gradually adopting to speak English and foreign languages in their daily activities too. These changes in people are because of the involvement in tourism and enable to speak English and other languages in their daily activities. However, nowadays people are happy to use English rather than their own language. Most of the people are using mixed Nepali language: Nepali plus English. The researcher has found most of local people are using broken language; English plus Nepali in the study areas. It is proved that, people are using neither their own language correctly nor foreign. They introduced new types of mixed language for their daily life. Therefore, westernization in language is seen clearly in Nepal. It will be certainly happen that in future large number of the Nepalese will use English language in the ir daily life. This could be the best example of globalized homogeneous society and culture, because English is spoken all over the World as international language. Similarly; Food, drinks, dress, marriage and lifestyles are other important variables to discuss on globalized homogenous society and culture in Nepal. The food of Nepal is as diverse as the country itself, it is easy to cook and good to eat and famous for its nutrition level and tempting taste. Dal Bhat (Pulses and rice), Roti (flat bread), Gundrook- Dheedo (wheat, maize porridge and dried green vegetables) are common food. In addition, milk, Rakshi, Tomba, Mohi, Lassi (A kind drink made by Yoghurt) are common drinks in Nepal. After introduction of tourism, local people were forced to make varieties of foreign food to fulfill tourists demand. Gradually, local peoples food items were changing in to foreign food. Nepalese neither changed their local food totally nor accepted foreign food. Some new types of food were introduced, having both qualities form local and foreign food. However, majority of local people were happy to consume modern foreign food and drinks, like Biscuits, Noodles, sweets, Pizza, Pasta, Burger, Cake, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Western Beer, Wine, Whisky and many more food and drinks. Even people prefer to go to the hote ls and restaurants rather than at home. Our children are growing their hair out, and the evening, when they leave the Patan, each carries a bottle of Coca-Cola and fast food in their hand. Nowadays, there is a rebellion against family values. I grew up with a different lifestyle than my son. When I talk to him: look my son; he is Badmasi (a bad people in Nepalese sense); you have to respect our traditions, cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, he said; do not worry. But, they never care on it. I am afraid that they are importing some bad values and customs, thats why I moved away from here. A respondent in Patan Durbar square, Lalitpur Regarding to Nepalese dress, Daura-Suruwal and Topi (Nepali Cap) for men and Sari (Gunyo), Choli for women in general but men use Shirt, Pant, and women use Kurtha-suruwal also. People who have connection with tourist are using different types of western fashion like jeans, metallic clothes, t-shirt of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, WWE superstar and some junky dresses. Such condition is worst in women; they are happy with modern boutiques, tight jeans and with two pieces of clothes seem undressed, which is not acceptable in Nepalese society, such things are found more in tourist areas. Similarly, arrange marriage has been considering as the best marriage system in Nepal in the past even today. However, the idea of romantic love has seeped into the mentality of youngsters. This is a result of external influences, among them tourism and movies. They prefer love marriages, where they can choose their own mates. Sometimes their own choosing results in inter-caste and inter-community marriages. Except for one reported case, cross-cultural marriages are rare in Ghandruk, Khumbu, Chitwan, Kathmandu and Jankpur as compared to the Armapuma region and Lumbini, where such marriages are more frequent. Overall, tourists remain a fascination for youngsters, along with their material wealth and ideas about conjugal matters. In other cases, the tourist ends up marrying native people in Khumbu, Annapuran, Kathamndu, Pokhara, and Chitwan etc. The new generation of such couple has both mixed culture; foreign and local, which is one of the key factor to introduce a new type of globali sed homogenized society and culture in Nepal. The influxes of tourists have had major effect on the local communities, particularly on the indigenous people like Sherpas Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Tharu (a Nepalese ethnic group), who live around the trekking routes of Khumbu, Annapurna region and Chitwan. The culture of those indigenous people has been changed as well as the structure of the local economies. Here is a comparative chart between traditional and globalised Nepalese culture before and after tourism. Before tourism (Traditional) After tourism (Globalised) Family structure ( Joint or extend family) Gambling, prostitution and drug abuse were not found. Traditional Nepali and other Languages according to Region and cast. Traditional food and drinks; Dal Bhat, Roti, Gundrook- Dheedoand milk, Rakshi, Tomba, Mohi, Lassietc. Dress; Daura-Suruwal, Topi, Shirt, pant for men and Sari (Gunyo), Choli and Kurtha-suruwal for women. Nuclear family Gambling, prostitution and drug abuse can be found everywhere especially more in tourist places. Mixed (Nepali and other foreign) languages, and majority of people speak English in their daily life. Globalised food and drinks; Biscuits, Noodles, Chocolates, Pizza, Pasta, Burger, Cake, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Western Beer, Wine, Whisky and many more. Dress; western fashion like jeans, metallic clothes, t-shirt of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, WWE superstar. Tourism still has impact on local society and culture in Nepal. Participants report that tourism has more contradicted religion and traditions, while some of them expressed the fear of potential impact on younger generations. Such sentiments were centered near Khumbu and Annapurna, where the impact on society and culture are more present than in the other sites. Among the negative impacts reported in study, areas are; the consumption of alcohol, the imitation of tourist behaviour and sexual relations with tourists, increasing foreign food, dress, drug, language, gambling and unwanted lifestyle change. Yet, as we have already seen, if anything characterizes developments such as those mentions above, it is their particularism. In my opinion, it would be a mistake to read this particular case as an example of global cultural heterogeneity. As representing some more authentic cultural voice, that has its roots somewhere outside global culture. A number of theories of the global condition are eager to point out that the current phase of cultural globalization neither implies that we are merely witnessing a new kind of cultural imperialism not means that world cultural is becoming more homogeneous. If anything, the current phase of globalization is characterized as much by cultural differentiation as it is by homogenizing process. Therefore, I can say by looking answers given by respondents, tourism is an important transmitter of globalization in Nepal, due to tourism two things happened in Nepalese society and culture: a globalized homogeneous culture develops but the same time Nepales e cultures are reconstructed on local levels.

Misperception and Deception in William Shakespeares Twelfth Night Ess

Misperception and Deception in Twelfth Night  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Twelfth Night is likely one of Shakespeare’s most entertaining and complete comedy. This romance explores a generous wealth of themes and issues. The most recurrent theme is the relationship between misperception and deception. As a result of their environment and immediate circumstances, men are forced into misperceptions. Paradoxically, they are completely trapped by these illusions. Between the bad fortune they encounter and the bad fortune they themselves generate, they become caught between a rock and a hard place; they are victims of deceit as well as their own folly. The relationship between misperception and deception has numerous effects: it gives way to ironic humor; it is used to explore characters and relationships; it develops a strong connection between the main plot (with Viola, Orsino, Olivia, and the others) and the sub-plot (involving Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, Malvolio, and Maria). The following piece from Twelfth Night proves how Shakespeare successfully communicates these elements. The scene involving Viola and Olivia outlines this; the essence of the play. ('I prithee, tell me what thoust think'st of me.') 'That you do not think you are not what you are.' 'If I think so, I think the same of you.' 'Then think you right: I am not what I am.' Through the course of the play much confusion occurs because of misperception and deception as the following brief outline of the plot shows. Towards the end of the play, Viola is blamed for a number of things. She is charged ... ...ne own self be true.' Works Cited and Consulted: Bloom, Harold, ed. William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Grief, Karen. "Plays and Playing in Twelfth Night". Bloom (47-60). Nevo, Ruth. Comic Transformations in Shakespeare. London: Methuen & Co., 1980. Osborne, Laurie E. The Trick of Singularity: Twelfth Night and the Performance Editions. Iowa City: U of Iowa P, 1996. Shakespeare, William. The Arden Edition of the Works of William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night. Ed. J. M. Lothian and T.W. Craik. UK: Methuen & Co., 1975. Thatcher, David. Begging to Differ: Modes of Discrepancy in Shakespeare. New York: Peter Lang, 1999. Vickers, Brian. Appropriating Shakespeare: Contemporary Critical Quarrels. New Haven: Yale U P, 1993 Misperception and Deception in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Ess Misperception and Deception in Twelfth Night  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Twelfth Night is likely one of Shakespeare’s most entertaining and complete comedy. This romance explores a generous wealth of themes and issues. The most recurrent theme is the relationship between misperception and deception. As a result of their environment and immediate circumstances, men are forced into misperceptions. Paradoxically, they are completely trapped by these illusions. Between the bad fortune they encounter and the bad fortune they themselves generate, they become caught between a rock and a hard place; they are victims of deceit as well as their own folly. The relationship between misperception and deception has numerous effects: it gives way to ironic humor; it is used to explore characters and relationships; it develops a strong connection between the main plot (with Viola, Orsino, Olivia, and the others) and the sub-plot (involving Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, Malvolio, and Maria). The following piece from Twelfth Night proves how Shakespeare successfully communicates these elements. The scene involving Viola and Olivia outlines this; the essence of the play. ('I prithee, tell me what thoust think'st of me.') 'That you do not think you are not what you are.' 'If I think so, I think the same of you.' 'Then think you right: I am not what I am.' Through the course of the play much confusion occurs because of misperception and deception as the following brief outline of the plot shows. Towards the end of the play, Viola is blamed for a number of things. She is charged ... ...ne own self be true.' Works Cited and Consulted: Bloom, Harold, ed. William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Grief, Karen. "Plays and Playing in Twelfth Night". Bloom (47-60). Nevo, Ruth. Comic Transformations in Shakespeare. London: Methuen & Co., 1980. Osborne, Laurie E. The Trick of Singularity: Twelfth Night and the Performance Editions. Iowa City: U of Iowa P, 1996. Shakespeare, William. The Arden Edition of the Works of William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night. Ed. J. M. Lothian and T.W. Craik. UK: Methuen & Co., 1975. Thatcher, David. Begging to Differ: Modes of Discrepancy in Shakespeare. New York: Peter Lang, 1999. Vickers, Brian. Appropriating Shakespeare: Contemporary Critical Quarrels. New Haven: Yale U P, 1993

Bureaucratic Management Theory

Bureaucracy is a type of organizational structure that is found in many large-scale public and private organizations. This still exists in the majority of industrial organizations in the world, despite being around since the 18th century. German sociologist, Max Weber created the bureaucratic management theory which describes bureaucracy as technically superior to all other forms of organizations. Bureaucracies have clear and explicit rules outlining exactly how employees should perform tasks.Ideally, bureaucracy is characterized by hierarchical authority relations, defined spheres of competence subject to impersonal rules, recruitment by competence and fixed salaries. The main aims of bureaucracy are to be rational, efficient, and professional. Bureaucracy has an implied clear-cut division of labour and a high level of specialization, as well as a clearly defined hierarchy. Despite being a very old type of organizational structure, bureaucracies continue to be a highly influential t emplate for designing and managing organizations; yet, this system is no longer considered the most effective way to run an organization.Bureaucracy as a system of management has many advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include each employee of the organization knowing precisely what their duties are within the organization, and therefore performing their many tasks quicker and more efficiently. The clear-cut rules set by bureaucratic systems also enable the organization to respond readily to demands that are set and make decision making easy.Bureaucratic systems have a greater sense of direction and purpose than other types of organization structure. The clear-cut criteria of a bureaucratic system enable the organization to appoint successors when an employee leaves without little trouble, and therefore causes as little disruption. The disadvantages that a bureaucratic system brings to the overall running and efficiency of a business and its employees include undermining t he ability of employees to take initiative and be creative.The bureaucratic practices have led to creating a mind that generally lacks curiosity and can only function within certain limits and according to prescribed rules and regulations. The bureaucratic mind, being in control, uses this authority to limit the ability of the system to reform itself. No one within such a system has enough authority to initiate change and no one has enough courage to propose drastic change and disrupt the prevailing order and peace.However, as Max Weber himself noted, real bureaucracy will be less optimal and effective than his ideal type model. Competences can be unclear and used contrary to the spirit of the law. This means that sometimes a decision itself may be considered more important than its effect. Nepotism, corruption, political infighting and other degenerations can counter the rule of impersonality and can create a recruitment and promotion system not based on meritocracy but rather on  oligarchy.Regarding the Japanese style of management, the recruitment procedures for new employees is more rigorous in Japan than in the United Kingdom to ensure that the ‘cream of the crop’ are identified, utilized and cultivated. People are not allowed to use common sense, as everything must be as is written by the law. Even a non-degenerated bureaucracy can be affected by common problems of overspecialization, which is, making individual officials not aware of larger consequences of their action.There is rigidity and inertia of procedures, making decision-making slow or even impossible when facing some unusual case, and similarly delaying change, evolution and adaptation of old procedures to new circumstances. There is a phenomenon of  group thinking  in terms of zealotry, loyalty and lack of  thinking regarding the organization which is  perfect  and  always correct  by definition, making the organization unable to change and realize its own mistakes and limitations.There is a disregard for dissenting opinions, even when such views suit the available data better than the opinion of the majority. As bureaucracy creates more and more rules and procedures, their complexity rises and coordination diminishes, facilitating creation of  contradictory  and  recursive  rules, as described by the saying â€Å"the bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy†. Despite the many disadvantages of bureaucracy, we believe that the degree of control it gives superiors over subordinates to be more serious and possibly the most damaging outcome.For many people, the word ‘Bureaucracy’ conjures up an image of a mass of media workers buried in mounds of paper and tied to a set of petty rules, the notorious ‘red tape’. Red tape can be used as a weapon against programs that are not popular with the administration, for instance, by participating in a program requires you to fill out fo rms. The program might cease to exist if no one uses it. Bureaucracies are often the focus of popular dislike, especially because they are perceived to be inefficient and lack flexibility to meet individual requirements.Osborne and Gaebler (1993) promoted  Debureaucratization, which they summed up as decentralization, deregulation, downsizing and  outsourcing. Debureaucratization is the primary way to achieving the goal of a strong, autonomous, and self-sufficient barangays. This is setting to right the excessive centralization of power, authority, responsibility and recourse by the national government. The shortcomings of bureaucracy are evident in organizations today.Control tends to convince superiors that it is their responsibility to know all details, allow no surprises, delegate no authority and have all situations under tight control. And since no boss can obtain the knowledge he or she needs to control everything and guide everyone and influence every situation, the domi nance of the bureaucratic mind has become a threat, undermining critical thinking, free speech, creativity and institutional transformation.The enlightened bureaucrat that certain people try to promote is nothing but a fiction. As a consequence, very few people in a bureaucracy are in a position to think, take initiative and be creative. New ideas are therefore rarely and seldom encouraged. When control and subordination become the organizing principles of an organization, they undermine the organization’s ability to respond to challenges, to anticipate the growing needs of its clients and to adapt in a time to the changing circumstances of its times.

International Staffing Policies Essay

Ethnocentric is a staffing policy that is used in companies that has primarily international strategic orientation. This policy is generally adopted by headquarters by sending employees from the home or parent countries to the host country. This approach is used best in some situations such as, a team is sent from the home country to help setting up a new plant as well as train subsidiary personnel to use new system. The benefit of having staffs from home country abroad is that employees may gain experiences worldwide in order to become higher level in management of their headquarters because international managers require broad perspective and international exposure. For the example of Ethnocentric policies have McDonald’s. McDonald’s follows the ethnocentric orientation model. This requires an American management culture in all world’s areas inside and outside the company (HRM, production method, training, motivation†¦) McDonald’s has created it own world center for training: The â€Å"Hamburger University†. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois (USA). It offers training programs exclusively for McDonald’s employees. These staff, coming from over 119 countries, represents the â€Å"McFamily†. The training program of the â€Å"Hamburger University† aims to develop the McDonald’s staff at all levels of the organization. it also aims to train people for a long career at McDonald’s, as the policy is based on long-term career’s concept and strong possibilities of change and development within the group. It promises simple teammate to move up the ranks quickly. This is a crucial point for McDonald’s HRM’s communication. I n Europe and in spite of cultural diversity, this model demonstrates its large success. Polycentric is the policy involved hiring and promoting employees who are citizens of the host countries that the subsidiary is operated. This policy is best used when companies want to keep hiring cost low. Moreover, employees who are hired at subsidiary level would not have any problem adapting to the culture. Communication is smooth within the operation. For the example of Polycentric policy: Starbucks Through a flat and flexible structure, Starbucks empowers employees to make decisions without management referral and are encouraged to consider themselves as a part of the business. This point is issued by company’s corporate culture and such work environment has positive ripples on employees’ motivation. This principle increases the involvement and the commitment of each employees from subsidiaries and makes them feel necessary for the company. This high level of autonomy allows workers to be more innovative and to take more initiatives. Thanks to its structure and to the empowerment of its employees, the company has managed to facilitate the exchange and the transversal communication, which allows it to react rapidly to the customers’ needs or to cope with more effectively with problems. Starbucks CEO and the board of directors wanted the mission statement to convey a strong sense of organizational purpose and to articulate the company’s fundamental beliefs and guiding principles. They also pay attention to employees’ and customers’ concerns to make the mission statement evolve. Indeed, these mission statements are based on several principles that consider the interests of customers, communities, employees, shareholders, and ecological considerations in all aspects of their operations. Geocentric staffing approach is used when companies adopt a transnational orientation. It is best used when companies need the best personnel to work at subsidiary. Employees are selected regardless where they come from. This staffing strategy is reliable for all subsidiaries because best employees are selected and sent from the company’s worldwide network. For the example of Geocentric staffing have: Volkswagen The challenge of this joint venture was in harmonizing the Czech culture with the Volkswagen’s (VW) culture. The formation of the new corporate culture has gone through three stages: To install this VW culture in the Czech plant, policy measures varied. For example, information was disseminated concerning the activities in all sections of the company, including in the head office, training was implemented at VW and VW were assigned to the VW factory in the Czech Republic to spread the to VW company philosophy. The main problem centered on the difference between the socialist mind set and the VW culture. To resolve the problem, key positions were entrusted to employees from VW, trained in the dual system. The creation of a uniform corporate culture in a multicultural environment is a very important strategic task. The solution was to link the different work attitudes with different business structures for a new unit to be reborn. Then, all participants would be satisfied. Staffing Approach Strategic Appropriateness Advantages Disadvantages Ethnocentric International Overcomes lack of qualified managers in host nation Unified Culture Helps transfer core competencies Produces resentment in host country Can lead to cultural myopia Polycentric Multidomestic Aleviates cultural myopia Inexpensive to implement Limits career mobility Isolates headquarters from foreign subsidiaries Geocentric Global and translational Uses human resources efficiently Helps build strong cultre and informal management network Expensive

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my papers my papers Official Florida Driver’s Handbook 2014 Disclaimer ment practices require the collection of certain personal information in the driver licensing process. This personal information identifies an individual and is used for records management, driver improvement, financial responsibility, and law enforcement purposes. The Florida Driver’s Handbook covers many condensed and paraphrased points of Florida’s laws and provides safety advice not covered in the laws. The handbook is not a legal authority and should not be used in a court of law. The Florida Driver’s Handbook is printed in volume and copies already obtained will not reflect any changes made by Legislature regarding fees or laws passed after the revision date. Failure to provide the required information will result in denial of a license or identification card. Falsification of information may result in prosecution. Florida law specifies that all documents or other material made or received in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency are public records. In addition to all documents, information taken from them is subject to public disclosure under Florida’s Public Records law. This personal information, including name, address and driver license number is confidential by law, but may be given to law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, credit bureaus, lending institutions, and any other entity exempted by statute. Medical information, social security number and emergency contact information are further protected and may only be released as specifically authorized by Florida law. Remember Driving Is A Privilege and Not A Right. Protect Yourself and Others By Knowing The Laws and Driving Safely. Warning Under section 322.212 (5), Florida Statutes, it is a third degree felony to use a false or fictitious name in any application for a driver license or identification card, or to knowingly make a false statement, knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in any such application. Violators face immediate arrest and, upon conviction, penalties up to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years. The Division of Motorist Services strives to ensure the accuracy of information obtained in the licensing process and makes every effort to correct any incorrect information in its files. Incorrect information may be corrected by supplying your complete name, date of birth, driver license number, information on the nature of the error and proof that it is an error to the Chief, Bureau of Records, Neil Kirkman Building, MS 89, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575, or telephone (850) 617-2000.. Certain information, such as conviction reports received from a court, can only be corrected upon notification from the court that the report was in error. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)will suspend the driving privilege for one year of any person who makes a fraudulent application for a Florida driver license. Under section 322.36, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for any person to authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle to be operated by any person who does not hold a valid driver license. Public Records Florida law and sound records manage2 Official Florida Driver’s Handbook 2014 Automobile insurance information is exempt from the Public Records Law. This information is provided to any party involved in the crash, their attorney or insurance company, law enforcement agencies and officers of the court, after receiving a written request and copy of the crash report. lane unless passing. s. 318.081 F.S. Revises due process procedures for red light camera violation. This change allows placement of a stop on any vehicle owned or co-owned by the offender. Establishes when a private entity may swipe a driver license or identification card and how the data may be used. Also establishes

Commentary on Lord Of The Flies Simons Death Essays

Commentary on Lord Of The Flies Simons Death Essays Commentary on Lord Of The Flies Simons Death Paper Commentary on Lord Of The Flies Simons Death Paper Essay Topic: Lord Of the Flies Simons Death, Lord Of The Flies In this passage that I analyzed, it’s right before Simon gets killed. The other guys on the island killed Simon and it was a truly brutal murder. They attacked Simon like a hunter attacking his prey; it was as if the boys were all animals. This passage actually shows how the boys changed towards the end of the book and it shows the effects of the island on the boys. The island has turned the boys into monsters. William Golding believed that human beings were born evil and the lack of rules just let them show their true selves, I don’t believe this, I believe that people are raised evil and especially childhood traumas can effect the future of the person. If a child was abused and didn’t have a loving family as a child they might unconsciously act the same way towards their children or people surrounding them. The children on the island had no boundaries, they did whatever they pleased, they didn’t have a stable lifestyle with people taking care of them and giving them food and a safe place to sleep in. On the island the boys had to do everything themselves, they had to build homes, a fire, and they had to hunt for food. These children were very young and the hunting must have seemed extremely cool to them and they must have loved the feeling that comes with killing another living thing because most of them did not even feel a tiny amount of guilt when they killed Simon, this is very upsetting. Simon was the representation of peace and spirituality in the book, after Simon’s death the boys lost the last bit of serenity they had amongst them and caused chaos all over the island, in the end they lit the island on fire and it was the representation of war. The boys murdered Simon in a brutal way while singing and dancing by the campfire. The boys have changed so much throughout the course of the book. The boys started off as innocent scared boys and turned into brave, psychotic murderers.