Economic problems in the USSR after the Second World War Essay Example for Free

Economic problems in the USSR after the Second World War Essay Neither Stalin, Khrushchev or Brezhnev successfully addressed fundamental economic problems which increasingly dogged the USSR after the Second World War How far do you agree with this statement? After the war, the USSR was destroyed both physically and economically. The challenge for Stalin therefore was to attempt to rebuild the USSR, particularly focusing on industry and the economy in order to ensure that Russia would remain a world superpower. By the end of Brezhnevs era however, the situation was very different. The country had undergone a period of stagnation whereby the economy had failed to improve and grow over his period in power. This was due to his lack of willingness to implement new policies in preference of a period of stability. I would suggest that although Brezhnev achieved very little, changes were implemented under both Stalin and Khrushchev. However, these changes were often not always overly successful. Stalin did attempt to address the economic damage that the war had caused and therefore try to rebuild the economy. One way in which he did this was to alter the systems in place already in order to tackle the new problems faced. For example, he addressed the growing complexity of the economy by creating more economic ministries. Further than this at the end of 1947, he adapted Gosplan in order to make it more focused on the economy and therefore limited the State Planning Commission to only planning (therefore transferring its previous responsibilities to arrange the necessary supplies elsewhere). He also adapted where investment was distributed to after the war such as early investment after the war went to regions which had been occupied by the Germans (for example, Donets Region). Stalin also created new policies in order to boost the economy and increase production, in the form of the fourth year plan. This was successful in the way that it effectively produced large amounts of raw materials such as coal (149 million tons in 1945 to 261 million tons in 1950) and oil (19 million tons in 1945 to 40 million tons in 1950). He used shorter term targets for individual enterprises to meet. P Kenez said even if we take into consideration the exaggerations built into soviet statistics, it is still indisputable that the Stalinist methods worked, and that the speed of reconstruction was impressive. Overall the USSR managed to produce a 75% increase on the production of 1940 which shows its extensive success and therefore disagrees with the statement that as a leader he failed to address the economic problems faced. Although it can be suggested that Khrushchev faced less of challenge than Stalin, he still introduced new economic policies which had wide spreading effects. An example of this is introducing the minimum wage in 1956 which guaranteed the workers an increased standard of living and prevented exploitation. Foreign trade hugely increased under Khrushchev due to his extended relationship with the west. Two thirds of the foreign trade was with Comecon countries in Eastern Europe which was also beneficial for communist relationships. Unlike under Stalin, Khrushchev successfully addressed the poor living standards and increased these considerably. Although they were still backwards in comparison to other western countries, for example in 1964, only 5 in 1,000 citizens owned a car; his policies combined with the recovery of the USSR since 1945 did mean improvements were made. Working conditions also improved with shorter working hours, more holidays, better pensions and other social benefits. Khrushchev is often blamed for his failings in agriculture (as addressed below) but John Keep suggests that he at least kept peasant affairs at the centre of attention for an entire decade. No other ruler had ever done so, or would do so. This is evidence that Khrushchev did address some of the problems that the USSR were facing at the time. Filtzer also stated that that these reforms were based on the assumption that agriculture would receive many more resources than he would obtain due to them being diverted to other sectors of the economy. Arguably then Khrushchev did attempt to address these issues. Brezhnevs time in power is often described as an economic stagnation due to the failure in economic growth at this time. However, he did introduce a limited number of new policies which had equally limited successes. He successfully addressed that Khrushchevs destructive agricultural policies should be reversed, for example in September 1965 Khrushchevs sovnarkhoz reforms of 1957 were ended. He did successfully increase foreign trade though, for example exporting oil and gold natural resources from Siberia and the period of dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½tente led to the high priority of western technologies being imported. Although the Stalinist economic reforms successfully improved output there are also criticisms that can be raised as evidence that Stalin failed to address the economic problems. The fourth year plan is accused to have been inflexible as it focused on heavy industry rather than light consumer goods. These items were what the country really needed after it had been damaged by the war but instead industry was based on government priorities. Further than this, the emphasis was put on quantity rather than quality and therefore many of the goods produced were not of the highest quality. For example, in order for factory workers to reach their targets, they would produce more pairs of shoes of small sizes as this was quicker and had smaller production costs. Stalin also introduced a currency reform which was generally unsuccessful. It made life difficult for the workers as it reduced how much money was in circulation and therefore consumer products such as clothes and shoes were even scarcer than during the war. Due to the reform the black market became more active which increased corruption and crime. It is also suggested that Stalins economic policy was less successful towards the end of his time in power. The fifth five year plan should have begun in 1951, yet it was not drafted and approved until October 1952. Perhaps Stalins significant failure within economic policy was in agriculture. Despite the huge interruption of the war in production, Stalin did not focus on this policy area. Instead the peasants were treated badly and the amount of state procured grain increased to 60-70% of the harvested grain produced. Investment into agriculture also failed to be addressed. These problems lead to food shortages which further increased the problems of the black markets. Alex Nove suggests that Stalins final years were ill judged interventions of authority, excessive centralisation of decisions, insufficient investment and lack of adequate incentives. Khrushchev introduced many new reforms to try to improve industry which were fairly unsuccessful. The Sovnarkhoz reforms ended up causing another layer of bureaucracy and just formed an alternative competition (between regions rather that industry). The black market also grew under Khrushchev as it intervened to satisfy repressed demand. Arguably Khrushchevs biggest failures were within agriculture however. He insisted upon forming his own policies without any experts advice and then pushed them through bureaucracy rather than trialling them out to see if they would be successful. An obvious example of this is the Virgin Lands Campaign whereby land that was not suitable for crop growth was used for extra agricultural land. Although it did enjoy initial success the weather conditions soon destroyed any crops that had grown and the campaign had to be abandoned. Many of Khrushchevs failures are attributed to him personally, especially the lack of effective planning of the reforms and the confusion which sometimes arose. Therefore he can be partly personally blamed for the failures to address the economic problems faced by the USSR. The failures seen within Brezhnevs era are not so much destructive but rather a period of stagnation whereby the economy failed to improve. Evidence of this is found in the NMP (net material product) fell from 10.2% in 1950 to 3.6% in the 1980s. It has been suggested that the leadership didnt have an accurate view of economic performance as they were not educated well in economics and GOSPLAN was inefficient at reporting findings. An example is one of the top producing factories did not in fact exist when GOSPLAN attempted to give them an award for production. In fact the factory was run on the black market. Brezhnevs defence costs also affected the economy adversely. By 1980 the USSR was spending more on defence than the USA even though their economy was about one third of the size! Perhaps his largest failure was not to address the problems with the centralised planning system where many of the economic problems initially sprung from. Under Stalin this was successful but by this time the economy had become far too complex to be centralised. Industry also failed to modernise. For example, using the policy of storming was used whereby old equipment was run non-stop until the end of the plan which damaged equipment and wasted resources. Thompson suggests that in structural terms, soviet planners by 1980 had arguably created the worlds largest and most advanced nineteenth-century economy. In conclusion, the extent to the leaders successfully addressed the economic problems in Russia was variable under the different personalities. Stalin arguably faced the biggest challenge and due to the fact he did manage to increase production to such a large extent suggests he was the most successful. Although Khrushchev did not solve all of the problems faced, and his agricultural policies caused more harm than good, he did attempt to address the problems that the USSR were facing. On the other hand, Brezhnevs rule did not show any improvement, and further than this he did not show any attempts to improve the problems. For this reason Brezhnev can be suggested to be the least successful.

Comparing leadership styles and techniques

Comparing leadership styles and techniques This study will show and conclude whether or not this statement is indeed accurate or just another theoretical belief or ideology amongst between theorist. In this essay we will look at the meaning of both management and leadership, how they differ in concept and in style, and finally conclude whether or not this statement is indeed accurate. What is leadership? Moorhead and Griffin (1998) define leadership as both a process and property. They say, as a process leadership involves the use of non-coercive influence to direct and coordinates the activities of group members to meet a goal, and a property they describe leadership as a set of characteristics attributed to those who those who are perceived to use such influence successfully. According to Moorhead Griffin (1998), Management requires an understanding of human behavior, to help managers better comprehend those at different levels in the organization, those at the same level, those in other organization, and themselves. Management is the planning, organizing, leading and controlling of organizational resources both effectively and efficiently in order to ultimately achieve goals set out by an organization (Moorhead Griffin, 1998; Adair, 2003). Differences between leadership and management: Adair (2003) says, Leadership and management are not the same. In industry and commerce they should go together. In government we often think of political leadership and public service management, but the latter also requires high-quality leadership. Adair (2003) then continues to list the following; Leadership is about giving direction, building teams and inspiring others by example and word. You can be appointed a manager but you are not a leader until your personality and character, your knowledge and your skill in performing the functions of leadership are recognized and accepted by the others involved. This is a very fundamental difference. (Adair, 2003; Moorhead Griffin, 1998) Leadership and change go together. Managing in the form of running an organization is more appropriate where there is not much change going on. When change is endemic, as it often is nowadays, managers must learn how to lead it. Pg 71 Managing entails the proper and efficient use of resources- good administration. Good leaders care about administration, the less good ones dont. Management has the overtone of carrying out objectives laid down by someone else. Moreover, there is nothing in the concept of management which implies inspiration, creating teamwork when it isnt there, or setting an example. When it is the case that inspiration and teamwork exist, you may well have managers who are in effect leaders, especially if they are the source of the inspiration. But it is unfortunately more often the case that management does not ring bells when it comes to people. Other distinctive differences pointed out by (Adair, 2003) include Direction: A leader will find a ways forward. He or she will generate a sense of direction. That may involve identifying new objectives, new products or services and new markets Inspiration: Leadership is linked to inspiration. The words and example of a leader kindle motivation Building teams: A leader tends to think naturally in terms of team. Groups of individuals are transformed into teams. Equally, teams tend to look for leaders rather than bosses. Example: Leadership is example. A leader will have his or her own output or direct contribution to the common task, thereby leading from the front Acceptance: You can be appointed a manager, but you are not really a leader until your appointment is ratified in the hearts and minds of those who work with you. An article by Murray, C. (2010) states and lists the following, the managers job is to plan, organize and coordinate. The leaders job is to inspire and motivate. In his 1989 book On Becoming a Leader, Warren Bennis composed a list of the differences: The manager administers; the leader innovates. The manager is a copy; the leader is an original. The manager maintains; the leader develops. The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people. The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective. The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why. The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leaders eye is on the horizon. The manager imitates; the leader originates. The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person. The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing. Moorhead Griffin (1998) set out the following table to illustrate the distinction between management and leadership. Activity Management Leadership Creating an agenda Planning and Budgeting. Establishing details steps and timetables for achieving needed results; allocating the resources necessary to make those needed results happen Establishing direction. Developing a vision of the future, often the distant future, and strategies for producing the changes needed to achieve that vision Developing a human network for achieving the agenda Organizing and staffing. Establishing some structure for accomplishing plan requirements, staffing that structure with individuals, delegating responsibility and authority for carrying out the plan, providing policies and procedures to help guide people, and creating methods or systems to monitor implementation Aligning people. Communicating the direction by words and deeds to all those whose cooperation may be needed to influence the creation of teams and coalitions that understand the vision and strategies and accept their validity Executing plans Controlling and problem solving. Monitoring results vs. plan in some detail, identifying deviations, and then planning and organizing to solve these problem Motivating and inspiring. Energizing people to overcome major political, bureaucratic, and resource barriers to change by satisfying very basic, but often unfulfilled, human needs Outcomes Produces a degree of predictability and order and has the potential to consistently produce major results expected by various stakeholders (e.g. .for customers, always being on time; for stockholders, being on budget) Produces change, often to a dramatic degree, and has the potential to produce extremely useful change (e.g. , new products that customers want, new approaches to lobar relations that help make a firm more competitive) Another way of which leadership and management could be distinguished is through different styles, Management has three main categories of styles: autocratic, paternalistic and democratic. Autocratic (or authoritarian) managers like to make all the important decisions and closely supervise and control workers. Managers do not trust workers and simply give orders (one-way communication) that they expect to be obeyed. This approach derives from the views of Taylor as to how to motivate workers and relates to McGregors theory X view of workers. This approach has limitations (as highlighted by other motivational theorists such as Mayo and Herzberg) but it can be effective in certain situations. For example. When quick decisions are needed in a company (e.g. in a time of crises), when controlling large numbers of low skilled workers. Paternalistic managers give more attention to the social needs and views of their workers. Managers are interested in how happy workers feel and in many ways they act as a father figure (pater means father in Latin). They consult employees over issues and listen to their feedback or opinions. The manager will however make the actual decisions (in the best interests of the workers) as they believe the staffs still need direction and in this way it is still somewhat of an autocratic approach. The style is closely linked with Mayos Human Relation view of motivation and also the social needs of Maslow. Democratic style of management will put trust in employees and encourage them to make decisions. They will delegate to them the authority to do this (empowerment) and listen to their advice. This requires good two-way communication and often involves democratic discussion groups, which can offer useful suggestions and ideas. Managers must be willing to encourage leadership skills in subordinates. The ultimate democratic system occurs when decisions are made based on the majority view of all workers. However, this is not feasible for the majority of decisions taken by a business- indeed one of the criticisms of this style is that it can take longer to reach a decision. This style has close links with Herzbergs motivators and Maslows higher order skills and also applies to McGregors theory Y view of workers. Leadership styles include the following Transformational leadership Is the set of abilities that allow the leader to recognize the need for change, to create a vision to guide that change, and to execute that change effectively. (Moorhead Griffin, 1998) Charismatic leadership A charismatic leadership style is a type of influence based on the leaders personal charisma. (Moorhead Griffin, 1998) Conclusion: Despite all these differences one has to take note that in this new economy its nearly impossible to distinguish between the two as they both overlap one another and work hand in hand, in other words they complement each other, as Murray A, (2010) points out that there was a time when the calling of the manager and that of the leader could be separated. A foreman in an industrial-era factory probably didnt have to give much thought to what he was producing or to the people who were producing it. His or her job was to follow orders, organize the work, assign the right people to the necessary tasks, coordinate the results, and ensure the job got done as ordered. The focus was on efficiency. But in the new economy, where value comes increasingly from the knowledge of people, and where workers are no longer undifferentiated cogs in an industrial machine, management and leadership are not easily separated. People look to their managers, not just to assign them a task, but to define for th em a purpose. And managers must organize workers, not just to maximize efficiency, but to nurture skills, develop talent and inspire results. But if pressed for and answer one would have to agree with the statement as we are facing difficult times with the worldwide recession and collapse of economies (i.e. Greece, Iceland), and where there is great uncertainty amongst workers, you will find that people are looking out for leaders to navigate them through these troubled times, so there on would justifiably concur with the rationale. As (Adair, 2003) states, Although a natural leader instinctively tries to change and improve things, his or her efforts will, not bear much fruit unless external and internal change is effecting the organization- technological, social, economic, political and cultural change. Industry and commerce, and for that matter public services too, must now operate in a climate of almost constant change, stronger international competition and higher uncertainty. All that explains why the concept of leadership has once again come to the fore. Leaders like change; its in their chosen element. Managers, by contrast, have traditionally preferred to run organizations as machines. They are happiest in a stead state environment where nothing is rocking the boat.

Is Scientology Dangerous?

Is Scientology Dangerous? A religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious. Scientology was made up by L. Ron Hubbard, a man who wanted to create a practical religion for all races, color, and gender. He believed this as a route to previously unimagined spiritual heights (scientology.org). Scientologists believe highly in reincarnation and that their spirits are immortal and flow through to every new person when they die. L. Ron Hubbard is a man who created this cult to liberate the human soul or thetan; a word derived from the Greek letter theta. Hubbard is a god to the people who believe in him. People who are in Scientology are more brain washed than the celebrities in Hollywood. The only difference is that the people in Scientology are the people in Hollywood. Scientology is a cult based on one mans crude version of reality. Scientology is classified as a cult in most peoples minds because of their strict rules and unorthodox ways of going about things. It is considered a cult because people are treated badly and are harassed if they dont agree with a rule. There are cases of very unorthodox forms of repenting in the Church of Scientology. People have stated that when they were under the belief of Scientology they were told that everything bad that has happened to them is all their fault and they have to make up for it by spreading awareness of Scientology so they can help others atone for everything. The journalist Joel Sappell reported that in his 5 year study of the Church of Scientology, The tip of the spear, that his dog appeared to be having seizure from which the vet couldnt determine the cause of. This comes after he had previously reported on a Scientology related civil trial. Soon after it died, Sappell received a call from Supreme Court judge Ronald Swearinger(Sappell) who called claiming to h ave. Even though Sappell had never previously spoken to this man they both had something in common. Swearingers dog has been drowned, which made him very concerned since his beloved collie would never go near the water on his own(Sappell). Sappell states that people had warned him to keep an eye on pets(Sappell) while he and a colleague, only named in the article as Bob, left town to keep their heads low while theyre investigating the church. Maybe it was coincidence many highly suspect the church targets peoples pets since so many people have reported that their animals suddenly die or disappear when they speak openly about the misgivings of the church. The current leader of Scientology is David Miscavige who is also in command of the Sea Org or The Sea Organization which is a odd mixture of military and corporate managementwith staff members living in army-like conditions (exscientologykids.com). They have such unorthodox ways of going about their religion that they restrict peopl e from having children while working for Sea Org. If you get pregnant you are either pressured to abort the baby or you must leave.(exscientologykids.com) Cover ups and pay offs may be the reason they are never caught for their bad deeds. Scientology really challenges the meaning of church and it should never be called one and only be considered a cult. In May of 2010, another case was opened about child sex abuse allegations. Of the people putting out these accusations was the daughter of the president of the church in Australia (New Zealand Herald, pg.19). This goes to show that even the people of the highest standings have come forward and spoke against the church. Many reported claims of forced abortions, imprisonment,(New Zealand Herald, pg.19) and disconnection. The strict policies of Scientology and the impact on the people who follow this belief system are in some ways both corrupted by the thoughts of Hubbard. In an interview from April 2016, the parents of two followers of the Church of Scientology, Phil and Willie Jones, begged for their children to come forward and speak to them again. Claiming that the last time they spoke to Michael, the son who they claim was stolen from them by Scientology after the church deemed them as suppressive people, was two years ago.(Gadi Schwartz) After being blocked twice from putting up a billboard to get their childrens attention in Hollywood they finally found a site where they could unveil their sign. Other parents who were excommunicated from the church or were forcefully disconnected from their families came to support the Jones family. A lot of cases against Scientology have to do with freedom of speech. Written in the Constitution, freedom of speech has given the people of the United States the f reedom to speak freely. Scientology has found a way to squash and subdue the first amendment. Hubbard created his own version called Fair Game. This policy forces all believers to ignore moral and ethical tenets (Jose Liy). Hubbard let his followers harass people until it became bigger than it seemed. Thus forcing him to claim that followers harassing and breaking laws were misguided and misunderstood(Jose Liy). If everyone who harassed people for not believing in the same things as them were just brushed off as misguided and misunderstood then there would be no such thing as religious fanatics. They go as far as pulling South Park, a Comedy Central show, off the air because it poked fun at Scientology. Tons of religions are made fun of or joked about on different TV shows and/or movies, but since Scientology is a bigger deal in Hollywood they could not take the chances of looking silly in front of their peers. Yet other actual religions are more made fun of than Scientology wants t o maintain their scary appearance and keep people second guessing them. Disconnection is a very common thing in Scientology. When you are labeled as suppressive you are not allowed to speak too your family. From an article in which the people affected by disconnection told their story and still remained scientology loyal. In this article the names were changed to keep the people safe. Mary was raised in Scientology(leavingscientology.wordpress.com) by her dad Sam who is a dedicated Scientologist(leavingscientology.wordpress.com) and joined Sea Org along with her brother. One day Sam found out Mary was labeled as a suppressive person because she messed up a operation at Sea Org. Sam worried about her being disconnected and knew he had to disconnect from her since it is a policy. Even though Scientology insist that Disconnection does not exist (exscientologykids.com/disconnection) yet it seems to pop up more often. Since Sam cannot speak to Mary until she gets her good standing back he branches off and commits the crime of contacting Ex-Scientologists. Whe n Mary started to consider a lawsuit, the church offered her a deal if Mary would shut up about the abuses, and agree not to be part of any lawsuit, then her SP declare would be lifted (leavingscientology.wordpress.com). Fearing for his daughters safety Sam researched some ex-scientologists who were not named and learned their stories. Mary did not want to be disconnected and they told her that dads betrayal will be forgiven as well as hers. Mary signed. She gave in and let them take her back out of fear and possible loneliness. There are different arguments for disconnection. Some are pro, some are con. From the families of disconnection the arguments are con, yet for Scientologist it is considered likewise to excommunication. Even though excommunicated people are not permitted to take any of the sacraments or receive blessings, their families and friends are not pressured to abandon them (exscientologykids.com). Scientology may deny disconnection, but it is one of the worst kind o f excommunication since it does not only focus on disconnecting the person considered a suppressive person; it pushes the family to go as far as never speaking to the person again or disowning them. Not claiming a son as their own or thinking of a father as someone who helped in the process of your creation. In conclusion, Scientology may not be the average sacrificial virgin cult, but it is in fact a dangerous cult. Modern society needs to be more aware of Scientologys rule over people. Since the media down plays Scientology as something to poke fun at no one really questions Scientologists. If asked many people would probably not even know what Scientology is. Instead of answers you will receive questions likewise to is that science? or is that something to do with biology? Younger people are more unaware of Scientology than some may think. Unless they follow people like Leah Remini or watch shows like South Park and learn how Scientology messes with people in real life. Some things that will make people actually think, what really is Scientology? Once society realizes the dangers of Scientology then the numbers of Scientologists possibly will fall and people will feel safer because they will not be a radical threat anymore. Scientology is a cult and a lot of innocent people are unawar e of what they are walking into. Works Cited Abuse? In My Church? Leaving Scientology, WordPress , 10 Apr. 2011, leavingscientology.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/abuse-in-my-church/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. COLUMN: Church of Scientology Infringes upon Right of Free Speech. U-Wire, 2006. Educators Reference Complete, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A148688058asid=9d53a7cdb20653018d927a5954846b7e. Accessed 2017. Disconnection as Spiritual Blackmail. Leaving Scientology, WordPress, 10 Apr. 2011, leavingscientology.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/disconnection-as-spiritual-blackmail/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Disconnection. ExScientology Kids, SkyHawk Studios, exscientologykids.com/disconnection/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology Founder Biography Quotes. Scientology, Church of Scientology International, www.scientology.org/l-ron-hubbard/?video-play=lrh_bio. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Ross, Rick. What Makes a Cult? | Rick Ross. Cif Belief, Guardian News and Media, 27 May 2009, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2009/may/27/cults-definition-religion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Sappell, Joel. The Tip of the Spear. Los Angeles Magazine, 2013, p. 88. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A314716972asid=ed39321a51f5fc8ae69e80246fe380a2. Accessed 2017. Sea Org. ExScientology Kids, SkyHawk Studios, exscientologykids.com/sea-org-2/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. This Family Has Tried Nearly Everything Just to Reach Their Son and Daughter in the Church of Scientology. Today, July 2016. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A448889575asid=a7b812f9b7a31c5d0b16388a69d2e982. Accessed 2017.

Globalization in the World Today Essay examples -- essays research pap

Globalization is changing the way of doing business in the world today. It is the new era of business opportunity. For many major companies, going global is a matter of survival, and it means radically changing the way they work. Economic globalization changes both spatial dimension of MNE’s (Multinational Enterprises) and creates a need for more flexible production of marketing systems and new forms of organization. Firms trying to position themselves as global players face problems such as the cost of building a simultaneous presence in several product areas and foreign markets. They must also be able to manage cultural difference and be able to carry out effective cross-cultural communication. Global skills must be an integral part of an enterprise; these skills must be integrated throughout all operations of the company. Managements handling of diversity will be the most significant factor affecting MNE’s success in the global marketplace. Whether a company is conce rned about the supervisors of minority employees, world trade, joint ventures or global economic cooperation, culture will have a great impact on the relationships and the operations. Edward H. Schein states it perfectly: Consider any complex, potentially volatile issue-Arab relations, the problems between Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians, corporate decision-making, getting control of U.S. deficit or health care coasts, labor/management relations, and so on. At the root of the issue we are likely to find communication failures and cultural misunderstandings that prevent the parties from framing the problem in a common way, and thus make it impossible to deal with the problem constructively (Schein 40). Every company that becomes global should have global leadership. Culturally skilled leaders are essential for the effective management of emerging global corporations. They should have persons in management that are capable of operating effectively in a global environment and they must be respectful of cultural diversity. In China, the conflict in management has been addressed as a major problem for the global-player, such as US and Chinese joint ventures. Joint ventures are designed to improve and eliminate misunderstanding of global-culture differences in management. Some Chinese and American companies try to adapt to one another, but it is not easy. Both sides have found that cultural diff... ...nt issue, such as how will they serve customer, finding local business partner and geographic concern. For example, " Henkel has several join venture across China manufacturing cosmetics, detergents and other product" (Tse, 13.Works Cited Http://www.Chinatoday.com [accessed] 1/08/00 Czinkota, Michael R. The Global Marketing Imperative. Lincolnwood ILL, NTC Business books, c1995 Daniels John L. Global Vision: building models for the corporation of the future. New York: McGraw-Hill, c1993 Dunning, John H. The Globalization of Business. Routeledge Press, New York. c, 1993 Harris, Phillip R. Moran, Robert T. Managing Cultural Differences. Gulf Publishing. Houston TX, c1996 Itoh, Fumio. China in the twenty-first century: politics, economy, and society. Toyko, New York. United Nations University Press. C1997 Maddox, Robert C. Cross Cultural Problems in International Business. Greenwood Publishing. Westport Ct, c1993 Schein, EH. â€Å"on dialogue, culture and organizational learning† Organization Dynamics, Fall 1993. Vol 32 pp, 40-51 Tse, Edward. Strategy and Business & and the right way to achieve profitable growth In the Chinese market. London Press, c1994

Obesity Lawsuits by Nancy Hall Essay -- Analysis, Nancy Hall

In Nancy Hall's "Obesity Lawsuits" (2004) essay, Hall is determined to address the problem constantly growing and silently taking lives in America every day, obesity. The author goes on to argue that people should not be suing "fast food companies" (Hall, 2004, p. 113), but rather look at themselves to blame for becoming obese. Americans need to think about their own decisions routinely, exercise to keep the extra weight off and choose meals that are healthier (Hall, 2004). The authors thesis states: "Listening to the subtle nuance emerging from legal debate, we can hear a discernable message that clearly spells out the desperate need for further study, public awareness, and education on obesity in America" (Hall, 2004, p.114). Even though Nancy Hall is not educated on obesity nor holds a degree in Health Sciences, the article is still persuasive because of the emotion placed into words pursued by direct and solid facts laid out on paper (Hall, 2004). Throughout the article, Hall (2004) uses facts and data to show readers how big of a growing concern obesity is becoming in America. However, Johnson-Sheehan & Paine (2010, p. 172) state that "...logos involves more than using logic to prove a point. Logos also involves appealing to someone else's common sense and using examples to demonstrate a point". In the beginning of the paper Hall, uses logos to impact the reader right away and capture their attention . One the author gathers facts from different sources, who have education dealing with obesity and other health fields (Hall, 2004). For instance, Hall quotes "Lisa Harnack and Simone French, associate professors in the Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health at the Rhetorical Analysis 3 University of ... ...ence, but the author gathered data from those who are educated in those areas of study. Digging deep in past research, the writer finds experts from areas of study, relating to obesity and other health fields. Since the researchers are experts in those areas, this makes their data solid and reliable to use in her argument (Hall, 2004). Rhetorical Analysis 6 In conclusion, Nancy Hall's "Obesity Lawsuits" (2004), implies solid facts, uses an emotional appeal, and valid points to support her standing on this topic. Overall, Hall's argument is good because of all the techniques used to convey her point and sway the readers' opinion. Hall thinks that the lawsuits will cover up the growing problem in America and not resolve anything. Hall's strong argument will turn the focus from the courts to city streets, in an effort to stop obesity (Hall, 2004).

Uma Sekaran’s Chapter 2 Review

The chapter 2 of Research Methods of Business by Uma Sekaran speaks of scientific investigation detailing on the eight hallmarks of science and the limitations of scientific research in management along with the hypothetico-deductive method of research. The hallmarks or main distinguishing characteristics of scientific research can be the following 1. Purposiveness: The research should have a purposive focus i. e. some definite purpose will be served after the research 2. Rigor: Rigor means carefulness, scrupulousness and the degree of exactitude in research investigations good theoretical base and a sound methodological design will add rigor to a purposive study. 3. Testability: if a certain hypothesis gets developed through unstructured interview or library search, then the hypothesis can be tested by applying certain statistical tests to the data collected for the purpose.. 4. Replicability: The results of the test of hypotheses should be supported again and again when same type of research is repeated in other similar circumstances. The researchers will gain confidence in the scientific nature of the research. 5. Precision and confidence: Precision refers to closeness of the findings to â€Å"reality† based on a sample. It reflects the degree of accuracy or exactitude of the results on the basis of the sample to what it really exists in the universe. Confidence refers to the probability that the estimations are correct. 6. Objectivity: The conclusions drawn through the interpretation of the results of data analysis should be objective i. e. they should be based on facts of the findings of the actual data. The more objective the interpretation of data , the more scientific the research investigation becomes. 7. Generalizability: This refers to the scope of applicability of the research findings in one organizational setting to other settings. The wider the range of applicability of the solutions generated by research, the ore useful the research is to the users. 8. Parsimony: Simplicity in explaining the phenomenon or the problem that occur and in generating solutions for the problems is always preferred to complex research frameworks. In the management and behavioral areas , it is not possible to conduct investigations that are 100% scientific because of measurement and collection of data in the subjective areas like feelings, emotions, attitudes and perceptions. These problems occur whenever one tries to quantify human behavior. Thus , the eight hallmarks of science cannot be achieved in full . The deduction and induction processes are explained as follows Deduction: it is the process of arriving at a reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a known fact. Induction is the process where a certain phenomenon is observed and then a conclusion is arrived at. The seven step processes in hypothetico-deductive method are 1. Observation: It is the very first stage in which one senses that certain changes are occurring or some new behaviors , attitudes and feelings are surfacing. When the observed phenomenon are seen to have potentially important consequences , then one will proceed to preliminary information gathering. 2. Preliminary information gathering: Preliminary information gathering involves seeking of information in depth of what is observed. Through interviews and library search , the mass of information can be gathered. . Theory formulation: It is a step which attempts to integrate all information in a logical manner so that the factors responsible for the problem can be conceptualized and tested. The theoretical framework formulated is often guided by experience and intuition. Here the critical variables are examined as to their contribution or influence in explaining why the problem occurs and how it can be solved. 4. Hypothesizi ng: From the theorized network of associations among the variables, certain testable hypotheses or educated conjectures can be generated. The hypothesis thus generated is tested to determine of the statement is supported. 5. Further scientific data collection- After the development of the hypothesis, data with respect to each variable in the hypothesis need to be obtained. 6. Data analysis- The data gathered are statistically analyzed to see if the hypotheses that were generated have been supported. 7. Deduction – It is a process of arriving at conclusions by interpreting the meaning of the results of the data analysis.

Farmer V Pilot Essay

Does Farmer have any claim(s) for damages against Pilot based on intentional tort? Discuss. Rule of Law : The essential requirements of intentional torts are the elements of intent, injury, damages and causation. The concept of ‘intention’ does not require that Defendant (D) know that his/her act will cause harm to the Plaintiff (P), but must know with substantial certainty that their act will result in certain outcomes (landing of the plane on the P’s land). To successfully make a claim against D, P must prove that D acted with purpose when he landed the plane on P’s property, that the act was intentional and it lead to the injury suffered by P (loss of land and crops) and the resulting damages to P’s land and crops. It is clear from the facts that that Pilot had clear intent to land the plane on Farmer’s property, that there was injury, that were damages and that it was the act of the Pilot’s that caused the damages. Farmer (Plaintiff – P) may have three claims against the Pilot (Defendant – D) for damages based on intention al tort. The potential claims will be on the basis of : a)Trespass to Land – Did Pilot trespass on Farmer’s land ? b)Trespass to Chattel – Did Pilot trespass on Farmer’s chattel (property i.e. crops) ? c)Trespass to Conversion – Did Pilot commit a conversion of Farmer’s property ? Defenses From the Pilot’s perspective, the potential applicable defense privileges that the courts provide to the Defense such that they are not held responsible for their act, are in the form of i) consent, ii) self defense, iii) defense of others (good samaritan) or iv) necessity. Though there are additional defense privileges available under the rule of law, the facts of this case lean towards exploring the said defenses. i.Consent : In the absence of consent from the property owner, consent can be implied by law (in the cases of emergency, when consent cannot be obtained in person) or consent can be implied in fact (when a consent cannot be obtained, but a reasonable person would believe that the property owner would give consent under the same specific conditions). ii.Self defense as a defense would be applicable in the circumstances when a threat is imminent and the subsequent act is reasonable. It is an affirmative defense, which would absolve D of  all liability. iii. Defense of others is a privilege to act when the ‘other’ person being defended has the right to self-defense and a privilege to act, and the force being used by D is acceptable under the reasonable force rule. iv.Necessity : A necessity defense requires the following elements: (1) D acted to avoid a significant risk of harm; (2) no adequate lawful means could have been used to escape the harm; and (3) the harm avoided was greater than that caused by breaking the law. Some jurisdictions also require that the harm must have been imminent and that the action taken must have been reasonably expected to avoid the imminent danger. The necessity defense could either be a ‘public’ necessity or a ‘private’ necessity. A public necessity is a full defense under the doctrine of ‘public good’ and D is not held liable for any damages. A private necessity is a not a viable defense and maybe considered a limited defense since the act that created t he tort was for the benefit of D or a third party. As a result, D may not be liable for the trespass, but is liable for the damages resulting from the trespass. The fact that the intent was driven from necessity, does not change the fact that the landing of the plane on Farmer’s property was intentional, voluntary and without the consent of the Farmer. However, the based on the facts, Pilot has a potential defense in the form of necessity.[1][2] Analysis a)Did Pilot trespass on Farmer’s land ? Trespass to land is defined as a person’s unlawful entry onto another’s land. There are five elements which the plaintiff must show to make prima facie case : I.Intrusion on P’s land was a volitional act by D. II.D acted with the intent of intruding on the P’s land. III.Physical intrusion on the P’s land by D. IV.P was in possession or was entitled to immediate possession of the land when the trespass took place. V.Trespass was caused by the D’s act. Based on the facts, it is clear that the Pilot has a prima facie case for ‘trespass to land’. The facts are clear that the i) Pilot intended to land on the Farmer’s land; ii) Pilot did land on the Farmer’s land; iii) the Farmer had not expressly authorized the entry. [3] However, as a defense privilege we have to review the law in terms of implied consent (implied in-fact and implied in law) and the application of necessity case law. The urgent nature of the circumstances and the availability of limited options (sub-division of homes, trees of vacant land) provide a basis for implied consent. Implied in-fact consent would be an objective manifestation as a reasonable person would consent under the circumstances especially when taking into account the loss of life against the loss of property. Per case law, the courts have ruled that loss of life over-shadows loss of property. Similarly, implied in-law consent would need to be reviewed under the rule of law and the benefit of the public, considering the options between landing on a housing tract versus landing on a vacant farm where the potential of damages would be significantly lower. The same elements of urgency and limited available options also provide the defense privilege under the rule of law of ‘necessity’. If the defense falls under the preview of ‘public necessity’, then D is not liable for any damages and P will not be able to collect any damages from D. However, if the defense falls under ‘private necessity’, D is liable for limited damages to P. As such a key factor to decide under the rule of law will be ‘was this public necessity versus private necessity ?’. Though D took action to minimize loss to the public, the action was also driven by private necessity as D and D’ clients were less likely to be hurt in the vacant field than in the sub-division and/or trees. In addition, the fact that D was a pilot and was flying a commercially paying client will also play a role in deciding public versus private necessity.[4] b)Did Pilot trespass on Farmer’s Chattel ? Trespass to chattel is the intentional interference with the right of possession of personal property of another. The defendant’s acts must intentionally damage the chattel, deprive the owner of its use for a period of time, or totally dispossess the chattel from the owner. i.An act by D that intentionally interferes with P’s right of possession in a chattel ii.Causation iii.Damages Based on the facts, it is clear that the Farmer does have a valid claim for ‘trespass to chattel’. The elements of causation and damages to the Farmer’s crops are clear. Even though the facts do state that the Pilot ‘did not see the crops from the air as they had been recently planted’), a the Restatement (Second) of Torts indicates that â€Å"intention is present when an act is done for the purpose of using or otherwise intermeddling with a chattel or with knowledge that such an intermeddling will, to a substantial certainty, result from the act†. Based on the rule of law, the Farmer has a valid prima facie claim for ‘trespass to chattel’. c)Did Pilot commit trespass of conversion on Farmer’s property (land and crops) ? The trespass of conversion is similar to the tort of trespass to chattel. Both require D to interfere with P’s right of possession in personal property. However, defendant must have intended to exercise control over the property in a manner inconsistent with the owner’s rights. However, conversion claims are brought in cases where the damage done to the property is more severe than in a trespass case. The facts of the case do not indicate the s everity of the damages or the length of time for the loss of chattel. In the event, that the land was damaged for the longer term where the Farmer was unable to use the land for farming for the longer term, this claim could be made under the laws for ‘conversion’ Conclusion Trespass to land, Trespass to Chattel and Conversion are acts which were committed by Pilot. The Pilot fully intended to land on the Farmer’s property knowing that it belonged to someone else and knowing that they did not have ‘express’ consent to land. The Pilot’s act of intentionally landing in the Farmer’s field caused damaged to the Farmer’s land and crops. However, the Pilot acted within reason, acted as a reasonable person would under the emergency circumstances and did act on the best viable option i.e. landing on vacant farmland versus, a sub-division of homes or trees. The Pilot did not act with recklessness or negligence. As a result, the defense of necessity is applicable. The defense of ‘necessity’ will limit or fully absolve the Pilot from any damage claims from the Farmer. The distinction between public versus private necessity is the deciding factor on the Pilot’s liability towards the Farmer. Though D took a ction to minimize loss to the public, the action was also driven by private necessity as D and D’s clients were less likely to be hurt in the vacant field than in the sub-division and/or trees. In addition, the fact that D was a pilot and was flying a commercially paying client will play a role in deciding public versus private necessity. I believe that it is an act that is not likely to be defined as a ‘public need’ act under case law and as such, the Pilot would be liable to pay reasonable (non-punitive) damages to the Farmer.[5]