Steroids in Baseball - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 984 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/04/02 Category Sports Essay Level High school Tags: Baseball Essay Did you like this example? The Hall of Fame, the most prestigious institution for baseballs most elite players is part of one of the biggest debates in the history of baseball and every year when voting for who to induct into the Hall of Fame comes around the issues of steroid use comes into play. Should players suspected or confirmed of using performance-enhancing drug be allowed into the Hall or should they be kept out? Some people like the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWA) strongly support keeping users out of the Hall of Fame in order to keep it clean and reputable. Other people say they should be aloud in as these players are apart of baseballs history and that is what the Hall of Fame is about. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Steroids in Baseball" essay for you Create order The question on whether we should allow player who have participated in the act of using performance enhancing drugs raises many questions which will be looked into further along with looking in to the history of steroid use throughout all eras of baseball. So what are performance enhancing drugs? Well according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary performance enhancing drugs are a substance (such as an anabolic steroid, human growth hormone, or erythropoietin) that is used illicitly to improve athletic performance. The use of these drugs has been an ongoing issue in Major League Baseball with several players coming out and talking about the widespread use of performance enhancing drugs in baseball. Jose Canseco, a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter, even stated as many as 80% of players used steroids. The use of these drugs also dates as far back as 1889 when Pud Galvin became the first baseball player to be known for his use of his performance enhancing substance known as Elixir, which contained testosterone suplements derived from the testicels of animals such as dogs and guinea pigs (citation). There are even accounts of Babe Ruth, one of the most well known players in Major League Baseball, using performance enhancing drugs. (citation) This use of performance enhancing drugs though would not become such a huge epidemic until about the late 1990s. This epidemic would last from around the late 1990s till the early 2000s with many of baseballs most notable players, like San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire and Chicago Cubs right fielder Sammy Sosa, being suspected of using performance enhancing drugs during their time while playing. This time in baseballs history would soon become to be known as the Steroid Era of baseball. The rumors of the rampant use of performance enhancing drugs during this time would also led the Major League to really get to the bottom of what was going on by creating a sample test to really see how wide this issue spread throughout their organization. The results were stunning to say the least and in turn caused the Major League to really crack down on the use of performance enhancing drugs and finally in the 2005 season they put in place rules and penalties for steroid users. These policies being that player will be suspended fifty games for their first offense, a hundred games for their second offense and a lifetime ban for their third time offense. Now the big question is should players who used performance enhancing drugs be aloud into the Hall of Fame? Obviously the answer is different for everyone but personally I believe they should be aloud into the Hall of Fame. The biggest argument for people who say we should not allow PED users in to the Hall of Fame is that using these performance enhancing drugs is cheating but in order to be a cheater you must break the rules and in this case they did not break any rules because the Major League did not officially ban performance enhancing drugs until the beginning of the season in 2005. So, although the use of performance enhancement drugs may not be considered morally right, they technically did not break any rules so saying they are cheaters does make a strong argument in justifying the denying of players a place in the Hall of Fame. in reality steroids are not a critical advantage in baseball (citation). Baseball is also extremely different from other steroid sports, like for ex ample football, as the main components that determines a baseball players ability and performance do not have anything to do with steroids so, they are not given as much of a critical advantage. For example a players ability to hit a ball, or a pitcher`s ability to throw a strike have nothing to do with steroids. They may also argue that what these players was doing was not morally right and therefore if we were to put them in the Hall of Fame we would taint the clean walls of this beautiful venue but, the walls of the Hall of Fame are already tainted. The Hall of Fame consist of people who were bigots, drunks, wife-beaters and all sorts of other lowlifes so, unless we planed to purge them all from the Hall of Fame and recraft it as a pristine place honoring only players who were morally good, then it doesnt really seem fair to exclude players who used performance enhancing drugs. The Hall of Fame also honors baseballs history. They induct the best players and these players they are leaving out are some of the best so why shouldnt they be on the walls of the Hall of Fame. With all that said all players should be aloud into the Hall of Fame not matter if they have used performance enhancing drugs or not. The Hall of Fame recognizes the best players throughout history and players like Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire, who were suspected of steroid use and therefore have been kept out of baseballs Hall of Fame, should be aloud in as they were some of the best players of their time.

Cosmetic Surgery As A Medical Tool - 2309 Words

Beauty, who doesn t want it? People have always wanted to look beautiful in other people eyes. Since the first day human being appeared on Earth, we’ve always wanted to change and improve our self-images; therefore, in early twentieth century, when the medication has reached high level in changing people s flaws by surgery, more and more people find plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery as the beauty tools. Today the number of people who seeking for plastic surgery has increased dramatically, despite the fact that besides all beauty benefits it bring back there are also negative impacts that people should also considered before deciding to do it. People first find cosmetic surgery as a medical tool to enhance their body and their appearance. According to Northrop, During and after World War II many people get injured and most parts of their bodies mutated into different kind of shape and size that many people find that not acceptable to appear in front of other people (22). Diana Zuckerman argues that people came to plastic surgery with a purpose to fix their flaws such as lips, noses, and ears correction. It would bring great benefits for people especially children because being able to fix those flaws at the young age is the best option due to the changing body and the wounds would heal faster than old people. She found it more acceptable than other types of plastic surgery (â€Å" Teen and Cosmetic Surgery â€Å"). Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgeryShow MoreRelatedSurgery And Cosmetic Surgery : Is It The Hippocratic Oath Or The Oath Of Maimonides? Essay1099 Words   |  5 PagesAll medical oath, be it the Hippocratic oath or the oath of Maimonides, share two principles; Beneficence and non-maleficence. Beneficence requires that medical practitioners act in the patient’s best interests. Non-maleficence ensures that medical practitioner never acts in a way that may harm a patient. Both of these principles give patients a promise of Pro fessionalism. Rosamond Rhodes described the medical profession as, â€Å"a social artifact created by giving control over a set of knowledge, skillsRead MoreThe Ethics Of Cosmetic Surgery1264 Words   |  6 PagesThe Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic surgery, a type of elective surgery undertaken to alter a person’s appearance for reasons beyond injury, illness, or disease, has become increasingly pervasive in society in the past few decades despite sparking controversial debates. (Coleman, 171) While reconstructive surgery is condoned, cosmetic surgery occupies a gray area where physicians â€Å"dedicated to saving lives, healing, and promoting health† perform â€Å"invasive surgical operations on healthy bodiesRead MoreAnalysis Of Michael Porter s Five Forces Analysis1351 Words   |  6 Pageslonger a phrase of the past, thanks to the cosmetic surgery industry. Injectables such as Botulinum toxin, (aka Botox), Collagen, and Hyaluronic acid are credited with keeping faces wrinkle-free. More invasive procedures, such as Breast Implantation, nose surgery, and the ever popular tummy-tuck, offer enhancements to those body parts the individual is dis-satisfied with (Grundy, 2006). Because of the seemingly i nstant gratification, the cosmetic surgery industry has witnessed a drastic increaseRead MoreThe Side Effects of Cosmetic Surgery1325 Words   |  6 PagesThe Side Effects of Cosmetic Surgery Reading and Writing Level 4 Kirsten Ringstrom April 14, 2009 Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 The History of Cosmetic Surgery 3 The Trends of Cosmetic Surgeries 4 The Risks of Cosmetic Surgery 5 Conclusion References Throughout recorded history, a pale complexion has nearly always been more fashionable than a tan complexion because pale skin represents a woman who does not have to labour outdoors. So, most non-white women probably wantedRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effect On Society1169 Words   |  5 Pagesachieve such looks is through the process of plastic surgery, women especially. Women feel an immense amount of pressure to achieve a certain look to be considered beautiful. Plastic surgery is a cosmetic procedure in which in helps to alter the appearance and functions of the body. Over the cosmetic procedures have become a norm and many people see it as a necessity in order for them to love themselves. These standards of beauty have become a tool, in which measures a woman’s sense of worth. ThisRead MoreBeauty Is No Longer A Personal Matter1202 Words   |  5 Pagesthe help of the mass media, a number of computer edited images are presented to the public, and these images are often promoted as â€Å"beautiful.† Many people seek to alter their appearances through surgeries, and some even become obsessed with the thought of beauty that they go through numerous surgeries in attempt to achieve the â€Å"perfect look.† These obsessive thoughts with regards to beauty can be explained through the interactionist perspective, in which shared meanings are established through theRead MorePlastic Surgery Helps Self-Esteem Essay954 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å" To men a man but a mind. Who cares what face he carries or what he wears? But woman’s body is still the woman. â€Å"(Bierce,1958). People nowadays want to be more beautiful and perfect. They will do anything to fulfill their needs. Cosmetic surgery is modern variation of a practice as old as humankind. Every culture has some customs that prescribe deliberately changing a body’s natural appearance (Brain, 1979). The methods, however, are diverse and particular to a culture at a spe cific period of timeRead MoreInformative Speech : Plastic Surgery1551 Words   |  7 Pages Informational Interview Plastic Surgery is a speciality of medicine and a branch of surgery. It is a medical specialty that includes reconstructive interventions as well as cosmetic interventions of the body and face (Reconstructive plastic surgery) and the second one (cosmetic plastic surgery), the latter popularly known as cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery is the restoring and give to the body its form and functionality in patients who have suffered accidents, burns, cancer, orRead MoreThe Treatment Of Breast Implants Essay1498 Words   |  6 PagesAotearoa New Zealand, doctors who are not qualified as surgeons may perform cosmetic procedures, including invasive surgery. As with any form of major surgery, there are certain risks and side effects linked with cosmetic surgery and variations between the providers and clinicians involved in this industry. Significant health risks have also been associated with breast implants used in both cosmetic and breast reconstruction surgeries. (Action, 2014) A Breast implants is an envelope containing a substanceRead More Negative Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery Essay1442 Words   |  6 PagesCosmetic Surgery - Worth the Risk? In todays society the picture of beauty is a thin super model with the body of a goddess posted on billboards all around the world. Children grow up playing with Barbie dolls with the body measurements of would be 90,60,90. Because of these pictures and other figures of beauties projected all over, a person is convinced to believe that to be beautiful and happy, one must look like these images. To most, the easiest way to achieve this is my having cosmetic surgery

Evaluation of Lamaze® Stack n’ Nest Birds Free Essays

string(122) " user will learn to stack the birds from smallest to largest then nestle them inside each other from largest to smallest\." The toy industry is one that has evolved from creating items made simply for fun, to educational wonders that are developed to exercise the ever-growing mind of a child. These days, the â€Å"age group† suggestion listed on a toy’s packaging is not just used for safety measures. Instead, toy developers have taken the industry a bit further, and have opted to develop toys tailored specifically for designated mind levels. We will write a custom essay sample on Evaluation of Lamaze ® Stack n’ Nest Birds or any similar topic only for you Order Now As adults, we are able to look at a toy and figure out that to get â€Å"the clown out of the box1†, you must crank the lever. For a child, however, the solution is not so forthcoming. Depending on the child’s age, the mind comprehends a toy in extremely basic terms. Because of this, a child must depend on his or her unsuccessful attempts in figuring out how a toy works in order to master the toy’s purpose. An important developmental stage in a child’s life occurs between infancy and toddler hood (Young, 2006). During this time, what a child is exposed to may set the stage for how he or she will manage challenges in the future. Basic understanding of inside and outside, big and small, over and under, in addition to many other physical elements, can be credited to the types of toys a parent selects for their little one to not merely play with, but learn with as well. For example, observing how a child handles not being able to fit a square shaped block into a square shaped cut out can indicate how the child will handle similar situations throughout life. Is the child patient, or frustrated? Will he continue to attempt to solve the challenge this toy provides, or will he simply move on to another toy? The answer will vary for all. To better understand how a toy influences a baby’s development, this composition will review an educational toy. The toy selected was developed by Lamaze ®. The â€Å"Stack n’ Nest 1. A traditional children’s toy is the Jack-In-The-Box, where continuously â€Å"cranking† a lever will, at some point, reveal a surprising clown, which pops out of the box in which it is enclosed. Developmental Toy Review 3 Birds © were designed considering the developmental needs of the 9-24month old child. Its function is to sharpen the child’s cognitive, motor, visual and auditory skills through various features this toy provides. With the assistance of a nurturing adult, this toy has proven its function above and beyond expectations. Lamaze ® by Learning Curve ® Lamaze ® is a subsidiary of Learning Curve, a company that strives in creating toys that encourage a child to think, be adventurous and imagine endlessly (RC2, 2005). Lamaze’s  ® specialty is focused on babies and toddlers. Their philosophy is based on the premise that a child’s development is all about timing, and introducing the right toy at the right time is key in guiding growth without pressure (RC2, 2005). Every toy released has undergone testing not only from the users themselves, but their parents as well, to determine sturdiness, interest level, and safety issues. Stack n’ Nest Birds © The Stack n’ Nest Birds2 are designated for age groups 9 to 24 months. Included are 3 separate birds, packaged stacked from top to bottom smallest bird to largest bird, with an additional 4th â€Å"egg shaped† bird safely strapped in beside his counterparts. The age designation significance can be credited to the learning needs of children this age (RC2, 2005). This toy provides many developmental lessons beneficial to the varying needs of this group. With a bit of imagination, many learning activities can be created. Each bird features plush and satin-like fabricant, vivid colouring and contrasting textures. While the colours are vivid, they are not the only thing that makes this toy pleasing to the eye. 2. Due to copyrights, a photo of the Stack n’ Nest birds is not available in this composition, but may be viewed at the following link http: www. geniusbabies. com/stack–n-nest-birds-lamaze. html Developmental Toy Review 4 The contrasting material features exciting patterns. Three of the birds are dome-shaped and are hollow inside, and are able to be nestled inside each other due to their varying sizes. The forth bird is egg shaped, made of soft rubber, is the smallest of the birds and completes the nestled set. Fun, colourful ribbon is sewn to the fabricated birds’ right and left mid-sections to create the appearance of ever-necessary â€Å"wings†. The smallest of the birds is the rubber, egg-shaped bird. Its feature is to â€Å"squeak†. To activate its feature, the bird must be squeezed, and released quickly. The creative child will learn that in addition to â€Å"squeaking†, the bird can also get stuck to legs, arms, and little foreheads simply by squeezing the bird, placing its flat bottom on a body part, then releasing quickly. With a small bit of effort, the bird will make a kissing sound with a sucking after-effect when it is pulled quickly from the body part. The fabricant birds each differ in size, from small to medium to large. The smallest of the fabricant birds is yellow and green in colour and its feature is also to squeak. The squeaker is located in the bird’s cheek and can be activated when gently squeezed, then released. In addition to its squeaking ability, its soft, flexible body includes a crinkly inner-lining that allows it to sound when being handled by little hands. The medium-sized bird is turquoise on blue, and features a rattle sewn in its lining. Additionally, it includes a crinkly lining that sounds when handled. The large bird is red on purple and features bells sewn in its lining. It also features crinkly lining that sounds when handled. This bird includes a 3rd feature: its beak is extended and textured for the teething baby’s convenience. The concept of these birds is to provide knowledge of varying sizes, inside and outside, Developmental Toy Review 5 cause and effect and sound differentiation. The user will learn to stack the birds from smallest to largest then nestle them inside each other from largest to smallest. You read "Evaluation of Lamaze ® Stack n’ Nest Birds" in category "Papers" The colourful plush and satin fabric provides texture awareness, and the solid to pattern layout allows for visual stimulation. Safety Features The creators of the Stack n’ Nest Birds © definitely considered their user when they developed this award-winning3 developmental toy (GB, 2006). These birds are made of soft fabric and do not include any sharp edges, shaping wires, and are well sewn to prevent any fraying or dismembering. They are easy to care for and provide a lifetime guarantee. These birds can be purchased in most toy stores and average in cost at 14.00 (RC2, 2005). Developmental Needs of the 9-24mos Age Group The developmental needs of this age group vary due to the span of maturity from 9 months to 24 months. On the early end of this group, the 9 month old is in the midst of gaining interest in everything around him. However, his attention span is short, and therefore is not able to retain many of the new things he has learned (Shelov, 2004). Constant exposure to new activities is necessary in order to assist this young person in gaining interest in the brightly coloured items placed before him. His cognitive needs at this point are greatly influenced by a loving adult’s assistance. The 9 month old is very much intrigued by cause and effect. Stacking the birds, and then assisting him to knock them down with a hand or a foot can help him in understanding that he can make things happen. Playing a game of peek-a-boo will also be a game of interest for him. Placing the large bird on top of the small, rubber, egg shaped bird to hide it, then removing the large bird to reveal the small bird can introduce object permanence to him. 3. Winner of the 2006 Oppenheim Toy Protfolio, an organisation that tests the safety, soundness and overall worthiness of a toy. The award categories range from toys to videos and age range from infancy to later school years. Developmental Toy Review 6 Additionally, because the mouth is such a sensitive organ at this age (and for months after) the texture of the birds will be another treat the Stack n’ Nest Birds ® provide (Shelov, 2004). From plush to satin to felt to textured rubber, this toy provides a mouth-watering good time for the ever-curious baby. As the child ages, so sharpen his motor skills. The ability to master his pincer grasp4 as well as whole-handed grasp, transfer an item from one hand to the other and play using more than one hand5 are all motor skills being perfected at this age (Shelov, 2004). Because there is more than one bird, all varying in features, the child has the opportunity to sharpen the aforementioned skills. Their size and light weight adds the convenience of easy grasp, as well as the lessened possibility of dropping the toy because it is too heavy. The older the child becomes, the more his needs change. While the 9 month old is short on attention span, the 18 to 24 month old is peaking in absorbing the world around him. He is aware of others, and is mastering his emotions (Shelov, 2004). By now the child understands the concept of stacking and nesting. It is quite an achievement to stack these darling birds from small to large, and large to small. Let us consider the psychosocial, or the psychological and social, needs of a child this age (EWED, 2006). On the psychological side of this achievement comes a sense of accomplishment, as adult assistance is no longer needed to complete this challenging task. In fact, an adult may be swatted away if they interfere with this toddler’s new found ability. On the social side, while a child at this point does not really â€Å"socialize† per say6, he may be enticed to take one of the 4 birds to another child in the room. He may stand back and watch as the other child plays with the toy, observing how someone else uses it, but back to the 4. The ability to grasp items using the thumb and index finger. 5. The ability to hold on to more than one toy utilizing both hands. 6. Parallel play, when children play side by side rather than with each other, will continue until about midway through the 2nd year of life. Developmental Toy Review 7 psychological side, when the child is ready to have his bird back, he will take it without acknowledging the other child’s feelings, and continue to play with his birds by himself. At this point, the older the child is, the less interest he has in toys such as these birds. His interest may shift to a more imaginative state, rather than for their intended purpose. The Results of the Review The needs of a child in the age range of 9 to 24 months vary tremendously. However, the Stack n’ Nest Birds © by Lamaze ® have proven to cover all bases. From early development, when the child is at a midway point in grasping activity, to later development, when the child has mastered many activities he did not understand just months before, the Stack n’ Nest Birds © seem to adjust quite easily and are still able to hold the interest of the child. Fun sounds, interesting textures and vivid colouring are all features that make this toy a winner to babies and toddlers alike. References: Definition of Psychosocial. (2006) Bloomsbury Publishing, Plc.: Encarta World English Dictionary (EWED). ( North American Edition) January 2007. www.encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861736125/psychosocial.html Developmental Milestones: Understanding Words, Behaviour, and Concepts. (July 2006) Baby Centre: Baby Centre Editorial Staff Young, Paul. January 2007. www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babydevelopment/6575.html Our Story: The History of Learning Curve. (2005) Lamaze Infant Development System ®: Learning Curve/RC2 Company (RC2). January 2007. www.learningcurve.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLN4g3cdEvyHZUBACQDv8g. Shelov, Steven Hannemann, Robert E. (1991, Rev. 2004). The Complete and Authoritative Guide: Caring For Your Young Baby and Young Child-Birth to Age 5. New York. Bantam Books. January 2007. Stack n’ Nest Birds. (2006) Genius Babies.com (GB). January 2007. www.geniusbabies.com/stack–n-nest-birds-lamaze.html How to cite Evaluation of Lamaze ® Stack n’ Nest Birds, Papers

Choosing Accounting Software free essay sample

There are basically four types of accounting software to choose from. First, is the entry –level software (Entry). This software is designed for small businesses with up to 20 employees and up to $5 million in annual revenue. Second, is the small to medium business software (SMB). This software is designed for companies with up to 100 employees and up to $100 million in annual revenue. Third, is the small to medium enterprise software (SME). This software is designed for companies with up to 500 employees and $500 million in annual revenue. The fourth type of software is Enterprise resource planning (ERP). This software is designed for companies with more than 500 employees and more than $500 million in annual revenue. Some examples of software programs for Entry software include ACCPAC International, Best Software, Intuit, Microsoft Business Solutions, MYOB US, NetLedger and Softline Group. Examples of software programs for SMB software include ACCPAC International, Best Software, Cyma Systems, Intuit, Open Systems, Softline Group, Softrak Systems and South Ware Innovations. We will write a custom essay sample on Choosing Accounting Software or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Examples of software programs for SME software include ACCPAC, Best Software, Epicor Software, Exact Software, Microsoft Business Solutions and South Ware Innovations. Finally, examples of software programs for ERP software include Geac, J. D. Edwards, Lawson Software, Oracle, PeopleSoft and SAP. A Fine Line Autobody, Korner Market and GN Hotel are examples of companies that would use Entry software. Totally Chocolate and Cascade Radio Group would be examples of companies that use SMB software. Children’s Hospital and Haggen’s, Inc. would be examples of companies that would use SME software. Lastly, Peacehealth Corporation and Microsoft would be examples of companies that would use ERP software. References: Johnston, (2003). A Strategy for Finding the Right Accounting Software http://www. journalofaccountancy. com/Issues/2003/Sep/AStrategyForFindingTheRightAccountingSoftware

Managing Cultural Diversity In The Workforce

Abstract Cultural diversity entails the experiences and characteristics of different people within an organization. It includes the whole spectrum of human beings including ethnicity, race, age, gender, disability, religion and the sexual orientation. Most importantly, the focus upon diversity ought to be on individual work style, communication technique, the role level, level of performance and economic significance.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing Cultural Diversity In The Workforce specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Introduction The main aim of diversity is to tap exceptional talents and unique qualities along these dimensions. It is an issue of the people focusing on the differences and similarities presented to the workplace. This influence over individual identity and perspective goes beyond legally specified dimensions to offer non-discriminatory opportunities and affirmative statutes within the wor k setting. The workplace ought to have non-discriminatory programs supported by the organization culture. This is the key element representing dignity and respect for all to encourage knowledge or experience gain and team work. This paper addresses the proactive measures required to deal with workplace cultural diversity and caters for ways of fostering the practice. Advantages and disadvantages of Cultural Diversity To begin with, cultural diversity boosts the company’s competitive situation in the market. Unlike the early days when marketers thought that a good or service was universally acceptable, cultural diversification enables today’s marketers to recognize that different cultures demand for different taste of the same product or service. Large chain stores like Wal-Mart or Woolworths are in a position to establish the best way of presenting their products depending on location (Deresky, 7, 2008). Today we see a business scenario where small and medium sized com panies are able to give big company a run for their money because they have understood the concept of managing trade in a multi-cultural setting. The twenty first century creates openings for engaging in technological aspects and resources such as the internet trading, which provides a wide world web that assists to overcome the physical boundaries. A culturally diverse company is rich in knowledge pertaining people from various vicinities, thus enough chances of enhancing trade (Lewis, 2, 1999). A business with ethnic diversity can easily serve a wide base of clients easily, considering the ease of workers relating with clients. The clients have a diverse representation in the firm thus sharing of a lot of common ground with their service providers.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There is a wide and equally diverse and well-balanced pool of knowledge created by diverse cul tures in the workplace. According to Lewis (3, 1999), knowledge is power to gain experience, creativity, customer support or participation, lasting results and eventually long-term high profit margins. Denial and discrimination are the individual characteristics on the subject of the barriers to enhancing cultural diversity in the workplace. People from different background still have personal features hindering this form of development. The cultural diversity within an organization with such people can be the main source of conflicts, group-work failures and thus fall of business operations and eventually poor economical growth. The diversity issue can therefore be a negative aspect if it lacks proper implementation procedures. Proactive measures of resolving diversification related conflicts at the workplace Implementation of cultural diversity at the workplace should correspond to strategic planning. Execution or change management must entail employees’ inspiration through infusion or integration of aspects such as those involving diversification into the business procedures or requirements. Diversity ought to apply from the top executives, who should show commitment and importance of diversity. Having the employees understand the importance of diversity as a main pillar for workplace management since it reduces any possibilities of conflicts. The top leaders or managers must engage an upbeat measure of solving diversity related conflicts by regularly emphasizing on its benefits to the firm. The business cultural commitment to diversity requires legal gazetting with the external regulator body to emphasize on the consequences regarding those conflicts that break business rules. In relation to Cornelius’ writing (81, 2002), a company need to have programs for performing prior training to employees on how to deal with counterparts from different cultural setting. Arguably, it is impossible for employees to grasp various complex cultural nuances in one sitting, therefore the need for them to be careful on issues regarding stereotyping, language differences, time differences and individual versus collective mindset, as a measure of avoiding or resolving diversity related conflicts. Fostering cultural diversity at the workplace Promotion of cultural diversity in the workplace ought to take place before commencement of hiring. This means that one should include diversity in the business plan. In line with Kirton and Greene (183, 2000), discovery of strengths or benefits of an action occur well prior to proper planning.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing Cultural Diversity In The Workforce specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These calls for the management to be responsive over recognizing, respecting and capitalizing on various aspects of the society mainly regarding ethnicity, race and gender. A good manager and leader should note that even outside the work setting; one finds exposure of various cultural practices. Practical Theories of Managing Culture and Cultural Diversity The Hofstede Theory Today the technological change has made the organizations to become more dynamic since companies are now investing in joint ventures, partnerships that span across borders and cooperation through unions such as the European Union partnership. This means that the leadership styles are also focusing attention to more vibrant, on-going and very important procedures. The leadership style that attracts the attention of others requires a leader who is focused on other’s attention. The leader’s values must therefore be of substantive worth. It is important for a leader to have good solid knowledge and approaches to combat the cultural differences as well as engage continuous and alternative choices that steers organization forward in terms of development (Dowling and Welch, 38, 2008). One of the most common theories concerned with c ultural diversity is the Hoftede Theory. According to Dowling and Welch (38, 2008), Hoftede’s Theory indicates that culture is a collective of intangible distinctions found between people in a group, firm, organization or nation. The four main commonly used values in management of cultural diversity include power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and femininity/masculinity. The theory divides culture into two groups through analysis of the internal values, which are invisible and external values that are visible such as the rituals that a certain group practices, symbols, language differences and procedures for solving a problem. Power distance involves a firm’s ability to come up with procedures for handling societal inequalities, while individualism or collectivism is concern with the procedures that a firm takes to control a group. The masculinity or femininity entails the firm’s managerial behaviours concern with gender differences . Lastly, uncertainties are the unknown situation and the company must have extensive procedures of avoiding or minimizing the amount of threatening experiences for a member of a firm. Hoftede Theory mainly focuses on issues concerning leadership especially the ability to address various differences through effective communication. A good leader must be in a position of convincing people from different cultural backgrounds on how to focus on the ideas perceived to be important and developmental for a firm. It therefore focuses on and caters for each group.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Cross-Cultural Communication Theory The methods and styles of communication lack good definition in most organizations. Every leader has a personal way of pronouncement, which varies from formal to casual in both written and spoken forms. The main aim eventually is the consistency and ability to attract awareness and command peoples’ actions. Today the successful leaders need to know how to transverse a multicultural environment. In line with The Cross-Cultural Communication Theory, He /she must realize that there exists no single method of controlling leadership procedures (Deresky, 287, 2008). The leaders must read a group’s situation and come up with the most appropriate leadership behavioral pattern to combat the situation at hand. This is the only right and most appropriate procedures for the leaders because it enables the groups involved to fit the competency level. Leadership styles have a close connection to behavior. In the assessment of a group’s l eadership needs, there is need to translate skills to communicate behavior. For instance, if a leader finds that a certain group needs strong guidance, it is then wise to suggest direction, make different assignments, and possibly vet unrealistic suggestions. Leadership skills calls for one to find and balance the member’s thought, support viable decisions, and give authority to act. All the leadership styles in a multicultural environment have a strong basis on communication, and not skills, experience, lack or personality. The connection between group members brings about cooperation, and unique leadership styles that solve group problem effectively thus making the group to become more effective regardless of the cultural differences that may exist (Deresky, 287, 2008). A good or efficient group made of multicultural communities only requires a small, early but strong guidance to become and remain productive. Social-Identity Theory The social-identity theory indicates that people exist in two distinct classes identified by analysis of group categories or group functions. By considering category, a leader utilizes the scientific definition of leadership in a process that involves interpersonal communication to influence an outcome. According to Schneider and Barsoux (43, 2003), leadership is symbolic to the human nature of modifying attitudes and behaviours of culturally different people in order to meet organizational goals and needs. The leadership styles therefore involve acts enacted through persuasion or communication as opposed to forcing people to abide to a certain categorized aspects or certain functions. Current Key Issues in the Service Sector Increase of culturally diverse people in the work force is a clear indication that firms or organization need to move out of the traditions that supported confinement to boundaries that were structured conventionally and hierarchically, to allow group work and team spirits. The developments mainly affe ct leadership to allow strategies that influence behaviours of others through communication. Today, a designated leader is appointed or elected to a position, but she/he need to be an emergent leader because of exerting influences towards achievement of group goals. Acceptance of culturally diverse groups supports the concept that every person in a group ought to be an emergent leader especially during various group tasks (Reynolds and Valentine, 13, 2004). A designated leader has to be acceptable in the group for better outcomes. Sharing of leadership among members in a group means that eventually, the cultural differences are put aside and everyone is responsible for coordination of communication among the members. Melting Pot theory Melting Pot theory is a procedure for enhancing active interaction among people to ensure utilization of cultural significance of diversity and smooth settlement. Ability to enhance and utilize diversity depends on influence of the leaders. The design ated or emergent leader has the ability or power to known the interpersonal influences. The power can be a reward, punishment, legitimate, referent and expert. Leaders can offer the followers the value for their need for them to exercise rewarding power. The reward value can be material or intangible products such as monetary resources, material goods, favours, acknowledgements, complements and special attentions. The administration of punishment power occurs through implementation of similar favours. Coercion forces compliance with hostile tactics but in most instances breeds to resentment especially when there are cultural group differences within the organization. Legitimate power enables the leader to perform certain tasks within the group setting, such as call for the group meetings, analysis of work by the other group members, or preparation of agendas. In order to manage diverse groups effectively, the leader must have referent power based on attractiveness, admirable and res pectable aspects of leadership. Admiration brings about influence and charisma as an extreme type of referent power, which instigates a feeling of royalty and devotion from others. The more the admiration and respect for the leader, the more influence on the behaviours and power to influence the group. Leaders experience and expert power, when others or the followers value their guidance or admires the leadership styles. Diverse group members have diverse experiences and therefore are in a position to offer expertise guidance in different groups setting. In such a scenario, members posses confidence to share expert power in guiding others, value them and one can easily influence their behaviours or acts because of the respect for the knowledge or experience. Regardless of the cultural differences, all members of an organization have various abilities to influence others. It is possible to assist others because the expertise does not only emanate from the legitimacy (Kirton and Green e, 183, 2000). A widely cultural diverse group means that there are diverse sources of leadership influences other then the legitimate power. All the members have some degree of influence over each other and the legitimate leader must make use of all the potentials or capabilities to lead. Democratic Leadership Styles and Approaches The democratic regulations standard for an organization fosters applicable employees’ self-management procedures. One of the most important procedures regards performance. Rewarding performance in terms of good workmanship or discipline encourage understanding among employees from different cultural groups because it shows them the importance of unity. The personnel policy and procedures ought to determine eligibility for performance appraisal and rating performance for satisfaction as a way of enhancing unity. Every employee has governing procedures for expectations specified in the job contracts; therefore, failure to meet demands or to manage t he personal duties could have a link to the group performance. Freedom of the employees may facilitate personal definitions and foster team spirit. In a combination of democratic and autocratic styles as a way of enhancing team performance from people of different cultural groups in an organization, the leader can implement capacity planning and control as an essential aspect. It entails the research techniques for addressing the issue of scheduling applications, planning the allocation of resources, controlling performance and, having the problem solving techniques in place (Cornelius, 83, 2002). The planning and controlling approaches include optimization techniques for diminishing or maximizing involved elements, to meet the objectives within the operating environment. Employees are thus encouraged to work as a team to meet certain goals. For instance, a big problem is broken down to ease complexity and thus speeds up computation. Decomposing a problem allow efficiency in and abi lity to handle the uncertainties adequately. Secondly, dynamic approach allows the management to make decisions sequentially in a multi-stage pattern. A conflict related problem is recursively mirrored into solutions to come up with the most effective conclusion. Teamwork involves decomposition of a complex problem into various sub-problems for individuals to handle. The solutions eventually enable creation of a sequentially dependent framework indicating the whole problem as one, broken into various parts to enhance unity among employees. Conclusion Today the issue of employee performance has a strong basis upon organizational policies and procedures as opposed to only the leadership qualities. The nature of these rules or regulations helps in establishing the significance of a task and the importance of ensuring good results. People are naturally opposed to rules that hinder their freedom and are strenuous during performance. Although an integral to effective part of performance, team leadership may be the root course of conflicts in a multicultural organization as opposed to the cultural differences. The most important element of performance is ability to resolve internal conflicts through the leadership styles because disagreements hugely affect team performance. Leaders have the role of facilitating the behavioural change that assists in moulding individual trails into teams to achieve the set goals (Schneider and Barsoux, 43, 2004). According to Reynolds and Valentine (13, 2004), a good system capitalizes on the employees strengths while minimizing on their weaknesses. The differences between employees’ culture should entail proper usage, to strengthen understanding and enhancing stronger bonds through team works as a measure to capture global clientele. An entrepreneur should know that diversity is something more than mare moral obligation or a necessity for a business but is a business opportunity. Bibliography Cornelius, N. (2002). Building Wor kplace Equality. Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion  London: Thomson Learning. Deresky, H. (2008). International Management: Managing across Borders and  Cultures. (Sixth Ed). London: Prentice Hall Dowling, P.J. Welch D.E. (2008). International Human Resources Management:  Managing People in a Multinational Context. Fifth ed. London: Thomas Learning. Kirton, G Greene A. (2000). The Dynamics of Managing Diversity. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann Lewis, R. D. (1999). When Cultures Collide – Managing Successfully Across  Cultures. London, UK: Nicholas Brealey Publishing Reynolds, S Valentine, D. (2004). Guide to Cross-Cultural Communication. (2nd Ed) New Jersey: Prentice Hall Schneider, S.C Barsoux, J. (2003). Managing Across Cultures. London: Prentice Hall This essay on Managing Cultural Diversity In The Workforce was written and submitted by user Julie Cotton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Budgets An explanation of the use of budgets as a means of exercising financial control in Name It Ltd Essays

Budgets An explanation of the use of budgets as a means of exercising financial control in Name It Ltd Essays Budgets An explanation of the use of budgets as a means of exercising financial control in Name It Ltd Essay Budgets An explanation of the use of budgets as a means of exercising financial control in Name It Ltd Essay Fixed costs are costs that the business have to pay that dont change over a short period of time. As the product sale or service increases the costs stay the same. The same amount is paid regardless of the level of production. Fixed costs can include: the rent charge, electricity bills, gas bills, telephone bills, advertising costs or insurance prices. Variable Costs Variable costs are costs that they business have to pay but it is possible that they will change as the output increases. Variable costs can include: raw materials, delivery costs or packaging costs. Break-Even: Businesses should aim to break even to ensure they are going to survive in the future. Break-even is where the business doesnt make enough sales to make a profit but they make enough sales to avoid making a loss. The point of break-even is shown on a graph that businesses produce to see how well they are doing financially. The below diagram shows a break-even chart. bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/business/finance/profitabilityrev2.shtml To calculate break-even: Break-even point = fixed costs (unit selling price variable costs) The calculation of break-even tells you how many units of a product you will need to sell in order to break-even. Budgets A budget is like a plan that businesses make. They plan it on their predictions of what they think is going to happen for them in future months / years and is a estimate of expected income and expense for a a certain period in time. It gives the business an idea of their financial situation and helps them to track their money. Name It Ltd use budgets for several reasons, these reasons include: à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Name It Ltd will have enough money to buy in enough supplies for their sales because they wouldve been tracking their money income and outcome. à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Suppliers give discounts when a business pay them on time, having a budget will allow Name It Ltd to be able to afford to pay straight away. Paying on time also helps Name It Ltd to avoid paying interest, getting a bad credit rating and possible bankruptcy. à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ They will be able to save money for the use of retained profit if they have a bad month. They will also be able to save money for contingencies. à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ They will have enough money to make investments if that is what they need to do. à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Budgeting will also help Name It Ltd to expand and develop their business in the future. What control / budget does Name It Ltd need to do? Name It Ltd need to control and budget their spending. They need to keep a track off all money that is going out of the business. These expenses could include staff wages, rent for their offices or other buildings, and raw materials. They also need to keep a track of any of their income, for example sales made. Name It Ltd also need to take into account any money they will have coming in or going out of the business in future months. They need to set themselves a maximum amount of money to spend each month so they dont run into debt. Variance Calculations Variance calculations are the difference between the budget a business had set and what actually happened in practice. Name It Ltd have variances in their budgets. I will give some examples. Name It Ltd put a budget on their raw materials as à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½34,600 however they ended up spending à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½42,000 on their raw materials for 2010. This gives them the variance of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½7,400 which shows that the business did not stick to their budget as they exceeded it. They put a budget of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1,300 on their electricity but actually ended up spending à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2,000 in 2010 this means their variance was à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½700 which also shows that Name It Ltd has not stuck to their budget, this means they could face possible bankruptcy. Name It Ltd put a budget of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½12,000 on their rent for 2010, they ended up spending à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½12,000 which meets their budget without going over it. This is what the business should be aiming for in order to control their costs and reduce the risk of their business failing.

The Impact of the Internet on Traditional News Media Research Paper

The Impact of the Internet on Traditional News Media - Research Paper Example Here is an attempt to analyze the changes brought about by the advent of internet in the field of TV and print media. Introduction The widespread use of internet has drastically changed the conventions of different news media. The cyber world has hastened the pace and spread of news in an amazing manner which downgraded even the scope of scoops. The advent of internet has thus marked a lot of changes in news media and subverted even the concepts of news upside down. The impact of internet on TV and Print media The vast and ever spreading world of cyber space contributed a lot to the growth of news media and triggered a revolution in the field of communication system. For a journalist, let him associate with either print media or visual media, internet is a powerful source to collect news. In olden days, as we know, the exchange of messages was carried out by the so-called messengers. Later postal system came into exist which made the communication system a little bit comfortable to s hare something between two people of different corners. The inventions of telegraph and wireless technological system opened the new vistas of exposition and exchange. In modern epoch, for any person who wants to know more about a topic or a news event can easily find out the detailed information by logging on websites. Thus, internet is undoubtedly a good source of news for both the reader and the journalist. In olden days the prime source of news for the newspapers was only the reporters deployed in the different places. The quick access into the cyber world and its updating facility in every second is one of the prominent features of online news portals. This has created a lot of changes in mass media by compelling the media persons to broadcast breaking news in visual media because the world is changing rapidly and the people are eager to know about those changes in the world. The different media across the globe compete each other in providing latest information for its readers /viewers keeping vigil on each and every change in the world. All the TV channels and print media keep their own website, on which, they publish breaking news or news flash. As Seema Shrikande maintains in her essay titled Internet Impact on Media, a â€Å"major influence of internet has been to remove geographical limits on the reach of media outlets and no longer are news media restricted to one city or region†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦(Shrikande,Seema- http://www.omnilogos.com/2011/06/14/internet-impact-on-media). Even local news papers have their online editions and they are available to the readers in every corner of the world. Again this feature also, will mount pressure on the newspaper persons as they have to survive in the world of competition. So they are supposed to attract their readers by means of captivating designs, swift covering of news events, providing arresting captions etc., to compete in international level. All these are common features of any local newspaper of vernacula r languages. The ever spreading and changing nature of cyber world has marked such changes even in the matter of local news papers. The popularity of the social network sites like Facebook opened up new horizons of public opinion tools. In many Facebook posts, media and its way of reporting are of serious concern. The use of FB posts will definitely affects the quality and objectivity news media as common man can easily put their comments on even very big news channels and they can share it instantly among the friends. Before the advent of internet system, the people were not able to weigh and value of a news event beyond the account of newspapers. But nowadays,

Undecided Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Undecided - Assignment Example The project personnel was present to answer the questions and concerns raised by the members of the public. The scope of the proposed project would widen the existing six-lane road facility to an eight-lane road highway and in addition, extend the shoulders of the road by reconstructing the existing two-lane frontage roads and upgrade to meet the current standards. It was proposed that by improving the infrastructure, the economic growth of the city will increase because of reduced traffic delays, improvement of safety in the city and it shall facilitate evacuations during an emergency. Due to the expansion project, an additional 11-acre stretch of land was required to complete the project successfully. It meant that several businesses shall be displaced by the improvement; however, the personnel manager present provided procedures, programs, benefits and other information on land acquisition. The environmental document and another drawing showing the proposed project was displayed t o the public hearing as well as other tentative schedules of how the program shall be executed. At 1400HRS, the expected speakers and the public had arrived and taken the various seats and position. A short prayer was offered and the was started by the city clerk who took us through the norms of the meeting. The first part of the discussion involved free intermingle among the public and the project developers, this was very interesting since it gave the public to have a close interaction with the project managers. It further enhanced rapport and close understanding of the project since several people were able to ask questions, which they may not have a chance to ask during the actual presentation. After a one hour of interactive mingle and discussion, everybody took back their seats for the full technical presentation of the project. The personnel project manager was given a chance to take us through the whole project, stating its merits and it is going to affect the citizen.

BUSINESS LAW Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

BUSINESS LAW - Speech or Presentation Example Unlike members of ordinary partnerships, the LLP itself is responsible for any debts that it runs up, not the individual partners. 3 The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is viewed as an alternative corporate business vehicle that provides the benefits of limited liability but allows its members the flexibility of organizing their internal structure as a partnership based on a mutually arrived agreement. The LLP form would enable entrepreneurs, professionals and enterprises providing services of any kind or engaged in scientific and technical disciplines, to form commercially efficient vehicles suited to their requirements. Owing to flexibility in its structure and operation, the LLP would also be a suitable vehicle for small enterprises and for investment by venture capital. 4 Members in case of negligence or fraud are personally liable only if he assumes personal responsibility for the acts done.

The Arguments For Compulsory Voting Politics Essay

The Arguments For Compulsory Voting Politics Essay Using the definition of democracy as tied to the concepts of liberty, equality, legitimacy, and active citizenship, this paper analyzes whether or not compulsory voting is consistent with the fundamental principles of democracy. The argument for liberty would suggest that compulsory voting is principally undemocratic because the freedom of choice must necessarily include the freedom not to choose (Lever 2009, 3). Because democracy highly values individual freedom, as de Tocqueville suggests, the act of forcing individuals to vote with corresponding sanction for non-compliance is clearly a violation of liberty. While the libertarian argument does not discount the benefits of compulsory voting per se, such as higher turnout rates (Lijphart, 1997, 10), these perceived advantages cannot justify government encroachment on individual liberties. A government that values democracy values individual freedom and cannot compel its citizens to vote when it is not in the latters best interest to do so. The concept of voluntariness and the emphasis on individual freedom is a staple of American democracy (de Tocqueville 2003). Because voting is a political right, it must be left to the individual to choose to exercise or n ot to exercise. It eventually boils down to providing that option for the individual to voluntarily choose, free from government interference. From the standpoint of civil liberties, the right not to vote is a form of speech that is protected under the First Amendment (Matsler 2003, 960). This has an accompanying right not to speak as well. Remaining silent when doing so is for your best interest is a statement by itself. Likewise, the choice not to vote is a form of political statement that is enshrined under the First Amendment and needs protection. Forcing an individual to vote would be likened to the state violating that individuals right to the First Amendment. Because the government is compelling the individual to be subject to an array of choices they face at the polling station, the government may be silencing the more informative political statement they intend to make by staying away from the polls and choosing not to participate (Evler 2009, 32). Compulsory voting then, not only violates a major civil liberty (the right to free speech and freedom of expression), the state also endangers its own representativeness because it fails to respect the rights of electors to choose not to participate. From the philosophical standpoint, the issue of whether or not voting should be compelled among individuals is contrary to the aims of liberty, which according to Mill (1999, 34) prioritizes self-interest first, and self-government, second. Political participation goes hand in hand with these principles. The first relates to the power of the individual in a democratic society to unseat bad leaders. The second relates to the power of the individual to use his or her capacities toward collective responsibilities and upholding the public good. These interests all point to the citizen as having a moral duty to go out and participate in the electoral exercise. Nonetheless, moral and ethical considerations also necessitate the view that respecting the decision to abstain from electoral exercise is in keeping with democratic rights. Drawing from Mill, individuals in a democratic society have the right to protect themselves from all things that demean, neglect, and intrude upon them. Because people cannot completely look after themselves, liberty entails the freedom of individuals to pursue self-protection in a democracy. They are also entitled to choose the extent of their political participation in forming, joining and leaving political parties, expressing their opinions on political issues, voicing out their sentiments against policies that are detrimental to their interest, and refusing to disclose their political identities or political beliefs. Democratic rights are founded upon the respect for peoples capacity to make reasoned judgment. This goes against forcing people to exercise their rights or maximize their opportunities and liberties as citizens. We cannot generalize that people who do not exercise the right to vote are as the accusation goes, lazy, apathetic, or disinterested; rather informed judgmen ts of people would make them conclude that voting will not lead to the pursuit of their self-interests. Intelligent people can argue that by not voting, they are pursuing their own self-interest by making a statement that none of the candidates deserve to be in elective position. Because persons are rational and work toward their individual self-interest, compulsory voting cannot be justified because if voting is in their self-interest, there would be no need to force them to go out and vote. They would decide that voting would be good for them and they would cast their ballot of their own volition. Compulsory voting does not necessarily uphold fairness or equality. The case for compulsory voting is also argued on the issue of fairness and equality. Like Platos disdain for apathetic citizens, proponents of compulsory voting stress that because all benefit from being citizens of a democratic society, every citizen has an obligation to participate in the electoral process. By equality, is meant that no one should become a free rider in a democracy free riders meaning those that benefit off society without participating in elections. Supporters of compulsory voting suggest that it is a moral and political duty to vote and that in the interest of fairness, all should vote because all experience the consequences of electoral outcomes. Other strong arguments for compulsory voting include the fact, that voting on election day is much easier than other positive obligations of citizens such as paying taxes, doing jury duty, or performing military service. However, this argument must paint two groups. On the one hand, there are voters who are selflessly giving their time and effort to cast their ballot and contribute to the public good while on the other hand, there are non-voters who are selfishly abandoning their political duties but directly benefit from societys benefits as the first group that cast their ballots. The point that Mill makes is that in a democracy, everyone, whether consciously or unconsciously, is acting in what they judge to be their own self-interest. Voters go out and vote because it is in their self-interest to vote for their preferred candidates and see them in office. Non-voters cannot be generalized to be selfish; it can only be fairly assumed that abstaining from the electoral process is judged by them to be in their best interest. Democratic principles value the individuals rational judgment and capacity to make choices; hence, forcing a person to contradict his or her own rational choice is undemocratic. The problem with asserting that it is unfair that citizens vote while others do not is that dilutes the dynamism in a democracy. Compulsory voting also does not guarantee equality in terms of encouraging equal participation from various gender or educational groups. While this is asserted by proponents of compulsory voting, there is no empirical evidence to back this up. Studies however suggest that while compulsory voting has been observed to stimulate high voter turnout in some countries, it has not been observed to promote equal participation in those countries. A study (Quintelier, Hooghe, and Marien 2008) indicates that specific categories of potential voters refrain from voting, leading to the electoral dominance of more privileged groups within the population. The authors studied 36 countries that participated in the 2004 International Social Survey Programme. They found that while compulsory voting is associated with higher turnout rates, it has not led to a significant growth in electoral participation among gender or educational groups. 3. Compulsory voting cannot guarantee political legitimacy. Perhaps the strongest argument for implementing compulsory voting in countries is that higher voter turnouts strengthen the political legitimacy of a government. Non-voting is seen to override legitimacy and make electoral outcomes vulnerable to coups or resistance. When you probe deeper into this argument, non-voting can be construed not as apathy but as contentment with all the running candidates so that whoever wins the electoral contest, is worthy of the non-voters support. When citizens do not vote, this does not necessarily mean that they view any political outcome as illegitimate. Still, supporters of compulsory voting are weary of low voter turnout because it undermines representativeness and political legitimacy. Lijphart said that A political system with the universal right to vote but with only a tiny fraction of citizens exercising this right should be regarded as a democracy in merely a hollow sense of the term (1997, 11).   Proper democratic representation is strongly associated with the notion of free elections. By proper is usually meant that the outcome of the electoral contest was based on the sentiments of a majority of the population. Those that support this argument automatically assume that just because the elections were participated by majority of the population, that governments can assume perpetual legitimacy. This is a misled notion. Legitimacy is conferred not only through elections, but by the subsequent acts, policies, and decisions made by the governments leaders that pursue the general welfare of its population. Essentially, the vote s cast in an election are only a first step toward a governments claim to legitimacy. The more substantial claim is to be derived from the manner in which it leads and represents the collective interests of its citizens. If legitimacy means that government was voted by a majority, then not all legitimate governments are democratic and not all democracies are legitimate. There are governments considered to be legitimate but have passed undemocratic policies, engaged in rampant corruption, or were simply incompetent. Democratic politics is not simply a numbers game. The more substantive view of democratic politics is that it is competitive and cooperative at the same time. Judging political legitimacy based on voter turnout makes a poor analogy. Moreover, on the claims of representativeness, data show that compulsory voting is not a policy to be universalized. Figures from IDEA Show that while there are some countries that have shown impressive turnouts as a result of compulsory voting, the overall picture of voter turnout debunks the claim that countries enforcing compulsion have the highest voter turnouts. Since 1945, besides Italy, only 4 countries with compulsory voting made it to the top 50 countries arranged in terms of voter turnout: Belgium (84.9 per cent), Netherlands (84.8), Australia (84.4) and Greece (80.3). Forty five out of the 50 countries demonstrating a high voter turnout used voluntary voting. Other countries with compulsory voting have the lowest voter turnout in the world such as Egypt which only has a 24.6 percent voter turnout, the second lowest in the world (IDEA 2010). Compulsory voting cannot be equated to active citizenship. Equating a high voter turnout to active citizenship is too simplistic. The Australian experience indicated that while voter turnout was high, the incidence of invalid ballots also increased (Australian Electoral Commission 2006, 4). The phenomenon of donkey voting is a natural consequences of compelling citizens to vote against their own volition. Compulsory voting formalizes the participation of underinformed or uninformed voters who participate in a politically significant process. Opponents of compulsory voting suggest that having uninformed voters cast their ballots is worse than having informed citizens abstain from the vote. The more substantive definition of citizenship is how much informed citizens are about their society and the ways they contribute into the democratic process. Their contribution should not be measured exclusively on voting alone. For instance, in the U.S., where voter turnout is relatively lower than in Australia, the strength of public opinion in the U.S. is higher and laws have been modified, passed, or rejected in deference to public opinion (Mastrel 2003, 960). It could be safe to say that political outcomes are worse if the citizenry is uninformed than if the citizenry does not wish to vote (Evler, 2009, 32). Conclusion There is no question that the electoral process is an important part of democratic society. There is also no question that voting is a moral duty of every citizen in a democracy. The question is whether or not a person can be compelled to vote against his own judgment in the interest of democracy. The discussion revealed the many advantages of compulsory voting as experienced in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Italy and how this has contributed to higher voter turnouts. Nonetheless, the reading of democracy must not be reduced to the level of electoral participation alone. Voting, however important it may be is only one form of political participation, and as experience shows, not a very conclusive one. Elected governments have been toppled down, leaders have been removed, or refused reelection despite claims to legitimacy because of democratic elections. Electoral participation is valuable because it enables citizens to choose from among candidates who are considered the best to lead the country. Democratic societies respect individual freedom, including the freedom not to vote. Voting is a rational choice that a citizen decides to exercise when it is in his or her best interest to do so. Compelling him or her to exercise such is undemocratic. The higher turnout rates in countries with compulsory voting may not be necessarily good. Experience has shown that countries with compulsory voting also have high invalid or protest votes. Democracy cannot be enhanced when citizens go out and vote just because they have to and in order to avoid sanctions. Only when citizens freely decide to participate in the electoral process can their votes be authentic and truly reflective of their preference. Democratic government is a complex system that values not only electoral participation but providing avenues for people to express their choice, equality, freedom, and reasoned judgment.

Psychoanalytic Analysis of Shakespeare?s Hamlet Essay -- essays resear

If one wants to truly understand the psychological implications of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the primary focus should be on the character Hamlet, and how he develops and modifies throughout the play. Using the fundamentals of the psychoanalytic perspective of critical evaluation, one would be able to truly identify and explore the true nature of Hamlet, and the effects that his character has on the situation surrounding him. In order to gain a true understanding of most of the detail that is implied through Hamlet’s way of portraying himself to others, it is vital to look deep into the actions that are carried out, and analyze them psychoanalytically. Many have already written works that evaluate the play using this method, and one can also do this simply by having a good understanding of what a psychological evaluation truly is. Before beginning the analysis, it would be necessary to have a proper understanding of the psychoanalytical perspective. After attaining knowledge about the perspective, and reading Hamlet of course, one can begin to make important connections using details from the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the actual play, one of the principle argument is whether Hamlet is truly mad or not. To analyze this for validity, one would have to look at the linguistics of the play and the situations that play out within it. There is concrete evidence, as well as implied detail, which leads one to believe that Hamlet is only acting as if he were mad in order to carry out his plan to avenge the death of the late King Hamlet. One of the first examples of this evidence shows itself when Hamlet warns Horatio of what he’s planning, and in effect, not to blow his cover. â€Å"Here, as before, never, so help you mercy, how strange or odd soe'er I bear myself,— As I, perchance, hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on,— that you, at such times seeing me, never shall...note that you know aught of me:—this is not to do, so grace and mercy at your most need help you, swear.† (Hamlet) This quotation clearly shows that Hamlet is conscious of the situation, and will pretend to be mad. But, there is other evidence that may lead one to think about whether or not Hamlet may have actually been slightly mad. For instance, it strikes one as odd that Hamlet waits so long, and goes through so much trouble in order to kill King Claudius. Hamlet wa... ...alyze the work, or use what others have understood from analyzing Hamlet themselves to draw conclusions and gain an in-depth understanding of what the character is going through from a psychological perspective. There are endless sources out there than can be used as references to support this sort of inquiry. It all comes down to comprehending the work and the perspective. It’s not necessary to scrutinize the inner workings of the play in order to enjoy it, it never has been. Sometimes it’s not until the second or third, or even fourth reading that the reader begins to ask the more advanced questions and demand more of the text. Once that is accomplished, the rest is a proverbial piece of cake. Works Citied Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Hamlet: Prince of Denmark.† Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Comp. Robert Deyanni. Boston; McGraw-Hill, 2000. 941-1042. Paredes-vonOyen, Erin. Has Hamlet Gone Crazy?. 26 October. 2000 . Takahashi, Yasunari. â€Å"Speech, Deceit, and Catharsis: A Reading of Hamlet.† Hamlet and Japan. Ed. Yoshiko Uà ©no. Hamlet Collection 2. New York: AMS, 1995. 3-19. Adair, Vance. â€Å"Rewriting the (S)crypt: Gazing on Hamlet’s Interiors.† Q/W/E/R/T/Y 6 (1996): 5-15.