The Importance of Cross-Cultural Management - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1686 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? 1. Introduction Cross cultural management is the study of the behaviour of people in organizations located in cultures and nations around the world (Nancy 1983, p.226). Cross Cultural management is increasingly gaining importance. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Importance of Cross-Cultural Management" essay for you Create order Expanding international trade and continued immigration flows has resulted in the work place filled with people from diverse cultural backgrounds (Tjosvold and Leung 2003, p.1). Companies from different parts of the world are operating across many countries, forming mergers, forming joint ventures and strategic alliances to participate in the global marketplace (ibid). Cross cultural management is a necessity for many organizations as they become more globalized. There are various models and frameworks available for cross cultural analysis which the organizations can use for effectively working across different cultures. This paper would evaluate two models of cross culture namely Hoffstede and Trompenaars with reference to two countries: United Kingdom and India. The paper would also identify the strengths and weaknesses of the models and illustrate it by considering the cultures of UK and India. The discussion in the paper would be limited to only two models with reference to the c ultures of only two nations. 2. Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Geert Hofstede in 1980 published cultures consequences which was very influential and became a major source of referencing about cultural differences in the world (Luger p.12). Geert Hofstede defines national culture as a set of collective beliefs and values that distinguish people between different nationalities (Vance et al 2010, p.50). Hofstede conducted a study of more than 100,000 individuals from fifty different countries and three regions while he was working as a psychologist at IBM (ibid). Hofstede initially identified and validated four cultural dimensions and later identified fifth cultural dimension for which he presented the possible origins, predictors and consequences of management behaviours (Rosenhauer 2007, p.20). The five cultural dimensions that were identified by Hofstede are: Power Distance Individualism Collectivism Uncertainity Avoidance Masculinity versus Femininity Long term versus Short term Orientation (Bode 2007, p.10) 1. Power Distance: Power Distance is the way the society addresses inequalities among people when they occur (Falkenreck 2009, p.59 ). This dimension describes the extent to which the less powerful members of the organizations and institutions accept and expect the power to be distributed unequally (ibid). Power distance norms are reflected in the economic and cultural lives of humans as in parent-child relations, husband-wife relations, politics, religion and economics (Tian 2004, p.19). 2. Individualism-Collectivism Individualism-Collectivism describes the degree to which individuals are integrated into groups. It is used to measure the extent to which a culture values individual achievement compared to the achievements of a group. This dimension stresses as important work goals in which individual is an active agent and independent of the organization, rather than those in which the individual is dependent on the organization. (Tian 2009, p.20) 3. U ncertainity Avoidance The uncertainity avoidance dimension reflects the extent to which people in a society feel threatened by ambiquity and therefore tries to avoid ambiguous situations by providing greater certainity and predictability (Adler and Gundersen 2008, p.57). Organizations reduce uncertainity by establishing more formal rules, rejecting deviant ideas and behaviour, accepting the possibility of identifying absolute truths and attaining unquestionable expertise, and providing employees with greater career stability (ibid). 4. Masculinity versus Femininity A masculine culture is basically a performance driven culture where rewards and recognitions are the primary motivational factors for achievement. In masculine societies individuals are supposed to be ambitious, assertive, competitive and willing to take risks in order to achieve their goals. On contrary, in feminine culture people tend to emphasize the quality of whole life rather than money, success and social status. (Vance 2010, p.53) 5. Long term versus Short term Orientation This dimension refers to the extent to which a society exhibits a pragmatic future oriented perspective rather than a conventional historic or short term point of view (Have et al 2002, p.100) This dimension is also referred to as Confucian Dynamism vowing to its observance predominantly in eastern countries. It measures employees devotion to the work ethic and their respect for tradition (Adler and Gundersen 2008, p.60). 2.1 Hofstede model applied to United Kingdom The Geert Hofstede analysis for United Kingdom illustrates that there are strong feelings towards individualism and masculinity in United Kingdom. The power distance and uncertainty avoidance are ranked considerably lower. Long-term orientation ranks the lowest, indicating that change in England can be achieved more rapidly than in many other countries. (Cyborlink 2007, United Kingdom) 2.2 Hofstede model applied to India. The Geert Hofstede analysis for India shows a large power distance society and all other measures are relatively moderate. This would be indicative of the fact that India is in the midst of change. The traditional caste systems has been outlawed, however the large power distance score indicates that the attitudes still remain. (Cyborlink 2007, India) Indias Long Term Orientation (LTO) Dimension rank is 61, with the world average at 48. A higher LTO score can be indicative of a culture that is perseverant and parsimonious. (ibid) India has Masculinity as the third highest ranking Hofstede Dimension at 56, with the world average just slightly lower at 51. The higher the country ranks in this Dimension, the greater the gap between values of men and women. It may also generate a more competitive and assertive female population, although still less than the male population. (ibid) 2.3 Criticisms of Hofstede model There has been a great deal of criticism on Hofstedes five dimension model. A major criticism arises on the research methodology that Hofstede has employed (Gooderham and Nordhaug 2003, p.139). Hofstedes research is entirely based on on attitude-survey questionnaire, which is not the most appropriate way of studying culture (ibid). Hofstedes data collection was pursued not with the purpose of studying culture but the model was developed as an afterthought after data collection (Silverthorne 2005, p.15). Hofstede in his research has used exploratory factor analysis as a statistical technique to develop the cultural dimensions (Silverthorne 2005, p.15). This appraoch is not considered statistically valid as it is based on trying a variety of options until one appears to fit rather than the more rigorous statistical approach of testing a specific set of parameters based on specfic hypothesis (ibid). Hofstede studied only one company i.e, IBM which is a major company with strong cor porate culture and was predominantly male populated at the time of data collection. It is not certain if the research is now conducted in the same company itself would yield similar results (ibid). Hompstedes research has also been criticised as outdated (Gooderham and Nordhaug 2003, p.140). It is argued that the younger generation from the developing countries are converging at a common set of values due to globalization and hence the cultural dimensions may become less significant (ibid). Hofstede, however has been sceptical of this view and argues that the cultural changes happen slowly (ibid). 3. Trompenaars Cultural Dimension Trompenaars, an European researcher conducted an extensive research with 15,000 managers from 28 countries representing 47 national cultures (Aswathappa 2008, p.186). Trompenaars describes the cultural differences using seven dimensions namely 1. Universalism vs. particularism The degree of importance a culture assigns to either the law or to personal relationships. In a universalistic culture, people share the belief that general rules, codes, values and standards take precedence over the needs and claims of friends and other relationships. In a pluralistic culture, people see culture in terms of human friendship and intimate relationships. While rules do exist in a pluralistic culture, they merely codify how people relate to one another. (Proven Models 2010) According to Trompenaars finding UK is more universalist and India is more of a particularist (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.138). 2. Individualism vs. collectivism This dimension centers on whether the individu al rights and values are dominant or subordinate to those of collective society. (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.138 ) The findings indicate that United Kingdom is more individualistic and India is more of a collectivist (ibid). 3. Neutral vs. emotional This dimension deals with the intensity of emotions expressed at workplace. It indicates whether emotional or subjective forms of assesment are thought to be the basis for good decision making in organizations. (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.138-139 ) 4. Specific vs. diffuse This dimension centers on whether the work relationships exist just in the work place (specific) or extends beyond the work place in social context (diffuse). (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.139 ) 5. Achievement vs. ascription This cultural dimension refers to an individuals status in organizations where credibility, authority, power tend to be based on achievements or based on class, gender, education or age. (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.139 ) In this aspect in United Kingdom respect is earned more by achievements (Nardon and Steers 2009, p.6). 6. Sequential vs. Synchronic This dimension deals with the degree to which individuals do things one at a time versus several things at once. Time orientation has two aspects: the relative importance cultures assign to the past, present and future, and their approach to structuring time. In a sequential culture, people structure time sequentially and do things one at a time. In a synchronic time culture, people do several things at once, believing time is flexible and intangible. (Proven Models 2010) The findings suggest that people in United Kingdom follow sequential pattern for time whereas Indians follow Synchronic pattern of time(Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.139 ). 7. Internal vs. external control (ibid) In this dimension emphasis is placed on peoples relationship with nature and the natural environment. Some culture emphasize control and subjugation of environ mental forces while others emphasize the need to work with nature in harmony with the environment. Religious and philosphical differences across the world greatly influences this dimension (Rugman and Collinson 2009, p.139 ). It has been observed that the United Kingdom is more inner-directed whereas India is more Outer-directed (Nardon and Steers 2009, p.6). 3.1 Criticisms of Trompenaars model The Trompenaars model and Hofstede model share many similarities but still Trompenaar and Hofstede disagree on various aspects (Rosenhauer 2007, p.22). Hofstede argues that the dimensions identified by Trompenaar are actually categories as the dimensions should be statistically independent (Hostede 2001, p.223). Hofstede also points out that Trompenaars extensive questionnaire measured only intercorrelated flavours of individualism (Hofstede 2001, p.223). The application of Trompenaars model indicates that former communist countries such as Czech Republic, Hungary and Russia are relatively individualistic in contrast to their communist history which does not seem to be a plausible explaination of cultural difference (Gooderham and Nordhaug 2003, p.145).

The Right to Strike Policies, Ethics, and Labor Unions

From an ethical point of view, the debate over whether public employees have the right to strike centers on the political and philosophical differences between conservatives and liberals or progressives in American society. Classical liberals (conservatives), with their ethics based on the concepts of John Locke and Adam Smith, assert that the social contract between the people and the state protects the individual rights of life, liberty and property, but beyond that autonomous individuals should be left to pursue their own interests with minimal interference from the state of society. For this reason, they would deny the right of collective organizations like unions to control personal autonomy and free choice, and insist that all persons are ultimately egotistical and self-interested. On the other hand, liberals (progressives and social democrats) would argue that human beings are basically social and cooperative rather than egotistical and competitive, and that they have the righ t to organize and bargain collectively to pursue their group or class interests. They favor a broader social contract that includes group rights, economic rights, protection of minorities and the welfare state, and believe that social justice and fairness requires labor unions to balance against the power of employers and their influence on the political process. Labor unions, including those in the public sector, are among the largest contributors to the Democratic Party while theShow MoreRelated Labor Unions Essay1299 Words   |  6 PagesLabor Unions Throughout American history, labor unions have served to facilitate mediation between workers and employers. 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Fundamentals of Nevada History Free Essays

The year was 1864 and it was the beginning of May when an election would take place in June that would decide the second constitutional convention. This convention unlike the one in 1863; this one would establish the Nevada Enabling Act, but would have restrictions that the constitution written would have to follow under the following guidelines: (1) The new State Constitution must be republican in nature and not repugnant to the Federal Constitution or the Declaration of Independence; 2) there shall be no slavery or involuntary servitude other than for punishment of crimes, without the consent of the United States and the people of Nevada; (3) the Constitutional Convention must disclaim all rights to inappropriate lands in Nevada; (4) land owned by U. S. We will write a custom essay sample on Fundamentals of Nevada History or any similar topic only for you Order Now Citizens outside Nevada must not be discriminated against in taxation; and (5) there must be no taxation of federal property in the state. (Michael W. Bowers 2005). This was a time that Nevada was not statehood and Lincoln needed more electoral votes for the passage of his Thirteenth Amendment which would abolish slavery. Another reason was so that Lincoln could use Novena’s vote to win the 1864 presidential election. The final reason was the dividing of the electoral votes were to even; Lincoln felt if it came down to this it would be left in the House of Representatives hands and he may lose, but by making Nevada a statehood he would be able to win over Nevada giving him another statehood vote and more of a republican power in the House. Civil Rights in Nevada History Although in 1864 the Thirteenth Amendment was passed there was still racism, aggregation, and discrimination in Nevada which has been called later as the â€Å"Mississippi of the West†. Although voting rights had been established; Nevada citizens that were white felt that they were an inferior race and that other races of color should not have the same privileges or their white Anglo-Saxon brothers and sisters. African Americans were not able to testify against any white individual in a court of law due to them being presumed â€Å"untrustworthy’. Another issue was that they were not able to work in the state of Nevada as whites had the privileges of doing so. During the building of the Hoover Dam blacks were not eligible for hire and were not able to gamble or stay at the Hotels on the strip if they worked there. Entertainers like Leona Horns and Sammy Davis Jar. Could not stay there after they performed there, and they would have to go to the Million Rouge if they wanted that type of entertainment which was where blacks had to go in order to have the same type of entertainment. Once the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 all of this had to come to an end and Nevada was then forced to follow suit. Mining and Gamin History of Nevada In 1863 there were also arguments about the mining and gaming industry taxation against agriculture. Cow herders and farmers felt that the taxation for the mining industry should be more seeing it was outside owners of these companies from San Francisco and other states that would come to Nevada and capitalize off of the land. They were being taxed the same but profit was much larger. Some would go on to even say that Nevada was the state that built San Francisco. The mining companies stands was that without their business all of the stores would be removed, farms old be dried up and streets would turn elsewhere. How to cite Fundamentals of Nevada History, Papers

auto saftey Essay Example For Students

auto saftey Essay Safety is very important in the automotive shop. Knowing and following all your safety rules can help prevent injury and damage. There are many different little sections of safety in the shop for example, gasoline handling, housekeeping, general shop, fire, and hazardous materials. Its recommended for the people to first know the rules and later apply them as they go on. There are also laws involved regarding hazardous waste disposals. So there fore they have to know the proper disposal methods. The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed down by the United States government in 1970. This act is to teach the citizens of the United States about safety and good working conditions, and also providing them with information and training about safety and health. Shop hazards can be avoided by following the safety rules and procedures of the shop. Here are some hazards. * Flammable liquids must be stored properly away from fire. * Batteries contain corrosive sulfuric acid solution and produce explosive hydrogen gas while charging. * All types of liquids can be harmful either to the skin or eyes. *High-pressure air can be very dangerous if penetrates the skin and goes into bloodstream* Electrical equipment and lights may result in electrical shock. * Carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust is poisonous. * Loose clothing, jewelry, long hair may entangle in rotating parts causing serious injury. * High noise levels from shop equipment can be harmful to the ears. * Oil, grease, water in shop floors can cause someone to slip and fall causing injury. Personal protection in the automotive shop. Here is some equipment you should and should not wear. * Always wear safety goggles or face shield in the shop. * Wear ear plugs or covers if high noise is encountered. * Always wear boots or shoes to provide foot protection, and falling. * Do not wear watches jewelry or rings when working on a vehicle. * Wear a respirator when working in dusty conditions. Electrical safety is good to know to be aware of what can happen. * Frayed cords on electrical equipment must be replaced or repaired immediately. * All electric cords from lights and electric equipment must have a ground connection. Three-prong electrical outlets should be mandatory in all shops. * Do not leave electrical equipment running and unattended. Gasoline safety is very important because it is an explosive liquid. The most dangerous part about gasoline its the expanding vapors. The vapors in gasoline tanks are controlled but the ones from the gasoline storage containers arent. Here are some facts about gasoline. * Always use the proper gasoline containers that are painted red for proper identification. * Do not fill gasoline containers completely to the top, because gasoline expands at high temperatures. * Store gasoline in a very ventilated area. Except in home or in the trunk of your car. * Do not prime an engine with gasoline while cranking the engine. * Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent. Housekeeping safety is very important. Its necessary to keep the floor clean. Always keep the shop neat, pick up tools and parts, and dont leave creepers lying on the floor. All sewer covers must fit properly and be kept securely in place. Fire extinguishers are always needed in a shop. Everyone in the shop must know where it is located, and how to use it. First, get close to the fire without risking your own safety. Grab firmly and aim at fire. Pull pin and squeeze handle to dispense the contents of the extinguisher. Keep in mind that most extinguishers discharge their contents in 8 to 25 seconds. There should always be a first-aid kit in the classroom. These kits are made up of bandages and ointment required for minor cuts. A person should always be in charge of the first-aid kit and always keeping it full. In conclusion safety is very important to know once you enter a shop. If you do not know the proper procedures you may get seriously injured.

Geriatrics and Long-term Care free essay sample

Though her sons and daughters check in on her all of the time, they are not there 24 hours a day. She does not want to have something happen and no one find out until several hours or days go by. She is very active in the community and church and I expect that she will remain so, even after moving into the assisted living facilities. This report seeks to uncover long-term care/housing programs and services provided to older adults. I will focus on the mission and services provided. From this report, I expect to gain an understanding of long-term care options and the differences amongst them, so it will be useful for my aging parents. Introduction There are 1,065,502 people (15. 1%), aged 60 and above, in Virginia (U. S. Census Bureau, 2000). We will write a custom essay sample on Geriatrics and Long-term Care or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There are 216,588 households with those aged 65 and over living alone with 565,204 households that contain individuals aged 65 and above (U. S. Census Bureau, 2000). The second number, 565,204 does not state that the household contains only 65 and over individual or could be an older person living with their son or daughters family. If taken into the later context that leaves 283,728 elderly that lives other than their own home or with another family member. This results in a huge demand for housing of the elderly on this country. With the onset of the baby boomers coming of old age, it is necessary that the government looks at ways to handle the increased need for housing of the elderly. Determining long-term care options Not everyone will need a long-term care option when they age. In fact currently most of the elderly remain in their residence. The questions elderly must ask themselves if considering long-term care are many. Elderly may consider long term care if they have a physical or mental disability, chronic illness, terminal illness or if they are not able to care for themselves. Everyone will need to make their own decision when it comes time, but having the information about what services and programs are available will make the decision much easier. Long-Term Care Options There are seven types of licensed care services and facilities; Home Care Services, Community Based Care Services, Adult Day Care Centers, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes and Senior Housing. Which one to choose depends on factors that include, cost, insurance, health needs, medical condition of the person and value for services provided? Home care services Home care services are broken down into skilled care and home support. Skilled care is provided under direction of a physician and administered by registered nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists. Home support provides shopping, meal preparation and light housekeeping, to include bathing and dressing. Other home support services provided include counseling and social work services. Home care services allow older and disabled persons to remain in a familiar environment while maintaining their independence and security. Home care is designed for elderly and disabled people that do not need nursing home care, but needs assistance with day-to-day health and personal needs. The cost of home care is often less expensive than hospital and nursing home care. Home care service can: †¢ Preserve independence and security; †¢ Allow recipient to remain home; †¢ Relieve stress for recipient and family members or caregivers; and †¢ Prevent unnecessary hospital or nursing home bills. Community-Based Care Services If you have the ability to transport yourself to social activities, health appointments or go out for meals, community-based care services are probably not needed. However, for the elderly who cannot get out on their own, or have family that can provide transportation, community-based care services can help. Community-based organizations are broadly made up of an all volunteer staff. Services offered differ amongst organizations. Adult Day Care Centers Provides social interaction and meals in a protected environment, thus allowing those take care of the elderly person time-away. Social interaction includes activities such as physical exercise, games, trips, art and music. Some adult care programs offer medical services, such as help taking medications or checking blood pressure. In the United States of America 1,141 of 3,141 counties lack enough space for adult day care (Shellenbarger, 2002). Transportation to and from adult daycare is sometimes offered by the adult day care center. Currently cost of adult day care averages about $60 a day. Though it sounds expensive it is cheap compared to home-care, assisted living and nursing home care. Adult day care is covered through Medicaid and those insurance companies that offer long-term care policies. Continuing Care Retirement Communities Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer independent living in a cottage setting to skilled nursing care and in between. The services can be all-inclusive, modified to meet the residents needs or in a fee-for-service. CCRCs promote wellness, independence and socialization in a residential environment. The idea behind a CCRC is that elderly can stay in one place rather than moving from one long-term care option to the next. Example, your parents move into senior housing, then assisted living area, then for further care move into a nursing home, all of which are located in the same complex. Vice paying monthly for rent and services provided, elderly pay a fee or endowment to be part of the CCRC. Assisted Living Facilities Assisted living facilities are broken down into independent, residential or assisted living facilities. Independent and residential living facilities provide minimal assistance for those elderly with minor limitations. Assisted living provides more assistance for those elderly that need help due to major limitations. Services offered include oversight, health care services and help with daily living activities. Assisted living facilities are one of the fastest growing long-term care options available today. In 2000, there were only about 1,000,000, aged 65 and above living in assisted living or residential care (Munn, Hanson, Zimmerman, Sloane, Mitchell, 2006). Since then assisted living facilities have blossomed to over 36,000 licensed facilities providing for more than 9,000,000 residents (Hernandez, 2005-2006). The boom is due to affordability and the homelike living arrangements offered. Nursing Homes When family can no longer take of their elderly member that is injured or disabled, home cares is the preferred option, but if there are no availabilities, then nursing homes are appropriate. In 2000, 1,557,800, aged 65 and above lived in nursing homes (Munn, Hanson, Zimmerman, Sloane, Mitchell, 2006). Most elderly that utilize nursing homes are recovering from illness or injury. Nursing homes also provide hospice care for those terminal elderly; provide rehabilitation; or maintain care for those elderly with chronic health care needs. Nursing homes provide around the clock care for those recovering from illness and injury. The homes are for those elderly that need more medical attention than social gathering. Nursing homes also provide personal care in the form of bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom for the elderly. Senior Housing This is for those elderly that do not need long-term care, but live in a home that is not considered safe. Senior housing often is apartments that have been adapted for the elderly and include railing in bathrooms, wider hallways and raised outlets. Optional services provided include meals, housekeeping and social activities. Choosing the right long-term care option With the long-term care options, mentioned above, selecting which program or service is right can be overwhelming. Think about what it is that you mother, father, or both want in their older years. Ask the elderly what it is that they want? What are their needs? Do they need help with chores? Do they prefer small facilities, certain location, special living conditions? What is their financial situation? Will you be paying for long-term care or is insurance providing coverage? Is Medicare or Medicaid involved? Research available long-term care facilities near your residence first. Ask questions about what services/programs that are/are not provided, if they are insured, costs and vacancies. Check on fee’s for special care services or if extra fees are charged for services. Think about waiting list, if you find the one you want, but are not needed immediately or near term. Visit and tour the facility with your loved ones. Is it friendly, does it look clean, are people happy, what activities do the have for residents. How many staff is available, come back during different times of the day on different days. What the rooms are like are any options available? What are the residents allowed/not allowed doing? Is there a schedule for anything, eating, naps, bedtime, and social visits? How often are your loved ones checked on? Does the staff conduct regular care training? Ask other residents what their opinion of the long-term care facility? Check with the Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints filed. Conclusion In conclusion, though there are many choices for long-term care, it will come down to the individual, the elderly, the elderly family or a combination to determine which type of care will best fit there needs. There is no one fits all long-term care facility, such as there is no specific type of elderly person. Everyone age’s differently and each will have their own very specific needs when it comes time to make a decision on long-term care. Some will choose to remain in their home while others may choose a community setting. However, one thing is known and that is the elderly population is increasing in the United States. This will lead to a higher demand for long-term care services in the future. In the past families tended to take care of their own and their parents, whereas now the elderly will have to start looking at looking at for themselves, though some will be taken care of by their children. In the end, follow your instincts. Choose a place that treats your parents with respect and makes them feel comfortable. References Bolda, E. J. (2006). Community Partnerships for Older Adults: Meeting the Housing Challenge. Generations, 29(4), 61-63.

Farenhiet 451 essays

Farenhiet 451 essays Ray Bradbury wrote the novel Fahrenheit 451. The main character Guy Montag a dedicated fireman for many years. He liked his job, life and never questioned his bosses orders; until a seventeen year old girl named Clarisse McClellan suddenly came into his life and changed it forever. She was the person who started the process, an elder woman who died for her books and an old man named Faber were other strong influences of Montags metamorphosis. He was not happy. He was not happy. He said the words to himself. Montag had been unhappy his whole career. Though he never showed his emotions, he knew he was. His profession had been subliminally brain washing him into a narrow minded robot. His ignorance had led him to believe everything he had been told. Are you happy? She said... Clarisse McClellan a 17 year old female who could see right through Montags mask. She ran into him one night and started talking to him about life, and began to see the civilians point of view. She was the only one who could tell Montag was lonely. She was the only person who could tell who he really was. The woman replied quietly, I want to stay here. When Montag heard that statement from an elder woman, willing to die for her books. He knew something was not right. This pushed his thought of conspiracy one step further. His transformation was complete after conferring with an old acquaintance named Faber about the purpose of books and their existence. Montag had finally realized that he had been on the wrong side for most of his life and that books were created to inform, educate, enlighten, and entertain people. The only thing that is burning now is his ignorance. ...

To Bury or Exhume the White Gods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

To Bury or Exhume the White Gods - Essay Example It also becomes the means by which the oppressed are made to believe in the ethical justice of the systems of production that engender their own oppression. These theories have great scope for application in postcolonial studies that seek to challenge narratives that are based on the versions of the colonizer’s memory. There are now attempts to revise the histories that have been written by such writers for the mental enslavement of the colonized. These counter-narratives too, however, stand the risk of being incorporated into the power structures of the imperialist narrative. This is to a certain extent inevitable as they come for e certain point in history when the effects of colonialism are still being overturned. It is in this context that Camilla Townsend’s article â€Å"Burying the White Gods: New Perspectives on the Conquest of Mexico† becomes important as it attempts to bridge certain gaps in historical narratives and at the same point of time also seeks to point certain flaws in the counter-narratives that one finds in the postmodern age. The essay thus points to the need for a history with lesser chinks (Townsend). The essay seeks to talk of the narratives that have been used to counter the narratives of Hernando Cortes and his conquistadors. Many such narratives talk of the situation where the people who were indigenous inhabitants of Mexico thought of the conquistadors to be gods. An elaborate system of lies is constructed whereby indigenous systems are arm-twisted into accommodating the colonizer into their narrative. The incorporation of Cortes into the narrative of the Indian God, Quetzalcoatl is a very good example of this. The God who is considered to have left the Indians’ land for the East was prophesied to come later on at a certain point of time. This narrative was changed a lot to accommodate the arrival of the colonizer into Mexico. There are several aspects that one needs to look into while analyzing

Racism in the United States of America Coursework

Racism in the United States of America - Coursework Example With one step forward to curb the vice, America has appeared to make another step behind in the matters concerning racial understanding (Wise, 2013). In the last century, the face of racism was largely whites against blacks, but today racism is multi-colored and has a multicultural face; it has expanded to include antagonism among people of different cultures. Americans made history by electing Barrack Obama as the President of the most powerful nation on the earth. Obama defied expectations in the campaigns by influencing the citizens with his call for hope and change. Since the country chose a black President, some quarters have suggested that racial barriers have been broken. They claim that the long-standing social chauvinism against blacks is a thing of the past since Americans chose a black person to govern them. Some events in the recent past indicate that America has a long way to go so as to have equity among all races (Wise, 2013). The number of people arrested and jailed in the last few decades has increased in America. A majority of the arrests has been associated with the fight against drugs. Although both the whites and blacks have been involved in the illegal activity, the blacks comprised the majority of the people who got arrested. A report by Human Rights Watch in 2008 indicated that although the blacks comprise 14% of the of drug abusers, 37% of the individuals arrested for the offense were black Americans. Consequently, blacks, who comprise 13% of the American population and about 15% of drug abusers, are 37% of the offenders put in custody because of drug crimes (Miah, 2010). Statistics indicate that the police check blacks and Latinos at a higher rate when compared to the whites. In the city of New York, 80% of the police stop involved blacks and Latinos.

Socialist Critique of Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Socialist Critique of Capitalism - Essay Example Furthermore, socialism argues for the collective ownership of the means of production as this prioritizes the common good against individualistic advantage (A Brief Introduction to Socialism from a Non-Marxist, Democratic Libertarian Perspective, n.d.). One can easily recognize that the socialist argument subordinates individual advantage to collective good as this, it is assumed, will overshadow the inherent selfishness of man. Marx was triumphant in his critique against capitalism (Manifesto of the Communist Party, 1847) which was strongly manifested after the 1950s; nations of the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and Eastern Europe were aptly persuaded to overthrow their existing mode of production and replace it with Marx's communism/socialism that promises a classless society which was rather Utopian at the time and until now. Marx fittingly made use of theories of human nature to cogently deliver his denigration against capitalism. However, Marx did not directly use the term "human nature" but instead applied another concept which was "species-being" or "species-essence". This conception of Marx in relation to human nature was borrowed from the philosophy of Ludwig Feuerbach which submits to both specific human nature and the entire humanity. Marx translated this philosophy as a treatise that declares humans as conscious actors in the unfolding of history and nature itself. In the year 1845, Marx inscribed to the world his belief that the human essence cannot be found in a particular individual but in his association with the larger social relations which he belongs. Logically, this statement points to the insight that the human essence is a fluid concept which is hardwired on the total structure of social relations borne out from a society. He then goes on to assert that the fundamental essence of humans as individuals enmeshed in a particular mode of production is their labor. One of the primary arguments of Marx was that humans are distinguished through their behavior toward production and that this economic activity is their soul. Yet, he did not entirely described "labor" as a perfectly embedded human essence but one that is also the source of oppression, alienation, and private property. He ardently argued that in communism "labor" is an unnecessary human activity and an abhorrent fraction of the material state of societies; whereas in capitalism labor represents the material ex igencies of the few owners of production and the workers themselves were merely caricatures of torment, suffering, and hard work. Moreover, Marx alleged that productive activities which are vital to human nature are only gratifying if executed freely. Under the pretext of capitalism, labor is nothing but a tool of dehumanization and isolation for the providers of the valuable labor. Furthermore, labor performed in capitalism invariably produces alienation of the workers from their own produce. Marx (1932), in his article on historical materialism, used the allegory of a carpenter working on a chair. A carpenter who successfully accomplished an entire chair is more self-fulfilled than the carpenter who only took fractions of work to complete an entire chair. Marx related labor with self-identity thus claiming that in capitalism which is characterized by

Reducing the Risk of Transmission of Nosocomial Infections

Reducing the Risk of Transmission of Nosocomial Infections CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The standard precautions (SP), proposed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1996, are guidelines for reducing the risk of transmission of nosocomial infections in hospitals. It proposes that body fluid, patient blood, secretions, and excrement are infectious, hence preventive measures are necessary to protect both patients and medical personnel. These preventive measures include avoidance of direct contact with patients and air-borne particles, and require hand washing and sterilization, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the safe disposal of sharp instruments and waste management (Luo, He, Zhou Luo, 2010). 1.1  Background of the Study Standard precautions are specifically designed to reduce the risk of acquiring occupational nosocomial infections from both known and unknown sources in the healthcare setting. Awareness and compliance with these recommendations is crucial for the prevention of occupational nosocomial infections in healthcare personnel and patients (Abdulraheem, Amodu, Saka, Bolarinwa Uthman, 2012). Standard precautions include hand washing; use of personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, cap and mask); care with devices, equipment and clothing used during care; environmental control (surface processing protocols and health service waste handling); adequate discarding of sharp instruments; and patient’s accommodation in accordance to requirement levels as an infection transmission source. Hand hygiene is most important measures among the standard precautions advocated (Abdulraheem et al., 2012). Stringent observations of these measures protect the personnel against blood-borne viruses and to decrease transmission of cross infections among patients (Atif et al., 2013). Nurses are the group of health care providers with the most direct contact with patients while providing care. Therefore, nurses’ adherence to infection prevention precautions would have a profound effect on reducing nosocomial infection rates (Al-Hussami Darawad, 2013). The causal agents that bring infections are transmitted mainly by hands, after failure to comply with hygiene procedures. Hand washing is considered the most important measure in preventing infections. However, according to Jusot et al. (2004), in their study in the southeast of France, compliance of healthcare workers (HCWs) with SP was variable and often poor. In terms of knowledge, Chan et al. (2002) reported that in Hong Kong, nurses’ knowledge on SP was inadequate, in terms of applying precautions inappropriately and inadequately. In addition, Abdulraheem et al. (2012) in their study that conducted at North Eastern Nigeria also found that only a very small proportion of HCWs had a good knowledge o n SP. Different epidemiological characteristics of nosocomial infection in children results from the specificities of anatomy, physiology, medical conditions, therapeutic and surgical conditions and type of pathogens in pediatric populations. Besides that, the pediatric-hospitalized population is very heterogeneous, varying in age, diagnosis, and underlying illness, ranging from infants with congenital anomalies to adolescents with multiple traumas. Consequently, even patients admitted to the same ward pose a different risk for hospital-acquired infections (Lopes et al., 2006). Pediatric cancer patients have an increased risk of potentially life-threatening infectious complications due to their underlying illnesses and intensive anticancer treatment (Simon et al., 2008). Thus, SP are very crucial in preventing these nosocomial infections. It is clear that SP reduces the extent to which HCWs exposed to the blood of others, and, presumably, this in turn reduces their risk of occupational infections with blood borne pathogens. Although it has been routinely practiced in high-income countries for a long time, it is hard to achieve full compliance. Noncompliance has been associated with a range of factors, which include lack of knowledge, interference with work skills, risk perception, not wanting to offend patients, lack of equipment and time, uncomfortable PPE, inconvenience, work stress, and perceiving a weak organizational commitment to safety climate (Kermode et al., 2005). 1.2  Problem Statement The reality of adopting SP within the hospital setting is far from what is recommended and had proved to be somewhat problematic (Gammon Gould, 2005). Efstathoiu, Papastavrou, Raftopoulos and Merkouris (2011) also reported that adherence with SP among nurses in Cyprus in order to avoid exposure to microorganisms was low. More specifically, compliance was found insufficient regarding hand hygiene guidelines, use of gloves when exposure to body fluids was anticipated, eye protection, mouth and nose protection (mask use), wearing a gown when required, avoid recapping the needle after it was used for a patient, and provision of care considering all patients as potentially infectious. According to Gammon, Samuel and Gould (2008), in United Kingdom, staff compliance to SP was generally deficient, and practice interventions to improve adherence were generally limited in their effect. Hospital acquired infections (HAI) or nosocomial infections (NI), which pose a serious problem, threatening the health and safety of patients and medical personnel worldwide due to poor compliance towards SP. Nosocomial infections, defined as those occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission, three days of discharge or 30 days of an operation, affect one in every ten patients admitted to hospital. These infections affect the quality of medical care and increase medical care costs (Inweregbu, Dave Pittard, 2005). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2009), hundreds of millions of patients develop HAI around the globe every year and as many as 1.4 million cases occur in hospitals alone each day. In pediatric setting, HCWs always assumed that children are low-risk patients. Although it was acknowledged that the children can also carry contagious diseases, but they often do not implement SP (Efstathoiu et al., 2011). Nosocomial infections are a crucial clinical complication in adult and children patients at the different hospital wards worldwide. Nosocomial infections bring considerable morbidity and mortality associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs (Nagliate, Nogueira, Godoy Mendes, 2013). Kinnula et al. (2012) in their study at Finland and Switzerland found that 8.4% of children in a ward for pediatric infectious diseases acquired a viral HAI during their hospitalization, although only 13% of the HAIs manifested themselves during hospitalization, the majority, 87%, occurring after discharge. So, from here can be proved that, SP are very important to be implemented in the clinical settings. Without these measures, NI will occur. For Hospital USM, pediatric oncology ward, 6 Utara (6U) showed the highest rate of NI if compared to others pediatric ward (Unit Kawalan Jangkitan Epidemiologi Hospital, 2013). This may be due to the low immune system of those children. Pediatric cancer patients are at an increased risk for specific HAI. These adverse events can result not only in significant morbidity and mortality, but also in an increased expenditure of limited financial and personnel resources (Simon et al., 2008). According to Unit Kawalan Jangkitan Epidemiologi Hospital (2013), the average NI occurred per month from August 2012 to August 2013 was 3 cases, which contributed to 4.62% of total admission of the patient. This was quite a high number. Thus, interventions should be taken to investigate the compliance level of the pediatric nurses towards SP and thus to reduce the infection rates. Table 1.2.1 Total nosocomial infection occurred per month at 6Ufrom August 2012 to August 2013 (Source: Unit Kawalan Jangkitan Epidemiologi Hospital, 2013) Date Total NI Total no. of admission Total % of admission in ward August 2012 4 58 6.89 September 2012 3 47 6.38 October 2012 2 82 2.45 November 2012 0 50 0 December 2012 1 74 1.35 January 2013 2 65 3.0 February 2013 5 60 8.33 March 2013 3 62 4.84 April 2013 2 65 3.06 May 2013 4 71 5.6 June 2013 3 67 4.4 July 2013 1 76 1.31 August 2013 4 67 5.97 AVERAGE 3 65 4.62 Guidelines or policies that guide an individual’s behavior exist in a variety of settings (including health care settings), but people do not always comply with them. In order to explain and understand the factors that influence an individual’s adherence with certain guidelines, which consequently may bring to the adoption of certain behavior, a number of conceptual models or theories had been developed (Efstathiou et al., 2011). Conceptual framework that used in this study in explaining the knowledge and compliance towards SP among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM was adapted from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Ajzen (1991). The TPB provides a model that has potential benefits for predicting the intention to perform a behavior based on an individual’s attitudinal, normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control. As for this study, the knowledge on SP, self-efficacy (attitude), awareness on the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and some individual factors of nurses will influence their practice towards SP in healthcare setting. 1.3  Research Objectives 1.3.1  General Objective The general aim of this study is to identify the knowledge and compliance towards standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM). 1.3.2  Specific Objectives To identify the level of knowledge regarding standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. To identify the level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. To determine the association between selected socio-demographic data (working ward, clinical working experience in years and highest nursing educational level) and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. To determine the association between levels of knowledge regarding standard precautions and level of compliance among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. To determine the association between self-efficacy and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.4  Research Questions What is the level of knowledge regarding standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? What is the compliance level among pediatric nurses towards the application of standard precautions in the pediatric ward at Hospital USM? Is there any association between working ward and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? Is there any association between clinical working experience in years and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? Is there any association between highest nursing educational level and level of compliance towards standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? Is there any association between level of knowledge regarding standard precautions and level of compliance among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? Is there any association between self-efficacy and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM? Research Hypothesis 1.5.1 Hypothesis 1 HO: There is no significant association between working ward and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. HA: There is a significant association between working ward and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.5.2 Hypothesis 2 HO: There is no significant association between clinical working experiences in years and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. HA: There is a significant association between clinical working experiences in years and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.5.3 Hypothesis 3 HO: There is no significant association between highest nursing educational level and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. HA: There is a significant association between highest nursing educational level and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.5.4 Hypothesis 4 HO: There is no significant association between level of knowledge and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. HA: There is a significant association between level of knowledge and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.5.5 Hypothesis 5 HO: There is no significant association between self-efficacy and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. HA: There is a significant association between self-efficacy and level of compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM. 1.6  Definition of Operational Terms Knowledge Knowledge is defined as the level or degree of information acquired in a particular field. It is a basic requirement so that the positive changes in behavior can be developed. Knowledge can further bring into awareness and in turn leads to action. To develop nursing knowledge, it comes from both theoretical and practice perspectives. By gaining knowledge, it raises awareness of personal and professional accountability and the dilemmas of practice (Ndikom Onibokun, 2007). In this research, it was referred to the knowledge regarding SP and its application. Compliance Compliance is defined as the extent to which certain behavior (for example, following physician’s orders or implementing healthier lifestyles) is in accordance with the physicians’ instructions or health care advice. It can be influenced or controlled by a variety of factors such as culture, economic and social factors, self-efficacy, and lack of knowledge or means (Efstathiou et al., 2011). In this research, it was referred to compliance or adherence towards SP to prevent NI. Standard precautions The standard precautions are defined as guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission of blood-borne and other pathogens in hospitals. It proposes that body fluid, patient blood, secretions, and excrement are infectious. Hence these measures are necessary to protect both patients and HCWs (Luo et al., 2010). Standard precautions include hand washing; use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, gown, cap, mask); care with devices, equipment and clothing used dur ­ing care; environmental control (e.g., sur ­face processing protocols, health service waste handling); and adequate discarding of sharp instruments including needles (Vaz et al., 2010). In this research, SP referred to those policies that protect patient and HCWs such as hand washing, use of PPE, safe sharp disposal and waste management. Nosocomial Infections Nosocomial infections are defined as infections that occur within 48 hours of hospital admission, three days of discharge or 30 days of an operation (Inweregbu, Dave Pittard, 2005). In my research, it was referred to the infections that acquired within the period of hospitalization. Self-efficacy Self-efficacy is defined as the confidence to control and guide one’s own activities. General self-efficacy is a general confidence when the individual deals with changeable environments and faces new experiences (Luo et al., 2010). In this research, it was referred to the self confidence in implementing SP to prevent NI. 1.7  Significance of the Study Nosocomial infections control requires a combination of interventions, including knowledge about the use of SP, rational use of antimicrobials, hand washing and compliance with SP and manuals for prevention and controlling microorganisms. Health professionals’ low compliance with and difficulties to use SP had been demonstrated in some research though (Efstathiou et al., 2011; Luo et al., 2010). Hence, in view of application and even compliance failures that compromised patient and professional safety (Sax, Uckay, Richet, Allegranzi Pittet, 2007), it is necessary to assess nurses’ knowledge and compliance about SP (Nagliate et al., 2013). By assessing the knowledge and compliance level toward SP among the nurses, interventions could be taken to improve the quality of health care services as well as provide a holistic nursing care to reduce the morbidity and mortality worldwide. In order to reduce HAI and protect the health of patients and HCWs, the relevant authorities and hospital infection control departments should pay more attention to nurse compliance towards SP, strengthen SP training, and provide sufficient practical PPE. Through learning, the attainment of knowledge and skills, and the formation of health beliefs and attitudes, health activity habits can be formed. Only when individuals are familiar with the content and meanings of the SP, with strengthening of the individual’s health concepts, can individual practice change so as to improve compliance with SP. For nurses, the study on adherence towards SP and factors impacting compliancy should be strengthened in order to improve concepts of health and self-efficacy, to increase compliance with the SP and hence reduce the chances of NI (Luo et al., 2010). The reason that the researcher wished to conduct this research was because from the researcher’s observation during clinical posting, it was observed that, the nurses often neglected the importance of SP. For example, they did not apply the proper ways in implementing SP, some even did not adhere to it at all due to time saving and other reasons. On the other hand, the reason that this study been conducted at pediatric ward was because children is having low immunity if compared to adults, they are at high risk of acquiring NI, so the implementation of SP is very important to ensure a quality health care. In addition, no research on the knowledge and compliance towards SP had been done at Hospital USM before this. Thus, this study is crucial to assess the knowledge and compliance level towards SP among pediatric nurses at Hospital USM to provide a preliminary data that is crucial for the hospital. This study can provide a better insight into the magnitude of the problem of infection control in this hospital. By knowing all these, interventions can be taken if the knowledge and compliance level are disappointing to increase the knowledge and compliance towards SP among the pediatric nurses to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate.

Interpersonal Communication Essay -- essays research papers

In every society nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful tools that a person can use to interpret the message that is being delivered. Even though verbal communication is fairly straightforward, nonverbal communication allows others to sense the true emotions of the person that is expressing them. For example even though a person may say that they are not irritated, their usage of voice may display otherwise. Nonverbal communication not only reveals hidden messages, but it also complements, substitutes, and exaggerates verbal communication.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was 8:00 a.m. on April 9, 1999 and I was saying goodbye to my parents at the San Francisco Airport. While I was walking away from my parent’s gate I remembered the study for my Interpersonal Communication class, and decided that the airport was a perfect place to observe nonverbal behavior. I sat myself near the entrance of a gate so I could clearly focus on personal space and voice behaviors while people stood in line to board their plane. This location allowed me to observe some very distinct behaviors, and I was amazed at the many different ways people express their emotions and the many people that weren’t aware of these expressions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After I observed four different boarding lines, I soon realized how impatient our society reacts to situations. As soon as the airline attendants announced the boarding for a certain flight, it seemed as if everybody rushed to the...