Fashion Historys Understanding

Table of Contents Introduction Discussion Conclusion Reference List Introduction Fashion is a term that is used to describe the current trends in dressing especially in clothes, accessories, hair styles and footwear. Culture and customs affects the fashion of a particular society. Has fashion really affected the culture? Fashion is usually imitated across cultures and this leads to lack of order in a culture. This makes society lose identity as they eventually forget their roots in culture.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Fashion History’s Understanding specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fashion keeps changing and this leads to instability in cultures. Fashion is usually seasonal and changes with time. What is the trend of growth in fashion? What has led to the accelerated change in fashion? This paper will look at fashion in depth and answer questions on change in fashion. Discussion Fashion is a word that is used to refer to clothing in general. This refers to costumes, fabrics, and designs used to make dresses. In western culture, fashion has been changing rapidly depending on seasons. These have been observed by other cultures and have commented on it as instability and lack of order in western culture. In western nations, there have been continuous changes in clothing for men and women. Fashion distinct classes of people in the society where complex and sophisticated fashion is related with the rich and modernity. Change in fashion has been accelerating century after another as it has been now taken by many people as a career. Fashion is also dictated by the occasion, for example, weddings (Laver, 1979). Art historians are able to use fashion in dating images with confidence and clarity. They do this after five years as in 15th century. Marie. Icon of fashion Changes in fashion have continuously distinguished the upper class of Europeans and also have led to development of distinctive national styles. The affluence of early modern Europe has led even the poor and peasants’ following the trends of fashion at a distance and this is the main motor of change in fashion.Advertising Looking for article on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The 16th century portraits in German and Italy makes a good example as there were changes in hats designs and it was referred as Spanish style (Timothy, 1999). Colour and pattern of clothes changed year after year but cuttings on length of dresses of both ladies and coats of men changed slowly. Men styles usually were imitated from military officers or in theatres of European war where men were able to dress up in foreign styles. Increased publication of French engravings that showed Paris styles made the fashion to change rapidly from 1780s. By 1800 western Europeans were dressing alike although there were local variations that distinguished pro vincial culture (Braudel, 2004). Dressmakers and tailors have contributed to the changes in fashion for they continue to invent new styles and designs in the market. Professional designers have a hand in the accelerated change in fashion. The flapper styles of 1920s for women marked the major changes in design. The length of skirts was shortened and they were made to be loose fitting (Cumming, 2005). Today, people have a wide range of fashion to choose from. The way a person dresses may reflect his/ her personality. Fashion varies across a society depending on culture, age, weather, occupation, generation and geography. Fashion industry developed as a result of modernity. With the new technologies, fashion industry has greatly developed and clothes are being made from simple to most complex fashion. This has led to changes in fashion and people always wanting to go with the most current fashion. People who like their culture continue making clothes relating to their culture though s lowly by slowly culture is being forgotten (Intellectual Property in Fashion Industry, 2005). Conclusion Fashion has continued to grow over centuries and this has been greatly contributed by modernity. Culture to some extent dictates the growth and adaption of a particular fashion. Fashion differentiates classes of people in the society where complex and sophisticated fashion is related with the rich and modernity. Change in fashion has been accelerating century after another as it has been now taken by many people as a career. Tailors, dressmakers, and designers have contributed to the increased trend in change of fashion. Fashion varies across a society depending on culture, age, weather, occupation, generation, and geography.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Fashion History’s Understanding specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Braudel, A. (2004). Understanding Fashion History. New York: Cost ume Fashion Press. Cumming, V. (2005). Western Fashion History. New York: Costume Fashion Press. Intellectual Property in Fashion Industry (2005). WIPO press release Laver, J. (1979). The Concise History of Costume and Fashion. London: Abrams press. Timothy, B. (1999). The Confusions of Pleasure: Commerce and Culture in Ming China. California: University of California Press. This article on Fashion History’s Understanding was written and submitted by user BenReilly 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.

The Best Way to Answer the “Aren’t You Overqualified” Interview Question

The Best Way to Answer the â€Å"Aren’t You Overqualified† Interview Question In an ideal world, we’d all be applying for (and getting) a job that is a perfect, snug fit for our skills, experience, and career goals. In the real world, that’s not always an option. Maybe you were laid off, and are seeking a foot (any foot!) back in the door of your career path. Perhaps you’re feeling stalled in your current job, and are looking to move back a step or two to get new skills and experience. Whatever the reason, it could very well lead to the dreaded â€Å"aren’t you overqualified for this position?† question in an interview. Does â€Å"overqualified† necessarily have to translate to â€Å"disqualified†? While this question can feel judge-y and like a bit of a dead end, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some strategies to consider if/when it comes up.DO emphasize your commitment to the job at hand.This question is really about the interviewer’s concern that you will fly the coop as soon as a more suitable job comes along. So your first step in answering should be managing that concern. Acknowledge that you may have more experience or seniority than the job description requires, but make sure the interviewer knows that you are interested in the long-term potential for this position.DON’T turn it into a joke.When acknowledging that yeah, you might have more experience than necessary to be a junior copywriter, don’t use it as a *wink wink, nudge nudge* jokey moment. Even if you’re kidding when you say something like, â€Å"Oh, it’s really only temporary. I’m outta here as soon as my lottery money comes through,† it can confirm the interviewer’s fear that you’re just looking for a for-now paycheck, and s/he will be rehiring in six months’ time. It’s a serious question, and deserves a serious, well-thought-out response.DO be honest†¦If you’ve been unemployed for a while, your resume will show that. It’s okay to be up front and say that you understand that this might not be the most orthodox choice for someone with your history, but that you’re looking to commit to something permanent, with growth potential. Emphasize that with the job market the way it is, you’re seeking a place to put down roots and flourish, using everything you’ve learned along the way.†¦But DON’T feel like you have to tell the whole story.If you applied for an entry-level position (despite 15 years of experience) out of desperation, try to keep that note out of the discussion. A sob story may get pity from an interviewer, but it’s not likely to net a job offer. Make sure the focus stays on your qualifications, and your commitment to the job.DO emphasize the opportunity presented.If necessary (like if the interviewer has a blatant case of Skeptical Face), make sure you drive the point home that you see this position as an opportunity, not a settling point. Talk about how the skills you have can push the position to a new level, while you learn even more about the field. Talk about where you want to grow professionally, and how the job fits in with that goal.DON’T shut the door to future growth.If the interviewer suggests (or says outright) that there may not be raises or promotion opportunities in this particular position, stick to your forward-looking script: â€Å"I understand that this particular position may not be where I want to be in 10 years, but I’m confident that the company would offer other opportunities for me to grow professionally and be of service. This company is where I want to be, and this job is the right starting place.†And the most important â€Å"don’t† of all in this case: DON’T let it discourage you. If the interviewer truly thought your experience was an automatic dealbreaker, you never would have gotten the interview call in the first place. This is a chance for you to m ake your case, and explain how your many qualifications work in your favor. Don’t let your hard-won experience pull you down. It can, will, and should work for you if you know how to spin it.

Societies under Shogun RuleThe Ming & Qing Essay

Societies under Shogun RuleThe Ming & Qing - Essay Example This period, which started in 1368 until 1644, is marked by the decline of the decadent feudal system and the emergence of the embryonic capitalism in China. However, Japan’s shogun period was part of the early feudal system that would dominate Japan for more than 700 years. (Morgan 2003, 42) As both Ming/Qing and the Shogun societies were established as feudal societies above all, therefore, they share many characteristics. For instance, both had governments and rulers who enforced control over a highly fragmented society. The shogunate in Japan imposed guidelines for the creation and preservation of a stable national structure. This was achieved by implementing a highly hierarchical society, wherein the primary morality is based upon public rapport between master and subordinate. (Ratti & Westbrook 1991, 62) Such perspective determined the shape and functionality of the major social organizations of the shogunate societies. To illustrate: one of the rules/norms in the Japanese society then was that there was no more despicable crime than that of rebellion against a master. Because of this hierarchical social structure, the shogun was able to elevate the social structure which sealed the subjects of the nation into classes according to a vertical order of pragmatic impo rtance drawing heavily upon the military character and strength of the warriors to whom all other subjects were subordinated. The social pyramid follows this structure with the shogun and his class at the top. From 1615 onward, laws specifically determining the legal positions of and functions of the imperial court and its aristocratic families (Kuge sho-hatto), of the military class (Buke Sho-hatto), of religious orders (Jin-hatto), of the farmers (Goson-hatto), of commoners in Edo and, by analogy, in every town (Edo-machiju-sadame) were issued by the military government of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Final examination essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Final examination - Essay Example stede’s dimensions for comparative cross-cultural studies, and they have led to many useful explanations of cross-cultural differences in consumer behavior. The main reason that may have rendered Hofstede’s useful is that these dimensions are independent. Only two dimensions are interdependent, and these are collectivism and power distance. Together with national wealth, Hofstede’s dimensions can be used to explain more than half of the differences in consumer behavior. Tompenaars’ dimensions do not show results that are as consistent as the Hofstede dimensions. The word cultura is a Latin word closely related to cultus which means cult or worship. Therefore, culture may be considered as the result of human action. According to Hofstede (2001), national culture is the broadest level of culture that a person can be a member of. People are shaped by their national culture from their early childhood through beliefs, values and assumptions inherent in it. The theory of cultural dimensions is central to the study of consumer behavior across the world especially in analyzing the effect of culture on consumer behavior. The Theory of Cultural Dimensions was introduced in 1980 by Geert Hofstede. This theory was based on his study of cultural solutions to organizational problems involving 117,000 employees at IBM in 40 countries. According to Hofstede (2001), the individualism dimension describes the relations between the individual and the collectivity that exists in a given society. His dimension represents a society that has loose ties between ind ividuals. Individualistic countries stress the importance of human independence, and individual liberty and self-reliance. Individualists promote the unrestricted exercise o individual goals and desires. Mooij (2010) terms power distance as the degree to which less influential members of the public admit that power is unevenly distributed. In the world, there are both high-power and low-power distance cultures.

How would Fredrickson explain Alexies essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How would Fredrickson explain Alexies - Essay Example e work provided, the virtue of all American institutions and people, and the mission aimed at spreading all these institutions (Colombo, Cullen and Lisle 449). These themes were aimed at remaking and saving the entire earth as seen by America. The arguments supporting these themes claimed that America could make a better and new society that could be termed as beginning of a new world. There are a number of ethnic relations models in America presented by George Frederickson but in this essay the greater focus in on the historical perspective. In his representation, he has a presentation of the ethnic relations evolution that he ultimately did using four main concepts; cultural pluralism, ethnic hierarchy, group separation and one-way assimilation. The author used the latter to show that the outsiders, commonly referred to as minorities, were not to be considered as outsiders anymore. These groups of the blacks, native Americans, Irish individuals were expected to experience equity and complete participation in the society of the Americans. This meant that all the minorities had to confirm to the culture of the Americans. The one way assimilation model explained just as one assimilates into the American culture, it was essential to have all the people in America interact and communicate without instances of miscommunication (Nguyen 16). A good example is the divers e meaning of nodding ones head in a case of answering a question among the American and Bulgarian people. In America, nodding ones head means complying or a positive answer whereas it is the complete opposite in Bulgaria. However, one assimilation model provides information that ensures adaptation of such a person to the American culture without miscommunications. Fredrick essay provided a description of all available American ethnic relations. In addition, he wrote to depict the manner in which these different groups were supposed to interrelate so that they would handle each other in the creation of a

Definition Of Motivation In Sport

Definition Of Motivation In Sport This reviewed research is on motivation in sport. A variety of definitions and approaches to the study motivation will be discussed. One of the forms of motivation being discussed will be intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivations are very important for promoting satisfaction and long term participation in sport. There are three academic approaches to the study of intrinsic motivation: behavioral, cognitive, and motivational. Researchers have found that the intrinsic motivation of athletes seems very important for continuing participation, and elite performance in sport. Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that an individual has that comes from outside sources. The motivating forces are external or exterior rewards such as money or awards. These rewards supply fulfillment and satisfaction that the mission itself may not supply. Another form of motivation has to do with gender. Researches have determined that there are motivational differences among male and femal e sports. Its also been determined that male and female athletes possess different strengths and weaknesses within the motivational climate. Some detailed differences stated were that men had higher levels of motivation in competition, social acknowledgment, strength and endurance, where women had stronger motivation to control weight. The last factor I will cover is cultural effect on motivation. Introduction to your Research Topic Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are both adaptable and adjust in reaction to specific situations. While not easy to define, intrinsic motivation can be explained as an internal drive to perform an activity. While extrinsic motivation is known as an external motivating source that drives action. It is said that people attribute their behavior either to an internal or external source. Intrinsic motivation correlates positively when people attribute their motivation to internal sources, while extrinsic motivation is correlated to belief in an external source for their behavior (Wiersma, U. J., 1992). Extrinsic motivation, by definition, is changeable since it is an external motivator one can change the reward or external. Meta-analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational research by Deci, Koestner and Ryan (1999) found that intrinsic motivation is negatively affected when tangible extrinsic motivation is attached to the behavior. This undermining of intrinsic motivation is post ulated to be the result of a perceived decrease in autonomy and competency by the individual receiving the extrinsic reward. Self-determination Theory states that humans have three innate needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Of these, autonomy and competence are the key drivers of intrinsic motivation (Franken, 2002). As a result we see that intrinsic motivation can be changed by adding an extrinsic motivating component. Background of the Research Topic When you start discussing the nature of motivation of sport through gender, you have to ask yourself a question. Has the perceptions of sports progressed in ways that reflect participation in sport? Additional contribution in media exposure of high action sports has increased considerably since the earlier studies had examined attitudes toward gender-appropriate sports. Motivation in sports and exercise has been studied over the last century but only in recent decades has motivation by gender been analyzed. Studies in the area of motivation by gender in these sports and exercise fields: individual and team sports and exercise, martial arts, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and general sports participation and exercise (Kilpatrick, Hebert, Bartholomew, 2005). These results were the most consistent throughout the reports with other similarities and differences noted with each study. Deci, et al. (1999) stated that intrinsic motivation can also be improved by increasing an individuals perceptions of autonomy and ability. Deci, et al. (1999) also showed that research supported the notion that extrinsic motivations impact on intrinsic motivation was influenced by the controlling nature of those extrinsic rewards. For example, positive feedback that is not measured as controlling would likely add to a persons perceived ability to have a positive effect on their intrinsic motivation. Vallerand (2000) looks at motivation in a multidimensional approach that changes more than the differences in intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. He states that motivation for both is on a scale that ranges from a high to low level of willpower and that operates on three distinctive levels: global which is an individuals overall general motivation in a specific domain or field such as education or sports. Situational or the here and now. For each of these levels individuals can have dive rse motivation levels both intrinsic and extrinsic way. For instance, a person can be greatly intrinsically motivated to participate in sports, but less intrinsically motivated concerning education (global). However, if a person is feeling sick or tired, they may not have the equal intrinsic motivation to participate in sports activities that day (situational). Extrinsic rewards can be useful to both and impact situational motivation in both the short and long term. For example, that individual might be highly motivated to do well on a test and receive a good grade (extrinsic motivation) so that they can be eligible to play on their sports team (intrinsic motivation). Vallerand (2000) postulates that repeated levels of low levels of situational intrinsic motivation will likely have a diminishing effect on the larger contextual intrinsic motivation. He highlights research done on motivation to play basketball where intrinsic motivational levels were affected by situational motivation al levels during tournament games. This research has many implications for organizations and educational situations. While understanding that extrinsic motivation is one of the main drivers of the business world, compensation and other incentive packages need to address their impact on intrinsic motivation and be developed in ways that will reduce the adverse affects or possibly even add to the intrinsic motivational levels. More research on real life situations would be beneficial. Impact on sports Gender: Even though the experiences of many girls and women in the United States point to the opposite, research demonstrates that media always present sports as the a male dominated field (Duncan Sayaovong, 1990; Hardin, Lynn, Walsdoff, Hardin, 2002; Pedersen, 2002). Several studies have established that female athletes have been greatly underrepresented in the media (Bernstein, 2002; Pedersen, 2002). The rationale for this may possibly be that the mainly accepted sports in the country are those looked upon to be masculine sports (Messner, 2002). However, since Title IX, the progress of women into various sports that are not considered feminine has been extraordinary. Women participate in practically all types of sport, including those used to display the ultimate masculinity. Even though gender-role differences are natural in accepted perception, research has extensively demonstrated that, as an alternative, most are publicly constructed (Bandura, 1986; Messner, 2002). Gender stereotypin g is everywhere, unseen regulators of relationships and opportunities. Banduras social cognitive theory is a key in understanding the factors in socialization. The theory argues that behavior, environmental actions, and cognitive factors work to form attitudes and action. Individuals consider action and its result, projecting cost and adjusting accordingly. Therefore, action is not a result of imprinted histories as much as it is a result of cognized futures (Bandura, 1986, p. 19). Bandura emphasizes the role of the media in social learning so much that, he argues; television persuade has dethroned the primacy of interpersonal experience. As a result, life models the media (Bandura, 1986, p. 20). Findings of previous research Gender Motivation is a crucial factor within the sport and exercise field. Understanding what and how motivation works is equally important. Based on these reviews gender also plays a role within the motivational climate. Studies have revealed variations in motivational factors within each gender. In Chie-der, Chen, Hung-yu, and Li-Kangs journal 87 male and 87 female basketball players from the HBL were selected for the research. Four research questionnaires were used to measure four phenomena: participants goal orientation, the motivational climate they perceived, perceived personal athletic ability, perceived personal sport-related confidence (Chie-der, Chen, Hung-yu, Li-Kang,2003). Using a t test gender differences were detected. Males tended to record higher scores than females for sports related confidence variables. Males scored higher within ego orientation, perceived ability, and in physical performance. Females tended to score higher in task orientation, perceived task climate, and leadership styles (Chie-der, Chen, Hung-yu, Li-Kang,2003). In Kilpatrick, Hebert, Bartholomews study 233 students were studied, 132 women, 101 men. The purpose behind this study was to compare sports participation and exercise motivation through a highly differentiated scale of physical activity. The second objective was to investigate the impact of gender on motivation. This study determined that men were more highly motivated then women when it came to endurance and strength, social recognition, challenge, and most notably competition, where women were more motivated by weight management (Kilpatrick, Hebert, Bartholomew, 2005). It was further suggested in this analysis that motivations to engage in sports differed from motivators to engage in exercise. It was also noted that more of the health related motives were linked to exercise opposed to sports participation thus indicating that sports participation are more closely related to intrinsic motives. It was suggested that based on these findings that men leaned more closely to intrinsic motivation then women. This study further implied that men viewed exercise and fitness opportunities as a means to achieve ego related goals that support their sports participation where as women seemed to enjoy exercise and sports participation equally (Kilpatrick, Hebert, Bartholomew, 2005). Conclusions section It is concluded that it is important for coaches, teachers and parents to stress to young athletes the need to improve skills, teamwork and sportsmanship over the win at all costs attitude. Terms/concepts Self-determination Goal orientations Motivational climate Perceived competence Behavioral Cognitive Motivational Global motivation Situational motivation Perceptions References page JAM Murcia,(2008) Relationships among Goal Orientations, Motivational Climate and Flow in Adolescent Athletes: Difference by Gender,The Spanish Journal of Psychology, volume 11, number 1, 181-191. Kilpatrick, Hebert, and Bartholomew, (2005) College Students Motivation for Physical Activity: Differentiating Mens and Womens Motives for Sport Participation and Exercise, Journal of American College Health, volume 54, number2 Gareth W. Jones, Ken S. Mackay, and Derek M. Peters, (2006) Participation Motivation in Martial Artists in the West Midlands Region of England, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine CSSI, 28-34 Dongfang Chie-der, Steve Chen, Chou Hung-yu, and Chi Li-Kang, (2003), Gender Differential in the Goal Setting, Motivation, Perceived Ability, and Confidence Sources of Basketball Players, The Sport Journal ISSN 1543-9518 Gillison, Standage, Skevington, (2006), Relationships among adolescents weight perceptions, exercise goals, exercise motivation, quality of life and leisure-time exercise behavior: a self-determination theory approach, Oxford Journals, Vol. 21, no. 6 Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., and Ryan, R. M., (1999). Meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic reward and intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin (125). Retrieved on November 13, 2010 from EBSCOhost. Franken, R. E., (2002). Human Motivation. Wadsworth, Belmont, CA. Vallerand, R. J., (2000). Deci and Ryans Self-Determination Theory: A view from the Hierarchical Model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Wiersma, U. J., (1992). The effects of extrinsic rewards in intrinsic motivation: A meta-analysis. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (65). Retrieved on November 13, 2010 from EBSCOhost.

Death Of A Salesman-The Flute As A Motif Essay

Death Of A Salesman The Flute as a Motif A motif is anything that occurs several times in the course of a literary work. Because they are repeated so often, motifs tend to show what is permanent in a character, a society or even the human condition. Even so, they also serve to establish a tone, a way of feeling about what is happening. In the story of â€Å"Death of a Salesman,† the flute serves as a vital motif throughout the entire play. Firstly, the flute is used to show failure to the past which Willy lived and it then begins to live it on the present. Throughout the play, it is clear to see in many of the scenes, where Willy beings to drift off that the flute appears most of the time. This is a way to show that Willy is having a â€Å"regression† or a sort of failure. On page 18 of the novel, â€Å"He breaks off in amazement and fright as the flute is heard distantly (Miller, page18). † This fact, that Willy breaks off, a sign of losing his temper and having one of his usual, but strange attacks, showing his sickness and the disturbance in his mind. The flute here is heard at a distance in order to show that Willy is slightly going out of his mind. Also, the flute is also a way for Willy to remember his father who was one of Willy’s most important role models. Throughout the play, it associates the playing of the flute with Willy remembering his father, who would make and sell flutes. So, while reminding him of his father, the flute takes him back in time to his young years and his childhood. â€Å"Father was a very great and a very wild-hearted man. We would start in Boston. And he’d toss the whole family into the wagon, and then he’d drive the team right across the country; through Ohio, and Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and all the Western States. And we’d stop in the towns and sell the flutes that he’s made on the way (Miller, page 49). † So, this reminds him of his father and he wishes he could be just like him as he was â€Å"free† and fulfilled his goals and dreams. He’s remembering his childhood as he talks about the different places that they traveled. Furthermore, the flute is used to show disturbance within the mind of a character or â€Å"sickness† which Willy is suffering. It’s used to show the audience that Willy is sick and that his mind is also sick. Each time he dreams or drifts off to imagination, the flute is heard in the background or at a distance. â€Å"From the right, Willy Loman, the Salesman enters, carrying two large sample cases. The flute plays on. He hears but is not aware of it (Miller, page 12). † The connotation of the flute here is being used as a way to show disturbance within Willy’s mind because he is not aware of the flute although it is being played. â€Å"The flute has faded away. He sits on the bed beside her, a little numb (Miller, page 13). † Since the flute stops playing, he seems numb and seems to be imagining things, which is his sickness. Moreover, the flute is also used as a characteristic of Willy because each time Willy appears, the flute is there with him. Even at his death, the flute seems to be there in the distance. â€Å"A melody is heard, playing upon a flute (Miller, page 11). † The opening stage directions begin with the flute and it is connected with the character entering as Willy is the first character introduced to the audience. â€Å"Biff remains a slight distance up and left of Linda. She sits there, summoning herself. The flute begins, not far away playing behind her speech (Miller, page 139). † Here, the flute is being used as a characteristic of the character because Willy has already passed away and Linda remembers Willy. In remembering him, the flute plays. Hence, it represents the flute as a motif associated with Willy Loman. Lastly, â€Å"Only the music of the flute is left on the darkening stage as over the house the hard towers of the apartment buildings rise into sharp focus, and the curtain falls (Miller, page 139). † The play ends with the flute being heard in the background and once again Willy Loman is alone and dead while his family leaves. The flute still continues to play as the curtain falls. In conclusion, the flute is a vital motif in the novel â€Å"Death of a Salesman† because it represents many things. It is important in showing the failure to the past which Willy lived and it then begins to live it on the present. Also, the flute is also a way for Willy to remember his father who was one of Willy’s most important role models. Furthermore, the flute is used to show disturbance within the mind of a character or â€Å"sickness† which Willy is suffering. Lastly, the flute is also used as a characteristic of Willy because each time Willy appears, the flute is there with him. The flute has undeniably shown great importance and significance in â€Å"Death of a Salesman. † Bibliography: Miller Arthur. Death of a Salesman, Penguin Books, 1976.

Leadership Style Essay

Effective leadership is contingent on matching a leader’s style to a setting that fits (Northouse, 2007). According to Fiedler’s Contingency Theory, leadership styles are operationalized primarily on two ends of a spectrum, they are characterized as task motivated, or relationship motivated (Northouse, 2007). I believe in the adage that practice makes perfect. In this paper, I will look into an alternative way for leaders to lead when they find themselves situated in an unfavorable situation. In the case of leadership; an administrator, manager, or supervisor should use a reflective mindful praxis to improve their ability to make decisions that will achieve optimal outcomes from the organizations they lead in all situations, especially unfavorable ones. Fiedler’s research demonstrates, in essence, if you don’t fit the team mold, you are unfit to lead the team. The contingency model asserts that leadership styles can be gauged by the Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) scale. This model posits leadership styles on a spectrum ranging from task motivated, low LPC, or relationship motivated, high LPC. The contingency aspect ties the leadership styles to situational variables of the organization. The situational variables include leader-member relations, task structure and positional power (Northouse, 2007). Leader-member relations are characterized as good or poor depending on feelings found in the group atmosphere, relationships and trust. Although there is no scale for the task structure, the situational variable in the model, there is a clear definition of the term. The variable is operationalized by high structure and low structure. Position power is characterized by the authority a leader has to deliver the proverbial carrot or the stick, i. e. rewards and punishments (Northouse, 2007). Fiedler has an understanding of why leaders in the wrong setting are ineffective (Northouse, 2007). The correlation between the leader’s LPC score and the group or organization’s performance depended (or was contingent) on the degree to which the leadership situation was â€Å"favorable†(Fiedler, 1995). A leader in an uncomfortable and unfitting situation experiences stress and anxiety (Northouse, 2007). A leader under stress is likely to exhibit inappropriate behaviors and revert to less mature ways of coping that were learned in early development (Northouse, 2007). The leader’s less appropriate behaviors and decisions result in negative work outcomes (Northouse, 2007). This may be true in most situations; however, with our proposed alternative model, the M Model (M2), leaders can be taught how to transform their leadership style so that it transforms poor situations into good situations with successful outcomes. Hackman and Wagemann (2007) believe it is essential that we understand how to help leaders learn. Leaders can become even more effective if they are able to learn from their experience, both successes and failures without assigning cause to something or someone out of their control (Hackman and Wagemann, 2007). The M2 posits a leader learning strategy grounded in metacognition and mindfulness. Cognitive psychologists use the term metacognition to describe our ability to assess our own skills, knowledge, or learning (Lang, 2012). Chew describes metacognition as a person’s awareness of his or her own level of knowledge and thought processes (Lang, 2012). As stated by Kruger and Dunning, â€Å"those with limited knowledge in a domain suffer a dual burden: Not only do they reach mistaken conclusions and make regrettable errors, but their incompetence robs them of the ability to realize it† (Krugger, Dunning, 1999). The M2 way is to practice metacognition as it relates to leadership skills and behaviors. M2 practitioners develop a practical understanding of their leadership abilities in various settings and they use their metacognitive awareness to improve their leadership skills in various situations. The other half of the M2 way is for the leader to be fully aware of their actions and the likely outcomes. This strategy is met by improving one’s mindfulness. Put simply, mindfulness practice is being aware of what is, what is happening now in the present moment (Bing, 2012). Goldman (2010) uses a definition of mindfulness from Rinchen in 2001. Rinchen’s definition of mindfulness situated in the leadership context is: â€Å"ridding ourselves of negative mental states and fostering and developing constructive ones† (Goldman, 2010). Mindfulness has shown to be effective in improving one’s performance in stressful situations (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Therefore, the M2 strategy is to teach the leader to be aware of their actions in the moment and this is accomplished vis a vis a practice of mindfulness. We postulate this mindful awareness will allow the M2 leader to make better choices in whatever situation they find themselves in. The keystone of the M Model (M2) is reflective leadership praxis. Praxis is the practice of an art or craft, such as leading (Bing Dictionary, 2012). Through reflection leaders analyze various leadership concepts, evaluate their experiences, and develop their personal leadership theory (Astin, 2000). Reflection provides leaders with the opportunity to examine and question and develop beliefs and values. It involves observation, questioning, and putting facts, ideas, and experiences together to construct new meaning and wisdom (UNK). Yukl (2008) finds that effective leaders are flexible and adaptive. We expect the M2 method combining metacognition, mindfulness and reflective practice will develop effective leaders. The proper place to begin is often at the beginning. The M2 solution posits that the leader must not only know themselves, but also their organization. With that knowledge of themselves and their organization applied to the contingency theory we can propose a solution to Fiedler’s catch 22 that a leader in a poor situation is doomed. The M2 solution begins at the point when a leader finds herself in a poor situation. The M2 leader knows her strengths, LPC score and other relevant situational and organizational information. She is taught to assess the organization thoroughly based on the situational variables. The assessment leads to the realization she is in the wrong situation and with M2 skills this discovery is made sooner than later. Knowing she is in the wrong situation the leader can take action to alleviate the stress that, Fiedler suggested, leads to poor decision making. Upon realizing she is in the poor and stressed situation the M2 leader will apply her reflective leadership practices for optimal outcomes. This is a set of practices that include development of the weekly or daily habit of reflecting upon actions taken and the results of those actions. The reflection will include a commitment to ongoing and summative written reflection and regular discussion with their M2 coach (Mabry, 1998). This reflection will lead the M2 leader to be more aware of her actions in the moment. This awareness will allow for a clearer understanding of a predictable result. Awareness in the moment will allow the M2 leader to choose a more appropriate action for the situation. This fits with the situational approached developed by Hersey and Blanchard. The premise of situational leadership is that an effective leader will be flexible and adapt to the situation (Northouse, 2007). The M2 hypothesizes that reflective praxis and mindful action will lead to improved organizational outcomes. Although Fiedler’s contingency theory has not always been collaborated by other research, it works. Our preliminary analysis predicts that the reflective leadership praxis of M2 will enhance the skills of the leader that finds herself in a favorable or unfavorable situation. The M2 practitioner in an unfavorable situation will not suffer the consequences of stress related poor decision-making. The M2 practitioner will be able to make choices that result in optimal outcomes not only for the organization but also for the people she leads.

Machiavelli and Morality Essay Essays

Machiavelli and Morality Essay Essays Machiavelli and Morality Essay Essay Machiavelli and Morality Essay Essay When reading Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince. one can’t aid but grasp Machiavelli’s statement that morality and political relations can non be in the same forum. However. when analyzing Machiavelli’s assorted constructs in deepness. one can reason that possibly his suggested force and immorality is fueled by a moral terminal of kinds. First and first. one must hold the apprehension that this book is aimed entirely at the Prince or Emperor with the express intent of helping him in keeping power. Therefore. it is indispensable to hold on his constructs of luck and virtuousness. These two contrary constructs reflect the mode in which a Prince should regulate while minimising all opportunity and uncertainness. This sort of regulating demands force to be taken. nevertheless this is merely done for the rigorous intent of keeping his throne. and bring forthing both fright and esteem from his people. In all instances of force. Machiavelli limits the sum of force that needs to be taken down to the lower limit. and most instances the victims of these Acts of the Apostless are enemies of the people. Behind the force. the prince is basically taking the function of the scoundrel and presuming all â€Å"bad† Acts of the Apostless so that his people do non hold to endure and perpetrate the Acts of the Apostless themselves. In add-on. all the Prince asks for is to non endanger his power and to esteem it. In the sixteenth Century. this petition is lame compared to those of other hierarchal Monarchies. In the terminal. Machiavelli’s Prince assumes all the load of force while go forthing his baronial people to move as they feel consequently without concern of their lively goon. This is Machiavelli’s ultimate shot of morality. Before analyzing how the interaction of force and political relations lead to morality in the terminal. it is of import to analyse precisely what Machiavelli demands of his Prince. First and first. Machiavelli harps upon the construct of luck and virtuousness. By luck. he means that everything is left to opportunity. while nil will vouch that a certain event will happen. Machiavelli writes that a â€Å"Great long standing Prince neer regulations with luck. † Through hazard and opportunity. one leaves him unfastened to failure ; therefore action should be withheld if an component of opportunity is involved. Machiavelli ties virtue really closely to that of prudence. He defines virtuousness as moving exceptionally and pull a differentiation between morality and virtuousness. In many respects Machiavelli defines virtuousness by prudence. If a swayer is able to equilibrate his force. maintain his topics appeased. and have a desperate apprehension of his menaces. so in Machiavelli’s eyes the swayer has a strong virtuousness. What must be understood is that the throne is ever in hazard and person is ever at that place to seek to strike hard the prince off his base. This is a premier apprehension that a prince must hold. and fuels the ill-famed statement by Machiavelli that it is better to be feared than loved. Machiavelli explains that. for the most portion. love is really subjective and finally will lessen unless farther grants are made to pacify his topics. In add-on. people merely care about their personal comfortss and a prince would hold to overstrain himself if he were to be loved by all. Fear. nevertheless. is non subjective and has a cosmopolitan consequence on all his people. Fear can be attained by sporadic violent Acts of the Apostless. One must understand. nevertheless. that monolithic sums of force can non be done because it would portray the Prince as autocrat. and might stir up his people to revolt against him. The Acts of the Apostless must be calculated. concise. and serve a direct intent non merely to his benefit but to the people’s besides. Despite what might be assumed. Machiavelli is truly developing a princedom based around the people. where the Prince’s actions are simply to salvage his ain caput from the chopping block. In kernel. Machiavelli’s ideal princedom sustains a echt sense of morality behind the force that â€Å"must be subjected in order to keep stableness. † Looking at his programs subjectively. Machiavelli could really easy hold broken down the topics in a hierarchal manner or forced upon them big amount revenue enhancements and responsibilities. He does non make this. alternatively choosing merely for the regard of the people and the deficiency of perfidy in personal businesss sing his power. The people in his land can populate with repose. and prosecute whatever they so desire. This freedom of the people and ability to move as they feel is more than a simple convenience. Personal chase of felicity of all is given by the Prince but at his disbursal. All that the people must make is esteem and non endanger the Prince’s power. On the contrary. the Prince sacrifices his ain motivations. ethical motives. and personal felicity so that his topics may hold them. Basically. Machiavelli paints the Prince as a Christ figure. It is the Prince who takes off the wickednesss of the universe. so to talk. He gives up his ethical motives so that other may maintain and care for theirs. Machiavelli steadfastly insists that political relations and morality can non co-exist. The chief ground is that moral behaviour is consistent and can be predictable. Consistency and predictability are significannot ly weak constituents of a swayer. and could be exploited by his enemies. When a form of action is established. plotters can cabal and be after an overthrow. These plotters would so loot and plunder as they came to power ; hence declining the state of affairs in the land. The people so would go the victims. and lawlessness would shortly interrupt out making all sorts of upset. So. although the purposes of moral political actions are good. in the terminal they will take to immoral Acts of the Apostless. The actions he takes are non merely violent oppressive activities instead they are forfeits. He is the 1 who must populate with the guilt of wickedness. non his constitutes. In footings of morality. the Prince does non demand any unmoral action from his topics. He shoulders it all. It is besides the Prince who. although it is besides for his personal safety. eliminates the autocrats that non merely endanger his throne but besides his people. Along the same lines as holding lawlessness or public violences. the riddance of other power hungry persons evaporates the menace of subjugation on the people from another exterior beginning. One thing that remains consistent in his princedom is that people maintain their award and regard. and this unselfish forfeit is what makes the Prince’s actions in actuality rather moral. Another facet that one can non assist but disregard is that fact the Prince assumes the place of swayer at the costs and outlooks. For being a Prince. he must at times be prudent and cognizant of his place with the people. Machiavelli writes â€Å"the Prince must be seen as moral by the people. † The fact underlies the importance of morality for Machiavelli. Without morality and without the impression of morality in a Prince. civil upset will happen. Morality. with its uncertainnesss. provides at the really least a common non-violent base in which topics have a set of regulations could populate by. What makes morality of import to the Prince is that it besides allows him a legislative act of kinds. For illustration. if people operate by their ethical motives than the Prince has non to worry such jobs as stealing. violent death and other immoral actions. Therefore. merely by looking to be moral. morality can be used as a tool to command and tackle the people below him. As Prince. Machiavelli’s being and power is invariably threatened. However. it is non merely a occupation or power that the Prince would lose if he is to be overthrown from his place. It is. in bend. his life that the Prince would lose if he were overtaken. Therefore. it could be conceived that the Prince is moving and utilizing force merely to salvage his ain life. Salvaging a life. even it is your ain. follows within the moral codification. You could though expression at the state of affairs from a different position. Machiavelli argues that the merely notable place a moral individual can presume is that of a sufferer. However. I disagree with this statement because although one could be reveled as a sufferer. the possible effects of a new prince’s statutes far outweigh the benefits of being a sufferer. As a sufferer people merely go energized and back up your cause. However. if a Prince is such sufferers. that would intend a new Prince is in power and could transfuse far worse conditions upon the people. Therefore. with his topics as the top precedence. morality demands that the Prince must remain alive and let the people to thrive under his free monarchy. Machiavelli’s Prince is a book in which Machiavelli outlines the actions a Prince must take to keep and keep power in a princedom. Within the context of the book. Machiavelli brings away the impression that prudent force must be done in order to keep the throne. In add-on. he strongly expresses the political orientation that a Prince can non be both moral and political. However. behind this statement lays the foundation of morality. The Prince’s evil actions although non moral seem to prolong morality for the topics within his princedom. The Prince assumes all immoral behaviours and therefore. by forfeits himself for the people. is so moral in the terminal.

Free Essays on Functionlism in School

Functionalism stands in almost in every body’s theories of schooling. The political bearings controlled by the government’s standings. The intellectual, of those seeking for more knowledge. The social skill that are picked up, and the economical aspects of our city. These four are the most recognizable in schooling. There is however other smaller functions in schooling. These are just the one I will be focusing on. The political aspects I think are one of the more important. Those studies included are history, social studies and economics. The pledge of allegiance, which is a great way to promote pride in our country. When I was in school I used to say it every day. The school system is starting to get away from these old ways. Knowing our history is probably if not the most important a very close second. As a species you can only improve by learning from our mistakes. The importance of this function is to keep our pride were it is supposed to be, at home. If you don’t realize what our ancestors have gone through you’ll never comprehend the modern day struggles. The conflict over in the Middle East is based on fighting for our beliefs as our forefathers did so long ago. So many other countries also revolt under a new constitution based on the one that was written in collaboration of the new government. The intellectual function is more deeply rooted the any other. This part is based solely on the person being an educated one. The search for wisdom has always been a journey for those with open minds. Those who grasp more always want more. Those who want more never lose in the society of today. When you look for more understanding you get more privileges. These privileges are not those of the common person but those of an educated one. There is knowledge taught in schools but that only to an extent. Those who are truly seeking journey, not in a physical but a mental state in which life can only teach. Those being so strande... Free Essays on Functionlism in School Free Essays on Functionlism in School Functionalism stands in almost in every body’s theories of schooling. The political bearings controlled by the government’s standings. The intellectual, of those seeking for more knowledge. The social skill that are picked up, and the economical aspects of our city. These four are the most recognizable in schooling. There is however other smaller functions in schooling. These are just the one I will be focusing on. The political aspects I think are one of the more important. Those studies included are history, social studies and economics. The pledge of allegiance, which is a great way to promote pride in our country. When I was in school I used to say it every day. The school system is starting to get away from these old ways. Knowing our history is probably if not the most important a very close second. As a species you can only improve by learning from our mistakes. The importance of this function is to keep our pride were it is supposed to be, at home. If you don’t realize what our ancestors have gone through you’ll never comprehend the modern day struggles. The conflict over in the Middle East is based on fighting for our beliefs as our forefathers did so long ago. So many other countries also revolt under a new constitution based on the one that was written in collaboration of the new government. The intellectual function is more deeply rooted the any other. This part is based solely on the person being an educated one. The search for wisdom has always been a journey for those with open minds. Those who grasp more always want more. Those who want more never lose in the society of today. When you look for more understanding you get more privileges. These privileges are not those of the common person but those of an educated one. There is knowledge taught in schools but that only to an extent. Those who are truly seeking journey, not in a physical but a mental state in which life can only teach. Those being so strande...

Benefits of mobile applications in hospitality indusrty Essay

Benefits of mobile applications in hospitality indusrty - Essay Example in the service industry have a duty to identify the major resources that can help them generate competitive advantages in the course of their operations. Additionally, they have to be in a better position access these resources and capitalize on them effectively in the process of improving the performance of their businesses while being competitive in the industry. The type and relevance of resources changes from one company to another and may also rely on the factors present in the business’ external environment. So far, it is evident that some of the old resources used by companies in the past like personal contacts and offering low prices are fast losing their effectiveness as competitive advantages. These resources are being replaced by branding and quality as some companies have adopted them (Tsai, Song & Wong, 2009). Most companies, not only in the hospitality industry, have been researching and trying on new technologies in order to improve their competitiveness and enhance the quality of their products and services. When companies are developing these new technologies, they ensure that they set new policies and regulations to guide the use and application of these technologies in their business operations. One of the newly found competitive advantages for business and in the hospitality industry is dependence on information and technology. Information technology like the internet and mobile technology have become relatively new and significant sources of competitive advantages to firms. These technologies are very different from the previous strategies that some companies have relied on to enhance their operations and service delivery. Interestingly, most of the recent conventional researches and studies have not effectively portrayed information technology to be a significant factor that can enhance the success and excellence in companies’ performance (PraniÄ ević, Alfirević, & Ã…  temberger, 2011). Additionally, some recent studies have argued

GBS---JP MORGAN CHASE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

GBS---JP MORGAN CHASE - Essay Example Several factors such as business laws, political stability, economical stability, information and communication technology, social activities and cultural practices affect the business environment and some of these factors are difficulty to analyze since they occur at the global and large scale levels. The strategy is a worldwide analysis of various areas and regions as new market to be exploited to increase their profitability through international diversification. It involves coming up with authority structures along with function of the organization that may include managerial designs, organizational structures, supervision resources and employees and executive’s competence, interactions with the subsidiary of the organizations and managing strategy (The Strategic Management Society, n.y.) The analysis helps the managers understand the internal and external environmental factors that affect the operation of the organization as well as how the organization interact with thes e environmental factors in order to improve its efficiency by evaluation of the available data, and identification of environmental aspects to be analyzed through SWOT investigations, Porter’s five forces examinations, value chain studies, PEST investigations among others (Downey 2007, P 3). This paper will critically evaluate the internalization strategy of JP Morgan Chases. History of JP Morgan Chase The origin this organization can be traced back to the year 1971 when it was started as Drexel, Morgan & Co as an agent for European executives and investors in United States America, later the company grew to a well-established private and foreign bank with wide customer base. The company has undergone a lot of changes and expansion through acquisition and merger to form the current JP Morgan Chase. JP Morgan Chase is the biggest banking organization in United States of America with about 1.56 trillion in US dollars Asset base and 123.2 billion in US dollars in form of Equity (Datamonitor 2010, P. 33). JP Morgan Chase is a United States of America based financial institution with its headquarters in New Yolk that was created subsequent to the merger of Chase Manhattan and J.P. Morgan (Marcial 2001, P. 107) to form a strong company at time when there was prediction that the economy will improve. The merger has impacted positively on the performance and valuation of the company (Bernstein research 2001, P. 67).The company offer financial services such as asset management, commercial banking services, government bonds and treasury, investments banking, securities and shares services and cash deposited and withdrawal banking services through various divisions’ and subsidiaries to its customers across the globe in more than sixty countries for more than two hundred years. The company vision is to help its customers to become financially independent through management and planning of their wealth and operates in United States of America, Middle East, Eu rope and Africa and has 261,453 across the globe. (MarketLine 2012, P. 3). The company recorded growth of 7.6 percent in their working profit and 9.2 percent in their net profit for the physical year that ended in December 2012 (MarketLine 2012, P. 3). The company has a strategy to overturn their performance and also