Abstract This paper looks at five different tasks and at five important functions that a manager plays in insuring a company's success. The roles that a manager plays include--motivating employees, coordinating different workers in either the company, or within a specific division, insuring that the company's goals are maintained, insuring clear communication with the workers in the department and finally, encouraging employees to bring innovative ideas to management's attention.
From the Paper "Third, the manager must ensure that in addition to being coordinated with each other, the work that each employee does is also coordinated with the overall goals of the company ? something that again each individual worker may not be in the position to assess on his own or her own. This is not to imply that individual workers are being negligent; indeed, the reverse may well be true. A worker engaged as deeply as possible in ensuring that his or her own corner of the company's business is being taken care of may simply not have time to attend to what other workers are doing. And this inability of each worker to know what other workers are doing is, of course, made even more likely when not all aspects of a company's business are carried out in the same building, as is so often the case today. It is hardly reasonable to ask the average worker in an American factory to know what someone in Singapore is doing, even if the subcomponents that the two are producing will eventually end up adjacent to each other in a CPU or subcompact. Such coordination is, however, the job of the manager."
Abstract This paper outlines the concept of leadership and the characteristics of an effective leader. It includes a discussion of the knowledge necessary for leadership including how to motivate people, and the ability to be a good communicator as well as listener.
From the Paper "The essence of leadership is the ability to motivate people. The first principle that a leader must know is what motivates their employees. Teachers must know what motivates their students. People are not motivated by money alone. They are motivated by many factors including praise, recognition, high self esteem, and other emotional and physical factors. There are many qualities, which make a good leader and many methods to motivating those under you. This paper will focus on the qualities necessary to being an effective leader.
Charles James, of the Institute for Innovation, Integration, and Impact, Inc., identified the characteristics, which make a good leader. In the modern world an effective leader must strive to maintain balance in all areas of their life, both professional and personal. He discusses the idea of "inner integration" as achieving a balance between all of those facets. A person who achieves better inner integration is a better communicator with others. An integrated thinker must be able to relate to other people on their level. This requires the ability to think like them. (James, 2002)."
Abstract As companies seek to become more flexible and better able to respond to changes in today's dynamic business environment, they are implementing change at a far faster rate than at any time in the past. While this dynamism may provide some level of competitive advantage, it can result in problems internally that companies find difficult to overcome. Management may recognize, for example, the need to implement or upgrade a computer system. Employees, on the other hand, may view the change as merely cosmetic and a change which takes away from their productivity as they learn the new system and go through training classes.
From the Paper "Introduction
As companies seek to become more flexible and better able to respond to changes in today's dynamic business environment, they are implementing change at a far faster rate than at any time in the past. While this dynamism may provide some level of competitive advantage, it can result in problems internally that companies find difficult to overcome. Management may recognize, for example, the need to implement or upgrade a computer system. Employees, on the other hand, may view the change as merely cosmetic and a change which takes away from their productivity as they learn the new system and go through training classes. Resistance to change, if strong enough, can impede and even sabotage a company's move to success. This research examines the need for change management, issues which may cause resistance to change, and ways to ..."
Abstract Examines the pattern of ideas in this book on group dynamics. Primacy of the group in individual life experience. Group theory applied to effective problem solving. Factors of effective communication, social interaction, cooperation and leadership. Idea that social interaction can function for good or ill. Dynamics of social interchange. Types of groups.
From the Paper "This research examines the pattern of ideas in Joining Together: Group Theory & Group Skills by Johnson and Johnson, as well as the means by which the authors articulate their view of the primacy of group dynamics in individual life experience. The research will set forth the principal lines of thought in the text and then discuss the value of a solid grounding in group theory to the practice of effective problem solving via effective communication, social interaction, cooperation, and leadership.
Group theory cannot be understood apart from the concept of dynamics, i.e., that groups are living things, functioning as a consequence of communication and leadership (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p. 38), and functioning in a continual state of change. Indeed, changing patterns of communication and leadership are the ..."
Abstract Because of its pervasiveness, mass media such as magazines and television programs are increasingly in a position to influence the behavior and attitudes of teenage girls. In fact, television programs such as ER and sports-oriented teen magazines have been lauded for providing girls with positive role models. Unfortunately, these programs and magazines remain the exception rather than the rule. Rather than promote healthy lifestyles or give positive role models, much of the media targeted to teens are both physically and psychologically harmful. This paper examines two of these main effects ? the promotion of unhealthy habits and lifestyles and the growing tendency of these media forms to sexualize teens and turn them into consumers.
From the Paper "This need to conform to unrealistic body standards infects girls at a progressively earlier age. A recent study of 12,000 children between the ages of 9 and 14 show that media's influence on girls' dieting and weight concerns equaled the influence exerted by parents and peers ("Weight concerns in preteens and young teens influenced by media..."). This represents a change from just a decade ago, when parents and peers were the biggest socialization factors in an adolescent's life."
A discussion on how effective communication between individuals and groups is essential if the various activities, processes and resources are to fulfil the aims of the organisation.
Abstract This paper examines how in any organisation individuals must collaborate with their colleagues and how the success or failure of an organisation depends on how well its groups and individuals interact with each other. It shows how with correct communication, organisations can recognise any potential problems and deal with them before they become too serious. It demonstrates how each individual must fully understand their own aims, the aims of their group and overall company aims to successfully achieve them and how this can only be successful with effective communication within the workplace.
From the Paper "Motivation is a key aspect in achieving effective communication, a point clearly emphasised in Huczynski and Buchanan's "Organisational Behaviour". Managers who are able to motivate their staff will have a more productive workforce. How motivation is approached will depend on the type of organisation and culture of the workforce. Motivation helps increase employee's job enrichment, enables people to develop socially and have increased drive in their roles. Allowing and encouraging staff to socialise at work provides increased enjoyment and confidence. It also encourages the most common form of communication in organisations, the grapevine. This process involves staff communicating unofficial informal messages. Although not always accurate information, it increases knowledge of other colleges and the operation of the organisation."
Abstract Every country has its own particular way of doing things and its own social and cultural etiquette, and Mexico is no exception. This paper examines certain aspects of the Mexican business world. For example, in Mexico, relationships are extremely important. Therefore, a successful businessperson must understand the importance of forging a warm working relationship. Little things, such as shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, can make a huge difference when conducting business in this culture. In addition, foreigners must understand that the government has a large influence in private business, as a permit is required for most business transactions. Due to this control, many business practices in Mexico are corrupt. Many people who attempt to do business in Mexico find themselves vulnerable to shady deals if they do not take the time to learn about proper business etiquette and standards beforehand. This paper focuses on Mexico's culture, business etiquette, manners, habits, customs, forms, norms, and religion, in an attempt to provide a clear and concise report on doing business in Mexico.
From the Paper "When making an appointment to do business in Mexico, one may often need to schedule extra time, as Mexicans often schedule business appointments during siesta time (between 2 and 5 pm), when they will be off-duty (Abagados, 2001). In addition, they tend to schedule several appointments simultaneously, as they expect some cancellations. If everyone shows up, there will be a delay. In Mexico, it is a sign of power to make others wait."
Abstract This paper relates that, in the mission statement, Microsoft is committed to enabling consumers and businesses to realize their full potential. The author points out that, in order to achieve its mission, the company networks with consumers, innovates cutting edge technology, and targets a global audience. The paper concludes that the new mission statement of the company has been derived to rectify the damaged image of Microsoft in the industry.
Table of Contents
About the Company
Microsoft's Mission Statement
Customers
Products or Services
Markets
Technology
Concern for Public Image
Concern for Employees
Conclusion
From the Paper "Microsoft believes in recruiting individuals who are bright, creative and energetic. Another requirement for employees at the company is to realize, respect and follow the great values of the company. The values require the employees to be honest towards provision of services to consumers. The employees must show respect for consumers, technology and business partners. Employees must be ready to take on big challenges. Another significant value expect from the employees, which also compliments the mission of the company is an employee's commitment to self-improvement."
Tags: image, technology, employee, customer, global
Abstract Although the reporting of facts and figures is often thought of as an objective science, quite frequently even business reporting is characterized by logical fallacies, including but not limited to, appeals to ignorance, hasty generalizations, and ad hominem attacks. This paper argues that these logical fallacies are particularly common and pernicious in business reporting because of the frequently technically complex nature of the subject matter in regards to facts and figures, combined with the emotional texture of business reporting that involves the fabric and texture of individual lives. The paper shows that reporters wish to attract attention and render complexities comprehensible, but frequently fall into logically fallacious traps to accomplish these objectives. The paper provides examples from business reports to elaborate on the ideas.
From the Paper "This is particularly important to remember when reading the business section about distasteful individuals, because it is tempting to assume, when hearing about past dirty dealings, to either discount all of the information brought up by the person, because of the past character of the potential economic criminal, or to assume that he or she knew everything about the dark corporate dealings at the company. Even the lack of evidence is made to sound dark in the above-cited article's rhetoric: "Considering that he was the driving force behind Enron's growth, the micromanaging former CEO did an amazing job of distancing himself from its decline. He stopped selling stock four months before Enron collapsed"and left the company entirely two months beforehand. He rarely used e-mail. His signature is conspicuously, and uncharacteristically, absent from the approval sheets for some of Fastow's most controversial deals.? ("Who Will Fastow implicate"? January 19, 2004, Business Week Online retrieved on January 19, 2004 at http://www.aol.businessweek.com/bwdaily/index.html#top) The ad hominem attack is generally used as a kind of intellectual shorthand, equating man with message, rather than trying to understand the business at hand."
A discussion of the NSA's ability to intercept ordinary e-mails, faxes, telexes, and telephone communications carried over the world's telecommunications networks.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 7 sources, 2000, $ 41.95
From the Paper "The National Security Agency, or NSA, is a branch of the U.S. government responsible for monitoring data, and encoding and encrypting top-secret messages. Originally set up in 1952, it coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect U.S. information systems and produce foreign intelligence information. It enlists hundreds of the country's most skilled mathematicians and uses state-of-the-art computers in order to ensure that information is not leaked from the country, as well as to intercept messages from potential threats to the nation's security ("About NSA"). "
Abstract This paper argues that American Sign Language is the ultimate mode of communication for the deaf community. It explains that like any other language, ASL changes and evolves to meet the needs of those who use it. The same as no two hearing people pronounce a word exactly alike, no two deaf people sign exactly alike. It concludes that American Sign Language is a complete, natural language that is growing everyday.
From the Paper "American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by the deaf people in America and parts of Canada. Deafness, by definition, is the inability to hear spoken language, to discriminate and reproduce speech (Neisser 8). Because they weren?t able to understand sound or speech, ASL was developed by American Deaf people to communicate with each other and exists as long as there are Deaf Americans."
From the Paper "February 8, 1996 President Clinton signed into law the ?Telecommunications Act of 1996?, thereby putting in place the most significant changes in US telecommunications laws in over 60 years (Knauer, Lynch, Machtley 1). The reasoning behind the ?Telecommunications Act of 1996? is that people want simplicity in everyday life and it is no different in the world of telecommunications. Telecommunications companies are beginning to provide it all to their customers, providing not just phone service, but services for every telecommunications need imaginable. This trend for telecommunication companies to become "total communication providers" is directly related to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which was enacted to foster competition in the local telephone market.(Buckley 1). This law opened the way for telecommunication providers everywhere to offer more to their customers."
Abstract This paper analyzes the subject of Knowledge Management by comparing two papers, Managing Knowledge for Personal and Organizational Benefit? by Catherine Bailey & Martin Clarke, and "Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Sized Companies: Knowledge Management for Entrepreneurs" by R.P. uit Beijerse." The papers are analyzed and evaluated as separate papers and as well as compared and contrasted, with references from other sources.
From the Paper "Both articles emphasize the importance of the individual, however the Bailey and Clarke article focuses more heavily on the benefit to the organization from the individuals development, the Beijerse article is more general in terms of knowledge within all aspects of the workplace, analyzing the structure, strategy and culture. Many other authors have analyzed the contribution of individuals knowledge to the benefit of an organization. ??brings together business processes, as well as the activities, skills and expertise of individuals within the business.? (Phelps A, 2000)"
Abstract This paper examines the problems that censorship places on America and takes a strong stance against the practice. It examines social injustices and problems that exist in American society and looks at the ethical issues that arise when considering censorship.
From the Paper "America was founded on freedom, it is a country that originated to protect the fundamental human rights of all people"or at least that's what the constitution and Declaration of Independence say. Contradictions to this so-called freedom have appeared throughout history. We enslaved an entire race, marched Native Americans down the Trail of Tears and sent Japanese Americans into internment camps for no good reason. Today, there is another issue that some say is putting our freedom in jeopardy. Book and periodicals censorship has occurred in our country for years, and during all of those years protests and calls for the protection of our freedom of speech have rung have been heard from some authors, students, teachers, the American Library Association, booksellers, and literature fans everywhere who believe that "the freedom to read is essential to our democracy" (Hull, 118). On the other hand some parents, family oriented groups such as Focus on the Family, the American Family Association, and Family Friendly Libraries, and Christian groups and ministers are asking the government to regulate the books that make their home on our public and school library shelves in order to protect children from being exposed to difficult issues like sexuality and racism before they are mature enough to handle it.?
Abstract This short paper looks at the popularity of athletes in our present day society. The author argues that, through the media, athletes are seen as role models and therefore have a profound influence on impressionable children.
From the Paper "An athlete is a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina. Since the beginning if the 20th century, athletes have become more and more recognizable in the public eye. They are seen as much more than just a person who plays sports. In fact, in today's world, athletes are among the highest paid professionals. "
