Abstract This paper evaluates the culture of Southwest Airlines (SWA) by examining the two major categories of organizational cultures - individualistic and collectivist. It explains that organizational culture is the basic pattern of shared assumptions, values, and beliefs considered the correct way of thinking about and acting on problems and opportunities facing the organization. The paper also discusses the differences between individualistic cultures, where the primary emphasis is on personal freedom of choice, and the collectivist culture where personal goals are less important than organizational goals and interest. The paper concludes that SWA has a collectivist culture and has created a culture that allows the employee to contribute and have fun at the same time.
From the Paper "More than 32 years ago, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher got together and decided to start a different kind of airline. "We Weren't Just Airborne Yesterday" began with one simple notion: if you get your passengers to their destinations when they want to get there, on time, at the lowest possible fares, and make darn sure they have a good time doing it, ("time flies when you're having fun!") people will fly your airline. They were right, businesses began to catch on. The Tom Joyner Morning Show (The TJM show) is currently a big advocate and does plenty of advertising for Southwest Airlines. Whenever the TJM show is performing a live Skye show, they present two of their audience attendees with two tickets from SWA to fly anywhere in the USA. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida has an account with Southwest Airlines for all of their employees and business traveling needs. What began as a small Texas airline has grown to become one of the largest airlines in America."
Abstract This paper attempts to define the nature of an individualist or collectivist culture or society and what are the advantages and disadvantages of adopting one of these culture values to individuals and other people. It examines how individualist cultures tend to be self-dependent, while collectivist ones are group-dependent and how these two culture dichotomies affect a wide range of activities and interactions among people, such as family relations and social interactions, education, work and personal achievement.
From the Paper "Collectivists are less competitive, but are more cooperative in the education and work environment. These traits are important if the primary aim is to prevent any tensions among other people, which is of primary importance to collectivist cultures. Although individualist and collectivist cultures are different from each other, performance and achievement between these two cultures tend to balance out because being a high achiever (an individualist trait) or a cooperative (a collectivist trait) individual helps in the positive achievement of an activity and goal."
Abstract This paper provides an economic analysis of particular historical factors that contributed to the relative decline of the British Empire since around 1870. It begins by briefly discussing the basis for the British Empire's phenomenal growth. The paper then focuses its explanation for the Empire's fall on the collapse of free market values in the empire and their replacement with collectivist and protectionist strategies that encouraged rival nations to assert their own global dominance and threaten Britain's position.
From the Paper "In the end, the Empire's rigid attempts to hold onto the whole of itself at the expense of free market values would be the undoing of the Empire. The tighter the control the Empire exerted to make up for lagging industry and slow innovation, the more threats from outside the Empire intensified as well as unrest within the Empire and nationalist uprisings. These factors ultimately had the effect of undermining the strength of the Empire. After two World Wars, the British Empire was thoroughly unable to maintain its position of global dominance and quietly let go of its remaining colonial holdings. In 1947, with the liberation of India, the British Empire was effectively no more (Windschuttle par. 3). The most powerful empire in the world--even if it was one of the most short-lived--was no more, suffering a relative decline in importance and authority began quietly as early as the 1870s."
Abstract Although Italy is known for its rich culture specifically in the field of art and architecture, this paper discusses the culture of the country in terms of the peoples? language (the Italian language) and values and beliefs. Two important sociological and communicative values are used in analyzing the culture of Italy. The language of Italy is discussed and analyzed using the value of implicit/explicit- rule culture, while the values and norms in the society will be analyzed according to the value of uncertainty acceptance/ rejection.
From the Paper 'One of the rules followed in the Italian language is that whenever a sentence is constructed and has subjects in the plural form, the noun or adjective that follows or precedes the subject becomes masculine in form, if the subject (the group of people being talked about) contains one male member in it. Thus, the sentence, "Marta, Carol, e Mario sonno belli" (Marta, Carol, and, Mario are good/kind)? shows that the adjective "good/kind" (bello-M/singular, bella-F/singular, belli-M/plural) was transformed into the masculine and plural form of ?belli,? despite the major presence of Marta and Carol in the sentence (outnumbering Mario, a male, in the sentence in numbers). Thus, the rules of Italian language imply and suggest the sexist Italian society, wherein greater dependency and value to the male gender is emphasized. In fact, Italian greatly expresses the patriarchal society in Italy, evidently implied from the rules of language of Italy."
Abstract Uses evidence from Rand's work and the novel to assert that the society in "The Beach" is collectivist and thereby reprehensible by objectivist standards. Emphasizes that all characters in the novel are what Rand would consider parasites, except for the Individualist, Jed, Who is the only redeeming element of the society. Implies that Garland, like Rand, admires Jed and recognizes the importance of the Individual as superior to the collective.
From the Paper "Just as a man can evade reality and act on the blind whim of any given moment, but can achieve nothing save progressive self-destruction"so a society can evade reality and establish a system ruled by the blind whims of its members or its leader. . . But such a society can achieve nothing save the rule of brute force and a state of progressive self-destruction. (Rand VOS 135)" Ayn Rand's comment on the unreasonable state of world politics in 1963, specifically communism, socialism, theocracy, and any other form of government that holds the collective above the individual, could have easily been written in a critical analysis of Alex Garland's The Beach, even though the novel was written thirty-four years later. According to Rand, and Randite Objectivists, the novel describes a society of parasites who have no concept of individualism" ?a central component of the Objectivist philosophy".
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of the welfare state in Britain in the twentieth century. Prior to the introduction of the Welfare State in 1948 there had been many changes in political ideology relating to social welfare. Economic Liberalism had dominated much of the eighteenth and nineteenth century, discouraging governments from spending money on welfare but towards the beginning of the twentieth century, with increasing disease and poverty, Social Liberalism became more influential, promoting state intervention. Gradually individualist ideas surrounding welfare were replaced with collectivist ideology. The paper covers provides an evaluation of legislation including the Community Care Act of 1990. It covers issues such as World War Two and election promises, Thatcherism, Blairism, social change, class inequalities and the future of the welfare state.
From the Paper "Socialist ideas continued to influence politicians, and during the interwar period the government increasingly intervened to provide more welfare services. They realised the limitations of the National Insurance Act, and in 1941, Conservative leader, and prime minister, Winston Churchill, commissioned William Beveridge to investigate the effectiveness of welfare schemes and suggest improvements. As a result, the Social Insurance and Allied Services report was produced in 1942, outlining Britain's major social problems. These were known as the five giant evils, want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness. The Beveridge report was recognised by the public and politicians as the way forward for welfare services, however the Conservative government did not act on the report initially due to reservations surrounding its proposals."
Abstract Discusses differences in conflict negotiation strategies and how they vary according to different dimensions of culture, including individualistic versus collectivist, masculinity versus femininity, and cultural time orientation.
From the Paper "The purpose of the present study was to examine, via a qualitative review of relevant scholarly literature, coupled with an analysis of data obtained from popular press
Abstract This paper compares two different works on the Battle of Issus. The visual elements of the works by Philoxenos of Eretria and Albrecht Altdorfer are compared. Aspects such as material, size, date, and the emphasis on individuality are all discussed in this paper.
From the Paper The analytical comparison between the two paintings in question: The Battle of Issus by Philoxenos of Eretia and Albrecht Altdorfer respectively, presents numerous similarities and differences which are easily determined once reasonable conclusions are made regarding the individual properties of the works themselves.
Abstract The paper examines the role that the European Parliament plays, shaping and changing the nature of European international politics and affairs. Specifically, the paper argues that the European Parliament as the legislative institution of the European Union is emblematic of the dissolution of national sovereignty that is occurring in Europe that dramatically affects the way that nations interact with one another.
From the Paper "The development of the European Union over the last fifty years has been met with both criticism and praise. Some perceive the increased political integration as evidence of a new kind of political structure, one that globalization will continue to facilitate throughout the world. This imagined integrated political structure for Europe is nothing short of a new kind of community. Europe, arguably, is one of the most politically fragmented regions of the world when examined historically. Despite a common Western heritage, the nations of Europe have long been in conflict. The idea of a integrated, and perhaps even federalist, Europe would have seemed fully implausible even a few decades ago and was probably seen as nothing more than a fanciful dream when the foundations of the EU were laid down in the 1950s."
Abstract This paper discusses how for years, researchers have argued about the nature and character of Asian culture in general and that of Chinese and Japanese culture specifically, for various reasons. Though both countries are part of the collective Asian culture and all that that categorization implies: collectivistic, homogeneous, Confucian and industrious, they are also polarized differently from each other. The paper further discusses how in this respect, it is paramount to examine each market differently, or rather, from a different perspective. For Japan, it is perhaps best to examine from a socio-cultural point of view. In Japan it is conformity to cultural folkways and mores that are perhaps more problematic since it is a democratically run economy with constitutionally supported civil rights.
Abstract This paper discusses the cultural themes in the movie, "Tortilla Soup" and notes that they revolve around social and gender issues. The paper relates that the the cultural themes are explored through personal experience of the daughters in the film and that the major issue that the movie discusses is gender role. The paper also notes that from the beginning of the film, it is clear that the family in the film is imbibed with its Mexican-American but at the same time reflects the modern traditions. The paper then relates that, at the conclusion of the film, we see that there is no significant shift in the family roles by the four main characters. Rather, the major changes are generally internal in nature but are reflected in the more open exchange between the father, Martin, and his daughters.
Outline:
Cultural Themes
Gender Roles and Cultural Factors
Individualistic Versus Collectivist Cultures
Communication Styles and the Theme
From the Paper "Gender roles are learned through socialization and society is defined if not bound by culture. At the same time, culture is created by relationship and interactions of these roles. Thus, gender and culture reinforces each other. One interesting facet that the movie highlights is the gender perceptions are both internal and external: it is taught to us but unless people themselves support the idea, then the roles can not persist. Another important realization is that each culture has a different perspective on the gender roles developed by another culture. As seen Hortensia's interactions with the family, these roles often also cause conflict since there are varied interpretations neither of which can reflect fully the perception of another."
Abstract The paper discusses the deprivation theory and mass society theory but shows how they are insufficient for explaining why individuals join social movements. The paper then discusses the collectivist theory known as the structural strain theory that argues that social movements are initiated through the combination of many factors.
From the Paper "As a result of the democratic system that the majority of countries now possess, the frequency and intensity of social movements have become even more evident than in previous centuries. In general social movements can be defined as any broad social alliances of people who are connected through there shared interest in blocking or affecting social change. The majority of social movements are not completely organized nor do they have a centralized infrastructure, rather they are a melting pot of individuals who have shared interests."
An examination of different ways that intimacy is emphasized in different cultures, with reference to the eight psychosocial stages of psychologist Erik Erickson.
Abstract This paper discusses the eight psychosocial stages that humans develop through during their life span, according to psychologist Erik Erickson. It specifically focuses on how in some cultures, intimacy is emphasized more over isolation than others. It provides two examples of these variations - the autonomy expectations of individualistic versus collectivist cultures and degree of intimacy in friendship.
From the Paper "In the study (McAndrew & Rybak, 2006), there were also several interesting cross-cultural differences regarding the nine situations that participants rated for intimacy. However, at first the pattern of these differences was not readily understandable. Many of the situations presented to the participants differed in the relative frequency of occurrence in the two countries, causing individuals to evaluate the less commonplace occurrences as more intense since they were more unique. In this situation, researchers may speculate that Poles are less likely than Americans to transfer casual relationships, such as that of being in class with someone, into other contexts."
Abstract This paper presents a study to identify pertinent traits that characterize effective leaders in various societal settings. The paper relates that the mixed methodology used in this study is (1) a qualitative analysis of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature concerning the specific relationship between leadership styles, organizational culture and the larger society and (2) a review and synthesis of various case studies concerning the impact of leadership on cross-cultural organizational performance. The paper includes a summary of the major aims and objectives of the study and an analysis of implications for leaders and recommendations for organizations such as "treat all people fairly".
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Aims and Objectives
Significance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Literature Review
Background and Overview
Definitions of Culture
Table: Bureaucratic, Innovative and Supportive Organizational Cultures
Table: Family-Owned and Operated Organizational Cultures
Table: Masculine and Collectivist Organizational Cultures
Cultural Aspects of Organizational Leadership
Relationship between Organizational Leadership and Society
Table: Types of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors
Table: Potential Reasons Why Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCBs) Influence Work Group And/Or Organizational Performance
Discussion
Chapter Summary
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-Collection
Sample
Setting
Ethical Considerations
Evaluative Action Plan
Instruments/Measurements
Chapter Summary
Results and Presentation of Findings
Discussion, Implications and Recommendations
Results and Presentation of Findings
Introduction
Sample
Studies
Table: Recapitulation and Summary of Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Consulted
Setting
Ethical Considerations
Evaluative Action Plan
Table: Noblit and Hare's Meta-Ethnographic Comparative Method
Instruments/Measurements
Chapter Summary
Discussion, Implications and Recommendations
Introduction
Summary of Major Aims and Objectives
Implications
Recommendations
Limitations
From the Paper "These responsibilities frequently involve decision processes that are unstructured, complex, and ambiguous; the studies to date indicate that the outcomes of such decision processes can be affected greatly by the characteristics of the team and its members.
"Taken together, the foregoing suggests that an organization's culture is highly influenced by its top leadership, but workers play a reciprocal role by helping them achieve the organization's goals and keeping it competitive."
Abstract This paper discusses the inequalities that exist in society, focusing primarily on those suffered by the homosexual community. The paper suggests that, throughout the course of history, society, with the help of government coercion, has singled out various groups and punished them. In particular, the paper discusses the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the US military, the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transexual (LGBT) movement, and legislation to protect the rights of members of this group. The paper concludes with a review of the struggle for right to same-sex marriages and adoption of children by homosexuals.
From the Paper "Currently, poverty rates of children in single parent homes are much higher than those in a married couple's household. It is believed that if these mothers and fathers who are single were married, they would in fact be making more money. In today's society, it is very difficult for anyone to live on one income, so yes; this is obviously a true statement. However, it does not necessarily mean the two incomes have to be from one male and one female in the home. Unfortunately, more than 25 million children in America alone are being raised in the home with only their mother."
Tags: minority, army, sub-communities, marriage, children
