Abstract This paper starts off by discussing the novel "Virgin Soil Upturned" by Mikhail Sholokhov, which according to the author of this essay, is a fictional representation of how collectivization had begun. The reality, the failure and horrors of collectivization are discussed. This paper further discusses Lenin's plan of NEP and why that plan should have been left as is, rather than turned to collectivization. This paper contains primary sources of the Kulak accounts on the communes, as well as Joseph Stalin's strategies in enforcing collectivization. The author contends that collectivization proved to be a failure since Stalin had gone to great lengths to make the process a hardship for collective farmers and peasants.
From the Paper "Stalin used the idea of the Five Year Plans to make great strides in industrializing Russia. When he tried to equate that success with agricultural growth he met some resistance and ended up liquidating a class and causing famine. Socially, he gave some important social benefits to workers, but he also tried to purge the country and eliminated a lot of the Party, most of the army, and a good part of the workers and peasants. Stalin made several industrial improvements for his country, but that does not even begin to equal the death and destruction that he caused."
This paper discusses Geert Jan Hofstede's cultural dimension research on collectivism/individualism and how it influences learning and classroom behavior.
Abstract This paper uses the research of Geert Jan Hofstede (1991), who identified four cultural dimensions that can be used to classify different cultures. These include: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. These four dimensions allow the social researcher to compare and contrast different societies with the ultimate goal of bringing about a greater shared understanding. According to this paper, Hofstede's has a useful application in how members from different cultures learn. This paper looks at Hofstede's dimension of individualism versus collectivism and explains its relevance to learning as well as the impact on classroom behaviour. Specifically, the paper compares the United States, a very individualistic society, with that of Taiwan, one of the most collective societies in respect to differences in learning styles and attitude.
From the Paper "One aspect noted that impacts learning and classroom behaviour is what happens after the lecture or class is over. The highly individualistic American students immediately left the classroom, while the collectivist international students stayed behind or met to discuss the class. This post class discussion was necessary as part of the collectivist student's assimilation of the knowledge. Additionally it built the necessary rapport between students of the international backgrounds that went beyond the classrooms. Relationships were developed (Lee, Bei, DeVaney 2007). This is an important part of the collectivist learning experience. According to Hofstede (1991), it is considered more appropriate to speak out in a small group, rather than the larger classroom. This is in stark contrast to the individualist learning style of assimilation in the larger group and/or via independent study."
Abstract This paper discusses the author's view of collectivization in the Ukraine, and seeks to understand Grossman's criticisms of the Soviet system. It also considers the impact of Grossman's powerful description on the reader, as a literary piece rather than a historical report.
From the Paper "At the beginning of the 1930s Stalin embarked on nationwide drive for collectivisation and modernity. The novel, ?Forever Flowing,? takes the case of the Ukraine as an example. The ordeal of collectivisation and the subsequent famine is related by Anna Sergeyevna, who was posted to the Ukraine after the persecution of the "kulaks" in 1930. She tells her story to Ivan Grigoryevich on their first night as lovers, a detail which may initially seem frivolous, but is actually a mark of Grossman's skill as a novelist. It ensures that the tale is not seen as the author's tirade against the state, but a real woman's experience, something terrible, "something one cannot escape", ?a piece of iron fragment in her heart, like a shell fragment.? Anna Sergeyevna needs to explain her memories to her new lover as a way of rendering herself accountable. The ordeal is not an event in history; it lives on in everyday life."
This paper examines Communist Russia's use of censorship and propaganda to control the environment of the country and to bring about the changes they wanted.
Abstract The author analyzes the use of censorship and propaganda in Communist Russia as a means of achieving a superior economy and an illusion of uniformity. This paper takes a look at the militarization and the collectivization of all farming in Russia. It examines the post-Stalin contradiction of belief in "Peaceful Coexistence" as the military focused on nuclear weapons for offensive rather than defensive use. It mentions the illusion that communism spread by itself led to the election of Gorbachev and the creation of "Glasnost".
From the Paper "The idea that society as well as individuals change, grow and evolve is central to Communist thought. Much of the Communist Manifesto lists the many ways society has evolved and changed through the ages. The Bolsheviks, the Communists who took power after the Russian Revolution, believed that society's changes could be directed for what they believed to be the greater good (Marx, Communist Manifesto)."
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the rise of Stalin to power. It then looks at various social and economic aspects of Stalinization and the purpose of the Five Year Plans. It then discusses the success of industrialization, collectivization and the Great Purge. Looks at the success and failures of Stalin's rule as a whole.
From the Paper "When Joseph Stalin became head of the Soviet Communist Party, he became the most powerful man in Russia and took full advantage of his power. Stalin ran the Soviet Union with an iron fist, killing all that opposed him and eliminating the former Communist beliefs. In the early years of "Stalinization", Stalin killed anyone who got in his way. During this period, millions of people were arrested and killed. The economic status of the nation changed, during the Stalinization period, as all ownership was eliminated, industrialization began, and the strength of the Soviet Union's military force grew."
Abstract This paper explains that High Performance Work Teams (HPWT) are generally implemented in an organization as a way of improving and increasing work skills and worker flexibility while at the same time offering a forum by which the worker can be trained and developed. The author points out that the team size, decision-making style and skills, talents and the working relationship established help determine the success of the team. The paper relates that individualism (self-interest) and collectivism (group interest) behavior can impact the effectiveness of teams in any culture.
From the Paper "Creating an effective team is an art as well as a science. Building an effective team starts by selecting diverse members with a variety of complementary skills. Building teams is difficult. It takes experience, knowledge of human behavior and motivation, social and organizational dynamics and the type of industry in which the organizations operates to be able to put together a team that can be truly effective and productive. Teams should also try to work across organizational boundaries/levels and break down internal barriers and deal with people and issues directly and avoid hidden agendas from both within the group and from external sources. Prior to selecting team members, the purpose and the reasons for creating the HPWT should be clear to the entire management members deciding on the team creation."
Tags: self-management, training, collectivism, individualism, communication
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between capitalist and socialist economies as politico-economic systems. The paper describes the political ideology and the mechanisms of economics of each system. It examinrs free-market economy versus collectivism.
From the Paper "Capitalism and socialism are politico-economic systems that differ profoundly both in terms of their political ideology and their mechanisms of economics. Capitalism as an economy is based on a democratic political ideology and produce ..."
Abstract The paper discusses how even after the "fall" of socialism, the world we live in is still debating the need for an economy modeled on altruism and collectivism, rather than profit driven by just a few. The paper looks at three foundational articles by three expert economic theorists where the theoretical issues of socialism are discussed. The paper examines the theories of Ludwig Von Mises, Friedrich Hayek and Oskar Lang. The paper contends that the middle class is disappearing and society is returning to earlier times when there was a finite delineation between the rich and the poor that was nearly impenetrable. The paper is of the opinion that the most compelling argument is the comprehensive work of Lang.
From the Paper "In Ludwig Von Mises article "Economic Calculation in Socialism", he contends that in a true socialistic economy calculations are not possible, as economy is fluid as opposed to fixed and any artificial means of determining issues such as price of goods would be impossible. In Friedrich Hayek's work, "The Price System as a Mechanism for Using Knowledge" he argues that a centralized decision making core, such as what would be found in a socialist economy would not inherently possess all the knowledge needed to make market decisions. Lastly, in Oskar Lang's "On the Economic Theory of Socialism," he argues that a central decision making body, which he calls a Central Planning Board, can set a group of parameters or values based on their knowledge of the marke, as a sort of amalgamation of market and socialist ideas to form a trial and error core that answers to all the conditions of socialism."
Abstract This paper analyzes the social comparison theory in four sections, first by exploring a journal article that explored the theory in the United States and China. The paper also analyzes a mass media example in the context of social comparison. A personal example is then provided within an academic setting to see how the real life-scenario works. Finally, the theory was examined in an ethical context.
Outline:
Abstract
Social Comparison, Individualism-Collectivism, and Self-Esteem in China and the United States by Chung and Mallery
Mass Media Example of the Social Comparison Theory
Personal Example of Social Comparison Theory
Social Comparison Theory and Ethics
From the Paper "Chung and Mallery (1999) "examined the possible differences in social comparison between individualistic and collectivistic cultures" using the United States and China for the sample (para. 1). Chung and Mallery predicted that based on past research, collectivistic cultures, where individuals focused on achievements that would be beneficial to a collective group rather than themselves, would be positively correlated with upward social comparison, while the contrary would be true for individualistic cultures. In essence the a priori expectation is that "upward comparisons were positively correlated with individual self-esteem, and downward comparisons were negatively correlated with collective self-esteem" (Chung & Mallery, 1999, para 14)."
Abstract This paper discusses the changes that occurred to the traditional Chinese extended family with the Communist Revolution of 1949 that produced the People's Republic of China (PRC). It suggests that the sense of ongoing reliance on the family in the PRC offers to millions of citizens fewer social benefits or overall security than what they were used to in the past. It specifically discusses the changes induced through much of the 20th century in World War II, the Revolution and forced collectivization, political coercion, the Cultural Revolution and the death of Mao.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Family Size and Structure
Personal Orientations
Predictions
Concluding Notes
From the Paper "Understanding change in the Chinese family in the Reform Era involves examining changes induced through much of the preceding 20th century in adjustments to World War II, the Revolution, and forced collectivization, political coercion, the Cultural Revolution and the death of Mao. Reform's shift towards capitalist development has evoked tremendous institutional changes in a PRC where much else remains the same, as in the urban-rural divide mentioned earlier that is said to be accentuated by rapid economic growth now afoot. Between the lines one sees a very large sector quite harshly affected and for whom the family will be the needed mooring in an unpredictable economic environment. One also sees that the family may change but does not dissolve, adapting to present circumstances that are legal and cultural as much as economic towards an altered Chinese family that remains just as important than before and certainly more than the individualism associated with capitalist development, elsewhere."
Abstract The paper discusses theories of culture in human relations, focusing on Geer Hofstede, Franz Boas, and Harry Triandis. The paper explains Hofstede's belief that culture creates a pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues. The paper also looks at Hofstede's surveys that characterized cultures but notes the criticisms of his work. The paper then looks at Franz Boas' theory of cultural relativism and its criticisms and Harry Triandis' individualism - collectivism theories and their limitations. The paper concludes that given the significant role that culture plays in human relations, its understanding should be seen as a top priority when in a multicultural environment.
From the Paper "Consequently, Hofstede (2005) makes use of the fragment from Rose's play for building his theory of culture as mental programming. According to him, every individual subscribes to a "pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting" that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues (i.e. the social environment to which he/she belongs). Moreover, the Dutch sociologist asserts that once acquired, such patterns become solid 'programs' that dictate humans' behavior, emotions and thoughts and, therefore, must be 'unlearned' in order to make room for learning new things."
Abstract This paper uses Paul Haggis' film, "Crash", to examine two concepts from social psychology, individualism versus collectivism, and persuasion with regard to attitudinal change. In particular, it looks at "Crash" and how Paul Haggis addresses quite bluntly the everyday racism of Los Angeles as eight characters of diverse backgrounds happen to intersect over a couple of days, changed by one event or recognition or another. The paper attempts to show how the film is helpful in its depiction of persons 'safely' distanced from one another, who can no longer be so on account of random incidents over a day or two and how all characters, as they are been brought to their senses, see the need for expansion and positive sense of collectivism in a disturbed city.
Outline:
Introduction
Individualism vs. Collectivism Persuasion
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "Haggis's entire film is an exercise in persuasion as much as characters each undergo experiences to reveal their previous attitudes for what they were, redemption possible in putting aside the non-interaction of before, the recognition profound that all with whom they have dealt in the two days in Los Angeles have proven about like themselves. Within this concept, Alcock Et Al referred to a protection motivation model of human defense mechanisms centered on a belief in a serious threat, a person to feel vulnerable in some way, a person able to perform a recommended action, and belief that this action will be successful. (2005: 130-131) Chaudhuri Et Al noted the tendency towards cooperation in social dilemmas, as in unexpected disasters inducing sudden trust and reciprocity. (2002) If one does not sustain a crisis or another transforming experience, then one continues in the luxury of assumption, avoidance and exclusion. "
Abstract This paper argues the thesis that, while there does exist evidence supporting the contention that the Ukrainian famine must be understood in terms of the Soviet regime's policy of collectivization, nonetheless Stalin bears primary personal responsibility for the famine. The paper then attempts to demonstrate that the famine was a consequence of two distinct policy directives of the Soviet leadership under Stalin with regards to the famine: the total collectivization of agriculture as an element of the modernization plans of the Soviet Union and use of terror as a weapon to control unsettled and potentially rebellious populations and groups.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Historical Debate
The Failed Policy Theory
The Famine of Terror - Stalin's Famine in a Larger Context
Conclusion
From the Paper "It should be noted that historians disagree with Ellman on this point, and argue that the mass deportation plan was abandoned not because Stalin saw Famine as being more efficient, but because "of the unwillingness and inability of the regional authorities to assimilate such a large number of people" (Davies and Wheatcroft 630). However, a critical reader would note that this objection does not actually contradict Ellman's argument. It is undeniable that Stalin and the Soviet leadership decided to abandon the mass deportation policy at this time. However, Ellman's primary contention - that the existence of the mass deportation policy as an example of Stalin's intention to use Terror as a political weapon on a large-scale against the population of the Ukraine, occurring immediately before the Famine itself, leads to the logical conclusion that the Famine was, at least in part, an attempt to achieve the political end that Stalin was unable to achieve with mass deportation - remains fundamentally unchallenged."
Abstract This paper focuses on the Otis Elevator Company and compares the environmental differences between the United States and China. The sociocultural trends of short vs. long term orientation and individualism vs. collectivism are also analyzed for the two countries. Lastly, the environment is examined with a comparison of technological and macroeconomic trends.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Sociocultural Trends- Individualism vs. Collectivism Technological Trends
Macroeconomic Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "China is undergoing incredible change much like the U.S. at the start of the industrial revolution, as it transitions from a primarily agricultural society to a global superpower. China is a country which recently has become a hotbed for research and technological innovations. Within the last five years the number of patents issued to Chinese firms has grown at the impressive rate of between 15% to 25% a year, with 36.4% growth being experienced from 2004 to 2005. This number of patents being awarded clearly illustrates the innovation of the Chinese as well as their desire to protect their intellectual property."
Tags: time, longevity, accountability, innovation, polycentric
Abstract This paper discusses the cultural aspects of doing business in Japan. The paper looks at the Japanese economy and why Japan is important, then discusses the Japanese business cultural framework and how it differs to the US society and values. The paper looks at aspects of Japanese society such as homogeneity and etiquettes, collectivism and interdependence in order to show their implications on the business world and work out how to bridge the gaps.
From the Paper "Understanding Japanese business practices and the Japanese market has become a necessity for the American executive. Knowing how Japanese business people think and what factors influence decision-making is essential for conducting business with Japanese firms. The business person working to gain a foothold in Japan faces two major problems with regard to Japanese business customs: how to go about making an initial approach to a Japanese company and how to maintain and develop a business relationship once it has been established. In essence, business success in Japan hinges on the businessperson's comprehension and appreciation of Japanese customs and values. Although business people from different cultures are becoming increasingly knowledgeable of and familiar with each other's customs and business practices, the application of such knowledge is often superficial. In many cases, the very familiarity of a custom or mannerism merely serves to mask the underlying deep-seated differences."
