Abstract The paper examines the Confucian view of the family and considers what aspects of it are appropriate for modern (American) life and what aspects are not appropriate for Western society. The writer argues that it appears most likely that the rigidly patriarchal nature of the Confucian family cannot stand up to modern sensibilities. The paper concludes that even though the societies have conflicting ideologies, the Confucian emphasis on respect is a healthy addition to any household.
From the Paper "The Confucian view of the family is one that has been increasingly challenged in recent years as the East and West draw closer together. The following brief paper will examine Confucian philosophy as it pertains to the family and suggest certain aspects of it that might hold promise for American families as well as certain aspects of it that American families should not seek to emulate. As will soon become apparent, Confucianism is a complicated matter when it is applied to the most important social unit of all. To begin with, Confucianism believes very strongly that the relationship between children and their parents is a rigidly hierarchical one: parents are to give the orders and children are expected to unquestioningly obey."
Abstract This paper examines Japan's remarkable economic success during the post World War II period, tying this in with the influence of Confucianism. The writer discusses that the basis of every company is the morale of the employees and that Confucianism in Japan promotes ideals such as industriousness and a strong work ethic, because of its emphasis on harmony and obligations. By examining work ethics at a micro-level the writer describes that one can perceive a clearer picture of why Japan succeeded to transform its economy.
From the Paper "As Japan arose like a phoenix from the ashes after the destruction of World War II, great strides were taken to transform its economy. In contemporary society, it is a given that Japan is a global economic power. This was not always so. The remarkable transformation of the Japanese economy after World War II, was largely influenced by Confucianism an ideology that has had a long history in Japanese society and culture. This paper argues ... "
Tags:confucianism, japan's post wwi economy, east asian ideologies
Abstract This seven page paper examines whether Confucian ethics are applicable in the modern world. The paper describes Confucian ethics in terms of moral philosophy and moral education and suggests that it can still be inspiring today. The paper describes the teaching of Confucius as simple moral and political principles, such as love for others, honoring one's parents, doing what is right instead of what is personally advantageous, practicing ethical reciprocity, and ruling by moral example instead of through force or violence.
From the Paper "Confucian Ethics: An Analysis of Modern Relevance In terms of moral philosophy and moral education, Confucian ethics of virtue can still be inspiring today, for Confucius identified timeless principles that are as relevant now as they have ever been. Confucius taught simple moral and political principles, such as love for others, honoring one's parents, doing what is right instead of what is personally advantageous, practicing ethical reciprocity, and ruling by moral example instead of through force or violence. Confucius identified Six Relationships which he considered to be the proper basis of all social connections between people. "
Abstract This paper presents a study of Confucian influence on Korean history, especially during the Choson period. The paper pays especial reference to the tributary relationship between Korea and China from the earliest period through the modern era. The study examines the Choson Kingdom's claim to be the "purest" Confucian state versus the reality of the application of the religion to the Korean body politic.
From the Paper "The Choson Kingdom (AD 1392-1910) once considered itself the last 'true Confucian' state, even though the kingdom embodied several traits that would indicate otherwise. Confucianism, after all, had been developed in China--not Korea--by the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples. Since Confucianism's rise during the Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 220), the Chinese state has always practiced it to some degree, whether in peace or wartime, and even when conquered and ruled by the non-Chinese Mongol Empire during the Age of Disunion."
Abstract This paper examines Confucianism by explaining its rituals that show people how to live their lives and interact with others. The paper discusses in detail some of the cults, for example, Cult of Heaven, state cults, ancestor cults, and family rituals.
From the Paper "Ritual played an integral role in Confucianism, and was important in the teachings of Confucius himself. This importance was also shown by his disciples, who taught these rituals themselves after the time of Confucius. Because of this, Confucianism became known as a "ritual religion", emphasizing both doctrinal and ritual rites within family and society. Confucius made sure that people understood the proper way to go about viewing and practicing rituals, as well as how a leader should act. Some of the rituals are the Cult of Heaven, various State Cults, the Ancestor Cult, and Family Rituals; they include ideas relating to how to act properly and how to relate to each other."
Abstract This essay discusses Confucianism and how it is a philosophical system that is based on the teachings of Confucius. It has been practiced throughout China for nearly 2,000 years.
This paper examines the cause and effect of conflicting problems within a particular work group while also presenting solutions and strategies for conflict resolution.
Abstract This paper focuses on the dynamics of a departmental work group which was created to manage daily operations within a specific working environment. This paper examines the initial goals of the group as well as the instances and reasons for severe issues of conflict within the group. The writer of this paper discusses the various strategies and processes the group must implement in order to resolve the issues of conflict to once again become an effective and productive team. This paper lists the various acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors within a group environment. The writer contends and explains why it's imperative that there be an effective leader that is capable of guiding and leading his or her team to resolve issues of conflict which ultimately impede on the productivity of the entire group. This paper also examines the effectiveness of the 'storming' process in resolving conflict. The storming process addresses the lack of leadership and/or cohesiveness within the group. The storming process allows for members of the group to aspire for higher positioning or for a leadership role within the group while at the same time rejecting the current self-assigned leader.
From the Paper "One of the major problems with the team is that the main focus for many members is based on jockeying for position, rather than on achieving the goals of the team. It must be noted that for a team to be effective, members must be aligned and focused on achieving team goals together, not on achieving individual goals. This is not occurring. I believe that a major reason for this is based on the fact that members are viewing the work group as an opportunity to be noticed by the manager and achieve individual success. In saying this, it must be noted that the work group is the first opportunity many members have had to contribute to the department. This means that members are viewing the work group as an opportunity to contribute more to the department."
Tags: applied, practice, conflict, group, workplace, human, resources, leader, team
Abstract This paper evaluates current research about group therapy, in particular the advantages and the disadvantages of having the same sex individuals in one single group. The writer examines the types of groups that exist for therapy, including those focused on a single issue, such as illness. The author discusses the goals of group therapy, which include creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The author concludes that group therapy is more positive when both sexes participate, as the purpose of group therapy is ultimately to train the patient for a future that will enable him to lead a normal and productive life in the outside world.
From the Paper "One case example can be studied to illustrate exactly how, when a member of the opposite sex joined a group of the same sex, in this case, a group of women, the entire tenor and the very tone of the group underwent a drastic change. The case is about a group of four women, with a woman group leader. These women found that they were able to share their feelings with openness and honesty, and that they were able to express a wide range of feelings amongst themselves. However, all the women would joke amongst themselves about when a man would enter the group, and when it was announced that a man would soon be joining their group, almost all the women immediately associated their feelings about the men in their lives, perhaps a violent boyfriend, or an abusive brother, or a chauvinistic father, with this man. (Alonso; Swiller, 1993)"
Abstract This paper analyzes the focus group interview. It describes this method and tries to find out why this research procedure works and why and how it is used. The writer also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups. In addition, the writer explains its detailed methodology, process of its planning, moderating of discussion, analyzing and reporting of obtained data. The writer concludes that the future of this qualitative technique is probably in online focus groups, although this new environment and new technology could also bring new problems and threats to the final outcome.
Outline:
What is Focus Group?
What is Focus Group Used For? Where is it Used?
Advantages of Focus Groups Disadvantages of Focus Groups Methodology of Focus Groups
From the Paper "Focus group is a special qualitative research technique used for deeper understanding of a topic or a phenomena of interest. It is also sometimes called as group interviewing or controlled group discussion (Wimmer, Dominick 1991: 145). As submitted by Mahoney (1997) focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant observation. The group consists of 6 to 12 people being interviewed simultaneously by a moderator who leads and controls the discussion about a focal topic (Wimmer, Dominick 1991: 145). The composition of the group is relatively homogeneous along some predetermined meaningful characteristic (age, gender, social class, level of expertise, etc.). For example a focus group could consist of university teachers or engineering experts from one location to discuss an issue of relevance. Or other focus group might bring together all experts in a particular sector, e.g. transportation. There is a list of topics or specific questions which should be discussed in a permisive environment where points of view are not judged and consensus or decisions are not sought. Each respondent is viewed as having a valued poit-of-view (Williams 2001)."
Tags: social, research, participant, observation, controlled, group, moderator
Abstract The following paper discusses different types of groups, dimensions of groups, the evolution of the groups, structural aspects of groups, and behavioral aspects with reference to the writer's experience of working in a group of intensive case managers who needed to stay in contact with one another on a regular basis and have frequent team meetings.
From the Paper "Instrumental versus expressive are the first dimensions discussed within the textbook in applying to a group setting. Instrumental would be described as a group meeting organized in order to achieve a specific purpose or goal, while expressive group organization holds attributes that focus much more on the individuals involved within the group. Expressive group is described as nonspecific with the general result of integration of components."
Abstract This paper looks at the difference between in-groups and out-groups and gives real life examples of working in each type of group. It explores issues of stereotyping, belonging and bias.
From the Paper "If we see someone else as belonging to the same group we are in we tend to have a positive view towards them and give them preferential treatment ..."
Abstract This paper discusses group interaction in the workplace. The paper explains that symbolic interaction theory can be utilized to describe the development of the group and its functioning as a cohesive unit to complete the tasks assigned. The paper points out that according to symbolic interaction theorists the human condition requires group living and group dynamics. The paper then looks at how the interactions we have in these groups is determined by some overt, but many subtle role expectations that can be based on gender, appearance, communication style, race or even understanding of the members of the group of what a certain known individual would perceptually be good at.
From the Paper "The roles that were assigned were to some degree voluntary, and yet there was also a leaning on the part of the group leader to designate roles based on her prior knowledge of the individual student, if she had worked with them before and if she had not based on their own admission of desire or perception, therefore to some degree symbolic interaction took place even in role assignments. As the self is the determining member in a voluntary group it is also interesting to note that many people report feeling inclinations to fill certain roles not necessarily based upon what their skills are but on what they have done in the past or more importantly what they have been guided to in the past by symbolic interaction."
Abstract This paper is on group decisions in communicating. Group decision communicating often consists of orientation, conflict, emergence, and reinforcement. Decision-emergence theory is an explanation of the complex communication process that groups go through in doing any projects. These steps often make or break the group.
Abstract This paper reviews the psychology of groups in an organizational settings. The paper defines groups using social identity theory and looks at how the group structure provides a sense of purpose for group members. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of group decision making.
From the Paper "Organizational effectiveness may be either enhanced or inhibited through the actions of internal groups. An understanding of group processes thus is essential for organizational managers. Groups are collections of individuals that are attracted to one another and who are held together by a variety of social forces. Social identity theory posits that groups are formed on the bases of self-definition attraction and cultural participation. This hypothesis leads to a conceptualization of groups as the sum of the individual properties..."
